Papers

Tracing microplastics in environmental sources and migratory shorebirds along the Central Asian Flyway

Researchers tracked microplastic contamination along migratory bird routes in central Asia, testing mudflats, mangroves, and the birds themselves. They found microplastics in both the environment and the digestive tracts of shorebirds, showing that these pollutants are moving through coastal food webs and may be carried across continents by migrating birds.

Micro- and nanoplastic toxicity: A review on size, type, source, and test-organism implications

This comprehensive review analyzed 615 studies on the toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics across different polymer types, sizes, and organisms. A major finding is that over 90% of nanoplastic research uses only polystyrene, leaving huge gaps in our understanding of other common plastics at the nanoscale. The review highlights that smaller particles are generally more toxic and that more research is urgently needed on the nanoplastics people are most likely to encounter in everyday life.

Microplastics in water resources: Global pollution circle, possible technological solutions, legislations, and future horizon

This review summarizes the global scope of microplastic contamination in water and sediment, finding levels that vary enormously -- from near zero to thousands of particles per sample. Microplastics absorb other pollutants from their surroundings, potentially concentrating harmful chemicals, and they infiltrate food chains from the smallest organisms upward. The authors call for stronger legislation and a combination of technological innovation, recycling, and public awareness to address this widespread threat to ecosystems and human health.

Microplastic contamination in the mangroves of Piraquê-Açu and Piraquê-Mirim rivers, Aracruz (Brazil): An analysis in sediment, water, and biota

Researchers found widespread microplastic contamination in a Brazilian mangrove ecosystem, detecting over 7,800 particles across water, sediment, and two species of shellfish consumed by local communities. Oysters contained higher microplastic levels than mussels, and sediments served as the main collection point for the particles. Since these shellfish are an important food source, the contamination represents a direct pathway for human microplastic ingestion.

Nanocomposites and their application in antimicrobial packaging

This review covers advances in nanocomposite materials for antimicrobial food packaging, which incorporate natural substances like essential oils and metal nanoparticles into packaging films. These materials offer a potential replacement for traditional plastic packaging that breaks down into microplastics. By reducing reliance on conventional plastics in the food industry, nanocomposite packaging could help decrease the amount of microplastic contamination entering food and the environment.

Evidence of plastics contamination and sewage-derived residues in a Brazilian Hope Spot for conservation of marine biodiversity - Cagarras Islands and surrounding waters

Researchers found plastic contamination including microplastics in a protected marine conservation area near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, designated as a Hope Spot for biodiversity. Plastics made up about 79% of marine litter collected, and microplastics were detected in the water, with evidence suggesting contamination from nearby sewage overflow. The study shows that even officially protected marine areas are not safe from microplastic pollution, which threatens the biodiversity these reserves are meant to protect.

Neurological effects induced by micro- and nanoplastics in fish: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This meta-analysis pooled data from 59 controlled studies and found that micro- and nanoplastics cause significant neurological effects in fish, including reduced brain antioxidant defenses and altered behavior. These findings are concerning because they suggest plastic pollution may disrupt nervous system function across species, and contaminated fish is a major part of the human diet.

Neurological effects induced by micro- and nanoplastics in fish: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This meta-analysis of 59 studies examining neurological effects of micro- and nanoplastics in fish found high heterogeneity and generally inconsistent evidence, except for a significant reduction in swimming distance in sensory-motor assays. The findings suggest MNPs may impair fish neurological function, but low reporting quality and publication bias limit the strength of current conclusions.

Biodegradable Sodium Alginate Films Enriched With Oils—A Review

This review examines how adding natural oils to biodegradable sodium alginate films can improve their performance as an alternative to conventional plastic packaging. Researchers found that essential oils enhance the films with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, extending the shelf life of packaged food. The approach offers a promising way to reduce reliance on petroleum-based plastics while maintaining food quality and safety.

Environmental Sanitation in Porto Alegre City, Brazil: A Basic Step towards Sustainable Development

This review examines the environmental sanitation challenges facing Porto Alegre, Brazil, where inadequate sewage treatment and waste management contribute to disease outbreaks including dengue. The study suggests that without serious investment in sanitation infrastructure, climate change and rapid urbanization will continue to worsen public health outcomes for the city's most vulnerable populations.

Pesticide Pollution in the Brazilian Pampa: Detrimental Impacts on Ecosystems and Human Health in a Neglected Biome

This review documents the extent of pesticide pollution in the Brazilian Pampa biome and its effects on ecosystems and human health. Researchers found that intensive agriculture, particularly rice, soy, and tobacco farming, has introduced widespread pesticide contamination into soil, water, and wildlife across this ecologically important grassland region. The study highlights that the Pampa remains an under-studied biome despite facing serious environmental threats from agricultural chemical use.

Phytotoxic effects of plastic pollution in crops: what is the size of the problem?

This review examines the phytotoxic effects of nano- and microplastics on crop species, summarizing research conducted since the field emerged in 2016. Researchers found that plastic particles can damage plant tissues through both direct and indirect mechanisms, and that nanoplastics can enter plant cells and accumulate in edible organs. The study notes that contradictory results across studies make it difficult to draw firm conclusions, pointing to the need for more standardized research approaches.

Microplastics physicochemical properties, specific adsorption modeling and their interaction with pharmaceuticals and other emerging contaminants

This review examines how microplastics interact with pharmaceutical residues in aquatic environments, covering adsorption mechanisms, degradation pathways, and combined toxicity effects. Researchers analyzed mathematical modeling approaches for predicting how microplastics and pharmaceuticals associate under different environmental conditions. The study highlights that microplastics can alter the environmental fate of pharmaceutical contaminants, creating combined pollution risks for ecosystems and public health.

How natural and anthropogenic factors should drive microplastic behavior and fate: The scenario of Brazilian urban freshwater

This review examines the factors driving microplastic contamination in Brazilian freshwater systems, including the country's massive plastic production and limited recycling infrastructure. Researchers highlight that more than half of post-consumer plastic packaging in Brazil goes unmonitored, and most microplastic research has focused on marine environments while freshwater data remains scarce. The study calls for more systematic monitoring of Brazilian rivers and lakes, especially given the country's continental-scale waterways and diverse ecosystems.

Microplastics in a mosaic of Marine Protected Areas from southeastern Brazil: An assessment based on filter-feeding bivalves

Researchers used filter-feeding bivalves as biological monitors to assess microplastic contamination across 28 marine protected areas along a heavily populated stretch of coastline in southeastern Brazil. They found microplastics in bivalves from all sites surveyed, demonstrating that protected status alone does not shield marine areas from plastic pollution. The study highlights how diffuse, transboundary plastic contamination reaches even designated conservation zones.

Pressure-Driven Membrane Processes for Removing Microplastics

This review examines the use of pressure-driven membrane processes, including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis, for removing micro- and nanoplastics from water. Researchers found these membrane technologies can achieve removal rates of up to 100% in aqueous environments such as stormwater, wastewater, and landfill leachate. The study highlights both the operational challenges and innovations in membrane design that could enable broader application of these techniques.

Aging and Transformation of Polyethylene Microplastics in UASB Effluents Treated with O ₃ and O ₃ /H ₂ O ₂ : Physicochemical Changes and Toxicity Assessment

Activation of peroxymonosulfate by(sunlight)FeCl3-modified biochar for efficient degradation of contaminants of emerging concern: Comparison with H2O2 and effect of microplastics

Researchers investigated how microplastics affect the ability of iron-modified biochar to break down emerging contaminants in wastewater when activated by peroxymonosulfate and sunlight. Surprisingly, they found that the presence of microplastics actually enhanced the treatment efficiency by up to 42%. The study demonstrates that the coexistence of microplastics and biochar in wastewater can influence the effectiveness of advanced oxidation treatment processes.

Plastics in sea surface waters around the Antarctic Peninsula

Surface trawls in Antarctic Peninsula waters found a mean plastic debris concentration of 1,794 items/km² and 27.8 g/km², with roughly equal proportions of mesoplastics and microplastics composed mostly of polyurethane, polyamide, and polyethylene. Oceanographic modeling traced the debris origin to areas including the southern tip of South America and the Falkland Islands, demonstrating remote-source contamination of Antarctic waters.

Ingestion of plastic debris by commercially important marine fish in southeast-south Brazil

Scientists visually examined 965 specimens of eight commercially exploited fish species off the southeast-south coast of Brazil for plastic debris ingestion, finding plastic in multiple species across different marine habitats.

Influence of UV exposure time and simulated marine environment on different microplastic degradation

Researchers examined how UV radiation and saltwater conditions affect the degradation of polypropylene, polystyrene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate microplastics. The study found that each polymer type responded differently to photodegradation, with changes in surface properties, crystallinity, and chemical bond formation varying by material. Evidence indicates that saline marine conditions can intensify certain degradation processes, suggesting that multiple environmental factors must be considered when assessing microplastic breakdown.

The use of microplastics as a reliable chronological marker of the Anthropocene onset in Southeastern South America

Researchers analyzed microplastics in sediment cores from the world's largest coastal lagoonal system in southeastern South America, identifying a clear transition from microplastic-free sediments to contaminated layers that aligns with the onset of the Anthropocene.

Pathogen Pollution: Viral Diseases Associated with Poor Sanitation in Brazil

This opinion article discusses the wide range of pollution challenges facing Brazil, including microplastics, heavy metals, pesticides, and pathogen contamination linked to poor sanitation. Researchers examine how anthropogenic activities drive pathogen pollution in water and terrestrial ecosystems, with significant public health implications. The study highlights the interconnected nature of environmental contamination and disease transmission in developing regions.

Diving boldly into COVID‐19 contaminated wastewater: Eyes at nanotechnology‐assisted solutions

This review examined nanotechnology-assisted solutions for detecting, monitoring, and treating COVID-19 contaminated wastewater, highlighting scalable and cost-effective strategies for managing viral spread through sewage systems.