Papers

Groundwater is a hidden global keystone ecosystem

This study argues that groundwater should be recognized as a "keystone ecosystem" because of its critical role in sustaining surface environments, biodiversity, and human water supplies. Over half of the world's land surface has significant interaction with groundwater, yet it remains overlooked in conservation planning. Protecting groundwater is essential for planetary health, including safeguarding water sources from emerging contaminants like microplastics.

Uptake, tissue distribution, and toxicity of polystyrene nanoparticles in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Researchers tracked the uptake and distribution of polystyrene nanoparticles in developing zebrafish and found that the particles accumulated in the yolk sac and then spread to the brain, liver, heart, and other organs. While the nanoparticles did not cause significant mortality or deformities, they did reduce heart rate and alter swimming behavior. The study suggests that nanoplastics can penetrate biological barriers and accumulate in multiple tissues during early development.

Progress in microalgal mediated bioremediation systems for the removal of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals from wastewater

Researchers reviewed microalgae-based systems for removing antibiotics and pharmaceuticals from wastewater, summarizing bioadsorption, photodegradation, and bioaccumulation mechanisms, and highlighting how integrating microalgal treatment with biofuel or biochemical co-production can improve the economic viability of this approach.

Maternal transfer of nanoplastics to offspring in zebrafish (Danio rerio): A case study with nanopolystyrene

Researchers demonstrated maternal transfer of polystyrene nanoplastics in zebrafish by feeding exposed females and detecting particles in yolk sacs, livers, and guts of offspring, finding that transferred nanoplastics reduced antioxidant enzyme activity and caused bradycardia in embryos without major effects on overall reproductive success.

A review on polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production through the use of lignocellulosic biomass

This review examines the process of producing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics from lignocellulosic biomass. The study covers the full production chain from biomass pre-treatment to PHA extraction, exploring pathways for cost-effective biodegradable plastic production.

Combined impacts of organophosphate pesticide and polyamide microplastics on growth, hematology, and immune responses in juvenile striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)

Researchers exposed juvenile striped catfish to both polyamide microplastics and an organophosphate pesticide, finding that the combination caused more severe growth reduction, immune suppression, and organ damage than either pollutant alone — evidence that microplastics and pesticides can act together to amplify harm in freshwater fish.

Potential for and Distribution of Enzymatic Biodegradation of Polystyrene by Environmental Microorganisms

By screening genome databases of known plastic-degrading microbes, researchers predicted that cytochrome P450s, alkane hydroxylases, and monooxygenases are the most likely enzyme classes capable of breaking polystyrene's C-C bonds, providing targets for engineering biodegradation pathways.

A comparative, multi-study analysis of plastisphere resistomes, plasmid dynamics, and antibiotic resistance genes

Researchers conducted a comparative analysis of microbial communities on microplastic surfaces across multiple published studies to examine antibiotic resistance gene distributions. The study found that conjugative plasmids were more frequently associated with certain polymer types like polyethylene and polypropylene, and these plasmids connected a broader range of resistance genes, suggesting microplastic surfaces may facilitate the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Characterization of Microplastics in Clouds over Eastern China

Researchers collected cloud water samples from a mountain in eastern China and found an average of 463 microplastic particles per liter, with 60% smaller than 100 micrometers. The study found that surface roughening from photochemical aging likely increased the microplastics' ability to adsorb toxic metals such as lead and mercury. Evidence indicates that airborne microplastics may influence atmospheric metal cycles and cloud formation processes.

Reintroduction of at-risk forest tree species using biotechnology depends on regulatory policy, informed by science and with public support

This review examined how biotechnology approaches like genetic engineering could help reintroduce forest tree species threatened by invasive pests, emphasizing that success depends on science-informed regulatory policies and public acceptance.

Tried and true vs. shiny and new: Method switching in long‐term aquatic datasets

This paper discusses best practices for switching methods in long-term aquatic datasets, warning that poorly managed transitions can introduce artifacts that compromise trend detection, and offering a framework for validating method changes before full adoption.

Alteration of growth, hematology, histopathology of tissues and immune-antioxidant genes expression in Nile tilapia following co-exposure of hexavalent chromium and polyamide microplastics

Researchers exposed Nile tilapia to hexavalent chromium alone, polyamide microplastics alone, and their combination, finding that co-exposure caused greater growth inhibition, hematological changes, intestinal and liver damage, and suppressed antioxidant and immune gene expression than either pollutant individually.

Conversion and removal strategies for microplastics in wastewater treatment plants and landfills

Moisture Transfer of Paper for Food Packaging Applications: A Laboratory Study

This paper is not about microplastics; it evaluates the mechanical properties and water vapour transmission rates of various packaging papers, including coated varieties, as candidates to replace plastic food packaging.

A Global Look at the Market Potential of Liquid Container Board and Its Ability to Reduce Plastic Waste – A Brief Review

This brief review examines the global market potential for liquid container board (paperboard packaging) as a replacement for plastic-based beverage containers, arguing it could significantly reduce plastic waste in food packaging.