Papers

Effect of alkaline-thermal pretreatment on biodegradable plastics degradation and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes in co-compost system

This study found that pretreating biodegradable plastics with heat and alkaline solutions speeds up their breakdown during composting, but the process releases large numbers of smaller microplastic fragments. These smaller particles can carry microorganisms and antibiotic resistance genes into the environment, raising concerns that even "eco-friendly" plastics may pose risks to public health during disposal.

Integrating aggregate exposure pathway and adverse outcome pathway for micro/nanoplastics: A review on exposure, toxicokinetics, and toxicity studies

This review brings together research on how micro and nanoplastics enter the human body, where they go once inside, and what harm they may cause, using a framework that links exposure pathways to health outcomes. Studies show these tiny particles can be absorbed through the gut, lungs, and skin, and may accumulate in organs like the liver and kidneys. The paper highlights that micro and nanoplastics can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of hormones, though more research is needed to fully understand the long-term health risks.

Adverse outcome pathways potentially related to hazard identification of microplastics based on toxicity mechanisms

Microplastic toxicology research has focused primarily on apical endpoints (mortality, growth, reproduction) rather than mechanisms, but this review identifies reactive oxygen species formation as the likely molecular initiating event in adverse outcome pathways, leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, and organ-level damage.

Iris pseudacorus and Lythrum anceps as Plants Supporting the Process of Removing Microplastics from Aquatic Environments—Preliminary Research

In a four-month experiment, two aquatic plant species (yellow flag iris and loosestrife) significantly reduced microplastic concentrations in water by trapping the particles on their root systems. The plants effectively removed both small (46 micron) and larger (140 micron) polyethylene particles without negative effects on plant growth. This suggests that aquatic plants could be used as a natural, low-cost method for filtering microplastics from contaminated water.

Recent progress and future directions of the research on nanoplastic-induced neurotoxicity

This review summarizes current research on how nanoplastics cause damage to the nervous system, covering studies in cell cultures, zebrafish, mice, and other models. Nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier, trigger oxidative stress and inflammation in brain tissue, and disrupt nerve cell function. The authors highlight that understanding these mechanisms is crucial for assessing the long-term neurological risks of human exposure to nanoplastics through food, water, and air.

Distribution of microplastics in soil by types of land use in metropolitan area of Seoul

Researchers collected soil samples from five types of land in Seoul — farms, roadsides, residential areas, parks, and forests — and found microplastics in all of them, with agricultural land and roadsides showing the highest concentrations. Common plastic types included polyethylene and polypropylene, highlighting how everyday land use spreads microplastic contamination even far from obvious pollution sources.

Exploring biochemical responses and cellular adaptations of Chlorella sorokiniana to polyethylene microplastic exposure

Researchers exposed the freshwater microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana to varying concentrations of polyethylene microplastics and measured the effects on growth, pigments, and biochemical composition. They found that high concentrations inhibited growth by 50% and caused reductions in pigments, lipids, and carbohydrates, while protein content increased as a stress response. The study provides insights into how microplastic pollution may disrupt the base of freshwater food webs by affecting primary producers.

Inhalation toxicity of polystyrene micro(nano)plastics using modified OECD TG 412

Researchers conducted inhalation toxicity testing of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics in rats using a modified OECD standard protocol. They found that inhaled plastic particles caused inflammatory responses in lung tissue and were detected in various organs, indicating systemic distribution after inhalation. The study provides important regulatory-relevant data suggesting that airborne microplastics pose measurable inhalation health risks.

Microplastic contamination in soils of urban allotment gardens (Toruń, Poland)

Researchers conducted a pilot study of microplastic contamination in the soils of urban allotment gardens in Torun, Poland, where residents grow fruits and vegetables. They found high levels of diverse microplastics including polypropylene, polyethylene, and PVC in all soil samples tested. The findings raise concerns about potential human exposure through homegrown food and highlight that garden soils represent an overlooked area of microplastic pollution research.

Effect of Early-Life Exposure of Polystyrene Microplastics on Behavior and DNA Methylation in Later Life Stage of Zebrafish

Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene microplastics during early development and then assessed neurobehavioral effects later in life. The study found that early-life microplastic exposure caused lasting changes in behavior and DNA methylation patterns, suggesting that developmental exposure to microplastics may have long-term epigenetic consequences on neurodevelopment.

Quantification of tire wear particles in road dust based on synthetic/natural rubber ratio using pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry across diverse tire types

Researchers developed an improved method for measuring tire wear particles in road dust that accounts for differences in rubber composition across tire brands and types. They found that the standard ISO method, which assumes a fixed ratio of synthetic to natural rubber, can significantly misestimate tire wear concentrations. The refined approach provides more accurate measurements of this major source of microplastic pollution from road traffic.

Microplastic contamination in soil environment – a review

This review examines the sources, transport, degradation, and ecological impacts of microplastic contamination in soil environments. The study suggests that soil acts as both a major sink for microplastics and a conduit transporting them to aquatic systems, and that microplastics can negatively affect soil organisms and biogeochemistry, underscoring the need for more research on terrestrial microplastic pollution.

Small polystyrene microplastics interfere with the breakdown of milk proteins during static in vitro simulated human gastric digestion

Researchers found that small polystyrene microplastics interfere with the digestion of milk proteins in a simulated human stomach environment. The microplastics adsorbed the digestive enzyme pepsin onto their surface, reducing its activity and slowing the breakdown of proteins like casein and whey. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in food could impair normal digestive processes in the human gut.

Microplastic-induced inhibition of cell adhesion and toxicity evaluation using human dermal fibroblast-derived spheroids

Researchers developed a three-dimensional cell model using human skin cells to test how microplastics affect cell behavior and adhesion. They found that microplastic exposure significantly reduced the ability of cells to stick together and form proper tissue structures. The study provides new evidence that microplastics may interfere with basic cellular functions relevant to skin health and wound healing.

Monitoring, control and assessment of microplastics in bioenvironmental systems

This review provides a comprehensive overview of how microplastics move through different environmental systems including freshwater, air, soil, and oceans, and evaluates the methods used to detect and measure them. Researchers compared various sampling, pretreatment, and analysis techniques and discussed recent policies aimed at controlling plastic use. The study emphasizes the need for standardized monitoring approaches and better risk assessment frameworks to understand the full impact of microplastics on ecosystems and human health.

Material flow analysis-based assessment of polypropylene-fiber-containing microplastics released from disposable masks: Characterizing distribution in the environmental media

Researchers used material flow analysis to track where polypropylene microplastics from discarded disposable face masks end up in the environment. They found that the vast majority of mask-derived microplastics accumulate in landfills and soil, with smaller amounts reaching water systems. The study quantifies how the pandemic-driven surge in mask use has created a new and measurable source of microplastic pollution.

Alleviation of neurotoxicity induced by polystyrene nanoplastics by increased exocytosis from neurons

Researchers investigated how polystyrene nanoplastics accumulate in neurons and cause toxic effects on brain cells. They found that inhibiting a specific protein involved in transporting particles within cells promoted the export of nanoplastics from neurons, reducing their harmful effects. The study suggests that enhancing the cell's natural ability to expel nanoplastics could be a potential strategy for alleviating their neurotoxic impact.

Developmental toxicity of microplastics in human stem cells using adverse outcome pathway based integrated approaches to testing and assessment approach

Researchers applied an Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment framework to evaluate the developmental toxicity of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics using human embryonic stem cells. They found that stem cells took up the plastic particles and showed size-dependent cytotoxicity and effects on germ layer differentiation. The study provides a structured, non-animal testing framework for assessing developmental risks from emerging contaminants like micro- and nanoplastics.

The removal of microplastics from reverse osmosis wastewater by coagulation

Neurotoxic potential of polystyrene nanoplastics in primary cells originating from mouse brain

Researchers exposed three types of primary mouse brain cells to 100 nm polystyrene nanoplastics and found that neurons underwent apoptosis while astrocytes survived but developed reactive astrocytosis with elevated inflammatory markers, suggesting that neuronal vulnerability to nanoplastic accumulation may be amplified by astrocyte-driven neuroinflammation.

Thermodegradation characterization of microplastics: Dispersion effect and pyrolysis kinetics by artificial intelligence

Developmental exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics induces persistent neurobehavioral changes and alters later-life susceptibility to hexabromocyclododecane in zebrafish

Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene nanoplastics during early development and tracked behavioral effects into adulthood. The study found that early-life nanoplastic exposure caused persistent reductions in locomotor activity and altered how adult fish responded to a common flame retardant chemical. Evidence indicates that epigenetic changes, including altered DNA methylation and gene expression patterns, may underlie these long-lasting behavioral effects.

Comparison of Microplastic Characteristics in the Indoor and Outdoor Air of Urban Areas of South Korea

Stress Response of Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts Exposed to Polystyrene Nanoplastics

Mouse embryonic fibroblasts exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics internalized particles via endocytosis without losing viability, but showed activation of antioxidant and autophagic stress pathways, suggesting subcellular dysfunction even in the absence of cell death.