Papers

Fingerprinting risk from recycled plastic products using physical and chemical properties

This study compared recycled plastic products intended for food and skin contact with new (virgin) plastic products and found that recycled plastics contained significantly higher levels of hazardous chemicals, including 10 times more metals and 3 times more cancer-linked compounds. The health risk from ingesting microplastics shed by recycled plastics was calculated to be twice as high as from new plastics. These findings raise important questions about the safety of recycled plastic products that come into contact with food or skin.

Advancements and challenges in controlled-release fertilisers: An approach to integrate biopolymer-based strategies

This review examines controlled-release fertilizers, which are designed to deliver nutrients to plants gradually, and finds that many use synthetic polymer coatings that can leave microplastic residues in soil. The authors highlight biopolymers made from natural materials like chitosan, cellulose, and starch as promising alternatives that can biodegrade without contributing to plastic pollution. The shift toward biodegradable fertilizer coatings could help reduce a significant but often overlooked source of agricultural microplastic contamination.

Surface Charge Regulation of Nanoplastics in Aquatic Environments

Researchers developed a coupled mathematical model integrating electrostatic and diffusion equations to predict how environmental factors regulate the surface charge of nanoplastics in aquatic systems. The model revealed that pH, ionic strength, and dissolved organic matter all critically influence nanoplastic surface charge, governing their aggregation and transport behavior.

Distribution pattern and risk assessment of microplastics contamination in different agricultural systems

Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in agricultural soils across six sites in Coimbatore, India with distinct farming practices, finding microplastics in 81% of organic matter-removed samples. The study revealed that different agronomic inputs and land management practices produce distinct microplastic contamination profiles.

Graphene and nanocomposites—Imprints on environmentally sustainable production and applications based on ecological aspects

This paper is not about microplastics — it reviews sustainable and green methods for synthesizing graphene and graphene nanocomposites, emphasizing ecological carbon sources, green solvents, and non-toxic reagents.

Multiparameter characterisation of a nano-polypropylene representative test material with fractionation, light scattering, high-resolution microscopy, spectroscopy, and spectrometry methods

This study comprehensively characterised a nano-polypropylene reference material using a battery of analytical techniques to understand its size, shape, and surface properties — filling a critical gap because researchers currently lack standardised nanoplastic reference materials. Reliable reference materials are essential for producing comparable, reproducible data across laboratories studying nanoplastic risks.

Modernizations of graphene nanocomposites using synthesis strategies—State-of-the-art

This review examines the synthesis strategies used to modernize graphene nanocomposites, covering the combination of graphene with thermoplastic, conducting, and other matrices to achieve desired material properties. The authors survey fabrication methods and practical applications of graphene nanostructures across engineering domains.

The Presence of Microplastics in Animal Wildlife and Water Sources in “Komchén de los Pájaros,” a Dedicated Conservation Area

Graphene in gas separation membranes—State-of-the-art and potential spoors

This review synthesizes the state-of-the-art in graphene and graphene derivative incorporation into polymer nanocomposite membranes for gas separation applications. The paper examines how graphene-based fillers alter membrane permeability and selectivity, identifying promising directions for next-generation gas separation membrane design.

Tailoring of performance characteristics of green tyre tread formulation using thermally exfoliated graphite/ carbon black binary filler system via scalable and competent method

This study developed an eco-friendly green tyre tread formulation using a binary hybrid filler system combining thermally exfoliated graphite and carbon black, allowing reduced overall filler loading and aromatic oil content. The formulation achieved improved abrasion resistance, mechanical properties, rolling resistance, and heat buildup compared to conventional formulations.