Papers

Complex release dynamics of microplastic additives: An interplay of additive degradation and microplastic aging

This study investigated how microplastics release their chemical additives -- including phthalates, bisphenol A, and flame retardants -- into water, especially under UV sunlight. The process is more complicated than simple leaching: sunlight both breaks down the additives and ages the plastic itself, which changes how fast chemicals are released. These findings matter because the toxic additives that leach from microplastics may pose a greater health risk than the plastic particles themselves.

Immune-mediated disease caused by climate change-associated environmental hazards: mitigation and adaptation

This review examines how climate change-driven events like wildfires, dust storms, and heatwaves increase air pollution and allergen exposure, contributing to rising rates of asthma, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. The paper specifically notes that nanoplastics, alongside other environmental pollutants, can disrupt skin and mucous membrane barriers and alter the microbiome in ways that trigger immune system dysfunction.

Micro(nano)plastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystem: emphasis on impacts of polystyrene on soil biota, plants, animals, and humans

Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics can bioaccumulate through the food chain from soil organisms to plants to animals, raising human health concerns through food consumption. Agricultural soils showed significant contamination, with PS particles causing documented toxic effects on soil biota, plant uptake and growth, and animal health.

A review on advancements in atmospheric microplastics research: The pivotal role of machine learning

This review summarizes research on microplastics in the air, including their sources, how they travel, and their potential health effects when inhaled. The authors highlight how machine learning and artificial intelligence are emerging as powerful tools for tracking airborne microplastics, identifying their sources, and predicting health impacts -- important because airborne microplastics are a largely understudied route of human exposure.

On the use of deep learning for phase recovery

Researchers reviewed how deep learning — a type of artificial intelligence — can recover phase information from light, which is typically lost when cameras capture images, enabling sharper microscopy and better materials analysis. These advances improve the tools scientists use to study tiny particles, including microplastics, at very fine scales.

From insects to mammals! Tissue accumulation and transgenerational transfer of micro/nano-plastics through the food chain

In a novel experiment, researchers fed microplastic-exposed mealworms to mice and tracked the particles as they moved up the food chain. The plastics accumulated in the mice's lungs, liver, brain, kidneys, and even embryos, providing clear evidence that microplastics transfer through the food chain from lower to higher organisms and can cross biological barriers to reach developing offspring.

Dust Fall Microplastics from a Megacity of China Inhibit Autophagy via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway

Researchers collected dust from Xi'an, a major Chinese city, and found it contained nine types of microplastics. When tested on immune cells, the microplastics in the dust blocked autophagy (the cell's natural cleanup process) and triggered cell death through a specific signaling pathway. This suggests that breathing in microplastic-containing dust in cities could impair the body's ability to clear damaged cells, potentially contributing to chronic health problems.

Top 10 public health challenges to track in 2023: Shifting focus beyond a global pandemic

This article identifies the top 10 global public health challenges for 2023, including climate change, infectious disease preparedness, and environmental pollution. Microplastic contamination is highlighted as part of the broader environmental health threat that demands coordinated international attention. The authors argue that shifting focus beyond pandemic response is essential to address the interconnected health challenges facing the world.

Detrimental effects of microplastic exposure on normal and asthmatic pulmonary physiology

Researchers exposed both healthy and asthmatic mice to airborne microplastics and found significant lung inflammation, immune activation, and increased mucus production in both groups. Microplastic particles were taken up by immune cells called macrophages, and gene analysis revealed changes in immune response, cellular stress, and cell death pathways. The study suggests that inhaling microplastics may worsen respiratory health in both normal and vulnerable populations.

The Relationship Between Dietary Patterns and the Epidemiology of Food Allergy

This review explores why food allergies are increasing worldwide, particularly in urbanized societies, and how dietary patterns may play a role. The shift toward processed Western diets with less fiber appears to weaken the gut barrier and promote chronic inflammation, contributing to food allergy development. The authors note that environmental exposures including microplastics may also be significant factors, though more research is needed to determine their specific contribution.

Human Airway Organoids and Multimodal Imaging-Based Toxicity Evaluation of 1-Nitropyrene

Researchers developed a new lab model using human airway organoids (miniature organ-like structures) to test how air pollutants damage respiratory cells. Using the pollutant 1-nitropyrene as a test case, they found it caused oxidative stress and disrupted fat metabolism in airway cells. While focused on a specific pollutant, this testing platform could be used to evaluate the respiratory effects of inhaled microplastics and nanoplastics on human airways.

Potential health risks of microplastic fibres release from disposable surgical masks: Impact of repeated wearing and handling

This study found that reusing disposable surgical masks causes a significant release of microplastic fibers, especially when masks are stored in pockets where friction breaks down the material. The released fibers are small enough to be inhaled into the respiratory system, raising concerns about lung health. The findings suggest that reusing disposable masks, a common practice, could be an overlooked source of microplastic inhalation exposure.

Potentially harmful effects of micro-/nanoplastics on humans as well as protective actions of dietary natural products

Fate and Effects of Macro- and Microplastics in Coastal Wetlands

Researchers compiled data from 112 studies to evaluate how macro- and microplastics accumulate in and affect coastal wetlands including mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass beds. They found that plastic concentrations in wetland sediments and marine animals were roughly 200 times higher than in the water column, indicating these ecosystems act as major plastic sinks. The study warns that plastic accumulation can alter sediment properties, harm wildlife, and disrupt the carbon storage function of these critical habitats.

Microplastics interaction with terrestrial plants and their impacts on agriculture

This review summarizes what is known about how microplastics interact with terrestrial plants, including how they are taken up, transported through plant tissues, and affect growth and agricultural productivity. Researchers note that while marine microplastic research is extensive, studies on soil ecosystems and crop impacts remain limited. The study highlights the need for more research on how microplastics in agricultural soils may ultimately affect food safety and human health.

Microplastic exposure in the lungs of young children and its associations with allergic rhinitis: A cross-sectional study in China

Researchers measured microplastics in lung fluid collected from 207 children in China and found that higher concentrations of certain plastics, particularly polyamide 66, were associated with increased rates of allergic rhinitis. The association was strongest in children aged six and under. The study suggests that microplastic exposure in young lungs may be linked to a higher risk of allergic respiratory conditions in early childhood.

Exploring the toxicology, socio-ecological impacts and biodegradation of microplastics in Africa: Potentials for resource conservation

This review examines the production, toxicology, and socio-ecological impacts of microplastic pollution across Africa, where limited waste management infrastructure and weak policy enforcement intensify the problem. Researchers found that microplastics threaten aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, reduce fertility in organisms, and disrupt economic activities. The study calls for expanded recycling, upcycling, and biodegradation strategies tailored to the African context to mitigate plastic pollution.

The Complex Interplay Between Antibiotic Resistance and Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in the Environment

This review explores the complex relationship between antibiotic-resistant bacteria, antibiotic resistance genes, and environmental contaminants including pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Researchers found that antibiotic resistance is often elevated in human-impacted environments, particularly where faecal waste and chemical contaminant mixtures are present. The study highlights how environmental pollution, including microplastic contamination, may contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance through horizontal gene transfer and bacterial adaptation.

Microplastics, both non-biodegradable and biodegradable, do not affect the whole organism functioning of a marine mussel

Researchers exposed marine mussels to both conventional and biodegradable microplastics at environmentally realistic concentrations and measured whole-organism physiological responses including respiration, feeding, and energy balance. They found that neither type of microplastic significantly affected the mussels' overall functioning at these concentrations. The study suggests that while microplastic ingestion does occur, the biological impacts on filter-feeding organisms may be limited at the pollution levels currently found in natural ecosystems.

Adverse impacts of high-density microplastics on juvenile growth and behaviour of the endangered tri-spine horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus

Researchers exposed endangered juvenile tri-spine horseshoe crabs to three types of high-density microplastics for 100 days and observed negative effects on growth, activity, and survival. Horseshoe crabs exposed to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) had the lowest survival rate at just 30%, compared to 70-90% in other treatments. The study suggests that high-density microplastics in sediments pose a significant threat to this already endangered species.

Tumour-associated macrophages: versatile players in the tumour microenvironment

This review explores tumour-associated macrophages, immune cells that play complex and sometimes contradictory roles in cancer, both helping tumours grow and fighting them. Researchers describe newly discovered behaviors of these cells, including their ability to transform into other cell types. The study highlights the potential of targeting these macrophages as a strategy in cancer immunotherapy.

Nature-based solutions to the management of legacy plastic pollution: Filter-feeders as bioremediation tools for coastal microplastics

Researchers explored whether filter-feeding marine organisms like mussels and oysters could serve as natural tools for removing microplastic pollution from coastal waters. They reviewed evidence showing these animals can effectively capture and concentrate microplastics from the water column. The study proposes that strategically deploying filter-feeders could complement engineered solutions as a nature-based approach to managing legacy plastic pollution in the ocean.

Preliminary Findings of the High Quantity of Microplastics in Faeces of Hong Kong Residents

Researchers used Raman spectroscopy to quantify microplastics in faecal samples from healthy Hong Kong residents. The study found an average of about 50 microplastic particles per gram, which was notably higher than quantities reported in other cities, suggesting significant dietary microplastic exposure in the Hong Kong population.

Acute toxic effects of polyethylene microplastic on adult zebrafish

Researchers exposed adult zebrafish to polyethylene microplastics of various sizes to identify physical effects, behavioral changes, and gene expression impacts. They found that microplastic ingestion varied by particle size and that exposure altered expression of detoxification and reproduction-related genes. The study suggests that microplastic pollution at environmentally relevant concentrations could affect both the health and reproductive capacity of fish.