Papers

Unveiling the presence of micro and nanoplastics in human biological matrices: A systematic review covering the latest five years from 2020 to 2025

This systematic review covering 2020-2025 confirmed the presence of micro- and nanoplastics in human blood, placenta, lungs, liver, kidneys, and other biological matrices. The findings demonstrate that plastic particles are accumulating in human tissues through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, raising urgent questions about long-term health consequences.

Micro plastics mapping in the agricultural sector of Cyprus

Researchers mapped microplastic pollution across agricultural areas in Cyprus, identifying key hotspots and sources of contamination. They found that plastic mulch films, irrigation systems, and fertilizer applications were major contributors to microplastic accumulation in farmland soils. The study emphasizes the need for targeted policies to reduce plastic use in Mediterranean agriculture and protect both soil health and food safety.

The Silent Invaders: Microplastic Accumulation, Impacts, and Monitoring Approaches

This review covers microplastic accumulation patterns across environmental compartments, ecological and human health impacts, and monitoring approaches used globally. It identifies critical knowledge gaps in understanding long-term accumulation dynamics and highlights the need for standardized monitoring frameworks.

Measuring the Level of Environmental Performance on Coastal Environment before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study from Cyprus

This study measured environmental performance indicators at Cypriot coastal tourism sites before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that pandemic-related tourism reduction led to measurable improvements in coastal water quality and reduced plastic litter.

Microplastics’ impact on soil health and quality: Effect of incubation time and soil properties in soil fertility and pollution extent under the circular economy concept

A pot experiment with two Greek soils found that polyethylene and PET microplastics at 4% w/v concentrations altered soil nutrient levels, potentially toxic elements, and health indicators over 120 days, with biodegradation and soil pH influencing the effects.

Potential valorization and transformation of plastic biomass waste into useful fertilizers in agricultural Mediterranean soils under extreme climate conditions

Microplastics in the coastal environment of Mediterranean and the impact on sustainability level

Comparison of Methodologies for Microplastic Isolation through Multicriteria Analysis (AHP)

Researchers used multicriteria analysis (AHP) to compare different microplastic isolation methodologies for soil samples, identifying the most effective protocols and highlighting the need for standardized extraction methods to enable comparable results across studies.

Crisis in leadership vs waste management

Evaluation of the effectiveness and performance of environmental impact assessment studies in Greece

Researchers evaluated Greece's environmental impact assessment system using survey data and SWOT-AHP analysis, finding that while the system has solid institutional foundations, its implementation is weak, with the country's economic crisis identified as a dominant factor undermining effective environmental management.

Pay-as-You-Throw (PAYT) for Municipal Solid Waste Management in Greece: On Public Opinion and Acceptance

Researchers surveyed public opinion on 'Pay-as-You-Throw' waste management schemes in Greece, finding that while citizens broadly support sustainable waste policies, acceptance of volume-based pricing depends heavily on perceived fairness, trust in local authorities, and effective public communication.

Wastewater treatment plants’ contribution in microplastics’ contamination of surface water. Effluent concentration and detection techniques review

End-of-Life Management and Recycling on PV Solar Energy Production

Researchers examined end-of-life management and recycling strategies for photovoltaic solar energy production systems, assessing how European and global legislation shapes the disposal, material recovery, and recycling pathways for solar panels at the end of their operational lifespan.

Mediterranean: main environmental issues and concerns

Microplastics in Soils as a Source of Pollution and Environmental Risk

This book chapter reviews microplastics as a soil pollutant, covering sources, distribution, persistence, and ecological risks in terrestrial environments. Agricultural soils are particularly at risk due to plastic mulch film use, sewage sludge application, and atmospheric deposition.