Papers

What are the global patterns of microplastic ingestion by fish? A scientometric review

This review summarizes global research on microplastic ingestion by fish and finds that contamination is widespread across aquatic ecosystems, with fibers and fragments being the most commonly ingested shapes. The study highlights that fish higher on the food chain tend to accumulate more microplastics, which matters for human health since many of these species are commonly consumed as seafood.

Toxic plastisphere: How the characteristics of plastic particles can affect colonization of harmful microalgae and adsorption of phycotoxins

Researchers found that microplastic particles in water can serve as surfaces for harmful algae to grow on and for algae-produced toxins to stick to. Smaller and sun-aged microplastic particles absorbed more toxins than larger or newer ones, meaning the most common microplastics in the environment may carry the greatest risk. This matters for human health because contaminated microplastics could transfer harmful algal toxins into seafood and drinking water.

Microplastics in Brazilian coastal environments: a systematic review

This systematic review assessed microplastic research across Brazilian coastal areas, including beaches, estuaries, mangroves, and reefs. Researchers analyzed 102 studies and found microplastics present across all types of coastal environments in Brazil. The findings underscore how widespread plastic contamination is in coastal waters, which matters because these are areas where seafood is harvested and people swim and recreate.

Impact of UV-B Photoaging on Chlorpyrifos Adsorption by PET Microplastics: Insights from Experimental and DFT Analysis

Researchers studied how UV-B light aging changes the ability of PET microplastics to absorb the pesticide chlorpyrifos, combining laboratory experiments with computational modeling. They found that aging created new surface functional groups on the microplastics that significantly increased their capacity to bind the pesticide. The findings suggest that weathered microplastics in the environment may carry higher loads of harmful chemicals than fresh plastic particles.

Recycled polyvinyl chloride microplastics: investigation of environmentally relevant concentrations on toxicity in adult zebrafish

Researchers investigated the toxicity of recycled PVC microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations in adult zebrafish, finding that these particles release chemicals that cause measurable toxic effects in exposed organisms.

Photoaging effects on polyethylene microplastics: Structural changes and chlorpyrifos adsorption

Researchers studied how UVB-induced photoaging changes the properties of polyethylene microplastics and their ability to absorb the pesticide chlorpyrifos. They found that aged microplastics absorbed nearly 18% more pesticide than pristine ones, due to the formation of oxygen-containing surface groups, increased surface roughness, and reduced crystallinity. The findings suggest that weathered microplastics in the environment may pose greater risks as carriers of harmful pesticides.

Characterization and ecotoxicity of microparticles from polyurethane foam and Luffa cylindrica in Daphnia magna and Artemia salina

Biodegradation assessment of polymer-based films by bacterial species in the marine environment and its correlation with microplastic production and toxicity

Researchers tested five polymer-based film materials in marine environments and measured biodegradation, bacterial colonization, and microplastic formation, finding that polymer composition strongly determines both marine biodegradability and the amount of microplastic debris generated during degradation.

How does soil contamination by microplastics interferes the sorption and desorption processes of three herbicides?

Researchers tested how varying proportions of polyethylene microplastics (0-100% by weight) affected the sorption and desorption of three herbicides (hexazinone, diuron, S-metolachlor) in soil. Microplastic presence significantly altered sorption behavior for S-metolachlor, with effects depending on microplastic concentration and herbicide chemical structure.

Biomonitoramento e Educação Ambiental como estratégias integradas para conservação da Bacia do Rio Iguaçu

This Brazilian study combined biomonitoring of fish bioindicators with environmental education activities in the Iguaçu River basin in Paraná, to assess water toxicity and build community awareness. Fish collected from 10 sites showed toxicity biomarkers consistent with contamination including microplastics, and the findings were used to design targeted environmental education programs in local schools.

Tratamento de efluentes por processos anóxico-óxicos: características operacionais e eficiência

A narrative literature review analyzed anoxic-oxic combined processes for wastewater effluent treatment, finding these systems highly effective for removing organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus, though further research is needed to optimize mechanisms and expand applications.

Influência da temperatura no sistema de tratamento de efluentes por lodos ativados

A literature review examined how temperature influences activated sludge wastewater treatment systems, finding temperature significantly affects microbial activity, organic matter degradation, and nutrient removal efficiency in these widely used treatment processes.

Espécies Sentinelas: Monitoramento Ambiental com Base em Biomarcadores de Efeito Cito- e Genotóxico

This Brazilian study presents protocols for environmental quality monitoring using sentinel species and biomarkers including the comet assay, micronucleus test, and neutral red assay in invertebrates and vertebrates, demonstrating how indicator species can detect anthropogenic impacts at cellular and molecular levels.

Carbon Nanomaterials from Polyolefin Waste: Effective Catalysts for Quinoline Degradation through Catalytic Wet Peroxide Oxidation

Researchers converted mixed polyolefin plastic waste into carbon nanomaterials and used them as catalysts for quinoline degradation through catalytic wet peroxide oxidation, achieving effective removal of this toxic compound. The approach simultaneously addresses plastic waste accumulation and wastewater treatment challenges using a circular chemistry strategy.

Toxicological Evaluation and Quantification of Ingested Metal-Core Nanoplastic by <i>Daphnia magna</i> Through Fluorescence and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometric Methods

Researchers developed a method using both fluorescence microscopy and ICP-MS to simultaneously quantify nanoplastic particles ingested by Daphnia magna and assess associated toxicity, finding dose-dependent uptake and toxic effects. The combined quantification and toxicity approach provides a more complete picture of nanoplastic risk to freshwater zooplankton than either method alone.

Influence of γ-Irradiation on the Electronic Structure and the Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Poly(hydroxybutyrate-valerate)/Poly(caprolactone) Blends: Insights from Experimental Data and Computational Approaches

Researchers investigated how gamma irradiation affects biodegradable polymer blends of PHBV and PCL — materials sometimes proposed as safer plastic alternatives. The study found that higher radiation doses altered the chemical bonds and reduced mechanical performance, providing useful information for designing biodegradable plastics intended for applications where radiation sterilization is used, such as medical devices.

Insights from the first Brazilian Symposium on Human Biometeorology

Not relevant to microplastics — this paper summarizes findings from the first Brazilian Symposium on Human Biometeorology, covering research gaps in the study of weather and climate effects on human health in Brazil.

Tolerance and phytoremediation capacity of the Lemna minor in an aqueous medium contaminated by the Amoxicillin

Researchers evaluated the aquatic plant Lemna minor as a phytoremediation agent for amoxicillin-contaminated water, finding the plant tolerates and removes the antibiotic across a range of concentrations, suggesting potential as a low-cost, nature-based treatment for pharmaceutical-contaminated wastewater.

Microplastics and warming: dual threats to planktonic protist communities in freshwater ecosystems

Experimental and Computational Insights into Congo Red Adsorption by Polyethylene and Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics

Researchers investigated the adsorption of Congo red dye onto polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics through laboratory experiments and computational modeling, finding that PE and PET exhibit distinct adsorption behaviors related to their differing surface chemistry. The study explores whether microplastics, though typically environmental hazards, could be valorized as low-cost adsorbents for textile dye removal from effluents.

The role of gamma-irradiated microplastics in terbuthylazine sorption and desorption processes in contaminated soils

Researchers investigated how gamma-irradiated polyethylene microplastics influence the sorption and desorption of the herbicide terbuthylazine in contaminated agricultural soils. The study found that irradiation-induced aging of microplastics altered their surface properties in ways that affected herbicide binding and release dynamics, with implications for pesticide fate in plastic-contaminated soils.

Association between microplastics and biofilm: a new perspective for monitoring microplastics in urban rivers

Researchers reviewed the use of biofilms as a monitoring matrix for microplastics in urban rivers, drawing on literature about microplastic occurrence in Brazilian rivers and biofilm-associated adsorption of emerging contaminants in freshwater. The study argues that biofilm analysis offers a complementary perspective to water and sediment monitoring because biofilms accumulate pollutants over days, providing an integrated signal of microplastic exposure in the water column.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Activated Sludge Process in the Elimination Both ATB-Resistant and ATB-Susceptible E. coli Strains

This study evaluated how well activated sludge wastewater treatment eliminates antibiotic-resistant and antibiotic-susceptible E. coli bacteria. While conventional treatment significantly reduced bacterial loads, some antibiotic-resistant strains persisted through treatment. This is relevant to the broader contamination context because antibiotic-resistant bacteria are known to colonize microplastic surfaces, potentially surviving treatment and being discharged into receiving water bodies.

Biological Characterisation of Hailstones from Two Storms in South Brazil

Researchers physically and microbiologically characterized 20 hailstones collected from two storms in Southern Brazil, finding that 45% contained no cultivable bacteria or fungi, while 18 bacterial species were identified across positive samples with Bacillus being the most prevalent genus. The study provides rare data on the biological composition of hailstones and their potential role in transporting microorganisms via precipitation.