Papers

Chronic lung tissue deposition of inhaled polyethylene microplastics may lead to fibrotic lesions

In a mouse study, inhaled polyethylene microplastics accumulated in lung tissue over 90 days of repeated exposure, causing chronic inflammation, immune changes, and early signs of lung scarring (fibrosis). Even at the lowest doses, the microplastics triggered inflammatory cell buildup and thickening of lung walls. These findings suggest that long-term breathing of airborne microplastics could lead to permanent lung damage, which is concerning given rising levels of plastic particles in indoor and outdoor air.

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.

Inhalation of dust accumulated on personal computer fans in the office may cause pathological effects by disrupting the metabolic activity of alveolar macrophages

Researchers collected dust from personal computer fans in offices and found it contained various types of microplastics and non-protein particles. When mice were exposed to this dust over 90 days, they developed lung inflammation, foamy macrophages, mitochondrial damage, and collagen fiber formation in lung and heart tissues. The study suggests that inhaling office dust containing microplastics may disrupt metabolic activity in lung cells and contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular effects.

Inhaled polystyrene nanoparticles may cause fibrotic lesions via immune dysregulation and energy metabolism disturbance

Mice received polystyrene nanoparticles via pharyngeal instillation for 90 days and were assessed for local lung and systemic toxicity. The nanoparticles accumulated in lungs and hearts, caused immune dysregulation, disrupted energy metabolism, and induced fibrotic lesions at higher doses, suggesting that chronic inhalation of nanoplastics may contribute to pulmonary fibrosis.

Material flow analysis for five types of wet wipes and their contribution to microplastic emissions

The Unseen Threat: Microplastic Emissions from Face Masks and Limited Public Awareness

Public Behavior and Awareness of Face-Mask Litter as Microplastics Source to Human Exposure During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Valorization of synthetic textile waste using CO2 as a raw material in the catalytic pyrolysis process

Researchers developed a catalytic pyrolysis process using CO2 as a raw material to valorise synthetic textile waste, addressing microplastic release from synthetic fibres as an upstream source reduction strategy. Thermal cracking of waste textiles under CO2 produced syngas and CH4, demonstrating a pathway to convert non-biodegradable synthetic fibre waste into value-added products.

Estimation of emission of tire wear particles (TWPs) in Korea

South Korea generates approximately 51 mg of tire wear particles per vehicle kilometer driven, and with the highest vehicle density among OECD nations, total emissions are very high. Tire wear particles are a major source of microplastics entering the environment through road runoff and stormwater systems.

Strategies for Sustainable Management of Agricultural Waste Vinyl in South Korea

This study reviewed management strategies for agricultural waste vinyl in South Korea, where plastic mulch films and greenhouse covers are widely used and must be collected and recycled after use. The authors found that current collection and recycling systems are insufficient to handle the volume of plastic generated. Improving agricultural plastic waste management is critical to prevent mulch film fragments from becoming a major source of soil microplastics.

Corrigendum to ‘Material flow analysis-based assessment of polypropylene-fiber-containing microplastics released from disposable masks: Characterizing distribution in the environmental media’ [Sci. Total Environ. Volume 892 (2023) 164803]

A Study on the Distribution Characteristics of Microplastics in the Atmosphere Using Spectroscopic Analysis

Using micro-Raman spectroscopy, researchers identified and characterized microplastics in atmospheric fine dust samples collected with a high-volume air sampler. The study confirms that microplastics are present in fine airborne particulates, contributing to evidence that humans are exposed to plastic particles through inhalation.

Public behavior and awareness of mask litter as microplastic source in KOREA