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Papers
51 resultsShowing papers from Ain Shams University
ClearPlastic Pollution, Waste Management Issues, and Circular Economy Opportunities in Rural Communities
This review examines how rural communities around the world are both contributors to and victims of plastic pollution, with agricultural plastic waste being a major source of microplastics in farmland. Poor waste management in rural areas, especially in low- and middle-income countries, leads to plastic contamination of soil, water, and the food supply. The authors argue that involving rural communities in circular economy solutions is essential for reducing plastic pollution and protecting public health.
Biochar as a Green Sorbent for Remediation of Polluted Soils and Associated Toxicity Risks: A Critical Review
This review examines biochar, a charcoal-like material made from organic waste, as a tool for cleaning up soil contaminated with heavy metals and organic pollutants. While biochar can effectively trap contaminants, the production process itself can create toxic byproducts like PAHs that may harm soil life. The research is relevant to microplastic pollution because biochar is being explored as a potential method to bind and reduce microplastic contamination in agricultural soils.
Transcriptomic and metabolic responses of earthworms to contaminated soil with polypropylene and polyethylene microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations
Researchers studied how environmentally realistic concentrations of polypropylene and polyethylene microplastics affect earthworms at the molecular level. They found that both plastic types triggered oxidative stress, damaged digestive and immune systems, disrupted lipid metabolism, and altered the earthworms' ability to regulate water balance. The study suggests that even at concentrations commonly found in the environment, microplastic-contaminated soil poses measurable health risks to earthworms.
Oral exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics altered the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular axis role in hormonal regulation, inducing reproductive toxicity in albino rats
This study found that oral exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics disrupted the hormone signaling pathway between the brain and testes in male rats, leading to reproductive damage. The nanoplastics interfered with the hormones that regulate sperm production and testicular function. These findings add to growing evidence that nanoplastic exposure through food and water could be a contributing factor to declining male fertility.
Impacts of climate change on spatial wheat yield and nutritional values using hybrid machine learning
This study used machine learning to predict how climate change will affect wheat yield and nutritional value, specifically iron and zinc content. While not directly about microplastics, it is relevant because microplastics in agricultural soil can also alter how crops absorb nutrients like iron and zinc. The research highlights the broader challenge of maintaining food nutrition quality as environmental conditions change.
Microplastic pollution destabilized the osmoregulatory metabolism but did not affect intestinal microbial biodiversity of earthworms in soil
This study investigated how microplastic pollution affects the ability of aquatic organisms to regulate their internal salt and water balance. Researchers found that microplastic exposure disrupted key metabolic pathways involved in osmoregulation, though it did not significantly affect overall survival rates in the short term. The findings suggest that even when animals appear healthy, microplastics may be causing hidden physiological stress.
Biodegradation of polystyrene nanoplastics by Achromobacter xylosoxidans M9 offers a mealworm gut-derived solution for plastic pollution
Scientists isolated a bacterium called Achromobacter xylosoxidans from mealworm guts that can break down polystyrene nanoplastics, reducing them by about 12% over 60 days. The bacterium works by producing enzymes that attack the chemical bonds in the plastic, and it was confirmed through multiple analytical methods. While the degradation rate is still slow, this research points toward biological solutions for cleaning up nanoplastic pollution in the environment.
Melatonin counteracts polyethylene microplastics induced adreno-cortical damage in male albino rats
Researchers found that polyethylene microplastics damaged the adrenal glands of male rats, disrupting cortisol production and reducing genes needed for hormone synthesis. This is the first study to specifically examine microplastic effects on the adrenal glands, which are critical for the body's stress response. The study also showed that melatonin, a natural hormone, provided significant protection against this damage, suggesting a possible way to counteract microplastic-related endocrine disruption.
Nanoplastics induce molecular toxicity in earthworm: Integrated multi-omics, morphological, and intestinal microorganism analyses
Researchers used multi-omics analysis to study how even low concentrations of nanoplastics affect earthworms, important indicators of soil health. They found that nanoplastics accumulated in the earthworms' intestines, damaging their digestive and immune systems and disrupting gut microorganism communities. The study demonstrates that nanoplastics can cause molecular-level harm to soil organisms at concentrations that might be considered environmentally realistic.
Micro- and Nano-Plastics Contaminants in the Environment: Sources, Fate, Toxicity, Detection, Remediation, and Sustainable Perspectives
This review provides a broad overview of micro- and nanoplastic pollution, covering where these particles come from, how they spread through the environment, and the damage they cause to living things including humans. The authors also compare different methods for removing microplastics from the environment, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches. The paper calls for more research and global cooperation to develop better tools for measuring the health risks of plastic pollution.
Co-Delivery of Ylang Ylang Oil of Cananga odorata and Oxaliplatin Using Intelligent pH-Sensitive Lipid-Based Nanovesicles for the Effective Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Researchers developed pH-responsive nanoparticles that co-deliver a plant essential oil and a chemotherapy drug to triple-negative breast cancer cells. The smart nanoparticles release their payload more effectively in the acidic environment around tumors, improving cancer cell killing. While not related to microplastics, this nanotechnology research advances drug delivery methods that could eventually help address health effects of environmental nano-contaminants.
Hematological consequences of polyethylene microplastics toxicity in male rats: Oxidative stress, genetic, and epigenetic links
Researchers gave male rats different doses of polyethylene microplastics orally for 35 days and found significant damage to blood cells and the blood-forming system. Higher doses caused oxidative stress, DNA damage, and changes in gene expression patterns related to blood cell production. The study suggests that chronic microplastic ingestion could harm the blood system through both genetic and epigenetic pathways.
Detection of Sub-20 μm Microplastic Particles by Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Comparison with Raman Spectroscopy
Researchers compared two spectroscopy techniques for detecting microplastic particles smaller than 20 micrometers. They found that ATR-FTIR was more sensitive for the smallest particles (6 micrometers), while Raman spectroscopy performed better with larger particles. The study also identified spectral patterns that could serve as indicators of particle size, opening new possibilities for quickly classifying microplastic populations without time-consuming imaging.
Microplastics Pollution in Aquatic Environment: A Review of Abundance, Distribution, and Composition in the Egyptian Coastal Waters
This review compiles data on microplastic pollution across Egypt's Mediterranean coast, the Nile River, and the Red Sea, all of which face significant plastic contamination. Researchers found that the Mediterranean is a global hotspot for marine plastic accumulation, while the Nile acts as a major conduit for plastics entering the eastern Mediterranean basin. The study calls for more systematic monitoring to understand the full scope of microplastic pollution in Egyptian waters.
Current perspectives, challenges, and future directions in the electrochemical detection of microplastics
This review examines the emerging use of electrochemical sensors for detecting microplastics in the environment. Researchers found that while electrochemical methods have been widely explored for microplastic removal, their potential as low-cost detection tools remains largely untapped. The study highlights recent advances in nanoimpact techniques and electrode modifications that could make environmental microplastic monitoring more practical and affordable.
Rank and Analysis Several Solutions of Healthcare Waste to Achieve Cost Effectiveness and Sustainability Using Neutrosophic MCDM Model
Researchers developed a multi-criterion decision-making framework using neutrosophic logic to rank healthcare waste management solutions for cost-effectiveness and sustainability. The study applied an improved ELECTRE method under conditions of uncertainty to evaluate different treatment options, accounting for varying levels of decision-maker expertise. The findings provide a systematic approach for developing countries to improve healthcare waste disposal practices while balancing financial and environmental considerations.
Synergetic effects of polyethylene microplastic and abamectin pesticides on the eyes of zebrafish larvae and adults through activation of apoptosis signaling pathways
Researchers exposed zebrafish to polyethylene microplastics and the pesticide abamectin, both individually and in combination, and found that the mixture caused significantly worse eye damage and lower survival rates than either pollutant alone. The combined exposure triggered higher levels of oxidative stress and activated cell death pathways in eye tissues. The study reveals that microplastics and pesticides can interact to produce amplified toxic effects on aquatic organisms, particularly affecting their vision.
Implication of nanotechnology to reduce the environmental risks of waste associated with the COVID-19 pandemic
This review examines how nanotechnology can be applied to manage the environmental risks from waste generated during the COVID-19 pandemic, including personal protective equipment and medical waste. Researchers explore solutions such as antiviral surface coatings and nanoparticle-based disinfection to reduce both infection spread and plastic pollution. The study highlights the connection between pandemic waste, microplastic generation, and the need for innovative waste management approaches.
Histopathological and intestinal microbial changes in crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) after exposure to polyethylene nanoparticles (PE-NPS) and their remediation by Spirulina platensis
Researchers found that polyethylene nanoparticles caused significant intestinal tissue damage and disrupted gut microbial communities in crayfish, and that supplementing their diet with the microalgae Spirulina platensis partially reversed these effects by restoring intestinal cell arrangement and reducing vacuolization in digestive tissues.
Eco-Friendly Degradation of Natural Rubber Powder Waste Using Some Microorganisms with Focus on Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Biodegraded Rubber
Researchers demonstrated that E. coli and Aspergillus oryzae can biodegrade natural rubber waste through biofilm formation, with the degraded rubber showing antioxidant and antibacterial properties, offering an eco-friendly approach to rubber waste management.
Biosynthesis and Characterization of Extracellular Silver Nanoparticles from Streptomyces aizuneusis: Antimicrobial, Anti Larval, and Anticancer Activities
Researchers synthesized silver nanoparticles from Streptomyces aizuneusis and demonstrated their antimicrobial, anti-larval, and anticancer activities, contributing to the development of eco-friendly green nanotechnology approaches.
Bismuthene@ZnAlBi LDHs structure as a novel nanosorbent for efficient uptake of arsenic (V)
Researchers engineered a novel nanomaterial by embedding bismuthene — a single-atom-thick layer of bismuth — into a layered double hydroxide structure, creating a highly effective adsorbent that removes over 94% of arsenic from water in just 30 minutes. The material can be regenerated and reused five times without significant loss of performance, offering a practical tool for arsenic-contaminated drinking water treatment.
Low-density polyethylene microplastics alter chemical properties and microbial communities in agricultural soil
Researchers found that adding low-density polyethylene microplastics to agricultural soil at concentrations of 1% and above significantly altered soil chemistry and bacterial community structure. The study suggests that microplastic contamination from plastic mulch and other agricultural inputs may shift microbial diversity in ways that could affect long-term soil health.
The protective efficacy of dual dietary rosemary plus cinnamon mix against lead nitrate-induced immune suppression, genotoxicity, and oxidant/antioxidant status in Nile tilapia fingerlings
Researchers tested whether a dietary mix of rosemary and cinnamon could protect Nile tilapia from the harmful effects of lead exposure. Fish exposed to lead showed reduced growth, suppressed immunity, increased oxidative stress, and DNA damage, but those fed the herbal supplement showed significant improvements across all measures. The study suggests that rosemary and cinnamon supplementation may help mitigate heavy metal toxicity in farmed fish.