Papers

Acute Exposure to Microplastics Induced Changes in Behavior and Inflammation in Young and Old Mice

Researchers exposed young and old mice to microplastics for a short period and found both age groups developed behavioral changes and signs of inflammation in the brain and gut. Older mice showed more pronounced inflammatory responses, suggesting that aging may increase vulnerability to microplastic toxicity. This is relevant to human health because it indicates that microplastic exposure could have different and potentially worse effects on elderly populations.

Machine learning-driven optical microfiltration device for improved nanoplastic sampling and detection in water systems

Researchers developed a new device combining agarose-based microfiltration with machine learning-assisted Raman spectroscopy to detect nanoplastics in water more accurately and efficiently. The system achieved over 96% accuracy in identifying nanoplastic particles while dramatically reducing analysis time compared to traditional methods. Better detection tools like this are essential for monitoring nanoplastic levels in drinking water and assessing risks to human health.

The high persistence of PFAS is sufficient for their management as a chemical class

Researchers argue that the extreme environmental persistence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is reason enough to regulate them as a single chemical class and phase out all non-essential uses. Because PFAS contain perfluoroalkyl groups that resist virtually all forms of environmental and biological breakdown, their continued release leads to irreversibly increasing concentrations in the environment. The study warns that once harmful effects are confirmed, reversing PFAS contamination will be extremely difficult and costly for society.

The manufacturing process and consequent occupational health and environmental risks associated with the use of plastic waste in construction bricks in small-scale recycling plants

Researchers reviewed health and environmental risks in small-scale facilities that recycle plastic waste into building bricks, finding that the manufacturing process likely releases microplastics, heavy metals, and toxic air pollutants, posing serious health hazards to workers — especially where safety measures are absent.

A Thermodynamic Approach for Assessing the Environmental Exposure of Chemicals Absorbed to Microplastic

Researchers used thermodynamic and multimedia modeling to assess how microplastics influence the transport and bioavailability of persistent toxic substances in marine environments. The study suggests that chemicals with high hydrophobicity may partition to polyethylene microplastic, but overall, microplastic is likely of limited importance as a vector for delivering toxic substances to marine organisms compared to other exposure pathways.

Separation of Microplastics from Blood Samples Using Traveling Surface Acoustic Waves

Researchers developed a microfluidic device that uses sound waves to separate microplastic particles from human blood samples. The device successfully isolated polystyrene microplastics of different sizes from blood cells, with separation efficiency influenced by power levels and flow rate. This technology could enable more accurate measurement of microplastics circulating in human blood, which is important for understanding their potential health effects.

A marine plastic cloud - Global mass balance assessment of oceanic plastic pollution

Researchers compiled concentration data from 280 deep-sea sediment measurements across six ocean floor environments and estimated that roughly 3 million tonnes of microplastics have accumulated in deep-sea sediments, with concentrations in submarine trenches and canyons exceeding safe thresholds for marine life. The findings suggest the ocean water column acts as a vast suspended "plastic cloud" holding up to 90 million tonnes of microplastics in transit to the seafloor.

Strategies for grouping per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to protect human and environmental health

Researchers reviewed various strategies for grouping the more than 4,700 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on the global market to inform regulatory and risk assessment actions. The most precautionary approach suggests restricting all PFAS based on their extreme environmental persistence alone, while the least precautionary requires detailed toxicological data for grouping. The study highlights that no single grouping strategy will be universally accepted, and the appropriate approach depends on the regulatory purpose.

Comparing field-based microplastic observations with ocean circulation model outputs in estuarine surface waters along a human population gradient

Researchers compared field-collected microplastic data with ocean circulation model simulations in Narragansett Bay, the largest estuary in New England. They found higher microplastic concentrations in urbanized northern areas compared to less populated southern regions, with significant temporal variability driven by weather and tides. The study suggests that ocean models can capture broad microplastic movement trends, but fine-scale accuracy remains limited.

Novel microplastic dosing approach of shellfish prey reveals highly efficient egestion rates by predatory crabs under environmentally realistic feeding scenarios

Researchers developed a novel method for dosing shellfish prey with microplastics under environmentally realistic conditions and then fed the contaminated prey to predatory crabs. They found that the crabs egested microplastic fibers with high efficiency, suggesting limited tissue accumulation through trophic transfer under these conditions. The study highlights the importance of using realistic exposure methods when assessing microplastic transfer through marine food webs.

A Workflow for Assessing Particle Counts of Mixed Micro- and Nanoplastics in Exposed Laboratory Animals

Researchers developed a laboratory protocol for extracting and counting micro- and nanoplastic particles from mouse tissue samples. They achieved an 85% recovery rate for 2-micrometer particles and 30% for 0.1-micrometer particles, and demonstrated the method could detect differences in accumulation across different exposure levels. This workflow provides a foundation for future studies investigating how plastic particles accumulate in biological tissues.

Trophic transfer and bioaccumulation of nanoplastics in Coryphaena hippurus (mahi-mahi) and effect of depuration

Researchers studied how polystyrene nanoplastics transfer through the food chain to mahi-mahi fish larvae by first exposing rotifers to the particles and then feeding them to the larvae. Significant nanoplastic transfer and accumulation were observed, primarily in the gut, with some particles translocating to areas containing vital organs like the heart and liver. A depuration study showed that while larvae could excrete substantial amounts, notable quantities remained retained, and intestinal tissue damage was observed.

A microfluidic approach for label-free identification of small-sized microplastics in seawater

Researchers developed a microfluidic approach for label-free identification of small microplastics in seawater, using impedance-based detection to distinguish different polymer types without chemical labeling, enabling faster and more practical environmental monitoring.

Effects of weathering and simulated gastric fluid exposure on cellular responses to polystyrene particles

Researchers studied the effects of weathering and simulated gastric fluid exposure on cellular responses to polystyrene particles. The study suggests that environmental weathering can alter how micro- and nanoplastics interact with biological systems, with potential implications for understanding human health effects from ingested plastic particles.

Heterotrophic Dinoflagellate Growth and Grazing Rates Reduced by Microplastic Ingestion

Researchers found that polystyrene microplastic ingestion significantly reduced the growth and grazing rates of heterotrophic dinoflagellates, suggesting that microplastic pollution could disrupt marine microbial food webs at the single-celled predator level.

Groundwater quality: global challenges, emerging threats and novel approaches

This review highlights global groundwater quality challenges including emerging contaminants and antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the need for significantly improved monitoring to identify and mitigate threats from historical and future pollution sources.

Trophic transfer and bioaccumulation of nanoplastics in <i>Coryphaena hippurus</i> (Mahi-mahi) and effect of depuration

Researchers studied how nanoplastics transfer through the food chain to mahi-mahi fish larvae via contaminated rotifers. The study found significant nanoplastic accumulation primarily in the gut, with some particles translocating to other body parts and persisting even after a depuration period, along with evidence of intestinal tissue damage in the larvae.

Electrocoagulation applied for the removal of microplastics from wastewater treatment facilities

Policy and Compliance Program for Safety and Environmental Standards in Renewable Energy Projects

This policy paper outlines a compliance framework for renewable energy projects covering safety standards, environmental risk mitigation, regulatory requirements, and community engagement, addressing the growing complexity of large-scale wind, solar, and hybrid energy installations.

Comparing Field-Based Microplastic Observations with Ocean Circulation Model Outputs in Estuarine Surface Waters Along a Human Population Gradient

Short-term exposure to polystyrene microplastics alters cognition, immune, and metabolic markers in an apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and sex-dependent manner

Researchers exposed mice carrying different APOE genotypes (APOE3 vs APOE4) and of different sexes to polystyrene microplastics and measured cognitive, immune, and metabolic responses. APOE4 mice showed greater cognitive decline and immune changes after microplastic exposure, suggesting genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may interact with environmental plastic exposures.

Short-Term Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastics Alters Cognition, Immune, and Metabolic Markers in an APOE Genotype and Sex-Dependent Manner

Researchers exposed Alzheimer's disease mouse models to polystyrene microplastics for a short term and observed worsened cognitive performance, altered immune markers, and disrupted metabolic pathways, suggesting that MP exposure may accelerate neurological decline in individuals already vulnerable to dementia.

Acclimatory gene expression of primed clams enhances robustness to elevated <scp><i>p</i>CO₂</scp>

Pacific geoduck clams pre-exposed to elevated CO2 showed acclimatory gene expression changes that improved their growth and antioxidant responses when later exposed to moderate ocean acidification conditions. The results suggest epigenetic-like transcriptional priming may help shellfish populations cope with progressive ocean acidification.

Extensive estuarine sedimentary storage of plastics from city to sea: Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, USA

Researchers conducted a system-scale assessment of microplastic storage in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, sampling both shoreline and seabed sediments and finding that estuarine systems are significant long-term repositories for plastic pollution transported from urban watersheds.