Papers

Plastic Smell: A Review of the Hidden Threat of Airborne Micro and Nanoplastics to Human Health and the Environment

This review examines the growing threat of airborne micro- and nanoplastics, which spread globally through atmospheric transport and can settle in both cities and remote areas. Inhaling these particles may cause respiratory inflammation, oxidative stress, and other health problems, and the particles can also carry harmful chemicals and microbes, amplifying their potential impact.

Health Risks from Microplastics in Intravenous Infusions: Evidence from Italy, Spain, and Ecuador

Researchers analyzed intravenous (IV) fluid bags and bottles from Italy, Spain, and Ecuador and found microplastics in nearly all samples, with plastic bags containing up to 299 particles per liter. This is concerning because IV fluids deliver microplastics directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the body's natural barriers, and some brands showed concentrations high enough to pose clinical risk.

Fish Intake in Relation to Fatal and Non-Fatal Cardiovascular Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies

This meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies confirmed that higher fish intake is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality, with a non-linear dose-response showing benefits plateauing at moderate consumption levels. The findings are relevant to the microplastics debate because fish is a known vector for human microplastic exposure, creating a tension between cardiovascular benefits and potential plastic contamination risks.

Definition of Emerging Microplastic Syndrome Based on Clinical and Epidemiological Evidence: A Narrative Review

This paper proposes a new medical concept called "Microplastic Syndrome" based on clinical evidence and rising disease rates in Italy coinciding with increased plastic production. Researchers developed a 30-question diagnostic tool that looks at lab markers, clinical signs, and ultrasound findings to identify people potentially affected by microplastic accumulation. While this framework needs further validation through long-term studies, it represents an early attempt to formally define and diagnose health problems linked to microplastic exposure.

Preliminary Study on PCC-Chitosan’s Ability to Enhance Microplastic Excretion in Human Stools from Healthy Volunteers

In a small human trial, ten healthy volunteers who took a chitosan supplement (made from crayfish shells) before eating excreted significantly more microplastics in their stool compared to eating without the supplement. The chitosan appeared to help the body eliminate nine different types of microplastics more effectively, with overall microplastic excretion increasing by about 47%. While preliminary, this is one of the first studies to suggest a dietary intervention could help the human body get rid of accumulated microplastics.

Microplastic pollution in urban drainage systems discharging into the alpine lakes of Como and Lugano, Italy

Researchers measured microplastic pollution in the urban drainage systems of two Italian cities that discharge into alpine lakes Como and Lugano. They found that combined sewer overflows during rainstorms released significantly more microplastics than normal dry-weather flows, making storm events a major source of contamination. The study highlights how urban runoff carries microplastics into lakes that are used for drinking water and recreation, creating potential exposure pathways for nearby communities.

Do microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) directly contribute to human carcinogenesis?

This review examines whether microplastics and nanoplastics could directly contribute to cancer development in humans. Evidence from lab and animal studies shows these particles can cause DNA damage, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and disrupt important cancer-related signaling pathways. While a direct causal link to human cancer has not been proven yet, the review argues that microplastics should be considered potential cancer-promoting agents that warrant urgent further research.

Deeply in Plasticenta: Presence of Microplastics in the Intracellular Compartment of Human Placentas

Researchers analyzed human placenta samples and for the first time located microplastics within the intracellular compartment of placental tissue, not just on the surface. They found various polymer types including polyethylene and polypropylene embedded inside placental cells. The discovery that microplastics penetrate into the interior of human cells raises new questions about their potential biological effects during pregnancy.

Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta

In a landmark study, researchers detected microplastics in human placental tissue for the first time, finding 12 plastic fragments in placentas from four out of six women with healthy pregnancies. The particles were identified as polypropylene and dyed plastics likely from packaging or cosmetics, raising concerns about potential effects on fetal development and pregnancy.

Insights into Global Water Reuse Opportunities

This review examines global opportunities and challenges for reusing treated wastewater, which is becoming increasingly important as water scarcity worsens worldwide. A key concern discussed is that recycled water may contain emerging contaminants including microplastics that current treatment methods do not fully remove. The findings highlight the need for advanced treatment technologies to ensure that water reuse does not become a pathway for microplastic exposure in communities.

Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders: The Mediterranean Diet as a Protective Choice

This review explores how the Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, olive oil, and fish, may protect against autoimmune thyroid diseases by reducing inflammation and supporting gut health. While not focused on microplastics, the mechanisms discussed are relevant because microplastics can disrupt the same systems the Mediterranean diet protects, including gut bacteria balance, oxidative stress, and immune function. The findings suggest that diet choices may help counteract some of the inflammatory effects of environmental pollutant exposure.

The Current Situation of the Legislative Gap on Microplastics (MPs) as New Pollutants for the Environment

Micro- and Nano-Plastics in Drinking Water: Threat or Hype? Critical State-of-the-Art Analysis of Risks and Approaches

This analysis critically reviewed the evidence on whether microplastics and nanoplastics in drinking water pose genuine health risks to humans. Researchers found that while contamination is widespread, definitive proof that microplastics cause harm at real-world environmental concentrations has not yet been established. The study examines advanced water treatment technologies and calls for improved detection methods and more realistic exposure studies before drawing firm conclusions about health threats.

Fungal Enzymes Involved in Plastics Biodegradation

Researchers reviewed the current literature on fungal enzymes capable of degrading various types of plastic polymers. The study cataloged different enzyme classes including laccases, peroxidases, and cutinases, describing their characteristics and efficacy against specific plastics. Evidence indicates that fungi offer a promising biological approach to plastic biodegradation due to their diverse array of enzymes specialized in breaking down recalcitrant substances.

In Vitro and In Vivo Genotoxicity of Polystyrene Microplastics: Evaluation of a Possible Synergistic Action with Bisphenol A

Researchers tested whether polystyrene microplastics cause genetic damage, both in human blood cells in the lab and in freshwater snails. They found that at higher concentrations, microplastics caused DNA damage on their own, and when combined with bisphenol A (a common plastic chemical), the damage was even greater. The study suggests that microplastics and the chemicals they carry may work together to increase the risk of genetic harm.

A Critical Review of Water Reuse: Lessons from Prehistoric Greece for Present and Future Challenges

This review traces the history of water reuse practices from ancient Greece to modern times, highlighting how early civilizations already understood the value of treating and repurposing wastewater. Researchers compare historical approaches with current advanced technologies including membrane filtration and direct potable reuse systems. The study argues that lessons from antiquity can inform contemporary water management strategies, particularly as growing populations and climate change put increasing pressure on freshwater resources.

The Importance of Nonconventional Water Resources under Water Scarcity

This review explores the importance of nonconventional water resources, such as treated wastewater, desalinated water, and harvested rainwater, in addressing growing global water scarcity. Researchers found that these alternative sources are becoming increasingly vital as climate change and population growth strain traditional supplies. The study highlights how expanding the use of nonconventional water can help build a more sustainable water future.

Tracking micro- and nanoplastics in Aedes albopictus: From ingestion to metabolic disruption

Researchers tracked the fate of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics in the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus from larval ingestion through adult development. They found that ingested particles crossed the gut barrier, persisted in tissues, and were retained through metamorphosis, while causing reduced body weight and significant metabolic disruptions. The study suggests that plastic pollution may affect mosquito biology through endocrine disruption and altered energy metabolism pathways.

Fe3O4-Halloysite Nanotube Composites as Sustainable Adsorbents: Efficiency in Ofloxacin Removal from Polluted Waters and Ecotoxicity

Researchers developed magnetic halloysite nanotube composites using three synthesis routes to remove the antibiotic ofloxacin from water, achieving effective adsorption while also assessing the ecotoxicity of the materials themselves.

Zooming in the plastisphere: the ecological interface for phytoplankton–plastic interactions in aquatic ecosystems

This review examines the complex interactions between microplastics and phytoplankton in aquatic ecosystems, from toxic effects to colonization of plastic surfaces forming the so-called plastisphere. Researchers found that phytoplankton employ adaptive strategies such as extracellular polysaccharide production to cope with plastic-induced stress, while plastics can also serve as habitats for harmful algae and invasive species. The study highlights that these interactions can have cascading effects throughout aquatic food webs and ecosystem processes.

When shelter is not a refuge: Reporting microplastic abundance in European (France) Sabellaria alveolata reef ecosystems

Researchers measured microplastic contamination in Sabellaria alveolata biogenic reefs and adjacent sediments at two French Atlantic coast sites, finding fiber-dominated accumulation of 0.81–1.73 items per gram, with reef structure and local hydrodynamics determining whether MPs concentrate preferentially within the reef or distribute uniformly with surrounding sediments.

Differential effects of microplastic exposure on anuran tadpoles: A still underrated threat to amphibian conservation?

Researchers found that microplastic exposure affects amphibian tadpoles differently depending on the species, with Italian agile frog tadpoles showing reduced survival at high concentrations while green toad tadpoles were more resilient.

Evolution of Floods: From Ancient Times to the Present Times (ca 7600 BC to the Present) and the Future

This review traced the history of flood events from ancient times to the present, examining causes including climate change and urbanization, and discussing modern flood management strategies and future challenges posed by increasing extreme weather events.

Biorefinery of Sewage Sludge: Overview of Possible Value-Added Products and Applicable Process Technologies

This review examined biorefinery approaches for sewage sludge, evaluating value-added products and applicable process technologies as sustainable alternatives to traditional disposal methods like landfill and incineration.