Papers

Marine plastic pollution: A systematic review of management strategies through a macroscope approach

Researchers applied a systems-level framework to review 176 studies on marine plastic pollution management, finding that waste collection infrastructure and freshwater pathways are critically understudied and that no existing strategy — from beach cleanup to biomaterials — is scalable enough to meaningfully reverse the plastic crisis.

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.

Leachate from microplastics impairs larval development in brown mussels

Researchers investigated the toxic effects of chemical leachate from microplastics on brown mussel larvae, rather than direct ingestion effects. The study found that substances leaching from microplastic particles impaired larval development, indicating that microplastics can cause harm even without being physically consumed by marine organisms.

Assessment of microplastic toxicity to embryonic development of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)

Researchers assessed the toxicity of both virgin and beach-stranded plastic pellets to sea urchin embryo development. The study found that chemical substances leaching from microplastics into surrounding water caused developmental abnormalities, indicating that microplastics can release harmful compounds that affect marine organisms even without direct ingestion.

Microplastics and 17α Ethinylestradiol: How Do Different Aquatic Invertebrates Respond to This Combination of Contaminants?

Researchers tested how microplastics combined with the synthetic hormone ethinylestradiol, a common contraceptive ingredient found in wastewater, affect two tropical estuarine species: oysters and crabs. They found that microplastics carrying the hormone increased toxic effects compared to either pollutant alone, causing oxidative stress and cellular damage across multiple organs. The study suggests that the combination of microplastics and hormone pollutants in waterways may pose greater risks to aquatic life than previously recognized.

Interactive effects of microplastics and benzo[a]pyrene on two species of marine invertebrates

Researchers found that low-density polyethylene microplastics alone did not cause toxicity to sea urchin embryos or mysids, but their interaction with benzo[a]pyrene modified the pollutant's bioavailability and toxicity in marine invertebrates at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Time-dependent Biochemical Responses of the Zoanthid Zoanthus sp. Exposed to Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics

Researchers investigated the time-dependent biochemical responses of the coral reef zoanthid Zoanthus sp. when exposed to polyvinyl chloride microplastics. They found that longer exposure periods led to increased microplastic absorption and elevated markers of oxidative stress and DNA damage. The study demonstrates that even relatively short-term microplastic exposure can trigger measurable biological harm in sensitive reef organisms.

Combined effects of polyethylene spiked with the antimicrobial triclosan on the swamp ghost crab (Ucides cordatus; Linnaeus, 1763)

Researchers examined combined effects of polyethylene microplastics spiked with triclosan on the swamp ghost crab, finding that the microplastic-triclosan combination caused greater oxidative stress and tissue damage in gills and hepatopancreas than either pollutant alone.

Towards a Cleaner Textile Industry: Using ASEC to Decrease the Water Footprint to Zero Liquid Discharge

Researchers tested a new technology called Adiabatic Sonic Evaporation and Crystallization to treat highly polluting wastewater from textile factories processing both synthetic and natural fibers. The process separated contaminants with complete efficiency, producing distilled-quality water suitable for reuse and dry crystallized solids. The study suggests this approach could dramatically reduce the textile industry's water consumption and eliminate the discharge of polluted wastewater into the environment.

Effects of Microplastics Associated with Triclosan on the Oyster Crassostrea brasiliana: An Integrated Biomarker Approach

Brazilian oysters (Crassostrea brasiliana) were exposed to microplastics alone and in combination with the antibacterial chemical triclosan, with combined exposure causing greater oxidative stress, immune disruption, and genotoxicity than either stressor alone.

First Appraisal of Effective Microplastics Removal from the Textile Manufacturing Processes

Researchers treated synthetic and natural textile manufacturing wastewaters with Adiabatic Sonic Evaporation and Crystallization (ASEC) technology to assess its effectiveness in removing microplastics and organic contaminants. The process completely removed contaminants from water, producing distilled water and a crystallized solid residue containing identifiable MPs and organic compounds including benzene derivatives.

MUCUS PRODUCTION AS A STRATEGY OF OYSTERS AGAINST SYNTHETIC TEXTILE MICROFIBERS

Researchers found that oysters exposed to synthetic textile microfibers responded by producing elevated levels of protective mucus in their mantle tissue. This mucus response represents a physiological defense mechanism against microplastic ingestion but may incur energetic costs to the organism.

MUCUS PRODUCTION AS A STRATEGY OF OYSTERS AGAINST SYNTHETIC TEXTILE MICROFIBERS

Researchers investigated whether oysters produce increased mucus as a defense response to exposure to synthetic textile microfibers, examining mucus production in the mantle tissue. The study found elevated mucus production in microfiber-exposed oysters, suggesting a physiological defensive strategy against microplastic ingestion.

Exposure to microplastics contaminated with pharmaceuticals and personal care products: Histological effects on Ucides cordatus

Crabs (Ucides cordatus) exposed to microplastics contaminated with triclosan or 17α-ethinylestradiol showed histological gill changes more severe than those from virgin microplastics alone, demonstrating that pharmaceutical and personal care product contaminants adsorbed on MPs increase tissue-level toxicity.

Non-destructive biomarkers can reveal effects of the association of microplastics and pharmaceuticals or personal care products

Non-destructive biomarkers in crabs were evaluated to assess the combined effects of microplastics with pharmaceuticals and personal care products, finding measurable biological responses to co-exposure that could be detected without sacrificing the animals. The study demonstrates the utility of non-lethal sampling approaches for monitoring microplastic mixture toxicity in marine invertebrates.

Osmoregulatory responses in the neotropical fish species Astyanax lacustris, exposed to single and combined microplastics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and their mixture

Researchers exposed the freshwater fish Astyanax lacustris to virgin microplastics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH from crude oil), and their combination for 96 hours, assessing osmoregulatory and metabolic responses. The combined exposure altered ion regulation and energy metabolism more than either pollutant alone, suggesting microplastics as vectors that enhance PAH toxicity in fish.

Plastic pellets make Excirolana armata more aggressive: Intraspecific interactions and isopod mortality differences between populations

Exposure to plastic pellet leachates made the intertidal isopod Excirolana armata significantly more aggressive in intraspecific interactions, suggesting that chemical contamination from microplastics can alter animal behavior and potentially affect population dynamics.

Plastic Pellets Make Excirolana Armata More Aggressive: Intraspecific Interactions and Isopod Mortality Differences between Populations

Diet composition and plastic ingestion in Poecilia reticulata from urban streams

Guppies living in urban streams in Brazil were found to contain microplastics alongside their normal diet of organic matter and insects, with plastic particles ranging from tiny fragments under half a millimeter to pieces over a centimeter long. The presence of plastics across a fish species that sits low on the food chain suggests potential for microplastic transfer up to larger predators and, ultimately, to humans.

Plastic pellets make Excirolana armata more aggressive: Intraspecific interactions and mortality in field and laboratory ecotoxicological assays

Researchers found that exposure to beach-stranded plastic pellets increased mortality and aggressive intraspecific behavior in the marine isopod Excirolana armata, with effects observed even at low pellet densities in both field and laboratory settings.

Feasibility Study of the Use of Concrete Blocks Produced From Plastic Marine Garbage for Use in Civil Construction

Researchers investigated the feasibility of producing concrete blocks incorporating plastic waste collected from marine and coastal environments, testing blocks with varying proportions of recycled plastic as a partial aggregate replacement in civil construction applications. The study assessed the mechanical and physical properties of the resulting composite blocks, evaluating whether marine plastic garbage could be valorized as a construction material while reducing environmental plastic loads.

Scient metrics analysis of mangrove studies from 1980 to 2020

This scientometric review analyzed 40 years of published research on mangrove ecosystems, tracking how scientific focus has shifted from basic ecology to conservation and human impact assessment. Mangroves are important coastal filters that trap plastic debris and microplastics before they reach the open ocean.

Contaminação e toxicidade de microplásticos em uma área de proteção marinha costeira

This Brazilian study assessed microplastic contamination and toxicity in a coastal marine protected area, finding that sandy beaches accumulate plastic particles carried in by the ocean. The research highlights that even protected coastal zones are not immune to microplastic pollution, which can be ingested by marine wildlife and enter food webs.

Avaliação da Presença de Microplástico no Trato Gastrointestinal da Pescada Amarela (Cynoscion acoupa)

Researchers found microplastics in the digestive tracts of yellowfin croaker fish (Cynoscion acoupa) from Brazil. The study adds to growing evidence that commercially harvested fish contain plastic particles, raising concerns about microplastic exposure through seafood consumption.