Papers

Microplastics change the safe production ability of arsenic-stressed rice (Oryza sativa L.) by regulating the antioxidant capacity, arsenic absorption, and distribution in rice

Researchers studied how polyethylene and biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics interact with arsenic contamination to affect rice growth and food safety. They found that the type of microplastic influenced how arsenic accumulated in different parts of the rice plant, with some combinations increasing arsenic levels in the edible grain. The findings raise concerns about microplastic contamination in agricultural soils altering how toxic metals are taken up by food crops.

Phytotoxicity Removal Technologies for Agricultural Waste as a Growing Media Component: A Review

This review examines methods for removing toxic substances from agricultural waste so it can be safely used as a growing medium for plants. Researchers evaluated physical, chemical, and biological treatment approaches for reducing phytotoxicity from compounds like phenols and organic acids. The study highlights composting and washing techniques as the most practical strategies for converting agricultural waste into useful growing materials.

The environmental impact of mask-derived microplastics on soil ecosystems

Researchers reviewed how discarded face masks from the COVID-19 pandemic break down into microplastics and affect soil ecosystems. They found that mask-derived microplastics alter soil structure, change microbial community composition, and can release harmful chemical additives into the ground. The study suggests that the massive increase in mask waste during the pandemic has created a new and significant source of soil microplastic pollution.

Study on Rapid Quantitative Detection of Soil MPs Based on Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy

Researchers developed a rapid method for detecting and quantifying microplastics in soil using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy combined with machine learning algorithms. The classification models achieved high accuracy in identifying different types of microplastics including polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene. The study suggests that terahertz spectroscopy could provide a faster and more efficient alternative to current methods for monitoring microplastic contamination in agricultural soils.

Long-term plastic film mulching promotes microplastic accumulation and alters gross nitrogen transformation in soil

Effects of different temperatures on Leiocassis longirostris gill structure and intestinal microbial composition

Researchers exposed a freshwater catfish species to cold (4°C), normal (26°C), and hot (32°C) water temperatures and found that both extremes damaged gill tissue and disrupted the balance of gut bacteria, with cold stress causing a larger shift toward opportunistic pathogens. The findings reveal how temperature stress compromises fish immune health, relevant as climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events.

Assessment of Ecological Recovery Potential of Various Plants in Soil Contaminated by Multiple Metal(loid)s at Various Sites near XiKuangShan Mine

This study assessed soil contamination by antimony, arsenic, and cadmium near a Chinese mine, finding that native plants in farmland soils showed higher ecological recovery potential than those in tailings-adjacent wastelands, with implications for phytoremediation planning.

Enzymatic Stress Responses of Coreius guichenoti to Microplastics with Different Particle Sizes

A critically endangered Chinese river fish, Coreius guichenoti, showed significant biochemical stress responses — including elevated oxidative damage markers — after short-term exposure to polyethylene microplastic fragments. The two particle sizes tested (25 µm and 48 µm) caused stress in different tissues: smaller particles hit the liver and intestine harder, while larger ones affected skin, gills, and muscle. Importantly, stress levels did not return to normal within the observation window after exposure ended, suggesting microplastics could have lasting physiological impacts on this already-vulnerable species.

Role of tillage measures in mitigating waterlogging damage in rapeseed

This paper is not relevant to microplastics; it studies tillage methods for reducing waterlogging damage to rapeseed crops.

Effects of the photovoltaic fishery breeding model on intestinal microbiota structure and diversity in Litopenaeus vannamei

Researchers found that photovoltaic panel shading in a 'PV fishery' integrated aquaculture model altered the intestinal microbial diversity and community structure of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) compared to shrimp in traditional open ponds over an 80-day experiment.

Transcriptomics-Based Evaluation of the Effects of Polyethylene Microplastics on Pleurotus pulmonarius

Researchers examined the effects of polyethylene microplastics at different concentrations and particle sizes on the edible mushroom Pleurotus pulmonarius, finding that smaller particles caused greater reductions in fresh weight, and using confocal microscopy to confirm uptake of PE-MPs by fungal hyphae. Transcriptomic analysis revealed stress mechanisms at the molecular level, providing the first investigation of microplastic impacts on this commercially important crop.

Long-Term Plastic Film Mulching Promotes Microplastic Accumulation and Alters Gross Nitrogen Transformation in Soil

Transcriptome analysis reveals the high temperature-induced damage is a significant factor affecting the osmotic function of gill tissue in cold-water fish

Researchers used transcriptome analysis to investigate how high-temperature stress damages a biological system, finding that heat is a significant factor altering gene expression. This molecular biology study examines the cellular response to thermal stress.