Papers

Efficiency of Microalgae Employment in Nutrient Removal (Nitrogen and Phosphorous) from Municipal Wastewater

This review examines how microalgae (tiny aquatic plants) can be used to remove nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants from municipal wastewater. While not directly about microplastics, this research is relevant because effective wastewater treatment is one way to reduce the amount of microplastics that reach waterways and eventually the food chain.

Human health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements and microplastics accumulation in products from the Danube River Basin fish market

This study measured both toxic metals and microplastics in fish and seafood sold in the Lower Danube River region of Europe. Seafood species, especially mussels, had the highest levels of toxic metals and contained polystyrene microplastics. While the calculated health risks from metals alone were below danger thresholds, the combined exposure to both metals and microplastics through seafood consumption deserves further study.

The first spatio-temporal study of the microplastics and meso–macroplastics transport in the Romanian Danube

This study measured microplastic transport in the Romanian section of the Danube River over multiple seasons, estimating up to 51 tonnes of microplastics flow through per year. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common types, and concentrations varied with seasonal water flow. Since the Danube supplies drinking water and supports fisheries for millions of people, this contamination level raises concerns about human exposure.

Regional Regression Correlation Model of Microplastic Water Pollution Control Using Circular Economy Tools

This meta-analysis pools data from European studies to build a model connecting microplastic water pollution to circular economy solutions. The research found that regions with stronger recycling and waste reduction policies tend to have lower levels of microplastic water contamination. This suggests that better plastic waste management through circular economy approaches could meaningfully reduce the microplastics that end up in our drinking water.

Cross-Regional Elemental Comparison of Mussels Using Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF)

Researchers used Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence to compare the elemental composition of mussels from aquaculture farms in Italy, Spain, and Chile. The study found regional differences in trace element concentrations, demonstrating that TXRF is an effective and practical tool for monitoring seafood quality and detecting potential environmental contamination across different growing regions.

Effects of Single and Combined Ciprofloxacin and Lead Treatments on Zebrafish Behavior, Oxidative Stress, and Elements Content

Researchers assessed the combined acute effects of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin and lead on zebrafish at environmentally relevant concentrations. The study found that the mixture caused more severe impacts than individual substances, including reduced swimming activity, disrupted mineral balance, inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity, and increased oxidative stress. These findings highlight that the co-occurrence of antibiotics and heavy metals in aquatic environments may pose greater risks to organisms than either pollutant alone.

The Footprint of Microbiome in Pediatric Asthma—A Complex Puzzle for a Balanced Development

This review examines the growing body of evidence linking the human microbiome to the development of pediatric asthma. Researchers found that the composition of bacteria in the gut and respiratory tract during early childhood appears to influence whether children develop asthma. The study suggests that understanding these microbial patterns could open new approaches for preventing or managing asthma in children.

Advanced Recycling of Modified EDPM Rubber in Bituminous Asphalt Paving

Researchers explored recycling discarded COVID-19 surgical masks by incorporating them into bituminous asphalt for road pavement. Testing showed the mask material, made from modified rubber and polypropylene, could be blended into asphalt base courses without compromising structural performance, offering a potential circular-economy approach to managing pandemic plastic waste.

Sustainable Remediation of Polluted Soils from the Oil Industry Using Sludge from Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants

A bioremediation approach using dehydrated sewage sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants was tested on petroleum-contaminated soils over three months, demonstrating effective hydrocarbon degradation and offering a cost-effective dual-recovery strategy for oil industry site remediation.

Recycling micro polypropylene in modified hot asphalt mixture

This study incorporated recycled polypropylene microplastics into hot asphalt mixtures and evaluated the resulting performance, finding that small additions of plastic waste can improve certain mechanical properties of asphalt while offering a pathway to reuse plastic waste in road construction.

New Model for Quantifying the Impact of the Social Economy on Water Resources’ Sustainability

This study models correlations between social economy indicators and water resource sustainability across EU27 countries, finding that environmental protection spending tends to cover ecological objectives even when exceeding budget allocations. The study is not related to microplastic research.

MONITOX international network for monitoring of environmental toxicants and risk assessment in the Black Sea basin: research and interdisciplinary cooperation dimensions

Researchers developed the MONITOX international network to monitor toxic substances in water, sediments, soils, and biota across the Black Sea basin, producing GIS-based pollution maps covering the Danube River, Prut, Dniester, Danube Delta, and Black Sea coastal areas in Romania, Moldova, and Greece.

Optimization of microplastic analysis methods using the micro-FTIR technique

Microplastics in suspended sediments of the Danube River – preliminary results

Packaging Waste Management and the Main Challenges in Recycling Processes

This study presents a comparative analysis of packaging waste recycling rates across EU member states from 2008 to 2022, finding that while the EU average recycling rate was 65.74%, Romania achieved only 50.31%, and identifying the main technical and systemic challenges that hinder improvements in packaging recycling processes.

Optimization of microplastic analysis methods using the micro-FTIR technique

Microplastics in suspended sediments of the Danube River – preliminary results

About antifouling solutions to protect ship’s hull

This review examines antifouling technologies for protecting ship hulls from biofouling organisms such as algae, barnacles, and molluscs, covering modern methods including specialized paints, copper-based coatings, self-polishing surfaces, silicone coatings, and ultrasonic systems. The authors evaluate these approaches for their effectiveness in maintaining hull efficiency and reducing fuel consumption while considering environmental impacts.

Microplasic measurements at the Danube river using a multi-level approach

Researchers measured microplastics in the Danube River using multiple sampling approaches at different scales, confirming that microplastics are present throughout the water column. Finer-scale analysis consistently revealed more particles than coarser methods. The findings support the use of multi-level sampling strategies to accurately assess microplastic contamination in major river systems.

A Machine Learning Approach in Analyzing Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Turbot Tissues

This study used multiple machine learning algorithms to model heavy metal accumulation in turbot tissues based on water and sediment contamination data. While focused on heavy metals rather than microplastics, the approach illustrates how predictive modeling can support environmental pollution monitoring.

Physico-Chemical Analysis of Drinking Water from the Town of Bârlad, Vaslui County

This study analyzed drinking water quality in two towns in Vaslui County, Romania, measuring pH, turbidity, nitrates, dissolved oxygen, and other parameters. Results were compared against national drinking water standards, providing a baseline assessment of water safety for local residents.

Black sea marine litter pollution related to naval operations

This study examines marine litter pollution in the Black Sea related to naval operations, reviewing the sources, types, and volumes of waste generated by naval vessels. Researchers found that naval activities contribute measurably to marine pollution in this already vulnerable and poorly circulating sea. The paper calls for stronger international regulations governing waste management from military maritime operations.