Papers

A global estimate of multiecosystem photosynthesis losses under microplastic pollution

This meta-analysis pooled data from over 3,200 measurements and found that microplastic pollution reduces photosynthesis by 7–12% in plants and algae worldwide. This matters because less photosynthesis means lower crop yields and disrupted ecosystems, which can ultimately affect food security and human nutrition.

Global occurrence characteristics, drivers, and environmental risk assessment of microplastics in lakes: A meta-analysis

This meta-analysis of 42 studies found significant heterogeneity in microplastic pollution levels across global lakes, driven by geographical location and sampling methods. Small microplastics (under 1 mm) were disproportionately concentrated in sediment compared to water, and while most lakes showed low overall environmental risk, pollution levels in lake sediments were generally higher than in surrounding water.

Soil microplastic characteristics and the effects on soil properties and biota: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Meta-analysis of 2,886 experimental groups found that microplastics significantly decreased soil bulk density and aggregate stability, indicating structural damage, while also reducing plant root biomass and soil phosphatase activity. Invertebrates were more sensitive to microplastics than other soil organisms, as particles can pass through nematode gut walls causing oxidative stress and altered gene expression.

Analysis of aged microplastics: a review

This review looks at how microplastics change over time in the environment through exposure to sunlight, temperature changes, and biological activity. Aging alters the surface properties of microplastics, which can make them more toxic and change how they interact with other pollutants. Advanced techniques like infrared and Raman spectroscopy are the best current methods for identifying and tracking these aged microplastics in environmental samples.

Effects of microplastics on the toxicity of co-existing pollutants to fish: A meta-analysis

Meta-analysis of 1,380 biological endpoints from 55 studies found that microplastics in co-existing pollutant solutions significantly increased toxicity to fish beyond what the pollutants caused alone, particularly elevating immune system damage, metabolic disruption, and oxidative stress. The effect depended on fish life stage and microplastic size, but not on pollutant or polymer type.

Exposure to different surface-modified polystyrene nanoparticles caused anxiety, depression, and social deficit in mice via damaging mitochondria in neurons

Mice exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics with different surface coatings all developed anxiety, depression, and impaired social behavior after the particles accumulated in their brains. The nanoplastics crossed the blood-brain barrier by disrupting the connections between blood vessel cells, then damaged the mitochondria (energy producers) inside brain neurons, reducing their energy output and likely driving the behavioral changes.

New Horizons in Micro/Nanoplastic-Induced Oxidative Stress: Overlooked Free Radical Contributions and Microbial Metabolic Dysregulations in Anaerobic Digestion

Researchers found that polypropylene micro- and nanoplastics generate persistent free radicals that produce harmful reactive oxygen species, reducing the effectiveness of anaerobic digestion (a common waste treatment process) by up to 50%. This means microplastic contamination could undermine waste treatment systems, potentially allowing more pollutants to reach waterways and increase human exposure.

Threats to Terrestrial Plants from Emerging Nanoplastics

This meta-analysis examines how nanoplastics affect terrestrial plants, finding impacts on growth, nutrient uptake, and cellular function. The research matters for human health because plants that absorb nanoplastics from contaminated soil could transfer these particles into fruits and vegetables that end up on our plates.

Size-Dependent Toxicity of Polystyrene Nanoplastics to <i>Tetrahymena thermophila</i>: A Toxicokinetic–Toxicodynamic Assessment

Researchers tested three sizes of polystyrene nanoplastics on single-celled organisms and found that smaller particles were significantly more toxic, with the smallest (30 nm) causing genetic damage at concentrations already found in some waterways. This size-dependent toxicity pattern is concerning because as plastics break down in the environment, they produce ever-smaller particles that may be increasingly harmful to living organisms.

Mechanisms Underlying the Size-Dependent Neurotoxicity of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Zebrafish

Scientists discovered that smaller nanoplastics cause more severe brain and nerve damage in zebrafish than larger ones, and identified the molecular pathways behind this size-dependent toxicity. The smaller particles more easily crossed biological barriers and triggered greater oxidative stress and inflammation in the nervous system, which is important for understanding potential neurological risks of nanoplastic exposure.

Comparative Analysis of Metabolic Dysfunctions Associated with Pristine and Aged Polyethylene Microplastic Exposure via the Liver-Gut Axis in Mice

Mice fed both new and weathered polyethylene microplastics developed disrupted fat metabolism, liver oxidative stress, and shifts in gut bacteria, with weathered (aged) particles causing more severe effects. This study suggests that the microplastics people encounter in the real world, which have been degraded by sunlight and time, may be more harmful than the pristine particles typically used in lab studies.

A framework for systematic microplastic ecological risk assessment at a national scale

This study developed a framework for assessing the ecological risks of microplastic pollution across China by analyzing data from 128 studies and over 3,400 sites. The research found that microplastic contamination is widespread in Chinese soil, water, and sediments, with some areas reaching concerning levels. This kind of large-scale risk assessment is important for understanding how widespread microplastic pollution may affect ecosystems and, ultimately, human health through contaminated food and water.

Natural aging and adsorption/desorption behaviors of polyethylene mulch films: Roles of film types and exposure patterns

This study examined how polyethylene mulch films used in farming break down over time and become sources of microplastic pollution in soil. Films exposed on the soil surface degraded faster than buried ones, and the resulting microplastic fragments were better at absorbing toxic pollutants like lead. Importantly, once pollutants attach to these aged microplastics, they are harder to release -- even in conditions that mimic human digestion -- raising concerns about contamination entering our food chain.

Mechanochemical Formation of Poly(melamine-formaldehyde) Microplastic Fibers During Abrasion of Cleaning Sponges

Melamine foam cleaning sponges -- commonly sold as "magic erasers" -- release millions of microplastic fibers during normal use, a source of indoor microplastic pollution that was previously unrecognized. A single gram of sponge wear can produce up to 6.5 million tiny plastic fibers, and the study estimates global sponge use could release 4.9 trillion microplastic fibers total. Since these sponges are used on kitchen and household surfaces, this represents a direct route of microplastic exposure in the home.

Neonatal Exposure to Polystyrene Nanoplastics Impairs Microglia-Mediated Synaptic Pruning and Causes Social Behavioral Defects in Adulthood

Newborn mice exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics showed disrupted brain development that led to social behavior problems lasting into adulthood. The nanoplastics impaired microglia -- the brain's immune cells -- preventing them from properly pruning unnecessary connections between nerve cells during a critical window of early development. This raises concerns about nanoplastic exposure from baby bottles and other infant products.

Impacts of Biofilm Formation on the Physicochemical Properties and Toxicity of Microplastics: A Concise Review

Environmental occurrence, fate, impact, and potential solution of tire microplastics: Similarities and differences with tire wear particles

This review examines tire microplastics, one of the most abundant types of microplastics in the environment, which come from tire wear on roads, recycled tire rubber, and tire repair dust. These particles carry a complex mix of chemicals including heavy metals and organic pollutants that can harm aquatic and soil organisms. Since tire microplastics end up in waterways and soil near roads, they represent a significant but often overlooked source of human microplastic exposure.

Differently surface-labeled polystyrene nanoplastics at an environmentally relevant concentration induced Crohn’s ileitis-like features via triggering intestinal epithelial cell necroptosis

Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics at environmentally realistic levels triggered Crohn's disease-like inflammation in the small intestine of mice. Different surface coatings on the nanoplastics affected which immune pathways were activated, but all types caused gut damage. This study suggests that nanoplastic exposure through food and water could contribute to inflammatory bowel disease in humans.

Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy Reveals Bioaccumulation of Small Microplastics in Protozoa from Natural Waters

Using advanced imaging technology, scientists confirmed for the first time that single-celled organisms (protozoa) in natural water accumulate microplastics smaller than 10 micrometers inside their bodies. The protozoa concentrated these tiny plastics to levels thousands of times higher than the surrounding water. Since protozoa are at the base of many food chains, this bioaccumulation could transfer microplastics up to larger organisms, including fish and ultimately humans.

Nanoplastics exposure-induced mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to disrupted stem cell differentiation in human cerebral organoids

Using lab-grown human brain organoids (miniature brain models), researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics damaged mitochondria (the energy-producing structures in cells), leading to increased cell death and disrupted development of brain stem cells. These findings suggest that nanoplastic exposure could interfere with how brain cells develop and function, raising concerns about the neurological effects of environmental plastic pollution on humans.

Microplastics in infant milk powder

Researchers found microplastics in 13 brands of infant milk powder, with boxed products containing nearly twice as many particles as canned versions, likely from plastic-lined packaging. However, the biggest source of microplastic exposure for bottle-fed infants was not the powder itself but the plastic feeding bottles, which released nearly seven times more microplastics. This study highlights that the containers used to prepare and serve infant formula are a more significant source of microplastic exposure for babies than the formula itself.

The hidden risk of microplastic-associated pathogens in aquatic environments

This review examines the overlooked risk that microplastics in water can serve as vehicles for disease-causing bacteria and other pathogens. Microplastics provide a surface where harmful microorganisms can grow, survive longer, and travel farther than they would on their own. This means microplastic pollution in lakes, rivers, and oceans could increase the risk of waterborne infections in people who swim in, drink from, or eat seafood from contaminated water.

Predicting Bioaccumulation of Nanomaterials: Modeling Approaches with Challenges

This review examines different computer modeling approaches for predicting how nanomaterials, including nanoplastics, accumulate in living organisms. Traditional models developed for dissolved chemicals often give inaccurate results for nanoparticles because they behave differently in biological systems. Newer machine learning approaches show promise for better predictions, which could help scientists estimate how much nanoplastic actually builds up in the body without needing extensive animal testing.

Systematic toxicity evaluation of polystyrene nanoplastics on mice and molecular mechanism investigation about their internalization into Caco-2 cells

Researchers fed mice polystyrene nanoplastics (about 100 nm) for 28 days and found the particles accumulated in multiple organs including the spleen, lungs, kidneys, intestines, testes, and brain. The nanoplastics caused cell death, inflammation, and tissue damage in these organs, as well as disrupted fat metabolism and blood cell counts. This study demonstrates that ingested nanoplastics can spread throughout the body and cause widespread harm, raising concerns about long-term human exposure.