Papers

Size-dependent internalization of polystyrene microplastics as a key factor in macrophages and systemic toxicity

Researchers systematically tested how the size of polystyrene microplastics affects their uptake and toxicity in immune cells and mice. Smaller particles (0.5 micrometers) were taken up much more readily by immune cells and caused more damage, including mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death, compared to larger 5-micrometer particles. In living mice, smaller microplastics accumulated more in organs and caused broader changes in blood and metabolic markers, confirming that particle size is a key factor in microplastic toxicity.

Toxic effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on plants: A global meta-analysis

This meta-analysis of 101 studies found that micro- and nanoplastics negatively affect plant physiology, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) showing the strongest impact on fresh weight, chlorophyll, and reactive oxygen species. Microplastics inhibited most growth and photosynthetic indicators more strongly than nanoplastics, and exposure consistently triggered increased biochemical stress enzyme activity.

Enhanced bioaccumulation and toxicity of Fenpropathrin by polystyrene nano(micro)plastics in the model insect, silkworm (Bombyx mori)

Researchers found that polystyrene nano- and microplastics made the pesticide fenpropathrin more toxic to silkworms by acting as carriers that increased the insect's absorption of the chemical. The smaller the plastic particles were, the more they boosted pesticide accumulation in the silkworms' bodies, raising concerns about how microplastics may amplify the effects of other environmental toxins.

Combined effects of norfloxacin and polystyrene nanoparticles on the oxidative stress and gut health of the juvenile horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus

Researchers exposed juvenile horseshoe crabs to an antibiotic (norfloxacin) and polystyrene nanoparticles, finding that both pollutants disrupted gut microbiota composition and suppressed key metabolic pathways in the microbiome, while antioxidant defenses eventually compensated for initial oxidative stress after extended exposure.

Effects of UV-based oxidation processes on the degradation of microplastic: Fragmentation, organic matter release, toxicity and disinfection byproduct formation

This study examined how UV-based water treatment processes break down microplastics, finding that while the treatments fragment the plastics into smaller pieces, they also release potentially toxic organic compounds. The smaller fragments and released chemicals may actually pose greater risks than the original microplastics. This is an important finding because it suggests that some water purification methods could unintentionally make microplastic pollution more hazardous to human health.

Identification of quorum sensing-regulated Vibrio fortis as potential pathogenic bacteria for coral bleaching and the effects on the microbial shift

Researchers identified a species of Vibrio bacteria regulated by quorum sensing that can cause coral bleaching when it infects reef corals. Infection led to significant shifts in the coral's microbial community, disrupting the balance of beneficial symbionts. The study suggests that bacterial pathogens driven by coastal pollution may play a key role in coral reef degradation.

Application of cold-adapted microbial agents in soil contaminate remediation: biodegradation mechanisms, case studies, and safety assessments

This review covers how cold-adapted microorganisms can break down toxic chemical pollutants in farmland soil, particularly in low-temperature environments. While focused on nitro-aromatic compounds rather than microplastics, the bioremediation strategies discussed could potentially be applied to plastic-contaminated soil. The research highlights the importance of safe, non-pathogenic microbes in cleaning up soil pollution, a principle that extends to addressing microplastic contamination in agricultural land.

Multiomics analysis reveals the molecular basis for increased body weight in silkworms (Bombyx mori) exposed to environmental concentrations of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics

Researchers fed silkworms environmentally realistic concentrations of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics throughout their larval development and found that exposed worms gained more weight due to altered fat metabolism. Multi-omics analysis revealed changes in lipid-related pathways and shifts in gut bacteria, particularly increases in Acinetobacter and Enterococcus. While studied in insects, these metabolic disruptions from low-level microplastic exposure could have broader implications for understanding how microplastics affect metabolism in other organisms.

Role of the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Ovarian Aging: Potential Mechanism and Protective Strategies

This review explores how the Nrf2 signaling pathway, a key defense system against oxidative stress, plays a role in ovarian aging, which leads to menopause, reduced fertility, and health risks like osteoporosis. While not focused on microplastics specifically, the Nrf2 pathway is one of the main systems that microplastics disrupt when they accumulate in reproductive tissues. Understanding this pathway helps explain how environmental pollutants like microplastics could accelerate ovarian aging and harm fertility.

Research advances on production and application of algal biochar in environmental remediation

This review examines how biochar made from algae can be used to clean up environmental pollution, including removing microplastics from water and improving contaminated soil. Algal biochar has shown promise for absorbing heavy metals, organic pollutants, and microplastics, and it can also improve soil health. While more large-scale and long-term studies are needed, algae-based biochar offers a potentially sustainable tool for reducing microplastic contamination in water and soil.

Understanding the impact of nanoplastics on reproductive health: Exposure pathways, mechanisms, and implications

This review summarizes existing research on how nanoplastics (tiny plastic particles smaller than one micrometer) affect reproductive health in animals and potentially humans. Studies show that nanoplastics can accumulate in reproductive organs including the placenta, and evidence from animal studies links exposure to hormone disruption, reduced fertility, and developmental problems. The authors highlight a significant knowledge gap about nanoplastic effects on human reproduction, despite growing evidence that these particles reach our reproductive systems.

Polystyrene nanoplastics exacerbate aflatoxin B1-induced hepatic injuries by modulating the gut−liver axis

Mice exposed to both polystyrene nanoplastics and aflatoxin B1, a common food contaminant from mold, suffered worse liver damage than from either pollutant alone. The nanoplastics disrupted gut bacteria and weakened the intestinal barrier, allowing more toxins to reach the liver through the gut-liver axis. This study is concerning because it shows that microplastics can amplify the harmful effects of other food contaminants people are already exposed to.

The impact of gut microbial signals on hematopoietic stem cells and the bone marrow microenvironment

This review explores how gut bacteria influence the production and development of blood cells in the bone marrow by sending chemical signals through microbial byproducts. While not directly about microplastics, the research is highly relevant because microplastics are known to disrupt gut bacteria communities. If microplastics alter the gut microbiome, they could indirectly affect blood cell production and immune function through this gut-bone marrow connection.

Ecotoxicological effects of co-exposure biodegradable microplastics polylactic acid with cadmium are higher than conventional microplastics polystyrene with cadmium on the earthworm

This study compared the effects of biodegradable PLA microplastics and conventional polystyrene microplastics when combined with cadmium (a toxic heavy metal) on earthworms. Surprisingly, the biodegradable PLA combined with cadmium was more toxic than the conventional plastic combination, causing greater DNA damage and more disruption to antioxidant defenses. This challenges the assumption that biodegradable plastics are safer for the environment and raises questions about their use as a replacement for conventional plastics.

Comprehensive multi-omics, behavioral and morphological analysis of the hazards of nano-plastics in mice with internal carotid artery occlusion

Researchers used multi-omics analysis to study how nanoplastics affect mice with chronic blood vessel occlusion in the brain, modeling the interaction between plastic pollution and existing cardiovascular conditions. They found that nanoplastic exposure worsened behavioral deficits, increased brain inflammation, and disrupted gut microbiome balance in the affected mice. The study suggests that nanoplastic contamination may pose heightened risks for individuals already living with chronic vascular conditions.

Trehalose Acts as a Mediator: Imbalance in Brain Proteostasis Induced by Polystyrene Nanoplastics via Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis during Early Life

Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics caused brain damage in young mice by disrupting gut bacteria, which in turn altered levels of a sugar called trehalose that is important for brain protein balance. Fecal transplant experiments confirmed that about 39% of the brain damage was driven indirectly through gut microbiome changes rather than nanoplastics reaching the brain directly. The study highlights the gut-brain connection as a key pathway through which nanoplastics may harm neurological development in early life.

Distribution and Structure of China–ASEAN’s Intertidal Ecosystems: Insights from High-Precision, Satellite-Based Mapping

Researchers used multi-source satellite data to create high-precision maps of intertidal ecosystems across the China-ASEAN region, distinguishing between mangroves, salt marshes, and tidal flats. They developed an improved classification framework to address inconsistencies in previous mapping efforts. The study provides a valuable baseline for monitoring how climate change and human activities are affecting these ecologically important coastal zones.

Migration of (non-) intentionally added substances and microplastics from microwavable plastic food containers

Researchers investigated the migration of chemicals and microplastics from microwavable plastic food containers into food simulants. They identified 42 intentionally added substances and over 100 non-intentionally added substances that migrated from the containers, with migration rates being higher in fatty food simulants and decreasing with repeated use, raising questions about potential health risks from everyday microwave container usage.

Insight into the mitochondrial unfolded protein response and cancer: opportunities and challenges

This review explores the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, a cellular stress response that maintains protein quality in mitochondria, and its role in cancer progression. Researchers describe how cancer cells hijack this protective mechanism to repair mitochondria and promote tumor growth and invasion. While not directly about microplastics, the paper provides context for understanding cellular stress responses that may be relevant to how cells respond to environmental contaminants.

Scientometrics of Scientometrics Based on Web of Science Core Collection Data between 1992 and 2020

This study analyzed over 16,000 publications to map the global research landscape of scientometrics, the quantitative study of scientific output, from 1992 to 2020. Researchers identified key trends, influential journals, and the most productive countries and institutions in the field. While not directly related to microplastics, the study provides insights into how research analysis methods have evolved and are now widely applied across disciplines including environmental science.

Generation Mechanism of Hydroxyl Free Radicals in Micro–Nanobubbles Water and Its Prospect in Drinking Water

This review examines how micro-nanobubble technology can generate hydroxyl free radicals to break down pollutants in drinking water systems. Researchers found that factors like pH, gas source, and bubble size affect how well the technology works, and that it can remove roughly 90% of certain contaminants while also clearing harmful biofilms from pipes.

Optimistic effects of galaxolide and polystyrene microplastic stress on the physio-biochemical characteristics and metabolic profiles of an ornamental plant

Researchers investigated the effects of the synthetic fragrance galaxolide and polystyrene microplastics on the ornamental plant Mirabilis jalapa. The study found that this plant showed tolerance to both contaminants, with increased antioxidant enzyme activity and altered metabolic profiles, suggesting the species could potentially be used for eco-friendly remediation of environments contaminated with these emerging pollutants.

Low-density polyethylene microplastics partially alleviate the ecotoxicological effects induced by cadmium exposure on the earthworm Eisenia fetida

Investigation of the adsorption behavior and adsorption mechanism of pollutants onto electron beam-aged microplastics

Researchers used electron beam technology to age microplastics and then studied how this aging changed the particles' ability to adsorb pollutants from water. They found that electron beam-aged microplastics had significantly higher oxygen content on their surfaces and were more effective at capturing certain contaminants. The study suggests that as microplastics degrade in the environment, they may become more efficient carriers of pollutants.