Papers

Microplastics in food packaging: Analytical methods, health risks, and sustainable alternatives

This review examines how microplastics from food packaging materials can migrate into the food we eat during storage and handling. It evaluates analytical methods for detecting this contamination and suggests biodegradable polymers as promising eco-friendly alternatives, while noting that standardized testing methods and risk assessment frameworks are still needed.

Microplastics in the environment: An urgent need for coordinated waste management policies and strategies

This review highlights that microplastic pollution affects marine ecosystems, farmland, and human health, but current waste management policies are fragmented and insufficient. The authors evaluate existing strategies and propose practical solutions including better recycling programs, product redesign to reduce plastic use, and coordinated international policy. Addressing the microplastic problem requires not just cleanup technology but systemic changes in how we produce, use, and dispose of plastics.

Recent analytical techniques, and potential eco-toxicological impacts of textile fibrous microplastics (FMPs) and associated contaminates: A review

This review examines textile fibers as a major and growing source of microplastic pollution, covering their release from clothing during washing and wear, detection methods, and toxic effects. Fibrous microplastics have been found throughout the food chain and can affect the nervous system, digestive system, and circulatory system of living organisms. The review highlights that textile microfibers are among the most common types of microplastics found in the environment.

Impact of maternal microplastic exposure on offspring lung structure and function: Insights into transcriptional misregulation and the TGF-β/α-SMA pathway

Pregnant rats exposed to polystyrene microplastics in their drinking water produced offspring with lung damage visible just 7 days after birth, including plastic deposits and collapsed air sacs. By 120 days, the offspring developed lung changes resembling emphysema, even though they were never directly exposed to microplastics after birth. This study provides evidence that a mother's microplastic exposure during pregnancy can cause lasting lung damage in her children.

Toxicological effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on marine organisms

Researchers exposed Pacific white shrimp to polystyrene nanoplastics at various concentrations and measured immune, antioxidant, and tissue responses after seven days. They found that nanoplastic exposure disrupted immune function, increased oxidative stress, and caused tissue damage, particularly in the hepatopancreas and gills. The study adds to growing evidence that nanoplastics can harm the health of commercially important marine species.

Occurrence of microplastics in commercial marine dried fish in Asian countries

Researchers examined 14 types of commercially available dried fish products from seven Asian countries and found microplastics present in all samples tested. The most common types were fibers and fragments, with polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene being frequently identified. The findings raise concerns about widespread human dietary exposure to microplastics through popular dried seafood products consumed across Asia.

Microbiota-mediated metabolic perturbations in the gut and brain of mice after microplastic exposure

In a mouse study, oral exposure to polystyrene microplastics of two sizes altered the gut bacteria community and caused metabolic changes in both the intestines and the brain. The disrupted gut bacteria appeared to drive changes in bile acid, energy, and other metabolic pathways. These findings support the idea that microplastics in food and water could affect brain health indirectly by first disrupting the gut microbiome and its chemical signals.

Influence of polyvinyl chloride microplastic on chromium uptake and toxicity in sweet potato

Researchers studied how polyvinyl chloride microplastics affect the uptake and toxicity of hexavalent chromium in sweet potato plants grown in hydroponic conditions. They found that while the combination of microplastics and chromium impacted plant growth, the microplastics actually reduced chromium accumulation in the plants by adsorbing the metal. The study suggests microplastics can alter how heavy metals interact with food crops, with complex implications for agricultural safety.

Adsorption of lead(II) onto PE microplastics as a function of particle size: Influencing factors and adsorption mechanism

Researchers studied how lead ions attach to polyethylene microplastics of different sizes in water. They found that smaller microplastic particles had greater capacity to adsorb lead, primarily through chemical bonding mechanisms like hydrogen bonding and surface complexation. The findings suggest that microplastics in the environment can act as carriers for toxic heavy metals, with smaller particles posing a greater risk.

Increased di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure poses a differential risk for adult asthma clusters

Researchers analyzed data linking urinary metabolites of DEHP — a phthalate plasticizer (a chemical added to plastics to make them flexible) found in food packaging, medical devices, and household products — to asthma risk, finding that certain asthma subtypes showed heightened vulnerability to these exposures. The results suggest DEHP metabolites may affect immune pathways in asthma through mechanisms distinct from classic inflammatory responses.

Exploring Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Dysregulation in Lung Tissues of Offspring Rats Exposed to Prenatal Polystyrene Microplastics: Effects of Melatonin Treatment

Researchers found that rat pups exposed to polystyrene microplastics before birth showed significant oxidative stress and metabolic disruption in their lung tissues. The prenatal exposure altered nucleic acid metabolism and amino acid profiles in the lungs of newborn pups. Encouragingly, treatment with melatonin significantly improved lung function and reduced tissue damage in the affected offspring.

Exposure of Goniopora columna to polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs): Effects of PE-MP concentration on extracellular polymeric substances and microbial community

Researchers exposed the coral Goniopora columna to varying concentrations of polyethylene microplastics and analyzed changes in microbial communities and extracellular polymeric substances over seven days. At the highest concentration, significant shifts in bacterial composition were observed, along with changes in humic and fulvic-like substances produced by microbial activity. The findings provide new insights into how microplastic concentration affects coral-microbiome interactions in reef ecosystems.

Evaluation of antibiofilm activity of metal oxides nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes coated styrofoam on the bacterium Jeotgalicoccus huakuii

Researchers tested whether coating styrofoam microplastics with metal oxide nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes could prevent bacterial biofilm formation on plastic surfaces. They found that these coatings significantly reduced biofilm growth by the bacterium Jeotgalicoccus huakuii, especially under light exposure. The findings suggest that nanomaterial coatings could potentially be used to limit harmful bacterial colonization on microplastic debris in the environment.

Microplastic contamination of table salts from Taiwan, including a global review

Researchers analyzed table salt products sold in Taiwan for microplastic contamination and detected an average of nearly 10 microplastic particles per kilogram of salt. Polypropylene and polyethylene were the most commonly identified polymer types. The study includes a global comparison showing that microplastic contamination of table salt is a widespread phenomenon, representing a consistent low-level dietary exposure pathway for consumers.

Hepatic and metabolic outcomes induced by sub-chronic exposure to polystyrene microplastics in mice

Researchers studied the effects of sub-chronic polystyrene microplastic exposure on mouse livers using multiple analytical approaches. They found that microplastics accumulated in liver tissue and caused inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of normal metabolic processes including lipid and amino acid metabolism. The study suggests that prolonged microplastic ingestion may pose significant risks to liver health.

Impact of polyethylene microplastics on coral Goniopora columna causing oxidative stress and histopathology damages

Researchers exposed the coral Goniopora columna to different concentrations of polyethylene microplastics over seven days. They found that the microplastics accumulated on and inside the corals, reduced polyp length, disrupted zooxanthellae density, and triggered oxidative stress as indicated by changes in antioxidant enzyme activity and increased tissue damage. The findings suggest that microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to coral health through both physical and biochemical pathways.

Oxidative stress and histological alterations in coral Briareum violacea co-exposed to ocean acidification and microplastic stressors

Researchers exposed the coral Briareum violacea to combined ocean acidification and polyethylene microplastics for 21 days. The study found that the combination of lower pH and microplastic exposure caused greater oxidative stress and tissue damage than either stressor alone, suggesting that these two major environmental threats may have compounding effects on coral health.

Global Strategies/Policies and Citizen Science for Microplastic Management

This chapter explores the role of global strategies, policies, and citizen science in managing microplastic pollution. Researchers reviewed current international policy efforts and found that many face challenges including ineffective enforcement and lack of measurable regulatory impact. The study emphasizes that citizen science initiatives can play a valuable role in monitoring microplastic contamination and supporting evidence-based policy development.

Ameliorative effects of Panax notoginseng water extract on polystyrene nanoplastics-induced inflammation and immunotoxicity in RAW 264.7 and Litopenaeus vannamei

Coral incorporating microplastics leads to a health-risking immunometabolic shift

Researchers performed lipidomic profiling on a vulnerable coral species exposed to microplastics and found that the corals underwent a significant immunometabolic shift, expending energy reserves to mount an immune response. The symbiotic algae within the coral also altered their metabolism, reducing photoprotective capacity while attempting to counteract the heightened host immunity. The study suggests that microplastic accumulation may chronically impair coral health by sensitizing cells to oxidative stress, potentially increasing susceptibility to heat and light stress.

Various advanced wastewater treatment methods to remove microplastics and prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to airborne microplastics

This review examined advanced wastewater treatment methods for removing microplastics and assessed the potential for airborne microplastics to serve as carriers for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, highlighting the need for integrated pollution control strategies.

Interactions between marine megafauna and plastic pollution in Southeast Asia

Researchers reviewed published cases of marine megafauna — including sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds — entangled in or having ingested plastics across Southeast Asia, a region that contributes roughly a third of global marine plastic pollution. Despite the scale of the problem, scientific documentation of plastic impacts on wildlife in the region remains far behind other parts of the world, highlighting a critical data gap.

Microplastics elicit an immune-agitative state in coral

Researchers exposed coral to polystyrene microparticles and used lipid profiling to assess the health effects. The study found that even near environmentally relevant concentrations triggered immune activation responses, altered membrane lipid composition, and compromised the photoprotective capacity of symbiotic algae. Evidence indicates that realistic levels of microplastic pollution can disrupt coral physiology and potentially weaken reef resilience.

Atomically Layered Bronze Nanoalloy Featuring Perpetual Aureolin Fluorescence Adept Microplastic Identification Less than 1 μm in Water

Researchers synthesized a novel 2D layered bronze nanoalloy that exhibits persistent fluorescence and can detect melamine-based microplastics smaller than 1 micrometer in drinking water and seawater. The nanoalloy shows a highly specific fluorescence color change in the presence of melamine-based microplastics, achieving a record low detection limit of 0.03 parts per million. The study presents a promising new nanomaterial tool for identifying sub-micrometer microplastic contamination in water supplies.