Papers

Nanoparticles as catalysts of agricultural revolution: enhancing crop tolerance to abiotic stress: a review

This review looks at how nanoparticles can help crops withstand environmental stresses like drought, salt, and heavy metal contamination. While not directly about microplastics, the research is relevant because nanoparticles and microplastics share similar size ranges and behaviors in soil, and understanding how tiny particles interact with plants helps scientists assess both the risks and potential benefits of nanoscale materials in agriculture.

Exploring omics solutions to reduce micro/nanoplastic toxicity in plants: A comprehensive overview

This review summarizes how advanced biological analysis techniques are being used to understand how micro- and nanoplastics harm crops by disrupting water uptake, nutrient absorption, and photosynthesis. Since these tiny plastic particles accumulate in agricultural soil and can enter the food chain, the research highlights a potential pathway for microplastics to reach humans through the food we eat.

Biochar as a Green Sorbent for Remediation of Polluted Soils and Associated Toxicity Risks: A Critical Review

This review examines biochar, a charcoal-like material made from organic waste, as a tool for cleaning up soil contaminated with heavy metals and organic pollutants. While biochar can effectively trap contaminants, the production process itself can create toxic byproducts like PAHs that may harm soil life. The research is relevant to microplastic pollution because biochar is being explored as a potential method to bind and reduce microplastic contamination in agricultural soils.

Interaction of titanium dioxide nanoparticles with PVC-microplastics and chromium counteracts oxidative injuries in Trachyspermum ammi L. by modulating antioxidants and gene expression

Scientists studied how PVC microplastics and chromium (a toxic heavy metal) together affect the growth of ajwain, an important medicinal and food plant. The combination of these pollutants reduced plant growth, damaged photosynthesis, and increased toxic stress more than either pollutant alone. This is relevant to food safety because agricultural soils are increasingly contaminated with both microplastics and heavy metals, which together could reduce crop quality and nutritional value.

Unraveling the ecotoxicological effects of micro and nano-plastics on aquatic organisms and human health

This review summarizes the growing body of evidence on how micro- and nanoplastics affect aquatic organisms and, through the food chain, potentially human health. The tiny plastic particles absorb toxic pollutants and pathogens from the water, acting as carriers that deliver these harmful substances into the bodies of fish, shellfish, and other organisms. The review highlights that both direct plastic toxicity and indirect chemical exposure through contaminated seafood pose risks to human consumers.

Recent trends and economic significance of modified/functionalized biochars for remediation of environmental pollutants

Researchers reviewed recent advances in modified biochars — charcoal-like materials made from organic waste — as low-cost tools for removing chemical pollutants from contaminated soil and water. By altering biochar's physical and chemical properties through various treatment techniques, scientists have significantly improved its ability to bind and neutralize a wide range of harmful substances.

Seed priming with alpha-tocopherol alleviates microplastic stress in Brassica rapa through modulations in morphological, physiological and biochemical attributes

This study found that treating turnip seeds with vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) before planting helped protect the seedlings from microplastic damage. Microplastics in the soil reduced seed germination and plant growth, but the vitamin E treatment boosted the plants' natural antioxidant defenses and reduced cellular damage. The findings suggest a practical strategy for growing food crops in microplastic-contaminated soil, which is becoming increasingly common in agricultural land.

Soil microplastics: Impacts on greenhouse gasses emissions, carbon cycling, microbial diversity, and soil characteristics

Synthesis and Characterization of Silica, Silver-Silica, and Zinc Oxide-Silica Nanoparticles for Evaluation of Blood Biochemistry, Oxidative Stress, and Hepatotoxicity in Albino Rats

Researchers synthesized silica nanoparticles combined with silver and zinc oxide and tested their effects on rat blood chemistry and liver health. The nanoparticles caused dose-dependent changes in liver enzymes and oxidative stress markers, with the silver-silica composite showing the strongest effects. This study contributes to understanding how engineered nanoparticles interact with biological systems, relevant to the broader field of particle toxicology.

Ecological Toxicity, Oxidative Stress and Impacts of Microplastics on Fish Gills

This review summarizes research on how microplastic exposure damages fish gills, a critical organ for breathing, waste removal, and maintaining body chemistry. Researchers found that microplastics cause oxidative stress, DNA damage, and structural changes to gill tissue, which can impair blood parameters and overall fish health. The findings highlight that gill damage from microplastics may be a widespread concern for freshwater and marine fish populations.

Bisphenol A Induces Histopathological, Hematobiochemical Alterations, Oxidative Stress, and Genotoxicity in Common Carp (<i>Cyprinus carpio</i> L.)

Researchers investigated the toxic effects of bisphenol A, a plastics-related endocrine disruptor, on common carp at different dose levels over 30 days. The study found dose-dependent reductions in blood cell counts, increased oxidative stress in the brain, liver, gills, and kidneys, and significant tissue damage, indicating that BPA exposure poses risks to aquatic organisms.

A Comprehensive Review on Metallic Trace Elements Toxicity in Fishes and Potential Remedial Measures

This review examines how toxic trace metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead, and arsenic accumulate in fish and damage their neurological, reproductive, and developmental systems. Researchers summarized evidence that these metals bioaccumulate through the food chain and can cause abnormalities at multiple biological levels. The study also discusses potential remediation approaches, including bioremediation and nanotechnology, to reduce metal contamination in aquatic environments.

Biodegradation of synthetic plastics by the extracellular lipase of Aspergillus niger

Researchers produced a lipase enzyme from the common fungus Aspergillus niger using agricultural waste and tested its ability to break down three types of plastic. The enzyme caused measurable weight loss in polyethylene, PET, and polystyrene samples, and microscopy confirmed physical degradation of the plastic surfaces. The study suggests that fungal enzymes could serve as an environmentally friendly tool for breaking down plastic waste.

Environmental Microplastic Exposure Changes Gut Microbiota in Chickens

Researchers exposed chickens to environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastics and found that their growth performance decreased significantly. The gut microbiota composition was also altered, with changes in the abundance of several bacterial groups important for digestion and health. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in poultry environments could affect both animal welfare and the broader food production chain.

Environmental microplastics exposure decreases antioxidant ability, perturbs gut microbial homeostasis and metabolism in chicken

Researchers studied the effects of microplastic exposure on chickens and found that it decreased growth performance and antioxidant capacity while causing damage to the intestine, liver, kidney, and spleen. The study also revealed significant changes in gut microbiota composition, including decreased diversity and shifts in taxonomic makeup, suggesting microplastics disrupt gut microbial homeostasis in poultry.

Association of microplastics with lead and cadmium in soil: Land-use and temporal trends

Cobalt Iron Oxide (CoFe2O4) Nanoparticles Induced Toxicity in Rabbits

Researchers found that cobalt iron oxide nanoparticles induced dose-dependent toxicity in rabbits, causing significant changes in hematological and biochemical parameters and histopathological damage to liver and kidney tissues.

Promoting water-splitting reaction on TiO₂/gCN with Pd/SrO cocatalysts: H₂ evolution in the absence of a sacrificial reagent

Researchers investigated a photocatalyst system combining titanium dioxide, graphitic carbon nitride, palladium, and strontium oxide for producing hydrogen fuel through water splitting without requiring a sacrificial chemical reagent. The study demonstrates an eco-friendly approach to clean energy generation. The findings contribute to the development of more sustainable and practical hydrogen production technologies.

International Trade of Pharmaceutical and Health Industries Along the “Belt and Road” Countries

This study analyzes bilateral trade patterns in pharmaceutical and health industry products between China and countries along the Belt and Road initiative. Researchers examined industrial structures and trade volumes, identifying factors that influence cross-border trade in medical products. While not directly focused on microplastics, the study provides context for understanding how global trade patterns affect the distribution of health-related products and associated packaging waste.

Soil nutrient levels regulate the effect of soil microplastic contamination on microbial element metabolism and carbon use efficiency

Researchers conducted greenhouse experiments to examine how different types of microplastics in soil affect microbial nutrient metabolism and carbon use efficiency. They found that degradable polylactic acid microplastics stimulated microbial activity differently than non-degradable polyethylene, and that soil nutrient levels played a key role in regulating these effects. The study suggests that understanding the interaction between microplastics and soil nutrients is critical for predicting impacts on soil carbon cycling.

Determination of Biodegradation Potential of <i>Aspergillus niger</i>, <i>Candida albicans</i>, and <i>Acremonium sclerotigenum</i> on Polyethylene, Polyethylene Terephthalate, and Polystyrene Microplastics

Researchers tested the ability of three fungal species to biodegrade polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene microplastics over 30 days. Aspergillus niger showed the strongest degradation of polyethylene with 16% weight loss, while other fungi performed better on different plastic types. The study demonstrates that fungal biodegradation is a promising approach for breaking down common microplastics, as confirmed by visible surface changes and chemical alterations in the treated plastics.

Biochar-induced soil fertility under polluted conditions

Assessment of heavy metal accumulation and health risks in okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L.) and spinach (Spinacia Oleracea L.) fertigated with wastwater

Researchers in Pakistan measured levels of toxic heavy metals — cadmium, chromium, and lead — in wastewater-irrigated soil and vegetables, finding that irrigation with contaminated water significantly increased metal concentrations in okra and spinach to levels posing health risks to local populations.

Histopathological Alteration in Detoxifying Organs (Liver and Kidney) of Freshwater Fish Ctenopharyngodon idella Exposed to Lufenuron

Researchers exposed grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to the insecticide lufenuron at 0–4 µg/L for 33 days and assessed histopathological changes in liver and kidney. Liver tissues showed vacuolation, necrosis, and inflammatory infiltration while kidneys showed degenerative changes, with severity increasing with concentration and duration of exposure.