Papers

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.

The measurement of microplastics in surface water and their impact on histopathological structures in wading birds of district Lahore

Researchers measured microplastic pollution in surface water around Lahore, Pakistan, and examined its effects on local wading birds. The Ravi River had the highest contamination, with over 5,000 particles per cubic meter, and birds living near these waters showed tissue damage in multiple organs. This study demonstrates that microplastic pollution in urban waterways can harm wildlife and may indicate broader risks for communities relying on these water sources.

Profusion of microplastics in dental healthcare units; morphological, polymer, and seasonal trends with hazardous consequences for humans

This study measured microplastic contamination in dental clinics during routine procedures and found thousands of particles in the air, with dental professionals inhaling significant amounts daily. Female dental workers faced slightly higher inhalation risks than male workers. The findings highlight that people working in healthcare settings with extensive plastic use face elevated microplastic exposure that could affect their respiratory health over time.

Plastics in the environment as potential threat to life: an overview

This overview examined the broad environmental impacts of plastic pollution across oceans, soil, freshwater, and sediments. Researchers highlighted that wildlife including seabirds, fish, and crustaceans are affected by plastic entanglement and pollutants carried by microplastics. The study suggests that plastics can be potentially harmful to humans and other mammals, and emphasizes the need for mitigation strategies.

Bisphenol A Induces Histopathological, Hematobiochemical Alterations, Oxidative Stress, and Genotoxicity in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio 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.

Microplastics in food chains: Global evidence, bioaccumulation, spatial distribution and health risks

Unveiling the Microplastics Menace in Freshwater Fishes: Evidence from the Panjnad Barrage, South Punjab, Pakistan

Researchers examined microplastic contamination in three freshwater fish species from the Panjnad Barrage in Pakistan, analyzing gastrointestinal tracts, gills, and muscle tissue. The gastrointestinal tract consistently had the highest microplastic counts, while gills showed the highest concentration per gram. Polypropylene and polyethylene were the primary polymers found, and the predatory species Wallago attu accumulated the most microplastics, likely due to its feeding habits.

Assessment of Cytotoxic, Genotoxic, and Oxidative Stress of Dibutyl Phthalate on Cultured Bovine Peripheral Lymphocytes

Researchers assessed the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and oxidative stress effects of dibutyl phthalate on bovine lymphocytes, finding this common plasticizer causes significant cellular damage including DNA damage and oxidative stress at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Sodium acetate/sodium butyrate alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced diarrhea in mice via regulating the gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant levels, and NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling

Researchers found that sodium acetate and sodium butyrate supplementation alleviated lipopolysaccharide-induced diarrhea in mice by restoring gut microbiota balance, reducing inflammatory cytokines, enhancing antioxidant levels, and inhibiting the NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.

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.

Impact of dietary exposure to polyester microfibers on hematology, serology and histology in a mouse model

Researchers fed albino mice varying doses of polyester microfibers for 35 days and measured the health effects. They found dose-dependent decreases in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets, along with elevated liver enzymes and histopathological changes in the liver and gastrointestinal tract at higher doses. The study suggests that dietary exposure to polyester microfibers can cause significant hematological and organ-level effects in mammals.

Microplastics abundance in abiotic and biotic components along aquatic food chain in two freshwater ecosystems of Pakistan

Researchers quantified microplastic abundance across multiple trophic levels in two Pakistani freshwater ecosystems, finding evidence of bioaccumulation along the food chain from water and sediment through invertebrates to fish species.

Innovative pilot-scale mechanical assembly for efficient removal of microplastics from wastewater: a sustainable solution

Impact of Plastic Residues on Soil Properties and Crop Productivity: A Comprehensive Research Study

This agricultural field study assessed how plastic residues at varying contamination levels affect soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and crop productivity, finding that higher microplastic concentrations disrupted soil structure, reduced microbial activity, and lowered plant growth.

Exploring microplastic pollution in the pristine Ghar-e-Tangi cave: First evidence from Pakistan’s subterranean ecosystem

This study provided the first evidence of microplastic contamination in the sediments of Ghar-e-Tangi, a remote cave in Balochistan, Pakistan, with microplastics detected at all three sampling sites along an entrance-to-interior gradient, suggesting atmospheric deposition as a key transport pathway into subterranean ecosystems.

Quantification and characterization of microplastics (MPs) pollution in peri-uburban agricultural lands of Lahore, Pakistan

Microplastics were quantified and characterized in peri-urban agricultural soil samples from Lahore, Pakistan, collected from four sites, finding widespread MP contamination linked to irrigation with wastewater and proximity to urban plastic use.

Studies on the Effect of Microplastics (polyethylene Glycol) on the Growth Performance and Haematology of Labeo Rohita

This study examined the effects of polyethylene glycol microplastics on the growth performance of fish, finding that exposure reduced feed efficiency and body weight gain compared to controls. The results suggest that even water-soluble plastic polymers can impair growth in aquatic organisms at relevant concentrations.

Reno-protective potential of poncirin against polyethylene microplastics instigated kidney damage in rats via regulating Nrf-2/Keap-1 pathway

In a rat study, daily exposure to polyethylene microplastics caused kidney damage — elevated creatinine, urea, and injury biomarkers — while a natural plant compound called poncirin partially reversed this damage by activating the Nrf-2/Keap-1 antioxidant defense pathway. While the doses used were high and results need human validation, the study adds to growing evidence that microplastics can harm the kidneys and that dietary antioxidants may offer some protection.

Spatial Distribution, Characterization and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Different Environmental Matrices of River Ravi, Pakistan

Innovative Intervention: Technologies to Tackle the Microplastic Pollution

Uptake of Cu2+ by unicellular microalga Chlorella vulgaris from synthetic wastewaters is attenuated by polystyrene microspheres

This study found that polystyrene microspheres significantly reduced the ability of the green microalga Chlorella vulgaris to absorb copper from wastewater, with positively charged microspheres causing more disruption than negatively charged ones. The findings suggest that microplastics in water can interfere with the natural bioremediation function of algae, potentially affecting both ecosystem services and wastewater treatment.

A study on various pollutants in water and their effect on blood of the consumers

Researchers tested drinking water supplied to students in Sahiwal, Pakistan and found contamination with toxic metals, pesticides, and arsenic at levels exceeding WHO safety limits, and linked these pollutants to measurable effects in the blood of water consumers. The study illustrates how inadequate water infrastructure and industrial waste disposal create serious public health risks.

Biodiversity, distributions and isolation of microplastics pollution in finfish species in the Panjkora River at Lower and Upper Dir districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan

Researchers documented fish biodiversity and microplastic pollution across 10 sites in the Panjkora River, Pakistan, collecting 724 fish specimens representing 18 species across 5 families and characterizing microplastic contamination in fish tissues, with Cyprinidae dominating the community and microplastics detected throughout the sampling area.

Effects of different traditional and commercial feed on growth, survival and proximate composition of Rohu (Labeo rohita) reared in the semi-intensive composite culture system

This aquaculture study compared different commercial and traditional fish feeds on the growth, survival, and nutritional composition of rohu fish in a semi-intensive pond system. The research contributes to understanding feed quality in farmed fish production, where feed additives and plastic contamination in feed are known concerns.