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Papers
20 resultsShowing papers from National Pingtung University of Science and Technology
ClearVitamin E Mitigates Polystyrene-Nanoplastic-Induced Visual Dysfunction in Zebrafish Larvae
Researchers found that vitamin E, a common antioxidant, can protect against vision damage caused by polystyrene nanoplastics in zebrafish larvae. The nanoplastics caused eye defects and visual impairment by triggering harmful oxidative stress, but vitamin E treatment significantly reduced this damage, suggesting antioxidants might help counteract some harmful effects of nanoplastic exposure.
Polystyrene nanoplastics act as endocrine disruptors altering neurotransmitter levels and locomotor activity via estrogen receptor during early zebrafish development
Researchers showed that polystyrene nanoplastics act as endocrine disruptors in developing zebrafish by activating estrogen receptor pathways, causing reduced dopamine neuron area, increased brain cell death, and impaired movement — effects that were reversed when the estrogen receptor was blocked.
Polystyrene nanoplastics cause developmental abnormalities, oxidative damage and immune toxicity in early zebrafish development
Zebrafish embryos exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics showed dose-dependent developmental problems including delayed hatching, reduced survival, smaller body size, and the nanoplastics accumulated in critical organs like the eyes, heart, liver, and brain. The particles triggered oxidative stress that damaged cells and activated inflammatory immune responses, demonstrating how nanoplastic contamination in water can cause widespread harm to developing organisms.
Polystyrene microplastic particles in the food chain: Characteristics and toxicity - A review
This review covers how polystyrene microplastics move through the food chain, from water and soil into animals and ultimately humans. Accumulation in organs leads to a range of harmful effects including weight loss, lung disease, brain toxicity, and oxidative stress. The paper highlights that these tiny plastic particles are particularly dangerous because they can cross biological barriers and carry other toxic chemicals with them.
Weathering effect triggers the sorption enhancement of microplastics against oxybenzone
Researchers found that weathering in air, seawater, and freshwater makes PET microplastics absorb significantly more oxybenzone, a common sunscreen chemical, than fresh plastic does. Aging creates surface cracks and new chemical groups that increase the plastic's ability to bind pollutants. The study suggests that as microplastics weather in the environment, they become more effective carriers of harmful chemicals.
Meta-Analysis of Satellite Observations for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Exploring the Potential of Machine Learning for Water Quality Monitoring
This meta-analysis and bibliometric review found that machine learning models, particularly random forest and neural networks, outperform conventional statistical methods for satellite-based water quality monitoring. While focused on remote sensing rather than microplastics directly, the methods could be applied to large-scale tracking of plastic pollution in surface waters.
Developmental cardiovascular disruption triggered by polystyrene nanoplastics in zebrafish mediated through oxidative stress
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene nanoplastics and observed disrupted heart development, including abnormal heart rate, swelling around the heart, and impaired blood vessel formation. The damage was linked to oxidative stress, and treatment with the antioxidant glutathione significantly reduced the harmful effects. The findings suggest that nanoplastic pollution in waterways may pose risks to cardiovascular development and that antioxidant-based strategies could help counteract the damage.
Levels of Phthalates, Bisphenol-A, Nonylphenol, and Microplastics in Fish in the Estuaries of Northern Taiwan and the Impact on Human Health
Researchers analyzed 600 fish from five river estuaries in northern Taiwan for endocrine-disrupting chemicals and microplastics. They found phthalates, bisphenol-A, nonylphenol, and microplastics across all sampling sites, with contamination levels varying by location and fish species, and estimated the potential human health implications from consuming these fish.
Resveratrol Butyrate Esters Reduce Hypertension in a Juvenile Rat Model of Chronic Kidney Disease Exacerbated by Microplastics
Researchers found that resveratrol butyrate esters reduced high blood pressure in young rats that had both chronic kidney disease and microplastic exposure. The protective effects worked by improving nitric oxide levels, regulating the body's blood pressure control system, and positively shifting gut bacteria composition. The study suggests that certain natural compounds may help counteract the cardiovascular harm associated with microplastic exposure.
Survey on the Environmental Risks of Bisphenol A and Its Relevant Regulations in Taiwan: An Environmental Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical of Increasing Concern
This survey examines the environmental risks of bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical widely used in plastics, focusing on its production and distribution in Taiwan. Researchers found BPA contamination across water, sediment, and food products, and summarized the regulatory measures multiple government agencies have implemented to manage its risks. The study highlights the ongoing challenges of controlling a chemical that is produced in massive quantities and found throughout the environment.
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.
Satellite sensors as an emerging technique for monitoring macro- and microplastics in aquatic ecosystems
This review assessed the emerging use of satellite remote sensing technologies for monitoring macro- and microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems, evaluating current capabilities and limitations of different satellite sensors for detecting waterborne plastic debris.
Future trends in Food Science and Foodomics: a perspective view by the Editorial Team of Exploration of Foods and Foodomics
A panel of food science experts discussed emerging trends across food safety, authenticity, processing, and bioactivity, including the growing concern about microplastic and nanoplastic contamination in food. The article highlights the need for better analytical methods to detect micro- and nanoplastics in food products and to understand their effects on the food supply chain. Researchers also discussed the potential risks of introducing recycled plastics into food packaging.
Characterization of Biodegradable Films Made from Taro Peel (Colocasia esculenta) Starch
Researchers developed biodegradable films from taro peel starch for the first time, optimizing starch and glycerol concentrations to produce films with plastic-like qualities as a renewable alternative to petroleum-based packaging.
Effects of surgical masks exposed to different weathering conditions on behavior and growth of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Researchers exposed whiteleg shrimp to new and weathered surgical masks and measured effects on behaviour, growth, and feeding. Weathered mask-derived microplastics caused more pronounced behavioural changes and growth inhibition than new masks, suggesting that environmental degradation of COVID-19 mask waste amplifies its ecological impact on benthic marine organisms.
Effects of microplastics on hatching success, ingestion, and gut retention in early developmental stages of golden trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus)
Researchers exposed early life stages of marine fish—including eggs and larvae—to microplastics of varying sizes and concentrations, finding that MPs reduced hatching success, were ingested, and were retained in the gut in ways that could impair larval development and survival.
Survey on the environmental risks of bisphenol A and its rele-vant regulations in Taiwan: An environmental endo-crine-disrupting chemical of increasing concern
This review surveys the environmental distribution of bisphenol A (BPA) in Taiwan over the past decade and summarizes the government's regulatory strategies for managing its risks, given that over 700,000 tons of BPA are produced annually and BPA-based plastics are extensively used in Taiwan. BPA was included as a toxic substance by Taiwan's Ministry of Environment given its classification as an endocrine-disrupting chemical.
Analysis of plastic waste reduction and recycling in Taiwan
This paper analyzes Taiwan's plastic waste reduction and recycling policies over recent years, finding improvements in recycling rates but ongoing challenges with single-use plastics and microplastic pollution. The Taiwanese experience offers policy lessons relevant to other countries grappling with plastic waste management.
Effects of Sphingobium yanoikuyae SJTF8 on Rice (Oryza sativa) Seed Germination and Root Development
Researchers assessed the effects of five concentrations of Sphingobium yanoikuyae SJTF8, a pollutant-degrading rhizobacterium, on rice seed germination and root development, finding concentration-dependent impacts on seedling growth with potential implications for its use as a soil bioremediation agent in agricultural settings.
Persistent Halogenated Organic Pollutants in Deep-Water-Deposited Particulates from South China Sea
Researchers measured background levels of persistent halogenated organic pollutants (POPs) in deep-water-deposited particulates from the South China Sea, providing baseline data for a region with limited prior POP measurements. The study characterised concentrations of multiple compound classes and assessed spatial distribution patterns in offshore marine sediments.