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Papers
78 resultsShowing papers from University of Concepción
ClearResidual additives in marine microplastics and their risk assessment – A critical review
This review examines the chemical additives found in marine microplastics, including flame retardants, plasticizers, and UV stabilizers, and assesses the risks they may pose to ocean ecosystems. Researchers found that while the transfer of some chemicals from ingested plastics to organisms has been demonstrated, results on actual bioaccumulation are inconclusive. The study suggests that current risk assessment approaches may be inadequate given the sheer number of chemicals associated with marine plastic particles.
Cellulosic and microplastic fibers in the Antarctic fish Harpagifer antarcticus and Sub-Antarctic Harpagifer bispinis
Researchers found microfibers in the digestive tracts of 89 percent of Antarctic fish and 73 percent of sub-Antarctic fish examined. While most fibers were cellulose from clothing, synthetic microplastics including polyester and acrylics were also present. The study points to laundry wastewater from research stations as a major source of fiber pollution in Antarctic waters, showing that human activity contaminates even the most remote marine food webs.
Innovative Use of Single-Use Face Mask Fibers for the Production of a Sustainable Cement Mortar
Researchers recycled disposable face masks into polypropylene fibers and added them to cement mortar, finding that small amounts improved the mortar's strength and crack resistance. The recycling process included full disinfection of the mask material before processing. This approach could help address the massive waste from single-use masks while creating a useful construction material, turning pandemic waste into a resource.
Combined Effect of Microplastics and Cd Alters the Enzymatic Activity of Soil and the Productivity of Strawberry Plants
This study tested how microplastics and the heavy metal cadmium together affect soil health and strawberry plant growth. The combination of both pollutants reduced soil enzyme activity and decreased strawberry yields more than either pollutant alone. This matters for food safety because microplastics in agricultural soil may amplify the harmful effects of other contaminants already present, potentially affecting both crop productivity and what ends up on your plate.
Polyethylene Microplastics and Human Cells: A Critical Review
This review focuses specifically on polyethylene microplastics, the most widely produced plastic globally, and their interactions with human cells. Researchers summarized evidence that these particles have been detected in human blood, lungs, placenta, and brain tissue. The study highlights growing concerns about how polyethylene microplastics may affect cellular processes and emphasizes the need for standardized testing methods.
Physical and anthropogenic drivers shaping the spatial distribution of microplastics in the marine sediments of Chilean fjords
Researchers examined microplastic distribution in marine sediments across 35 stations in Chilean Patagonian fjords. The study found microplastics in all samples, averaging 72.2 items per kilogram of dry sediment, with about 40% of the variability in distribution explained by ocean current velocity combined with proximity and intensity of local salmon farming activities.
Antioxidant Responses and Phytochemical Accumulation in Raphanus Species Sprouts through Elicitors and Predictive Models under High Temperature Stress
Researchers tested how edible and wild radish sprouts respond to high temperature stress when treated with various plant defense activators. The study found that specific combinations of elevated temperature and elicitor treatments could boost antioxidant capacity and beneficial plant compounds, suggesting strategies for maintaining crop nutritional quality as growing temperatures rise due to climate change.
Single and repetitive microplastics exposures induce immune system modulation and homeostasis alteration in the edible mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis
Researchers examined transcriptome-wide gene expression changes in Mediterranean mussels after single and repeated microplastic exposures, finding significant immune system modulation and disruption of cellular homeostasis. The study suggests that both short-term and chronic microplastic exposure can alter immune regulation pathways in filter-feeding bivalves, with repeated exposures showing cumulative effects.
Hypoxia in the Blue Mussel Mytilus chilensis Induces Transcriptome Shift Associated with Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, Metabolism, and Immune Response.
Scientists used gene expression analysis to study how low-oxygen conditions affect the blue mussel Mytilus chilensis at the molecular level. Researchers found that hypoxia triggered stress responses in the mussels' gills, digestive glands, and muscles, including cellular stress pathways, metabolic shifts, and immune changes. The study highlights how climate-driven oxygen depletion in coastal waters can stress economically important shellfish species.
Low prevalence of microplastic contamination in planktivorous fish species from the southeast Pacific Ocean
Researchers examined the gut contents of 292 planktivorous fish from seven species along the southeast Pacific coast and found a very low prevalence of microplastic contamination, with only 2.1% of fish containing plastic particles. The microplastics found were degraded fragments and threads of various colors, suggesting the fish were not selectively targeting them. The study indicates that microplastic ingestion risk for planktivorous species in this region may currently be limited compared to other ocean areas.
Adsorption of polyethylene microbeads and physiological effects on hydroponic maize
Researchers evaluated the adsorption, potential uptake, and physiological effects of polyethylene microbeads on hydroponically grown maize plants using carbon isotope analysis. The study estimated that about 30% of the microplastic particles adhered to root surfaces, and exposure affected plant physiology, providing evidence that crop plants can interact with and be affected by microplastic contamination.
Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of the Blue Mussel Mytilus chilensis Reveals Molecular Signatures Facing the Marine Environment
Scientists assembled the first chromosome-level genome of the Chilean blue mussel, an important aquaculture species in South America. The genome revealed genetic adaptations related to immune defense, stress response, and shell formation that help the mussels survive in challenging marine environments. This genomic resource will support breeding programs and help researchers understand how mussels respond to environmental stressors including pollution.
Microplastic ingestion cause intestinal lesions in the intertidal fish Girella laevifrons
Researchers fed juvenile intertidal fish diets containing different concentrations of polystyrene microplastics for 45 days and examined intestinal tissue damage. The study found that microplastic ingestion caused dose-dependent intestinal lesions, including increased immune cell infiltration, tissue swelling, and loss of both crypt and villi cells. The severity of tissue damage increased with higher microplastic concentrations, suggesting physical abrasion as a key mechanism of intestinal injury.
Effect of Microplastic on the Gills of the Shore Crab <i>Carcinus maenas</i>
Researchers investigated the effect of polystyrene microspheres on the gills of the shore crab Carcinus maenas. The study found that inhaled microplastics caused significant but transient effects on branchial function, demonstrating that microplastics can affect respiratory organs in marine crustaceans even through short-term exposure.
Microplastic concentration, distribution and dynamics along one of the largest Mediterranean-climate rivers: A whole watershed approach.
Researchers conducted a comprehensive survey of microplastic pollution across the entire Biobio river watershed in Chile, one of the largest rivers in South America. They found microplastics at all 18 sampling sites, with concentrations linked to urbanization, wastewater discharge, and agricultural activities. The study reveals that both environmental and human factors drive microplastic distribution patterns throughout large river systems.
The feeding mode effect: influence on particle ingestion by four invertebrates from Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters
Researchers assessed microplastic ingestion in four invertebrate species from sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters, including crustaceans and gastropods. They found that benthic grazers ingested significantly more but smaller particles compared to scavengers, with cellulose and rayon fibers making up 60% of ingested particles and true microplastics comprising 30%. The findings suggest that feeding mode strongly influences which marine organisms are most susceptible to microplastic ingestion in polar environments.
Fused deposition modelling approach using 3D printing and recycled industrial materials for a sustainable environment: a review
Researchers reviewed the use of fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing as a strategy for repurposing industrial plastic waste, examining how recycled polymer materials can be processed into filaments and printed into new objects to reduce environmental plastic accumulation.
Behavioural and physiological responses to salinization and air exposure during the ontogeny of a freshwater South American snail
Researchers examined salinity tolerance and behavioral responses of the vulnerable freshwater snail Chilina dombeiana during different life stages, finding that early developmental stages were most sensitive to salinization stress.
Biodegradation of Polystyrene by Galleria mellonella: Identification of Potential Enzymes Involved in the Degradative Pathway
This study confirmed that larvae of the wax moth Galleria mellonella can biodegrade polystyrene, one of the most resistant plastics, and identified candidate enzymes involved in the degradation process. Researchers used proteomics to pinpoint enzymes in the larval gut, providing insights that could inform future biotechnological approaches to plastic waste management.
Chlorophyll-a Detection Algorithms at Different Depths Using In Situ, Meteorological, and Remote Sensing Data in a Chilean Lake
Researchers used a combination of field measurements, weather data, and satellite imagery to estimate chlorophyll-a concentrations at different depths in a Chilean lake. They compared deep learning and statistical models and found all three approaches performed well for predicting algal levels in the freshwater ecosystem. The study advances water quality monitoring techniques that can help track environmental changes, including those potentially linked to pollution.
Occurrence and Distribution of Microplastics in Soils and Intertidal Sediments at Fildes Bay, Maritime Antarctica
Researchers found microplastic contamination in soils and intertidal sediments at Fildes Bay in Maritime Antarctica, with higher concentrations near research stations, demonstrating that even remote polar environments are affected by microplastic pollution.
Slow and steady hurts the crab: Effects of chronic and acute microplastic exposures on a filter feeder crab
Researchers found that chronic low-concentration microplastic exposure over five months caused significant metabolic and nutritional damage to filter-feeding crabs, while acute high-concentration exposure showed no effects, highlighting the importance of long-term exposure studies.
REMOVAL OF AMOXICILLIN THROUGH DIFFERENT METHODS, EMPHASIZING REMOVAL BY BIOPOLYMERS AND ITS DERIVATIVES. AN OVERVIEW
This review examined various methods for removing the antibiotic amoxicillin from water, emphasizing the use of biopolymers and their derivatives as efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional treatment approaches.
Bio-Based Polymeric Membranes: Development and Environmental Applications
This review examined bio-based polymeric membranes as environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil-derived materials for water treatment, discussing polymer selection, preparation methods, green solvents, and their effectiveness in removing organic and inorganic contaminants.