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Papers
18 resultsShowing papers from National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
ClearEvaluation of phenotypic and behavioral toxicity of micro- and nano-plastic polystyrene particles in larval zebrafish (<i>Danio rerio</i>)
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene particles ranging from 50 nanometers to 10 micrometers and found that nearly all sizes caused physical abnormalities and changes in swimming behavior. Smaller particles were taken up more readily and distributed to organs including the brain and gut. These findings are relevant to human health because zebrafish share many biological pathways with humans, and the results suggest that both micro- and nano-sized plastics can cause developmental harm.
Polystyrene micro and nano-particles induce metabolic rewiring in normal human colon cells: A risk factor for human health
Researchers exposed normal human colon cells to polystyrene micro and nanoplastic particles and observed significant metabolic changes in the cells. The study found that these plastic particles altered energy metabolism and cellular pathways in ways that could increase vulnerability to disease. These findings raise concerns that routine ingestion of microplastics through contaminated food may affect normal intestinal cell function in humans.
Application of Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of microplastics in food and beverages: a comprehensive review
This review analyzed 56 studies published over the past decade that used Raman spectroscopy to detect microplastics in food and beverages. Researchers found that while the technique is effective for identifying the size, shape, and chemical composition of microplastics, there is significant variation in how different labs conduct their analyses. The study calls for more standardized methods to enable reliable comparisons of microplastic contamination levels across different food products.
Groundwater is a hidden global keystone ecosystem
This study presents a global analysis showing that groundwater is a foundational ecosystem that supports over half of the world's land surface areas, yet it remains largely overlooked in conservation efforts. Researchers argue that groundwater should be recognized as a keystone ecosystem because its health directly influences rivers, wetlands, and other surface habitats. The findings call for including groundwater in global biodiversity protection frameworks before further depletion and pollution cause irreversible damage.
Spatial variability and influence of biological parameters on microplastic ingestion by Boops boops (L.) along the Italian coasts (Western Mediterranean Sea)
Researchers analyzed microplastic ingestion by Boops boops (bogue fish) across multiple Italian coastal sites in the Western Mediterranean, finding that ingestion rates varied by body size, season, and location, and that this widely consumed fish is a suitable bioindicator for microplastic monitoring.
Effects of nano- & microplastics on terrestrial plants are ubiquitous and widespread: a systematic review
This systematic review finds that nano- and microplastics have widespread negative effects on plants, including reduced germination, stunted growth, and biochemical stress responses. Since plants form the base of our food supply, these findings suggest that microplastic contamination in agricultural soils could affect crop health and potentially the quality of food we eat.
Sizing Microplastic Particles Using Acoustic Imaging and Deep Neural Network
Researchers developed an acoustic imaging-based deep neural network system to size microplastic particles in real time, comparing Total Focusing Method and Circular Wave Imaging strategies and achieving accurate particle segmentation from acoustic signals.
What, where, and when: Spatial-temporal distribution of macro-litter on the seafloor of the western and central Mediterranean sea
Using fishery-independent monitoring data from the western Mediterranean, this study characterized the spatial and temporal distribution of macro-litter on the seafloor, identifying accumulation hotspots to guide marine litter management efforts.
Future monitoring of litter and microplastics in the Arctic—challenges, opportunities, and strategies
Researchers outlined the key challenges and future strategies for long-term monitoring of litter and microplastics in the Arctic, identifying gaps in standardization, data harmonization, knowledge of transport pathways, and environmental impact thresholds that must be addressed for effective pollution tracking.
One is not enough: Monitoring microplastic ingestion by fish needs a multispecies approach
Researchers found that monitoring microplastic ingestion by fish requires a multispecies approach, as different feeding guilds — benthic, demersal, and pelagic — accumulate microplastics at varying rates and sizes, making any single-species indicator insufficient for assessing marine contamination.
Data Collection on Marine Litter Ingestion in Sea Turtles and Thresholds for Good Environmental Status
Researchers developed a standardized protocol for collecting and analyzing marine litter ingested by sea turtles, providing methodology for extracting and quantifying litter items from dead turtles to fulfill EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive requirements for assessing Good Environmental Status.
From inshore to offshore: distribution of microplastics in three Italian seawaters
Researchers surveyed microplastic concentrations across coastal to offshore areas in three Italian seas, finding heterogeneous distributions of 6,069 particles with differences between surface and subsurface water layers, providing data to support EU marine monitoring programs.
Exploring microplastic ingestion by three deep-water elasmobranch species: A case study from the Tyrrhenian Sea
Researchers found microplastics in the digestive tracts of three deep-water elasmobranch species (Galeus melastomus, Scyliorhinus canicula, and Etmopterus spinax) from the Tyrrhenian Sea, with no significant differences in microplastic abundance between stomach and intestine contents across species.
Synthesis of Stable Aluminum Nanoparticles at Varying Reactant Concentrations and Their Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Activity
Researchers synthesised aluminum nanoparticles via catalysed thermal reduction and systematically examined how varying reactant dilution across four dilution factors affects nanoparticle stability, size, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering activity, with implications for safer large-scale production.
The meiofauna as neglected carriers of antibiotic resistant and pathogenic bacteria in freshwater ecosystems
This study examines meiofauna — tiny animals living in freshwater sediments — as potential carriers of antibiotic-resistant and pathogenic bacteria. Meiofauna can transport bacteria across sediments, potentially spreading resistance genes through freshwater ecosystems. The authors argue this overlooked group of organisms deserves more attention in antimicrobial resistance research.
Visual observations of floating macro litter around Italy (Mediterranean Sea)
A visual survey of floating macro-litter in the central Mediterranean Sea found plastic was the dominant type, with single-use items most common. The findings demonstrate that plastic pollution is widespread even in open ocean areas far from coasts.
Fragmentation of polymer nanocomposites: modulation by dry and wet weathering, fractionation, and nanomaterial filler
Environmental weathering of polymer nanocomposites — plastics embedded with carbon nanotubes, graphene, or inorganic nanoparticles — causes them to fragment and release both microplastics and engineered nanomaterials. This dual release creates complex mixtures of contaminants with unknown combined effects on ecosystems and human health.
Present and future of aquatic sciences: The perspective of AIOL scientific community for a priority roadmap over the next five years
Italian aquatic scientists outlined their research priorities for the next five years, emphasizing that aquatic ecosystems face growing challenges from human activities including plastic pollution, climate change, and overuse of water resources. The roadmap calls for better integration of science into water governance and public policy.