Papers

A review of nanomaterials with excellent purification potential for the removal of micro- and nanoplastics from liquid

This review summarizes how specialized nanomaterials can be used to remove microplastics and nanoplastics from water, working as tiny filters, chemical catalysts, or absorbent surfaces. Traditional water treatment methods struggle with these very small plastic particles, but engineered nanomaterials show promise for capturing them more effectively. The authors also emphasize the importance of reducing plastic pollution at its source alongside developing better cleanup technologies.

The effects of polyethylene microplastics on the growth, reproduction, metabolic enzymes, and metabolomics of earthworms Eisenia fetida

This study exposed earthworms to polyethylene microplastics in soil for 60 days and found that even when the worms appeared physically healthy, their internal enzyme systems and metabolism were significantly disrupted. The damage included signs of neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and reduced ability to break down harmful substances. Since earthworms are essential for soil health and crop growth, this disruption could indirectly affect the quality of food humans eat.

Reproduction, metabolic enzyme activity, and metabolomics in earthworms Eisenia fetida exposed to different polymer microplastics

Researchers exposed earthworms to microplastics from three different polymer types, including both conventional and biodegradable plastics, at environmentally relevant concentrations. They found that polypropylene microplastics had the most pronounced effects on reproduction and metabolic enzyme activity, while biodegradable plastics also disrupted earthworm metabolism. The study demonstrates that different plastic polymers pose varying levels of risk to soil-dwelling organisms.

Effects of Microplastics on the Mineral Elements Absorption and Accumulation in Hydroponic Rice Seedlings (Oryza sativa L.)

Researchers exposed rice seedlings to different concentrations of polyethylene microplastics in hydroponic conditions and measured the effects on mineral nutrient absorption. They found that while microplastics did not affect shoot growth, they significantly altered the uptake and distribution of essential mineral elements in the plants. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in agricultural settings could disrupt crop nutrition even without visible growth impacts.

Effects of Stocking Density on Intestinal Health of Juvenile Micropterus salmoides in Industrial Aquaponics

Researchers studied the effects of stocking density on intestinal health in juvenile largemouth bass raised in industrial aquaponics systems. The study found that a moderately higher stocking density actually improved growth performance, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant enzyme activity during the juvenile developmental phase.

Silicate Derived from <i>Phaeodactylum tricornutum</i> for Removal of Polystyrene: Interfacial Effects of Living Organism and Its Derivatives with Nanoplastics

Researchers investigated the use of silica derived from the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum to remove nanopolystyrene particles from water, examining both the toxicity of nanoplastics to the living organism and the removal efficiency of its silica derivatives. The diatom-derived silica effectively adsorbed nanoplastics, suggesting a biogenic approach to nanoplastic remediation.

Effect of Different Mulching Practices on Bacterial Community Composition and Fruit Quality in a Citrus Orchard

This paper is not directly about microplastics — it investigates the effects of different mulching materials (including plastic films) on soil bacterial communities and fruit quality in Chinese citrus orchards, focusing on agricultural productivity rather than microplastic contamination.

Reproduction, Metabolic Enzyme Activity, and Metabolomics in Earthworms Exposed to Different Polymer Microplastics

Reproduction, Metabolic Enzyme Activity, and Metabolomics in Earthworms Eisenia Fetida Exposed to Different Polymer Microplastics