Papers

Impact of microplastics on the human gut microbiome: a systematic review of microbial composition, diversity, and metabolic disruptions

This systematic review of 12 studies found that microplastics including polyethylene, polystyrene, and PVC induce gut dysbiosis in humans, reducing beneficial bacteria and enriching pathogens. Microplastic exposure also impairs short-chain fatty acid production and modulates immune pathways, contributing to intestinal disease, metabolic syndrome, and chronic inflammation.

Ultra-compact quintuple-band terahertz metamaterial biosensor for enhanced blood cancer diagnostics

Engineers designed an advanced terahertz-frequency biosensor that can distinguish between normal blood cells and cancerous blood cells with high sensitivity. While not directly about microplastics, this type of sensor technology could potentially be adapted to detect nanoplastic particles in blood samples, advancing our ability to measure human exposure to plastic pollution.

Ecotoxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics in endocrine systems: a systematic review

Unseen Weapons: Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles and the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance in Aquatic Environments

This review explores how bacteria in water environments spread antibiotic resistance through tiny packages called extracellular vesicles, which can carry resistance genes between bacteria. The paper discusses how antibiotic use in aquaculture, agricultural runoff, and industrial waste accelerate this problem. While focused on antibiotic resistance rather than microplastics directly, the research is relevant because microplastics in water can serve as surfaces where resistant bacteria thrive and exchange genes.

Toxic tuna tales: Tracing microplastic pathways in mackerel tuna (Euthynnus affinis), longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol), and bullet tuna (Auxis rochei)

Researchers examined 125 tuna from three species in Malaysian waters and found microplastics in their digestive tracts, gills, and edible muscle tissue. Fibers were the most common type, and male fish accumulated more microplastics than females. Since tuna is one of the most widely consumed fish globally, the presence of microplastics in edible muscle tissue raises direct concerns about human exposure through seafood.

Microplastic contamination in Indian mackerel: A study of prevalence and potential health risks for Malaysian consumers

Detection of microplastics in human colectomy specimens

Researchers examined tissue samples from patients who had colon surgery and detected microplastics in the specimens. The findings suggest that microplastics are commonly present in the human colon, adding to a growing body of evidence that these particles accumulate in the human digestive system.

Green polymer electrolyte and activated charcoal-based supercapacitor for energy harvesting application: Electrochemical characteristics

Researchers developed a green polymer battery component using chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol as alternatives to conventional plastic materials, motivated by concerns about microplastic pollution from electronic waste. While primarily an engineering study, the work directly addresses how plastic components in electronics contribute to the growing microplastic problem in oceans. Developing biodegradable alternatives for electronic components could help reduce the flow of microplastics from discarded devices into the environment.

Review of mayflies (Insecta Ephemeroptera) as a bioindicator of heavy metals and microplastics in freshwater

This review examines how mayflies can serve as living indicators of heavy metal and microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems. Changes in mayfly populations, behavior, and body chemistry reflect contamination levels in rivers and streams. Since microplastics can carry heavy metals into waterways and up the food chain, monitoring these sensitive insects helps scientists track pollution that could ultimately affect human drinking water and food sources.

A comprehensive review of various approaches for treatment of tertiary wastewater with emerging contaminants: what do we know?

Researchers reviewed tertiary wastewater treatment technologies for removing emerging contaminants — including pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, and personal care products — covering membrane filtration, UV irradiation, ozonation, advanced oxidation, and microalgal bioremediation, with emphasis on integrated approaches needed to protect water reuse systems.

Revolutionizing contact lens manufacturing: exploring cutting-edge techniques and innovations for enhanced vision and comfort

This review covers advances in contact lens manufacturing, including new materials, 3D printing techniques, and nanotechnology coatings for better comfort and vision. While not directly about microplastics, contact lenses are a known source of microplastic pollution when disposed of improperly, and the polymer materials used in lenses can shed microplastic particles. The development of more biocompatible lens materials could have implications for reducing microplastic exposure to the eye and the environment.

Microplastic Removal in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) by Natural Coagulation: A Literature Review

This review examines how natural coagulants, substances derived from plants and other natural sources, can be used to remove microplastics during wastewater treatment. Natural coagulants are safer and cheaper than chemical alternatives, and show promise for capturing microplastic particles. Since wastewater treatment plants are a major source of microplastics entering waterways, better removal methods could reduce the amount of plastic pollution reaching the environment and eventually human food and water supplies.

Occurrence, distribution and characteristics of microplastics in gastrointestinal tract and gills of commercial marine fish from Malaysia

Researchers examined 158 commercial marine fish from 16 species in Malaysia and found microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts and gills of all species studied. Fibers were the most common microplastic type, and the contamination levels varied between sampling locations. The findings add to growing evidence that microplastics are widespread in commercially important fish species, raising questions about the potential for human exposure through seafood consumption.

Implications of climate change on water quality and sanitation in climate hotspot locations: A case study in Indonesia

This review assesses water quality challenges in Indonesia, where 70% of rivers are heavily polluted and only 10% of rainfall reaches groundwater. Water availability has dropped sharply, with a supply deficit of 5.5 cubic hectometers per year. While focused on broader water quality issues including industrial and domestic waste, the findings illustrate how inadequate water infrastructure in climate-vulnerable regions leaves populations exposed to emerging contaminants like microplastics.

Bio-based polyurethane as a sustainable coating material for controlled-release fertilizer

Researchers developed a bio-based polyurethane coating from palm kernel oil to create controlled-release fertilizer as an alternative to petroleum-based coatings. They found that adjusting the coating thickness and composition could effectively regulate how quickly nutrients are released to plants. The study offers a more sustainable approach to agricultural fertilizer delivery that reduces both environmental pollution and dependence on fossil fuel-derived materials.

Microplastics contamination in coastal environment of Southeast Asia: A systematic review

A Decade of Microplastic Ingestion in Coral Fish: A Systematic Review of Trends in Asia

This systematic review summarizes a decade of research on microplastic ingestion by coral reef fish in Asia. It found widespread contamination across species, which matters for human health because many of these fish are commonly consumed as seafood in the region.

Microplastics in the Gastrointestinal Tract: A Systematic Review

This systematic review summarizes research on microplastics found in the human gastrointestinal tract. It highlights that microplastics are accumulating in our digestive systems through food and water, and calls for urgent research to understand how these particles may affect gut health and overall well-being.

Comparative Review of Different Adsorption Techniques Used in Heavy Metals Removal in Water

This review compares different adsorption techniques for removing heavy metals from water, including the use of metal oxides, graphene, zeolites, and carbon-based composites. Researchers found that these materials offer high surface area and efficient pollutant removal capabilities. The study provides an overview of the economic feasibility of various adsorbents for addressing heavy metal contamination in water resources.

Biodiversity of Secondary Metabolites Compounds Isolated from Phylum Actinobacteria and Its Therapeutic Applications

This review summarizes the biodiversity of secondary metabolites produced by Actinobacteria across diverse ecological environments, including marine, terrestrial, and extreme habitats. Researchers found that these bacteria produce a wide range of bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications, including antimicrobial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. The study highlights the importance of exploring underinvestigated environments for discovering novel natural products.

Characteristics of microplastics in sediment of the Vaal River, South Africa: implications on bioavailability and toxicity

Researchers analyzed sediment samples from South Africa's Vaal River and found microplastics at all sampling sites, with small fragments under 0.5 millimeters being the most common. The chemical analysis revealed that many of the particles contained potentially toxic additives and showed signs of environmental weathering. The findings raise concerns about the bioavailability of these contaminated particles to river organisms and downstream communities that rely on the water.

Generation and consequence of nano/microplastics from medical waste and household plastic during the COVID-19 pandemic

This review examines how medical waste and household plastics generated during the COVID-19 pandemic contribute to micro- and nanoplastic pollution. Researchers found that approximately 1.6 million tons of plastic waste were generated daily during the pandemic, with single-use items like face masks and gloves containing non-biodegradable materials that fragment into microplastics. The study highlights that these particles can also serve as carriers for pathogenic contaminants, posing long-term risks to ecosystems and human health.

Tropical sharks feasting on and swimming through microplastics: First evidence from Malaysia

Researchers examined microplastic contamination in five tropical shark species from Malaysian waters, finding that 100% of the 74 sharks sampled contained microplastics. A total of 2,211 plastic particles were found in gastrointestinal tracts and gills, averaging about 30 particles per shark, with black fibers being the most dominant type and polyester the most common polymer. The study suggests that microplastic uptake may be gender-related in some shark species.

Proposing an ensemble machine learning based drought vulnerability index using M5P, dagging, random sub-space and rotation forest models

Researchers applied ensemble machine learning techniques to model drought vulnerability across the state of Odisha, India, using 53 vulnerability indicators across 248 drought-prone villages. The M5P-Rotation Forest model achieved the highest accuracy with an AUC of 0.901, and the analysis found that nearly 38% of the study area showed high to very high drought vulnerability. The study demonstrates the potential of ensemble machine learning approaches for mapping regional drought risk to support better resource management.