Papers

Micro/nano-plastics impacts in cardiovascular systems across species

This review summarizes research across multiple species showing that microplastics and nanoplastics can damage the cardiovascular system, causing blood clots, blood vessel injury, and heart problems in lab animals. Since these tiny particles have been found in human blood and can travel throughout the body, the findings raise serious concerns about the long-term heart health effects of microplastic exposure in people.

Exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics induces apoptosis, autophagy, histopathological damage, and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis of the Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Exposing Pacific white shrimp to nanoplastics caused intestinal damage, cell death, disrupted immune function, and increased the abundance of harmful gut bacteria. Higher concentrations of nanoplastics led to more severe effects, including visible damage to the intestinal lining and formation of autophagosomes (cellular waste structures). These findings add to growing evidence that nanoplastic contamination in seafood farming can compromise the health of organisms that many people eat.

Toxic effects of micro(nano)-plastics on terrestrial ecosystems and human health

Extraction and analytical methods of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants: Isolation patterns, quantification, and size characterization techniques

This review summarizes the different methods scientists use to find, measure, and identify microplastics in wastewater treatment plants. It found 12 distinct sample processing approaches and three categories of analytical techniques currently in use, but no single standardized method exists. The lack of consistent methods makes it hard to compare results across studies and fully understand how much microplastic enters the environment through treated wastewater.

The degradation of single-use plastics and commercially viable bioplastics in the environment: A review

Researchers reviewed how conventional single-use plastics degrade over decades in natural environments versus how bioplastics biodegrade, finding that while alternatives like PBS and PHA show genuine biodegradation potential, most require specific industrial composting conditions that are rarely available in practice.

Tracking microplastics at the source: a comparative study of fluorescent and FTIR microscopy at a drinking water intake in the Perak River, Malaysia

Researchers measured microplastic contamination at a drinking water intake point on the Perak River in Malaysia, finding 12 different polymer types with most particles smaller than 10 micrometers. The study compared two detection methods and found that specialized infrared microscopy was more accurate at identifying microplastic types than fluorescence microscopy. Since this river water goes directly to a treatment plant for drinking water, the findings highlight the need to understand and filter out microplastics before they reach the tap.

Effects of different concentrations and particle sizes of nanoplastics on gut microbiology, metabolism, and immunity in Chiromantes dehaani

This study exposed crabs to nanoplastics of different sizes and concentrations and found significant harm to their gut health, including disrupted gut bacteria, reduced digestive enzyme activity, increased cell death, and inflammation. The smallest nanoplastics (75 nm) were most likely to promote harmful bacteria and trigger cell death, while medium-sized particles (500 nm) caused the strongest inflammatory response. These findings are relevant to human health because they demonstrate how nanoplastics disrupt gut function, which is a concern given that humans also ingest nanoplastics through food and water.

The effect of a polystyrene nanoplastic on the intestinal microbes and oxidative stress defense of the freshwater crayfish, Procambarus clarkii

Researchers tested the acute effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on freshwater crayfish and found that exposure altered the composition of intestinal bacteria and disrupted oxidative stress defenses. Higher concentrations of nanoplastics led to more severe changes in gut microbial diversity and antioxidant enzyme activity. The study adds to growing evidence that nanoplastic pollution can harm the gut health and immune defenses of freshwater organisms.

A Review of the Current State of Microplastic Pollution in South Asian Countries

This review surveys microplastic pollution across South Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, and others. Researchers found microplastics present in water, soil, air, and food across the region, with levels often exceeding those in other parts of the world. The paper highlights the need for better monitoring and regulation in these densely populated countries where exposure may be especially high.

Effects of nanoplastics on the gut microbiota of Pacific white shrimp <i>Litopenaeus vannamei</i>

Researchers fed polystyrene nanoplastics to Pacific white shrimp and found significant damage to their gut bacteria, intestinal structure, and immune system. The nanoplastics increased harmful bacteria like Vibrio while reducing beneficial species, and visibly damaged the intestinal lining. Since shrimp are widely consumed seafood, these gut health disruptions raise questions about how nanoplastic contamination in farmed and wild shrimp could affect both the animals and the people who eat them.

Unraveling the threat: Microplastics and nano-plastics' impact on reproductive viability across ecosystems

This review summarizes research on how microplastics and nanoplastics affect reproduction across many species, from aquatic invertebrates to mammals including humans. In males, exposure leads to testicular damage, lower sperm quality, and hormone disruption; in females, it causes ovarian and uterine problems, inflammation, and reduced fertility. The evidence also shows these reproductive harms can be passed to offspring, raising serious concerns about long-term effects on human fertility.

The Use of Waste Polymers in Asphalt Mixtures: Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Review

This systematic review examines how waste plastics can be recycled into asphalt road mixtures, potentially reducing plastic waste in the environment. Researchers found that adding polymer waste to asphalt can actually improve road durability while diverting plastics from landfills and waterways. This matters because reducing plastic waste at the source is one way to lower the amount of microplastics that eventually break down and enter our food and water.

Integrin A5B1-mediated endocytosis of polystyrene nanoplastics: Implications for human lung disease and therapeutic targets

This study identified a specific protein, integrin alpha-5-beta-1, as a key gateway that allows polystyrene nanoplastics to enter human lung cells. Once inside, the nanoplastics triggered inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell damage that could contribute to respiratory disease and lung cancer risk. The discovery of this entry mechanism could provide a potential drug target for reducing the harmful effects of inhaled nanoplastics on lung health.

Distribution and Risk Assessment of Organophosphate Esters in Agricultural Soils and Plants in the Coastal Areas of South China

This study measured organophosphate esters, chemicals used as flame retardants and plasticizers in plastic products, in agricultural soils and crops along China's southern coast. These chemicals were found in every soil and plant sample tested, with some areas showing high ecological risk levels. While focused on chemical additives rather than microplastics directly, these are the same toxic compounds that leach from microplastics, showing how plastic-related chemicals contaminate the food supply.

Dietary polystyrene nanoplastics exposure alters hepatic glycolipid metabolism, triggering inflammatory responses and apoptosis in Monopterus albus

Researchers fed swamp eels different concentrations of polystyrene nanoplastics and found dose-dependent liver damage, including disrupted fat and sugar metabolism, inflammation, and cell death. Higher nanoplastic doses caused more severe oxidative stress and activated harmful signaling pathways in liver tissue. The study adds to growing evidence that nanoplastic ingestion can significantly impair liver function in aquatic species.

Exploration of Microbial Factories for Synthesis of Nanoparticles – A Sustainable Approach for Bioremediation of Environmental Contaminants

This review explores how microorganisms can be harnessed to produce nanoparticles for environmental cleanup, including the remediation of pollutants like microplastics. Researchers describe how microbial synthesis of nanoparticles offers a cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable alternative to traditional chemical and physical manufacturing methods. The biologically produced nanoparticles show promise as tools for removing heavy metals, dyes, and other contaminants from polluted environments.

Microplastic Pollution: Sources, Degradation Mechanisms, Analytical Advances, and Mitigation Strategies for Environmental Sustainability

This review provides a comprehensive overview of microplastic pollution, covering sources, how plastics break down in the environment, detection methods capable of identifying particles down to 100 nanometers, and current mitigation strategies. Researchers evaluate approaches including advanced wastewater treatment, bio-based materials for removing microplastics, and emerging regulatory frameworks like the EU's 2023 microplastics restriction proposal. The study identifies critical research gaps and calls for interdisciplinary solutions to manage this growing environmental challenge.

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

Microplastic proliferation in Malaysia’s waterways: bridging knowledge gaps for environmental health

This review evaluates the state of microplastic pollution in Malaysia's rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, identifying industrial activity, poor waste management, and weak enforcement as key drivers. Researchers found that fish consumption accounts for roughly half of human microplastic ingestion in the country. The study calls for stronger regulatory frameworks and better waste management to reduce the health risks from microplastic-contaminated waterways.

Polystyrene microplastics induce molecular toxicity in Simocephalus vetulus: A transcriptome and intestinal microorganism analysis

Researchers exposed a freshwater crustacean to polystyrene nanoplastics and found widespread molecular-level damage, including oxidative stress, disrupted energy metabolism, and signs of neurotoxicity. The nanoplastics also significantly altered the animals' gut microbiome, increasing harmful bacteria and weakening intestinal barrier function. The study provides a detailed picture of how plastic pollution can affect freshwater organisms at the cellular and genetic level.

Advancements in Adsorption Techniques for Sustainable Water Purification: A Focus on Lead Removal

This review surveys recent advances in adsorption techniques for removing lead from contaminated water, covering materials from traditional metal oxides to newer options like chitosan, zeolites, and carbon-based structures. Researchers evaluate how well each material performs and highlight promising alternatives that are more sustainable and cost-effective. While focused on heavy metals rather than microplastics, the study contributes to the broader effort of developing better water purification methods.

Cinnamon-Nanoparticle-Loaded Macroalgal Nanocomposite Film for Antibacterial Food Packaging Applications

Researchers developed antibacterial food packaging films using cinnamon nanoparticles incorporated into a red seaweed biopolymer matrix. The study found that these nanocomposite films demonstrated effective antimicrobial properties against foodborne pathogens while offering a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastic food packaging materials.

Nano-plastics and gastric health: Decoding the cytotoxic mechanisms of polystyrene nano-plastics size

Researchers examined how different sizes of polystyrene nanoplastics affect human stomach cells in the laboratory. They found that smaller nanoplastics were more readily taken up by the cells and caused greater damage, including increased oxidative stress and reduced cell survival. The study suggests that nanoplastic particle size plays a critical role in determining their potential impact on gastrointestinal health.

Microplastic ingestion by commercial marine fish from the seawater of Northwest Peninsular Malaysia

Researchers examined microplastic ingestion by four species of commercially important marine fish caught off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The study found microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of the fish, with fibers being the most common type, highlighting the prevalence of microplastic contamination in seafood from this region.