Papers

Microplastic contaminations in a set of beverages sold in France

Researchers tested microplastic levels in various beverages sold in France, finding contamination in all types with beers being the most contaminated at about 83 particles per liter, while water had the least at about 3 particles per liter. Surprisingly, glass bottles contained more microplastics than plastic ones, with bottle caps identified as the likely main source of contamination.

Toxicity of methylmercury in aquatic organisms and interaction with environmental factors and coexisting pollutants: A review

This review examines how methylmercury, a toxic form of mercury found in fish, interacts with environmental factors including microplastics in aquatic ecosystems. The findings show that microplastics can alter how mercury accumulates in aquatic organisms, potentially changing the level of mercury contamination in seafood that people eat.

Polylactic acid synthesis, biodegradability, conversion to microplastics and toxicity: a review

Researchers reviewed polylactic acid (PLA), a popular plant-based "biodegradable" plastic used in packaging and agriculture, finding that while it breaks down inside the body, it does not fully degrade under natural outdoor or aquatic conditions — and in fact fragments into microplastics faster than conventional petroleum-based plastics. This challenges the assumption that bioplastics are a straightforward environmental solution.

Recent Progress in Intestinal Toxicity of Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence

This systematic review of animal studies from 2021 to 2024 found growing evidence that swallowed microplastics and nanoplastics can damage the gut. Effects include inflammation, weakened gut barriers, oxidative stress, and disrupted gut bacteria. These findings suggest that the plastic particles found in our food could pose a risk to digestive health, though more research with realistic exposure levels is needed.

Biodegradable microplastics interaction with pollutants and their potential toxicity for aquatic biota: a review

State of the art on biodegradability of bio-based plastics containing polylactic acid

This review examines whether bio-based plastics made from polylactic acid (PLA) actually break down in the environment as intended. While certain microorganisms can degrade PLA, the process is slow and depends heavily on conditions like temperature and moisture. The findings matter because if bio-based plastics do not fully break down, they can still fragment into microplastics, posing many of the same environmental and health risks as conventional plastics.

Immunotoxicity and intestinal effects of nano- and microplastics: a review of the literature

This review examines the evidence on how nano- and microplastics affect the immune system and intestinal health. The findings suggest that exposure to these particles can disrupt the gut microbiome and impair critical intestinal barrier functions, potentially contributing to the development of chronic inflammatory and immune conditions.

Oral exposure to polyethylene microplastics alters gut morphology, immune response, and microbiota composition in mice

Researchers fed mice polyethylene microplastics of two sizes commonly found in human stool for six weeks and examined the effects on gut health. The study found that microplastic exposure altered gut structure, disrupted immune cell function, changed gene expression related to inflammation and gut barrier integrity, and shifted the composition of gut bacteria. Mice exposed to both sizes simultaneously showed the most severe effects, suggesting that real-world exposure to mixed microplastic sizes may compound the damage.

The tolerance of a keystone ecosystem engineer to extreme heat stress is hampered by microplastic leachates

Researchers found that chemical substances leaching from microplastics significantly reduced the ability of blue mussels to survive extreme heat stress. At 35 degrees Celsius, mussels exposed to leachates from beached plastic pellets had the lowest survival rates, likely because weathered plastics release more toxic additives. This study shows how microplastic pollution and climate change can interact to threaten key marine species, which has cascading effects on coastal ecosystems that humans depend on.

Oral exposure to polyethylene microplastics induces inflammatory and metabolic changes and promotes fibrosis in mouse liver.

Mice fed polyethylene microplastics in their food for 6 to 9 weeks developed liver inflammation, metabolic disruption, oxidative stress, and increased cell growth in the liver. The microplastics also worsened liver scarring (fibrosis) when tested in mice with pre-existing liver damage. This is the first study to show that ingesting polyethylene, the most common type of plastic, can directly damage the mammalian liver and could worsen existing liver conditions.

The comparative toxicity of biobased, modified biobased, biodegradable, and petrochemical-based microplastics on the brackish water flea Diaphanosoma celebensis

This study compared the toxicity of four types of microplastics, including biodegradable and biobased alternatives, on a small aquatic organism. All microplastic types, regardless of whether they were "eco-friendly" or petroleum-based, caused similar levels of reproductive decline. This challenges the assumption that biodegradable and biobased plastics are safer for the environment, suggesting they may pose comparable ecological risks as they break down.

Microplastic Size-Dependent Toxicity, Oxidative Stress Induction, and p-JNK and p-p38 Activation in the Monogonont Rotifer (<i>Brachionus koreanus</i>)

Researchers tested the effects of different sizes of polystyrene microbeads on a type of microscopic aquatic animal called a rotifer. They found that the smallest particles caused the most harm, reducing growth rate and reproduction while triggering oxidative stress and activating cellular defense pathways. The study demonstrates that microplastic toxicity increases as particle size decreases, suggesting nanoplastics may pose greater biological risks than larger fragments.

Adverse effects of microplastics and oxidative stress-induced MAPK/Nrf2 pathway-mediated defense mechanisms in the marine copepod Paracyclopina nana

Researchers studied how nano- and micro-sized polystyrene particles affect a tiny marine crustacean called a copepod at the molecular level. They found that the smallest particles caused the most severe oxidative stress and triggered cellular defense pathways, with effects worsening at higher concentrations. The study suggests that microplastics can disrupt the internal chemistry of marine organisms even at sizes too small to see with the naked eye.

Ingestion of environmentally sourced polyvinyl chloride microplastic fragments increases colon inflammation and fibrosis in mice

Researchers fed mice food contaminated with environmentally sourced PVC microplastic fragments containing 16 chemical additives, including 7 known endocrine disruptors. While the microplastics caused increased inflammation markers in healthy intestines, they significantly worsened symptoms in mice with chronic colitis, increasing fibrosis and recruiting more inflammatory cells to the colon. The study adds to evidence that real-world microplastics, with their complex mix of chemical additives, may be particularly harmful to individuals with pre-existing gut conditions.

Benthic Foraminiferal Indices and Environmental Quality Assessment of Transitional Waters: A Review of Current Challenges and Future Research Perspectives

This review examines how benthic foraminifera, tiny shell-building organisms, are used as biological indicators to assess the ecological quality of transitional waters such as estuaries, lagoons, and fjords. The study highlights challenges in applying foraminiferal indices to these environments, which face anthropogenic pressures including pollution from plastics and other contaminants.

Are bioplastics an ecofriendly alternative to fossil fuel plastics?

Investigation of the toxic effects of different polystyrene micro-and nanoplastics on microalgae Chlorella vulgaris by analysis of cell viability, pigment content, oxidative stress and ultrastructural changes

Researchers examined the toxic effects of different-sized polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics on the microalga Chlorella vulgaris in long-term exposure tests. The study found that smaller particles (20 and 50 nm) caused greater reductions in cell viability and chlorophyll concentration than larger ones, with surface functionalization also influencing toxicity and ultrastructural damage.

Earth Observations for Monitoring Marine Coastal Hazards and Their Drivers

Researchers reviewed the use of Earth observation technologies for monitoring coastal hazards including pollution, sea-level changes, and extreme weather events. The study highlights how satellite-based monitoring and forecasting systems are increasingly important for managing risks to densely populated coastal zones, including emerging threats from marine pollution such as microplastics.

Experimental evidence that polystyrene nanoplastics cross the intestinal barrier of European seabass

Researchers provided direct experimental evidence that polystyrene nanoplastics can cross the intestinal barrier of European seabass using ex vivo intestinal preparations. The study showed that nanoplastics translocated across the intestinal epithelium from both median and distal gut segments. The findings demonstrate a mechanism by which nanoplastics could gain access to the bloodstream and internal organs in fish.

Machine learning in marine ecology: an overview of techniques and applications

This overview examines how machine learning techniques are being applied across marine ecology, covering data types from satellite imagery and acoustics to underwater images and genomic data. Researchers built a database of roughly 1,000 publications to map which techniques work best for different marine research questions. The study highlights that growing data volumes and computing power are making machine learning an increasingly essential tool for understanding ocean ecosystems.

Toxicity comparison of polylactic acid and polyethylene microplastics co-exposed with methylmercury on Daphnia magna

Researchers compared the toxicity of biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics with conventional polyethylene microplastics, both alone and in combination with methylmercury, on water fleas. The biodegradable microplastics caused greater harm, significantly reducing survival and reproduction while also increasing mercury accumulation in the organisms. The findings challenge the assumption that biodegradable plastics are always safer for the environment, suggesting they may actually enhance the toxicity of co-occurring pollutants.

Use of industry 4.0 technologies to reduce and valorize seafood waste and by-products: A narrative review on current knowledge

Researchers review how Industry 4.0 technologies — including artificial intelligence, smart sensors, and the Internet of Things — can reduce waste from fish and seafood processing while recovering valuable nutrients and materials. Better management of seafood discards could strengthen global food security and reduce the environmental damage caused by millions of tons of annual fishery waste.

Chronic Exposure to Both Electronic and Conventional Cigarettes Alters Ileum and Colon Turnover, Immune Function, and Barrier Integrity in Mice

Researchers compared the effects of e-cigarette aerosol and conventional cigarette smoke on mouse intestinal tissue over six months. They found that both exposures caused damage to the gut lining, reduced cell turnover, and impaired immune function in the ileum and colon. The study suggests that e-cigarettes, like traditional cigarettes, may negatively affect digestive health by disrupting the intestinal barrier.

Farming Activities and Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A French Nationwide Population-based Cohort Study

Researchers conducted a large population study in France examining whether farming activities are associated with increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease. While the study identified farming as a potential risk factor, the specific exposures driving this link remain unclear. The authors highlight that further research into agricultural exposures, including pesticides, pathogens, and micro- and nanoplastics, could help identify occupational risk factors for gut health conditions.