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Papers
176 resultsShowing papers from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
ClearHealth impacts of microplastic and nanoplastic exposure
This review examines the growing evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can cross barriers in the lungs and gut, enter the bloodstream, and reach organs like the brain, placenta, and reproductive system. Early clinical studies suggest links to immune changes, heart problems, and reproductive effects, though more research is needed. Better methods for measuring plastic exposure in humans are critical to understanding the true health risks.
Microplastics and human health
This brief commentary highlights that significant knowledge gaps still need to be filled before we can fully understand the health risks that microplastics pose to humans. It calls for more research to clarify how microplastic exposure may affect human health.
Quantitation of micro and nanoplastics in human blood by pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Researchers developed and validated an improved method using pyrolysis-gas chromatography to measure specific plastic polymer types in human blood, detecting plastics in 64 out of 68 blood samples tested with a mean concentration of 268 nanograms per milliliter. Polyethylene was the most common polymer found, underscoring that microplastic and nanoplastic particles are already circulating inside the human body.
Micro- and Nanoplastics Breach the Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB): Biomolecular Corona’s Role Revealed
Researchers showed that nanometer-sized polystyrene particles can reach the mouse brain within just 2 hours of being swallowed, crossing the blood-brain barrier that normally protects the brain from harmful substances. Computer simulations revealed that cholesterol molecules on the particle surface helped the nanoplastics slip through this barrier, suggesting that the tiniest plastic particles in our environment could potentially affect brain health.
Biotechnological methods to remove microplastics: a review
This review examines biotechnological approaches to removing microplastics from the environment, including using algae, fungi, and bacteria that can break down plastic particles. The paper also discusses cutting-edge methods like gene editing to enhance microbial degradation abilities, which could eventually help reduce the amount of microplastics that accumulate in food and water sources.
Improved multivariate quantification of plastic particles in human blood using non-targeted pyrolysis GC-MS
Scientists developed improved methods for measuring plastic particles in human blood, finding that standard techniques can produce significant errors, especially for PET plastic. The new multivariate approach reduced measurement errors by up to 38%, which is important because accurate blood measurements are essential for understanding how much microplastic exposure people actually face.
Comparative microplastic analysis in urban waters using μ-FTIR and Py-GC-MS: A case study in Amsterdam
Researchers compared two analytical methods for measuring microplastics in Amsterdam's canal water and found good agreement between them, with concentrations ranging from 16 to 107 particles per cubic meter. Microplastic levels were higher in the city center than in suburban areas, and seasonal differences were observed, providing a clearer picture of urban freshwater contamination that can ultimately reach drinking water sources.
Impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on early-life health: a roadmap towards risk assessment
Researchers proposed a detailed risk assessment roadmap specifically for how micro- and nanoplastic exposure during pregnancy and early childhood could harm fetal and infant development, noting that these tiny particles have already been detected in human placentas. The framework identifies critical gaps in dosing data, detection methods, and placental transfer research needed before reliable safety conclusions can be drawn.
Strategy towards producing relevant and reliable data for the hazard assessment of micro- and nanoplastics in agricultural soils
This paper outlines a strategy for producing better scientific data on the hazards of micro and nanoplastics in agricultural soils. Current research suffers from a lack of standardized testing methods, unrealistic experimental conditions, and inconsistent materials, making it hard to draw reliable conclusions. The authors provide specific recommendations for more environmentally relevant experiments that could support meaningful regulations to protect soil ecosystems and food safety.
Pioneer plants enhance soil multifunctionality by reshaping underground multitrophic community during natural succession of an abandoned rare earth mine tailing
Researchers studied natural plant colonization of an abandoned rare earth mine and found that pioneer plants increased soil multifunctionality by up to 525% by reshaping underground microbial communities and building more complex multitrophic networks, pointing to plant-driven succession as a viable strategy for degraded mine rehabilitation.
Polystyrene nanoparticle exposure accelerates ovarian cancer development in mice by altering the tumor microenvironment
A study in mice found that exposure to tiny polystyrene nanoplastics (100 nanometers) through drinking water significantly accelerated the growth of ovarian cancer tumors. The nanoplastics altered the tumor's surrounding environment and disrupted immune-related gene expression, creating conditions that favored cancer progression. This is concerning because it suggests everyday nanoplastic exposure could potentially worsen cancer outcomes in humans.
Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics causes defective retinal development and function in progeny mice by disturbing metabolic profiles
When pregnant mice drank water containing nanoplastics at levels found in the environment, their pups were born with defective eye development -- fewer retinal nerve cells, slower blood vessel growth in the retina, and abnormal visual function. The nanoplastics disrupted key amino acids needed for normal retinal development. This is one of the first studies to show that prenatal nanoplastic exposure can harm eye development in offspring.
Farm animals as a critical link between environmental and human health impacts of micro-and nanoplastics
Researchers argue that farm animals — livestock exposed daily to microplastics and nanoplastics (tiny plastic particles under 5 mm and 1 micrometer, respectively) through contaminated feed, soil, and water — represent an understudied but critical link between environmental plastic pollution and human health risks through the food supply. The authors call for more research on how plastics transfer from agricultural environments through livestock into meat, dairy, and eggs consumed by people.
Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics during gestation and lactation impaired skeletal growth in progeny mice by inhibiting neutrophil extracellular trap formation
When pregnant mice were exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics through drinking water, their offspring showed disrupted bone development, including changes in bone density and thinning of growth plates. The nanoplastics interfered with immune cell function and gene regulation in the skeletal system of the young mice. This suggests that maternal nanoplastic exposure during pregnancy could affect fetal bone development, which has implications for human pregnancies given widespread nanoplastic contamination in drinking water.
Uptake, Transport, and Toxicity of Pristine and Weathered Micro- and Nanoplastics in Human Placenta Cells
Researchers tested how both new and environmentally weathered micro- and nanoplastics are taken up by human placental cells in laboratory experiments. They found that the placental cells internalized and transported plastic particles regardless of whether they were pristine or aged, with some types affecting gene expression. The study suggests that placental cells are vulnerable to microplastic exposure and that weathering in the environment does not eliminate the particles' ability to enter human tissue.
Screening for microplastics in sediment, water, marine invertebrates and fish: Method development and microplastic accumulation
Researchers developed improved methods for extracting microplastics from biological samples and sediments, using enzymatic digestion that achieved 97% particle recovery without damaging the plastics. When applied to field samples from the North Sea and Swedish coast, they found microplastics in 8 of 9 invertebrate species tested and in 68% of brown trout. Mussel tissue contained roughly a thousand times more microplastic particles per kilogram than surrounding sediment or water.
Source-specific probabilistic risk assessment of microplastics in soils applying quality criteria and data alignment methods
This study developed a risk assessment framework for microplastics in soil by comparing contamination from different sources including sewage sludge, agricultural mulch, and background pollution. Sewage-contaminated soils showed the highest proportion of samples exceeding risk thresholds, followed by background pollution from diffuse sources. The research provides tools for regulators to evaluate which soil contamination sources pose the greatest ecological risk, which matters for food safety since crops grown in these soils can take up microplastics.
UV Light Causes Structural Changes in Microplastics Exposed in Bio-Solids
Researchers tested whether UV light could weaken microplastics found in sewage sludge before they enter the environment. UV exposure combined with heat caused structural breakdown in polypropylene, polyethylene, and PET plastics, especially when treated in bio-solid (sewage sludge) mixtures. This approach could help microplastics degrade faster once released into the environment, potentially reducing how long they persist in soil and water.
Effects of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics on androgen- and estrogen receptor activity and steroidogenesis in vitro
Researchers tested how polystyrene micro and nanoplastics of various sizes affect hormone receptor activity and steroid hormone production in human cells grown in the lab. Smaller nanoplastics (50-1000 nm) were taken up into cells and interfered with both estrogen and androgen receptor signaling, while also altering the production of key hormones. This study provides direct evidence that nanoplastics can disrupt the human endocrine system at the cellular level, which could have implications for reproductive health.
Progress, applications, and challenges in high-throughput effect-directed analysis for toxicity driver identification — is it time for HT-EDA?
Researchers reviewed progress toward high-throughput effect-directed analysis (HT-EDA), a method that combines chemical detection with biological testing to identify which specific compounds in complex mixtures are driving toxicity, arguing that automation and new computational tools are bringing this approach closer to practical use in environmental monitoring.
To Waste or Not to Waste: Questioning Potential Health Risks of Micro- and Nanoplastics with a Focus on Their Ingestion and Potential Carcinogenicity
Researchers reviewed how micro- and nanoplastics ingested through food travel through the gut, disrupt the microbiome, trigger inflammation, and may act as carriers for toxic chemicals — a 'Trojan Horse' effect — potentially raising cancer risk. The authors call for a rethinking of consumer culture alongside further scientific investigation.
Microplastics in freshwater ecosystems: what we know and what we need to know
This review examines the state of knowledge on microplastic contamination in freshwater ecosystems, which have received far less scientific attention than marine environments despite being major pathways for plastic transport. Researchers found that freshwater microplastic concentrations can be extremely high near urban areas and that organisms from insects to fish readily ingest these particles. The study identifies key research gaps including the need for standardized detection methods and better understanding of how microplastics move through and affect freshwater food webs.
The European Union Ban on Microplastics Includes Artificial Turf Crumb Rubber Infill: Other Nations Should Follow Suit
This viewpoint article discusses the European Union's decision to include artificial turf crumb rubber infill in its microplastics ban and argues that other countries should adopt similar policies. Crumb rubber, made from recycled tires, contains hundreds of chemicals including known carcinogens and leaches microplastic particles that athletes and children are exposed to during play. The authors urge nations to follow the EU's lead in protecting public health by restricting this significant source of microplastic exposure.
Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles retarded fetal growth and triggered metabolic disorders of placenta and fetus in mice
Researchers exposed pregnant mice to polystyrene nanoplastics through drinking water and found that higher concentrations led to significantly reduced fetal weight. The nanoplastics caused abnormal cell structures in the placenta and disrupted metabolic processes in both placental tissue and fetal livers. The study suggests that maternal nanoplastic exposure during pregnancy can cross the placental barrier and interfere with normal fetal growth and metabolism.