Papers

An updated systematic review about various effects of microplastics on cancer: A pharmacological and in-silico based analysis

This systematic review with in-silico analysis found that microplastics have both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing effects on cancer cells, affecting viability, migration, metastasis, and apoptosis. The study identified key proteins (AP2M1, ASGR2, BI-1, Ferritin Heavy Chain) involved in microplastic-mediated cancer progression and used computational modeling to identify existing drugs that might counteract these pathways.

Individual and combined impact of microplastics and lead acetate on the freshwater shrimp (Caridina fossarum): Biochemical effects and physiological responses

Freshwater shrimp exposed to polyethylene microplastics combined with lead showed significantly worse toxic effects than when exposed to either pollutant alone, with microplastics increasing how much lead accumulated in the shrimp's tissues. This demonstrates that microplastics can act as carriers that amplify the toxicity of heavy metals in aquatic food chains, potentially increasing human exposure to dangerous metals through seafood.

Potential synergistic effects of microplastics and zinc oxide nanoparticles: biochemical and physiological analysis on Astacus leptodactylus

Researchers exposed crayfish to microplastics and zinc oxide nanoparticles, both alone and combined, and found that the combination caused greater harm than either pollutant on its own, including increased liver stress markers and reduced antioxidant defenses. These findings suggest that microplastics may make other common environmental pollutants more toxic when they occur together in waterways that supply food and drinking water.

Combining nanofiltration and electrooxidation for complete removal of nanoplastics from water

Researchers developed a two-step water treatment method that combines nanofiltration (a fine membrane filter) with electrooxidation (using electricity to break down pollutants) to completely remove nanoplastics from water. This approach is significant because nanoplastics are too small for many conventional filters to catch, and this system was able to eliminate them entirely.

Physiological response of freshwater crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus exposed to polyethylene microplastics at different temperature

Freshwater crayfish exposed to polyethylene microplastics showed liver stress, disrupted blood chemistry, and weakened immune responses, with higher temperatures making the effects worse. The combination of microplastic exposure and warmer water caused greater damage to antioxidant defenses and enzyme activity than either stressor alone. As climate change raises water temperatures, aquatic organisms may become more vulnerable to microplastic toxicity, which could affect the safety of freshwater species consumed by humans.

Single and combined effects of CuSO4 and polyethylene microplastics on biochemical endpoints and physiological impacts on the narrow-clawed crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus

Researchers exposed freshwater crayfish to polyethylene microplastics and copper sulfate, both alone and together, for 28 days. The combination caused worse effects than either pollutant alone, including liver damage, immune suppression, and increased oxidative stress. This suggests microplastics can amplify the harmful effects of other environmental pollutants in aquatic food sources.

Enhancing the coagulation process for the removal of microplastics from water by anionic polyacrylamide and natural-based Moringa oleifera

Scientists tested improved water treatment methods using aluminum sulfate combined with either a synthetic aid or natural Moringa oleifera seed extract to remove microplastics from water. Both combinations achieved over 80-93% removal for certain plastic types, and the natural plant-based approach cut the required chemical dose in half -- offering a more sustainable way to keep microplastics out of drinking water.

Human occupational exposure to microplastics: A cross-sectional study in a plastic products manufacturing plant

Researchers measured microplastic exposure in 19 workers at a plastic products factory in Iran by sampling their skin, hair, and saliva before and after work shifts. They found 4,802 microplastic particles across all samples, with hair collecting the most and saliva the least. The study shows that people working directly with plastics face significantly higher microplastic exposure, and that protective equipment like gloves and masks can help reduce it.

An Overview of Antibiotic Resistance and Abiotic Stresses Affecting Antimicrobial Resistance in Agricultural Soils

This systematic review found that soil contaminants from organic and chemical fertilizers, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and untreated sewage sludge significantly promote antimicrobial resistance by increasing the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in agricultural soils. Abiotic stresses like salinity and drought further amplify this effect. The findings connect to microplastic research because microplastics have been shown to serve as vectors for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes in soil environments.

The impact of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) on physiological and biochemical parameters of the microalgae Spirulina platensis

Researchers exposed the microalgae Spirulina platensis to polystyrene nanoplastics at three concentrations over 20 days and found dose-dependent reductions in growth rate, dry weight, and photosynthetic pigments alongside increased oxidative stress markers, indicating nanoplastics impair algal physiology even at relatively low exposure levels.

Microplastics contamination suppressed immune and health status in cage cultured Barramundi: An investigation on pollution sources, ecotoxicological impacts, and transcription of genes involved in detoxification

Microplastics in different tissues of fish and prawn from the Musa Estuary, Persian Gulf

Researchers analyzed multiple tissues of commercially important fish and prawns from the Persian Gulf and found microplastics present in guts, skin, muscle, gills, and liver across all species examined. The type and abundance of microplastics varied by species and sampling location, with bottom-dwelling fish accumulating the most particles. The findings are notable because they show microplastics penetrate beyond the digestive tract into edible muscle tissue, which is directly relevant to human consumption.

Microplastic occurrence in settled indoor dust in schools

Researchers measured microplastic contamination in settled indoor dust collected from 28 schools and found an average of 195 particles per gram of dust. The most common particles were white polyester and polypropylene fibers likely shed from textiles and furnishings. The study highlights that children in school settings face meaningful microplastic exposure through dust inhalation and incidental ingestion.

Exploring the combined interplays: Effects of cypermethrin and microplastic exposure on the survival and antioxidant physiology of Astacus leptodactylus

Crayfish exposed to both microplastics and the pesticide cypermethrin for 60 days showed significant biochemical stress including reduced antioxidant defenses, altered blood chemistry, and liver tissue damage. The combination of these two common environmental contaminants appeared to be more harmful than either alone. This matters because aquatic organisms are often exposed to multiple pollutants simultaneously, and the combined effects could affect the safety of freshwater species consumed by humans.

Microplastic pollution in deposited urban dust, Tehran metropolis, Iran

Researchers analyzed street dust samples from Tehran and found significant microplastic contamination, with hundreds of particles per sample ranging from tiny fragments to fibers. They estimated that children and adults inadvertently ingest thousands of microplastic particles per year through contact with contaminated street dust. The study identifies urban dust as a potentially important but overlooked source of human microplastic exposure.

Wind erosion as a driver for transport of light density microplastics

Researchers investigated wind erosion as a transport mechanism for microplastics across different land uses in Iran and found that wind-eroded sediments contained significant quantities of light-density microplastic particles. Agricultural and barren lands showed higher microplastic concentrations in wind-eroded material. The study identifies wind as an important but overlooked pathway for spreading microplastic contamination across landscapes.

Distribution, flux, and risk assessment of microplastics at the Anzali Wetland, Iran, and its tributaries

This study mapped microplastic pollution in Anzali Wetland in Iran and its nine tributary rivers, finding contamination throughout the freshwater ecosystem. Microplastic levels were linked to water turbidity and clay content in sediments, with rivers carrying higher concentrations than the wetland itself. Since this internationally protected wetland supports local fisheries and water supplies, the contamination poses potential risks to human health.

Distribution and potential health impacts of microplastics and microrubbers in air and street dusts from Asaluyeh County, Iran

Researchers collected street dust and air samples from an industrial area in Iran and found significant quantities of microplastics and microrubber particles that could be inhaled or ingested by residents. The particles varied widely in size, color, and polymer type, with concentrations highest near industrial and urban zones. The study provides some of the first evidence that airborne microplastics in terrestrial environments represent a meaningful human exposure pathway.

Distribution and transport of microplastics in groundwater (Shiraz aquifer, southwest Iran)

Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in groundwater from an alluvial aquifer in a semi-arid region of Iran. They identified microplastics in all sampled wells, with fibers and fragments being the most common shapes and polyethylene the dominant polymer type. The study demonstrates that groundwater, an important source of drinking water, is not immune to microplastic contamination and calls for more research on transport mechanisms in subsurface environments.

Investigating impact of physicochemical properties of microplastics on human health: A short bibliometric analysis and review

This review examined how the physical and chemical properties of microplastics influence their potential impacts on human health, noting that people are exposed through ingestion of contaminated food and water as well as inhalation of airborne particles. Researchers found that once ingested, microplastics can release hazardous chemicals in the digestive tract, while inhaled particles pose oxidative stress risks to the lungs. The study highlights that current air quality standards may not adequately account for suspended plastic particles.

Microplastic in seafood from the Persian Gulf: Occurrence, characteristics, risk assessment, and human exposure

PET-microplastics as a vector for heavy metals in a simulated plant rhizosphere zone

Researchers examined whether PET microplastics can transport adsorbed heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and zinc) to wheat roots in a simulated growing environment. They found that the microplastics adsorbed measurable amounts of all three metals and subsequently released them under conditions mimicking the root zone. The study suggests that microplastics in agricultural soils may act as vectors that carry heavy metal contaminants to crop roots, potentially affecting food crop safety.

Investigating microplastics bioaccumulation and biomagnification in seafood from the Persian Gulf: a threat to human health?

Researchers investigated microplastic bioaccumulation and biomagnification in five commercially important seafood species from the Persian Gulf, examining both muscle tissue and gills. They found microplastics present in all species, with evidence suggesting potential trophic transfer through the marine food web. The study estimates that regular consumption of these seafood species could represent a notable pathway for human microplastic exposure in the region.

Source and risk assessment of heavy metals and microplastics in bivalves and coastal sediments of the Northern Persian Gulf, Hormogzan Province

Researchers assessed heavy metal contamination and microplastic distribution in coastal sediments and edible bivalves from the northern Persian Gulf in Hormozgan Province. They found varying levels of both pollutant types across sampling sites, with proximity to industrial and urban areas correlating with higher contamination. The study provides a risk assessment indicating that combined exposure to heavy metals and microplastics through seafood consumption in the region warrants monitoring.