Papers

A decade of advances in black soldier fly research: from genetics to sustainability

This review summarizes a decade of research on the black soldier fly, an insect increasingly used for animal feed, human food, and waste processing. The review covers how these insects can help manage organic waste, including research into their ability to break down certain plastics. This is relevant to microplastics research because black soldier flies are being explored as a biological tool for processing plastic waste, though questions remain about whether plastic residues could transfer through the food chain.

Micro- and Nanoplastics’ Effects on Protein Folding and Amyloidosis

This review examines how micro- and nanoplastic particles may interact with proteins in the body, potentially influencing protein folding and triggering the formation of abnormal amyloid structures. The study suggests that plastic particles can cross the blood-brain barrier in animal models and interact with neurons, raising questions about possible links between plastic exposure and protein misfolding conditions.

Streptococcal Infections in Marine Mammals

This review summarized published reports of streptococcal infections in marine mammals, noting that beta-hemolytic streptococci are frequently isolated but poorly characterized, and that pathways of transmission and host adaptation in marine environments remain largely unknown.

Large amounts of marine debris found in sperm whales stranded along the North Sea coast in early 2016

Researchers examined 22 of the 30 sperm whales that mass-stranded along the North Sea coast in early 2016 and found marine debris — including fishing nets, ropes, plastic packaging, and a car part — in nine individuals, documenting the extent of large-item debris exposure in an apex marine predator even when ingested items were not the direct cause of death.

In Silico Analysis of Nanoplastics’ and β-amyloid Fibrils’ Interactions

Researchers used coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to study nanoplastic interactions with beta-amyloid fibrils, finding that nanoplastics can influence amyloid aggregation and potentially play a role in neurodegenerative disease pathways.

When the small ones tease the largest: Microplastic and phthalate ester occurrence in cetaceans occasionally found in the German North Sea and Baltic Sea

Seven cetacean species stranded on Germany's North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts were examined for microplastics and phthalate esters, with microplastics and plastic-associated chemicals detected in intestinal and fecal samples across baleen and toothed whale species alike.

Occurrence of Microplastics in Harbour Seals (Phoca vitulina) and Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) from German Waters

The gastrointestinal tracts of 63 harbour and grey seals from German North Sea and Baltic Sea waters were examined for microplastics, with 540 suspected particles identified in intestinal samples and 228 in stomach samples, predominantly fibers and fragments. No significant correlations were found between microplastic presence and parasite infestation or inflammatory responses, though fragments showed evidence of retention in the gut.

Reviewing the relevance of dioxin and PCB sources for food from animal origin and the need for their inventory, control and management

Researchers reviewed the main sources of dioxins and PCBs (persistent toxic chemicals) contaminating animal-based food in Germany, identifying contaminated soils, PCB-emitting buildings, and farm-level PCB presence as the top three pathways. The study recommends targeted emission controls and better monitoring to close regulatory gaps and protect food safety.

Occurrence of Antimicrobial Resistance in the Environment in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: A Narrative Review of Existing Evidence

A narrative review synthesized evidence on antibiotic resistance in environmental settings across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, documenting that resistant bacteria and resistance genes are widespread in soil, water, and wastewater systems. The review identifies agricultural antibiotic use and wastewater discharge as the dominant pathways driving environmental antibiotic resistance in these three countries.

Survival and adaptation of Streptococcus phocae in host environments

This study examined survival and adaptation mechanisms of Streptococcus phocae, a pathogen frequently isolated from diseased marine mammals, in different host environments. The research explored how this bacterium responds to host-specific conditions to better understand its role in marine mammal disease outbreaks, which are increasing with climate change and ocean pollution.

Pathological findings in stranded harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) with special focus on anthropogenic causes

Post-mortem examination of 612 harbor porpoises stranded in the Netherlands between 2008 and an unspecified end year revealed that anthropogenic causes including bycatch, vessel strikes, and entanglement were among the leading causes of death. The surveillance program identified plastic ingestion in a subset of animals and highlighted the North Sea as a high-risk environment for this sentinel species.

Marine litter: One of the major threats for marine mammals. Outcomes from the European Cetacean Society workshop

This European Cetacean Society workshop review compiled expert knowledge on the impacts of marine litter on marine mammals, finding that plastic ingestion and entanglement negatively affect a wide range of cetacean species globally. Researchers identified critical data gaps and recommended standardised monitoring protocols to better quantify mortality and sub-lethal effects.

Plastic Debris and Its Impacts on Marine Mammals

This review examines how plastic debris in the world's oceans affects marine mammals through ingestion, entanglement, and chemical exposure, finding that the durability and widespread distribution of plastics make them a persistent and growing threat to cetaceans, pinnipeds, and other marine mammals.

First Evidence of Retrospective Findings of Microplastics in Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) From German Waters

Researchers investigated microplastic ingestion in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from German waters using retrospective intestinal samples, providing among the first evidence of microplastic accumulation in this top predator cetacean species.

Report of the Pollution 2025 - Cumulative Effects - Multiple Stressors IWC Intersessional Workshop

This report summarizes proceedings and findings from the IWC Intersessional Workshop on Pollution 2025, focusing on cumulative effects and multiple stressors on cetacean populations, including plastic pollution, chemical contaminants, and their interactions with other environmental pressures.

Marine Mammals

Researchers compiled a comprehensive open-access textbook covering the biology, ecology, and conservation of marine mammals — from whales and dolphins to seals and sea otters. The resource provides an accessible foundation for students and scientists studying these animals, which face growing threats from plastic pollution and habitat change.

The highly competitive ascidian Didemnum sp. threatens coral reef communities in the Wakatobi Marine National Park, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Opportunistically collected data from aerial surveys reveal spatio-temporal distribution patterns of marine debris in German waters

Researchers analyzed 15 years of aerial survey data from German waters and found that floating marine debris was more common in the North Sea than the Baltic Sea, with plastic items predominating. The study demonstrates the value of opportunistically collected aerial observation data for tracking long-term trends in marine litter distribution.

Handle with Care—Microplastic Particles in Intestine Samples of Seals from German Waters

Researchers found microplastic particles — mostly fragments and fibers — in the intestines and feces of harbor seals and grey seals in German North Sea and Baltic Sea waters. This confirms microplastics have reached marine mammal top predators, raising concerns about contamination throughout the food chain.

Faculty Opinions recommendation of Microplastics and nanoplastics: Size, surface and dispersant - What causes the effect?

Investigating microplastic contamination in captive grey seals (Halichoerus grypus)