Papers

Micro- and nano-plastics pollution in the marine environment: Progresses, drawbacks and future guidelines

This review summarizes the current state of micro- and nanoplastic pollution in the world's oceans, estimating that 50 to 75 trillion plastic particles are present in marine environments. The pollution threatens 17% of marine species and causes billions of dollars in economic losses, while also entering the human food chain through seafood consumption.

Microplastics toxicity, detection, and removal from water/wastewater

This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on microplastic toxicity and methods for detecting and removing them from water and wastewater. It covers the health risks posed by microplastics, including their ability to carry harmful chemicals and pathogens, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of various removal technologies. The authors highlight that while some treatment methods can remove most microplastics, no single approach is fully effective, and better solutions are needed to protect drinking water supplies.

Toxic Chemicals and Persistent Organic Pollutants Associated with Micro-and Nanoplastics Pollution

Researchers reviewed how micro- and nanoplastics act as carriers for toxic chemical additives and persistent organic pollutants — like flame retardants and pesticides — making these contaminants more available and harmful once they enter food chains and human bodies. The review identifies major gaps in understanding how these chemicals detach from plastic particles inside living organisms and what health effects they cause.

Microplastic burden in Africa: A review of occurrence, impacts, and sustainability potential of bioplastics

Researchers reviewed the occurrence, impacts, and distribution of microplastic pollution across Africa, where over 70% of daily waste is mismanaged. The review found that microplastics facilitate environmental consequences including metal toxicity in aquatic environments and enter the food chain, while also discussing the potential of bioplastics as a more sustainable alternative.

Tree Species as Biomonitors of Air Pollution around a Scrap Metal Recycling Factory in Southwest Nigeria: Implications for Greenbelt Development

Researchers evaluated six tree species near a scrap metal recycling factory in Nigeria for their ability to tolerate and absorb air pollution. They ranked the species by their air pollution tolerance index and anticipated performance, identifying which trees would be most effective for creating protective greenbelts. The study contributes to understanding how vegetation can help mitigate airborne pollution in industrialized areas where particulate contamination, including microplastics, is a concern.

Determination of Cytotoxic Impact of Heavy Metals on Plant Cells Using <i.Allium cepa</i> (Onion)

This paper is not about microplastics. It studied the cytotoxic effects of heavy metals from dumpsites on onion root tip cells, finding that lead, chromium, cadmium, and other metals caused chromosomal damage and DNA alterations. While heavy metal contamination is a serious environmental health concern, this study has no connection to microplastic pollution.

Evaluating the structural performance of waste PET-infused interlocking units versus traditional stone masonry

This study is not directly about microplastics — it evaluates the compressive strength and water absorption of interlocking bricks made from waste PET plastic as a partial cement replacement in construction.

Plastisphere and Soil Biodiversity

Remedial Attempt to Reduce Plastic Waste on the Environment

Phytoplankton characterization in a tropical tidal river impacted by a megacity: the case of the Saigon River (Southern Vietnam)

Scientists studied how phytoplankton communities vary seasonally and spatially in the Saigon River, Vietnam, finding that urban pollution from Ho Chi Minh City significantly shapes which species dominate. The study provides a baseline for tracking ecological change in a highly impacted tropical river.