Papers

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.

Next Generation Risk Assessment approaches for advanced nanomaterials: Current status and future perspectives

This paper proposes a framework for assessing the safety of advanced nanomaterials using newer testing methods that reduce the need for animal studies. The tiered approach combines existing data with targeted testing to evaluate health risks cost-effectively. While focused on engineered nanomaterials broadly, the framework is relevant to understanding the risks of nanoplastics and could help regulators develop safety standards for these emerging contaminants.

Comprehensive investigation on microplastics from source to sink

This review paper traces microplastic pollution from where it originates to where it ends up, covering sources, detection methods, and effects on soil and water environments. It highlights major gaps in our understanding, especially around microplastics in soil compared to water, and the lack of standardized ways to measure them. The review emphasizes that microplastics are everywhere in our environment and calls for better research tools and coordinated global efforts.

Microplastic contamination in green mussels (Perna viridis Linnaeus, 1858) from traditional seafood markets in Jakarta, Indonesia, and an evaluation of potential hazards

Researchers examined green mussels sold at traditional seafood markets in Jakarta, Indonesia, and found microplastic contamination in every sample tested. The most common types were black fibers made of polymers like rayon and polyethylene, with chemical analysis revealing potentially harmful additives. Since mussels are filter feeders that concentrate particles from seawater, eating contaminated shellfish is a direct route for microplastic exposure in humans.

Low levels of microplastics (MP) in wild mussels indicate that MP ingestion by humans is minimal compared to exposure via household fibres fallout during a meal

Researchers measured microplastic levels in wild mussels collected around the Scottish coast and found relatively low contamination compared to other studies. They then compared this to the amount of household dust fibers that settle onto a dinner plate during a typical meal and found that airborne fiber exposure during eating likely exceeds the microplastics ingested from a serving of mussels. The study suggests that for most people, indoor dust may be a more significant source of microplastic exposure than seafood consumption.

Microplastic-induced hepatic adverse effects evaluated in advanced quadruple cell human primary models following three weeks of repeated exposure

Scientists tested the effects of microplastics on a sophisticated model of human liver cells over three weeks of repeated exposure, finding that certain microplastic types triggered inflammation and altered liver function. The advanced cell model, which combines four types of human liver cells, provides more realistic results than simpler lab tests. These findings add to growing evidence that microplastics accumulating in the liver could contribute to chronic inflammation and liver damage in humans.

The presence and physico-chemical properties of microplastics in seawater, sediment, and several organs of the spotted scat fish (Scatophagus argus, Linnaeus, 1766) collected from different locations along the East Java coast in Indonesia

Scientists examined microplastic contamination in seawater, sediments, and spotted scat fish along the East Java coast in Indonesia. Microplastics were found in every sample, including in the fish's gills, stomach, and intestines, with fibers being the most common type. Since these fish are consumed by local communities, the presence of microplastics throughout their organs raises questions about human dietary exposure through Indonesian seafood.

Characterization of microplastics and associated metals in green mussel cultivation: Estimation of potential health risks

Researchers examined 120 green mussels from Jakarta and found microplastics in every single sample, with an average of 18 particles per mussel along with aluminum and lead contamination on particle surfaces. The study identified 15 different polymer types, some classified at hazard levels considered dangerous to human health. Based on consumption patterns, the estimated annual human intake of microplastics from these mussels ranged from about 10,000 to 76,000 particles across different age groups.

Assessment of microplastic-sorbed contaminant bioavailability through analysis of biomarker gene expression in larval zebrafish

Researchers examined whether contaminants sorbed to microplastics become bioavailable when ingested by larval zebrafish, using phenanthrene and ethinylestradiol as test chemicals. The study found that microplastics can alter the bioavailability of co-contaminants, as evidenced by changes in biomarker gene expression in the fish larvae.

Microplastics in a pelagic dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) from the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the implications for fish health

Researchers examined microplastic contamination in 15 wild-caught dolphinfish from the Eastern Pacific Ocean and found microplastics in 100% of the fish studied, averaging 9.3 particles per individual. Particles were detected across gills, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and muscle tissue, with polyester and PET being the most common polymer types. Molecular docking analysis suggested that dominant microplastic polymers could interact with key cellular proteins, indicating potential health implications for both the fish and humans who consume them.

The upsurge of photocatalysts in antibiotic micropollutants treatment: Materials design, recovery, toxicity and bioanalysis

Paradigms to assess the human health risks of nano- and microplastics

Researchers proposed a new, comprehensive framework for assessing the health risks of nano- and microplastics (tiny plastic particles), addressing key gaps in how we analyze these particles, model their behavior, and use that information to protect human health — since no such standard risk assessment system currently exists.

Potential Artifacts and Control Experiments in Toxicity Tests of Nanoplastic and Microplastic Particles

This review highlighted potential measurement artifacts and the importance of proper control experiments in toxicity studies of nanoplastics and microplastics. The study cautions that antimicrobials, surfactants, and other additives present in commercial plastic particle dispersions may account for observed toxic effects rather than the particles themselves, emphasizing the need for rigorous experimental design in microplastic toxicology research.

Microplastic accumulation in a Zostera marina L. bed at Deerness Sound, Orkney, Scotland

Researchers conducted the first known study of microplastic contamination within a seagrass bed, examining a Zostera marina meadow in Orkney, Scotland. Microplastics were found in 94% of sediment, seagrass blade, water, and biota samples, with fibers making up more than half of all particles detected. The study confirmed that seagrass beds accumulate microplastics and that particles adhere directly to seagrass blades.

Sustainable Development Goals for Textiles and Fashion

Researchers analyze the textile and fashion industry's performance against all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting problems including poverty among cotton farmers, microfiber pollution in waterways, toxic dye chemicals, and rampant greenwashing. The paper argues that real progress requires transparent supply chains, corporate accountability, and a shift toward materials like organic cotton, apple leather, and algae-based foam.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic fragments release Pb additives that are bioavailable in zebrafish

Researchers investigated whether PVC microplastic fragments release lead additives that are bioavailable to zebrafish. The study found that PVC fragments leached lead into the water, and this lead was taken up by zebrafish during early life stages, while HDPE and PET microplastics did not release significant amounts of toxic additives, highlighting that the chemical composition of different plastic types determines their toxicity potential.

Uptake, Whole-Body Distribution, and Depuration of Nanoplastics by the Scallop <i>Pecten maximus</i> at Environmentally Realistic Concentrations

Researchers used radiolabeled nanoplastics at environmentally realistic concentrations to track uptake in scallops and found the particles distributed throughout the body, including the intestine, kidney, gills, and muscle. After transfer to clean water, scallops retained a significant fraction of nanoplastics for weeks, indicating slow depuration rates even at low exposure levels.

Use of fluorescent-labelled nanoplastics (NPs) to demonstrate NP absorption is inconclusive without adequate controls

Researchers demonstrated that fluorescent dyes used to label polystyrene nanoplastics can leach from particles and independently accumulate in zebrafish tissues, warning that many prior studies claiming nanoplastic absorption into internal organs may have been detecting dye rather than particles — and calling for stricter controls in nanoplastic uptake research.

New insights for microplastic degradation: Synergistic degradation mechanisms of microplastics and atrazine in sediments

Researchers conducted a 90-day experiment to study how the pesticide atrazine interacts with different types of microplastics in sediments, finding that atrazine adsorption actually increased microplastic mass loss by up to 175 percent. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the combination fostered distinct microbial communities on the plastic surfaces that enhanced biodegradation. The study provides new insights suggesting that co-contamination of microplastics and pesticides may paradoxically accelerate microbial breakdown of both pollutants in sediments.

Xenon lamp weathering induced structural evolution and pyrolysis mechanisms of HDPE-ethanol processing residue composites

Scientists studied what happens when a bio-based plastic composite (made from regular plastic and plant waste) breaks down after being exposed to artificial sunlight, similar to how plastic degrades outdoors. They found that weathered plastic produces different and potentially more harmful breakdown products when heated, including more small toxic chemicals and fewer natural plant compounds. This research helps us better understand how weathered plastics in our environment might behave differently than fresh plastics when they decompose, which could affect recycling efforts and environmental safety.

Persistent organic pollutant accumulation in Pacific abyssal plain sediments and biota: Implications for sources, transport, and deep-sea mining

Researchers provided the first evidence of persistent organic pollutants including PCBs, PBDEs, and PFAS in sediment and deep-sea fish from the Pacific abyssal plain, an area targeted for deep-sea mining. They found that while PCB levels were evenly distributed across sites, other pollutants showed more patchy distributions. The findings raise important questions about how mining activities could disturb contaminated deep-sea sediments and redistribute pollutants into the water column.

Evaluation of bioaccumulation of nanoplastics, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, and graphene family materials

This review examined methods for evaluating bioaccumulation of nanoplastics, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, and graphene nanomaterials, finding that standard approaches for dissolved chemicals are inadequate for particulate contaminants and recommending improved assessment frameworks.

Influence of microplastic-associated biofilms on the bioavailability of a mixture of cadmium and benzo[a]pyrene by the analysis of biomarker gene expression in larval zebrafish

Researchers found that microbial biofilms — thin layers of bacteria that coat microplastics in water — selectively reduce how much of a toxic chemical called benzo[a]pyrene gets absorbed by larval zebrafish, while not affecting cadmium absorption, showing that microplastics can act as complex, biology-influenced carriers of multiple pollutants simultaneously.

Microplastics in the Northwestern Pacific: Abundance, distribution, and characteristics

Microplastics were sampled at 18 stations across the Northwestern Pacific Ocean surface using manta trawls, finding widespread but heterogeneous distribution, with higher concentrations in areas near shipping lanes and ocean current convergence zones and polyethylene and polypropylene as dominant polymers. The study provides open-ocean baseline data for the Northwestern Pacific, a region historically underrepresented in microplastic monitoring.