Papers

Groundwater is a hidden global keystone ecosystem

This study argues that groundwater should be recognized as a "keystone ecosystem" because of its critical role in sustaining surface environments, biodiversity, and human water supplies. Over half of the world's land surface has significant interaction with groundwater, yet it remains overlooked in conservation planning. Protecting groundwater is essential for planetary health, including safeguarding water sources from emerging contaminants like microplastics.

Uptake, tissue distribution, and toxicity of polystyrene nanoparticles in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Researchers tracked the uptake and distribution of polystyrene nanoparticles in developing zebrafish and found that the particles accumulated in the yolk sac and then spread to the brain, liver, heart, and other organs. While the nanoparticles did not cause significant mortality or deformities, they did reduce heart rate and alter swimming behavior. The study suggests that nanoplastics can penetrate biological barriers and accumulate in multiple tissues during early development.

A review on polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production through the use of lignocellulosic biomass

This review examines the process of producing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics from lignocellulosic biomass. The study covers the full production chain from biomass pre-treatment to PHA extraction, exploring pathways for cost-effective biodegradable plastic production.

Maternal transfer of nanoplastics to offspring in zebrafish (Danio rerio): A case study with nanopolystyrene

Researchers demonstrated maternal transfer of polystyrene nanoplastics in zebrafish by feeding exposed females and detecting particles in yolk sacs, livers, and guts of offspring, finding that transferred nanoplastics reduced antioxidant enzyme activity and caused bradycardia in embryos without major effects on overall reproductive success.

Reintroduction of at-risk forest tree species using biotechnology depends on regulatory policy, informed by science and with public support

This review examined how biotechnology approaches like genetic engineering could help reintroduce forest tree species threatened by invasive pests, emphasizing that success depends on science-informed regulatory policies and public acceptance.

Characterization of Microplastics in Clouds over Eastern China

Researchers collected cloud water samples from a mountain in eastern China and found an average of 463 microplastic particles per liter, with 60% smaller than 100 micrometers. The study found that surface roughening from photochemical aging likely increased the microplastics' ability to adsorb toxic metals such as lead and mercury. Evidence indicates that airborne microplastics may influence atmospheric metal cycles and cloud formation processes.

Microplastic pollution is widely detected in US municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent

Researchers conducted a wide survey of US municipal wastewater treatment plants and found microplastics widely present in effluent, confirming that conventional treatment does not fully remove microplastics and that treatment plants are ongoing sources of environmental contamination.

Tried and true vs. shiny and new: Method switching in long‐term aquatic datasets

This paper discusses best practices for switching methods in long-term aquatic datasets, warning that poorly managed transitions can introduce artifacts that compromise trend detection, and offering a framework for validating method changes before full adoption.

Effect of Cobalt and Chromium Content on Microstructure and Properties of WC-Co-Cr Coatings Prepared by High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel Spraying

Not relevant to microplastics — this materials science paper investigates how cobalt and chromium ratios affect the hardness and corrosion resistance of tungsten carbide coatings applied by high-velocity oxygen fuel spraying.

Microplastics suppress copepod grazing of the harmful algal bloom-forming dinoflagellate, Alexandrium catenella

Two-Dimensional (2D) Nanomaterials in Separation Science

Plastic deformation of silicate garnets

Cruise Report S-217 : scientific data collected aboard SSV Robert C. Seamans, Papeete, Tahiti � Taiohae, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas � Honolulu, Hawaii, 9 May � 14 June 2008

This cruise report documents oceanographic sampling conducted aboard the SSV Robert C. Seamans between Tahiti, the Marquesas, and Hawaii in 2008, covering physical, chemical, biological, and environmental ocean characteristics. The cruise was part of a Sea Education Association semester program that included environmental sampling research.