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Papers
13 resultsShowing papers from National Research Council
ClearCan bioplastics always offer a truly sustainable alternative to fossil‐based plastics?
This review asks whether bioplastics truly offer a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-based plastics in all situations. Researchers found that while biodegradable plastics can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental persistence, they are not a silver bullet and should not replace proper waste management. The study suggests that bioplastics work best as part of a broader circular economy strategy rather than a simple swap for traditional plastics.
Additional file 1 of PET microplastics induce lipotoxicity in the porcine pancreas
This paper provides supplementary material for research on PET microplastic-induced lipotoxicity in the porcine pancreas. The parent study found that PET microplastics disrupted lipid metabolism and protein expression profiles in pig pancreatic tissue after four weeks of exposure.
Beyond Microplastics: How Tire Wear Particles Influence Plant Performance
Scientists reviewed research on tiny particles that come off car tires when we drive, which end up in soil everywhere and are different from regular plastic pollution. These tire particles release toxic chemicals that can harm plants by damaging their roots and changing the soil around them, which could affect our food supply. This matters because tire pollution is everywhere but has been overlooked compared to other types of plastic pollution, and we need more research to understand the long-term risks to crops and ecosystems.
PET microplastics induce lipotoxicity in the porcine pancreas
Researchers used proteomic analysis to study the effects of PET microplastics on the porcine pancreas after four weeks of exposure at low and high doses. The study found that PET microplastics induced lipotoxicity in the pancreas, disrupting lipid metabolism pathways and suggesting that microplastic ingestion may affect pancreatic function through altered protein expression profiles.
Additional file 1 of PET microplastics induce lipotoxicity in the porcine pancreas
This paper provides supplementary material for research on PET microplastic-induced lipotoxicity in the porcine pancreas. The parent study found that PET microplastics disrupted lipid metabolism and protein expression profiles in pig pancreatic tissue after four weeks of exposure.
Emerging risk assessment in areas affected by the Valencia DANA flood: Microplastics and pathogens in sediment and dust
Scientists studied contamination left behind by severe floods in Spain and found dangerous microplastics (tiny plastic particles) and disease-causing germs in the mud and dust. The dust contained twice as many microplastics as the mud, with particles small enough to be breathed into lungs, while the mud was loaded with harmful bacteria and viruses like Salmonella and E. coli. This shows that major floods can spread both plastic pollution and infectious diseases into communities, creating serious health risks that could last long after the water recedes.
PET microplastics induce lipotoxicity in the porcine pancreas
Researchers used proteomic analysis to study the effects of PET microplastics on the porcine pancreas after four weeks of exposure at low and high doses. The study found that PET microplastics induced lipotoxicity in the pancreas, disrupting lipid metabolism pathways and suggesting that microplastic ingestion may affect pancreatic function through altered protein expression profiles.
Effects of Dietary Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastics on the Thyroid Gland in Xenopus laevis
Using the Amphibian Metamorphosis Assay, researchers fed Xenopus laevis tadpoles polystyrene microplastics (50 and 500 µg/L) via diet for 21 days and assessed thyroid gland histology. Microplastic exposure significantly affected larval body length and caused thyroid gland histological changes, suggesting disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.
Modelling the effect of microplastics on soil capillary and film water content and flow
Researchers used physical modelling to investigate how microplastics of different polymer types — including PBAT, LDPE, and others — affect soil capillary and film water content and flow, finding that MP presence alters pore-scale water dynamics in ways that influence subsurface water storage and plant water uptake.
Assessing microplastics pollution in the atmosphere and riverine system in the Pyrenees
This study measured airborne microplastics deposited in the Pyrenees mountains — a remote area far from major urban sources — finding significant contamination in both air deposition and river sediments. The results confirm that microplastics are transported long distances by wind and deposited even in pristine mountain environments. Rivers then act as conduits that transport these atmospherically deposited microplastics toward the ocean.
Does plastic and microplastic change the soil physical properties? A review
This review summarizes how microplastics in soil affect physical properties such as water retention, aggregation, and aeration. Plastic particles enter soil through mulch films, sewage sludge, and irrigation water, and their accumulation threatens the health of agricultural soils that support food production.
Salamander loss alters montane stream ecosystem functioning and structure through top-down effects
This study tested how removing fire salamanders — key predators in European mountain streams — affects the structure and functioning of the aquatic ecosystem. The experiment provides insight into how amphibian population declines cascade through freshwater food webs, with implications for how microplastic contamination affecting amphibians may indirectly alter stream ecosystems.
Impact of Climate Change on Groundwater Recharge in Cotton Irrigated Fields under Agronomical Practices
This study modeled the impact of climate change on groundwater recharge in cotton-irrigated fields in Pakistan, finding that historically declining rainfall and rising temperatures are reducing recharge rates. The findings have implications for water resource planning in a region highly dependent on cotton agriculture.