Papers

Microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems: sources, transport, fate, mitigation, and remediation strategies

This review examines how microplastics from urban, agricultural, and industrial sources are building up in soils worldwide. Wind, water, and soil organisms transport these particles across landscapes, where they persist and can affect soil structure and the health of living things. The authors highlight that land-based microplastic pollution has received far less attention than ocean pollution, despite its potential risks to ecosystems and human health through the food chain.

Organic matter and microplastics nexus: A comprehensive understanding of the synergistic impact on soil health

This review examines how microplastics and organic matter interact in soil, finding that common soil additions like compost and sewage sludge are significant sources of microplastic contamination. The interplay between these substances can disrupt nutrient cycling, soil biology, and carbon storage, which ultimately affects the quality of food grown in contaminated soil.

Microplastic contamination in agricultural soils from mulch films and organic amendments: Transformation mechanism, soil-Biota toxicity, and future perspectives

This review examines how agricultural soils are becoming increasingly contaminated with microplastics from plastic mulch films and organic amendments like compost, with land-based contamination being 4 to 23 times higher than in water. Microplastics in farmland can harm soil organisms, disrupt soil structure, and enter the food chain through crops, posing potential risks to human health.

2D nanomaterial for microplastic Removal: A critical review

Bio‐Based Nanofiber Membranes for Effective Air Filtration: Fabrication and Evaluation of Flame‐Retardant Behavior, Mechanical Properties, and Filtration Performance

Researchers developed a biodegradable nanofiber membrane made from polyvinyl alcohol and boric acid for filtering airborne particulate matter, as an alternative to non-biodegradable filters that generate microplastics upon disposal. The boric acid addition improved the membrane's fire resistance, reducing peak heat release by about 39%, while maintaining effective filtration performance. The study offers a greener approach to air filtration that avoids contributing to microplastic pollution when the filters reach the end of their useful life.

Characterization and exposure assessment of indoor microplastics in hospital indoor settled dust: First insides from India

Global Occurrence and Environmental Fate of Microplastics in Stormwater Runoff: Unlock the In-depth Knowledge on Nature-Based Removal Strategies

Assessment of genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and cytotoxicity of diclofenac and sulfamethoxazole at environmental concentrations on Vicia faba

Researchers assessed the genetic and cellular toxicity of the pharmaceuticals diclofenac and sulfamethoxazole on fava bean plants at concentrations currently found in the environment. Both drugs reduced cell division and caused chromosomal abnormalities, with their combination producing even stronger effects. The study suggests that pharmaceutical residues in soil and water may pose risks to plant health and genetic integrity at environmentally relevant levels.

Metabolomics reveals that PS-NPs promote lung injury by regulating prostaglandin B1 through the cGAS-STING pathway

Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics activate the cGAS-STING innate immune pathway in human lung cells and macrophages at near-environmental concentrations, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic disruption — and that supplementing prostaglandin B1, a nanoplastic-depleted metabolite, partially reversed these effects.

Hydrothermal integrated chemical treatment of microplastics for efficient degradation: Mechanistic insight and degradation behavior

Microplastics in swimming pool water

Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in swimming pool water from both a water park and a private garden pool, finding various microplastic particles released from pool equipment, swimwear, and cosmetics. Quantitative and qualitative analysis using microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of multiple microplastic types. The study highlights swimming pools as an underrecognized source of human microplastic exposure that warrants further investigation.

Tests of rubber granules used as artificial turf for football fields in terms of toxicity to human health and the environment

Researchers tested rubber granules used in artificial soccer field turf and found that many samples contained polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) — cancer-linked chemicals — at levels exceeding EU safety limits. The findings support growing calls to restrict or replace these recycled rubber materials in sports infrastructure to protect players and the environment.

Comparsion of Catalyst Effectiveness in Different Chemical Depolymerization Methods of Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

This review compares the effectiveness of different catalysts used in chemical recycling methods for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. The study covers hydrolysis, methanolysis, glycolysis, and other depolymerization approaches, comparing key process parameters like temperature, reaction time, and yields to help identify the most efficient PET recycling strategies.

Review and Analysis of Methods for Separating Plastic Micro-Particles from Pipe Systems, Taking into Account Efficiency and Automation Potential

This review analyzes methods for separating plastic microparticles from industrial and municipal pipe systems, evaluating their efficiency and potential for automation. Researchers found that microplastics pose challenges to piping infrastructure and water quality due to their chemical resistance and small size. The study identifies promising separation technologies and highlights the need for standardized, automated approaches to microplastic removal from water distribution systems.

Microplastics removal from natural surface water by coagulation process

Researchers compared the effectiveness of ferrous and aluminum sulfate coagulants for removing microplastics from natural surface water, finding that both successfully removed polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride particles. Ferrous sulfate showed slightly higher removal efficiency, and the addition of coagulant aids further improved results. The study demonstrates that conventional coagulation processes already used in drinking water treatment can meaningfully reduce microplastic contamination.

Disposable Plasticware Production as a Source of Microplastics in Settled Dust: Quantification, Characterization, and Exposure Assessment

Researchers found that offices near plastic manufacturing plants contain extremely high levels of tiny plastic particles in dust - over 2,000 pieces per gram. Workers in these offices are likely breathing in and swallowing these microplastics daily, which could pose health risks that scientists are still studying. This shows that plastic pollution isn't just an outdoor problem - it can create serious indoor air quality issues for people working near where plastic products are made.

The influence of UV radiation on the properties of GFRP laminates in underwater conditions

Researchers exposed glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) laminates to UV radiation for 1,000 hours both in air and submerged in water, finding that while the outer surface degraded, the deeper layers paradoxically gained strength due to additional chemical cross-linking reactions. These findings are relevant to understanding how plastic composite materials used in marine environments physically break down over time, potentially contributing to microplastic release.

(Bio)degradable Biochar Composites of PLA/P(3HB-co-4HB) Commercial Blend for Sustainable Future—Study on Degradation and Electrostatic Properties

Researchers studied biodegradable polymer composites made from PLA and P(3HB-co-4HB) blended with biochar as a natural filler. The study found that adding biochar improved electrostatic properties and influenced degradation behavior, suggesting these composites could serve as more sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics while reducing microplastic generation.

Finite Element Analysis and Fatigue Test of INTEGRA Dental Implant System

Researchers conducted finite element analysis and fatigue testing on a dental implant system to evaluate its structural integrity under repeated loading. The study identified potential sites where fatigue cracks could initiate and validated these predictions with physical testing. The findings contributed to the certification process for the dental implant product under European standards.

Lactate exacerbates lung damage induced by nanomicroplastic through the gut microbiota–HIF1a/PTBP1 pathway

Researchers found that nanoplastic exposure (particles 50–100 nm) disrupts gut bacteria in mice, causing lactate to build up in the lungs and triggering a cellular pathway that worsens lung damage through a process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition, where lung tissue changes in ways linked to scarring. The findings identify lactate and the gut-lung axis as key targets for preventing nanoplastic-induced lung injury.

Nanoplastics and lithium accumulation in soil–plant systems: Assessing uptake, toxicological effects, and potential synergistic interactions

This review summarizes recent research on how nanoplastics and lithium, both emerging contaminants, affect plant growth and development when they accumulate in soil. Researchers found that these pollutants can alter plant physiology and gene expression, with potential impacts across food chains. The study also explores bioremediation strategies, including lithium-resistant bacteria and biochar, that may help reduce the toxicity of these contaminants in agricultural environments.

Bottom Sediments as Dynamic Arenas for Anthropogenic Pollutants: Profiling Sources, Unraveling Fate Mechanisms, and Assessing Ecological Consequences

This review examines bottom sediments as dynamic sinks and sources for contaminants including heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and nutrients, synthesizing how sediment chemistry, hydrodynamics, and biological activity determine whether pollutants are stored or remobilized.

Emission of microplastics particles during the mechanical removal of polymer materials in cosmetics industry

This study characterized microplastic particles generated during mechanical milling of nail styling materials in beauty salons, finding particles ranging from a few to tens of micrometers with diverse polymer compositions, suggesting cosmetic industry workers face occupational microplastic inhalation exposure.

Analysis of membrane surface after the filtration of surface water containing microplastic

Researchers tested ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membranes on real river water containing microplastics and found both membrane types completely removed plastic particles from the filtered water, though the deposited microplastics reduced water flow through the membranes over time — confirming membrane filtration as an effective but imperfect water treatment strategy.