Papers

Interaction of microplastics with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water: A review of the fate, mechanisms and toxicity

This review examines how microplastics act as carriers for PFAS ("forever chemicals") in water, with the two pollutants interacting through various chemical mechanisms that affect their movement through the environment. The combined presence of microplastics and PFAS raises concerns about increased toxicity, since microplastics can transport these persistent chemicals into organisms and potentially concentrate their harmful effects.

Amyloid Fibrils and Their Applications: Current Status and Latest Developments

This review covers how certain proteins can naturally form tiny fiber-like structures called amyloid fibrils, which were first discovered in the brains of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. While primarily about bionanomaterials, the research is relevant to microplastics because nanoplastics have been shown to interact with proteins and potentially accelerate harmful amyloid formation in the body.

Plastics in the environment in the context of UV radiation, climate change and the Montreal Protocol: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, Update 2023

Researchers from the UN Environment Programme reviewed how sunlight and climate change accelerate the breakdown of plastic debris into micro- and nanoplastics, which have now been detected in every ecosystem on Earth — including inside the human body. They conclude that new plastics should be designed to break down harmlessly at the end of their useful life, rather than persisting indefinitely as pollution.

Are we underestimating the sources of microplastic pollution in terrestrial environment?

This review argues that land-based sources of microplastic pollution are significantly underestimated, even though most marine microplastics originate from terrestrial sources. Researchers found that textile washing accounts for roughly 35% of microplastics in water, with additional contributions from tire wear, agricultural plastic films, cosmetics, and construction materials. The study highlights atmospheric deposition as a newly recognized pathway for microplastic dispersal that requires urgent investigation.

Removal of polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics using PAC and FeCl3 coagulation: Performance and mechanism

Researchers studied how two common water treatment coagulants, PAC and iron chloride, remove polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics from water. They found that PAC was more effective than iron chloride, and that alkaline conditions improved removal rates. The study provides practical insights for drinking water treatment plants looking to reduce microplastic contamination in their supply.

Tandem catalysis in electrocatalytic nitrate reduction: Unlocking efficiency and mechanism

This review covers recent progress in designing catalysts that can efficiently convert harmful nitrate pollution in water into harmless nitrogen gas using electricity. While not directly about microplastics, the technology is relevant because nitrate and microplastic contamination often co-occur in polluted water, and better water treatment methods could address multiple pollutants. The research advances environmentally friendly approaches to cleaning up contaminated water supplies.

Revivable self-assembled supramolecular biomass fibrous framework for efficient microplastic removal

Scientists developed a sustainable material made from chitin and cellulose, two natural compounds, that can efficiently remove multiple types of microplastics from water. The material can be regenerated and reused multiple times without losing effectiveness, making it a practical tool for water cleanup. This type of affordable, eco-friendly filtration technology could help reduce human exposure to microplastics in drinking water.

Effects of polypropylene microplastics on digestion performance, microbial community, and antibiotic resistance during microbial anaerobic digestion

Researchers studied how polypropylene microplastics affect the anaerobic digestion process used to treat wastewater sludge. While small amounts of microplastics slightly increased methane production, they also promoted the spread of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria in the digesters. This means microplastics in wastewater systems could contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which poses a serious threat to human health.

Continuing benefits of the Montreal Protocol and protection of the stratospheric ozone layer for human health and the environment

This assessment reviews the continuing health and environmental benefits of the Montreal Protocol, which protects the ozone layer. While primarily focused on UV radiation, skin cancer, and air quality, the review notes that UV light accelerates the breakdown of plastics into microplastics in the environment. The interaction between ozone protection, climate change, and plastic degradation highlights the complex relationship between atmospheric changes and microplastic pollution.

Microplastics accelerate nitrification, shape the microbial community, and alter antibiotic resistance during the nitrifying process

Researchers found that adding microplastics to wastewater treatment systems actually sped up nitrification (a key step in processing sewage) but also promoted the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Even biodegradable PLA plastics, often considered more environmentally friendly, significantly increased antibiotic resistance genes. This study warns that microplastics in wastewater systems could be accelerating the spread of antibiotic resistance, a major public health threat.

Persulfate-Based Advanced Oxidation Reforming of Polyethylene Terephthalate Fiber into Formate via Singlet Oxygen Activation

Toward carbon neutrality: Selective conversion of waste plastics into value-added chemicals

Photocatalytic Upcycling of Plastic Waste: Mechanism, Integrating Modus, and Selectivity

This review examines how photocatalysis, a process that uses light energy to drive chemical reactions, can transform plastic waste into useful products under mild and environmentally friendly conditions. Researchers compared photocatalytic approaches with other methods like heat-based and electrical catalysis, and explored how different experimental setups influence what end products are created. The study suggests that photocatalytic upcycling of plastics is a promising green technology, though challenges remain in improving efficiency and selectivity.

Feasible Degradation of Polyethylene Terephthalate Fiber‐Based Microplastics in Alkaline Media with Bi₂O₃@N‐TiO₂ Z‐Scheme Photocatalytic System

Researchers developed a photocatalytic system using a Bi2O3 and nitrogen-doped TiO2 composite to degrade polyethylene terephthalate fiber-based microplastics. They found that in alkaline conditions (pH 9), the system degraded approximately 10% of the microplastic fibers, nearly three times more than at neutral pH, primarily due to enhanced hydrolysis. The study presents a potentially eco-friendly approach for remediating fiber-based microplastic contamination in wastewater.

Combined toxicity of polyethylene microplastics and nickel oxide nanoparticle on earthworm (Eisenia andrei): oxidative stress responses, bioavailability and joint effect

Researchers studied the combined toxicity of polyethylene microplastics and nickel oxide nanoparticles on earthworms over 28 days. They found that smaller microplastics caused greater oxidative stress, and the combination of both pollutants was more harmful than either one alone. The study suggests that the co-occurrence of microplastics and metal nanoparticles in soil can amplify negative effects on soil-dwelling organisms.

Modified polyamide fibers with low surface friction coefficient to reduce microplastics emission during domestic laundry

Researchers developed a modified polyamide fiber that sheds 60% fewer microplastic particles during washing by incorporating a silicone-based compound that lowers surface friction. The fibers maintained good physical properties including strength and water resistance, making them practical for textile manufacturing. The study offers a promising engineering approach to reducing one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution entering waterways from household laundry.

Exposure to nanoplastics induces the elevation of Zn2+ levels in cells as visualized by a Golgi apparatus-targetable ratiometric fluorescent nanosensor

Researchers developed a specialized fluorescent sensor that can detect changes in zinc levels within the Golgi apparatus of cells exposed to nanoplastics. They found that nanoplastic exposure caused a significant increase in cellular zinc concentrations, which is linked to oxidative stress responses. The study provides new tools and insights for understanding the molecular mechanisms behind nanoplastic toxicity in cells.

How to Build a Microplastics‐Free Environment: Strategies for Microplastics Degradation and Plastics Recycling

This review examines strategies for degrading microplastics and recycling plastic waste to build a microplastic-free environment. Researchers evaluated approaches including biodegradation, photocatalytic degradation, advanced oxidation processes, and chemical recycling methods. The study highlights that while promising technologies exist, no single method can yet achieve complete microplastic elimination, and a combination of prevention, removal, and recycling strategies will be needed.

Effects of UV radiation on natural and synthetic materials

Researchers reviewed how solar UV radiation degrades natural and synthetic materials like wood and plastic, noting that climate change may shorten material lifespans and that photodegradation of plastic waste is a key driver of microplastic generation — while also surveying emerging nanoscale stabilizers that could make materials more UV-resistant.

Joule heat assisting electrochemical degradation of polyethylene microplastics melted on anode

Enhanced superhydrophobic melamine sponge with bimetal organic framework for simultaneous oil-water separation and microplastic removal

High‐Dielectric‐Constant and Biodegradable Fiber Membrane for High‐Efficiency and Low‐Resistance Air Purification by the Interfacial Polarization Enhancement^†

Researchers developed a biodegradable fiber membrane made from silk fibroin and wool that achieves 99.69% filtration efficiency for fine particulate matter while maintaining very low air resistance. The membrane uses an interface polarization strategy to enhance its filtration performance and can be completely degraded in soil within 14 days after alkaline treatment. The study offers a solution that simultaneously addresses air purification needs and avoids generating microplastic pollution from conventional synthetic filters.

Translocation of polystyrene nanoplastics in distinct plant species: Novel insight from a split-root system and transcriptomic analysis

Researchers used a split-root system to study how polystyrene nanoplastics move through cucumber and maize plants, finding that the particles travel from roots to shoots via xylem and redistribute back to roots via phloem. Cucumber roots accumulated more nanoplastics than maize, while maize showed greater redistribution from shoots back to roots. The study revealed that aquaporin proteins play a key role in regulating nanoplastic uptake and transport in plants.

Functional clothing, an overlooked source of persistent textile fibers in the global microplastic pollution