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Papers
73 resultsShowing papers from University of the Punjab
ClearTranscriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics interventions prompt crop improvement against metal(loid) toxicity
This review examines how advanced molecular analysis tools -- transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics -- are helping scientists understand how plants respond to toxic metals in contaminated soil. While focused on metal toxicity rather than microplastics directly, these same tools are being used to study how microplastics interact with heavy metals to create combined threats to crop safety and human health.
Exploration of microplastic concentration in indoor and outdoor air samples: Morphological, polymeric, and elemental analysis
Researchers measured airborne microplastics in indoor and outdoor environments in Islamabad, Pakistan, finding that indoor air contained nearly five times more microplastics than outdoor air. Classrooms had the highest contamination at about 6 particles per cubic meter, with fibers being the most common shape and polyester (PET) the most common plastic type. These findings highlight that people are continuously inhaling microplastics, especially indoors.
Seed priming with alpha-tocopherol alleviates microplastic stress in Brassica rapa through modulations in morphological, physiological and biochemical attributes
This study found that treating turnip seeds with vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) before planting helped protect the seedlings from microplastic damage. Microplastics in the soil reduced seed germination and plant growth, but the vitamin E treatment boosted the plants' natural antioxidant defenses and reduced cellular damage. The findings suggest a practical strategy for growing food crops in microplastic-contaminated soil, which is becoming increasingly common in agricultural land.
Nanoparticles in Agriculture: Enhancing Crop Resilience and Productivity against Abiotic Stresses
This review examines how engineered nanoparticles can help crops withstand environmental stresses like drought, salinity, and heavy metal contamination. While not focused on microplastics directly, it discusses how nanotechnology interacts with similar biological pathways that microplastics disrupt in plants. The review also raises important concerns about the potential toxicity and environmental impact of adding more nanoparticles to agricultural systems.
Microorganism-mediated biodegradation for effective management and/or removal of micro-plastics from the environment: a comprehensive review
This review summarizes research on using microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and algae to break down microplastics in the environment. While some organisms can partially degrade certain plastic types through fragmentation and chemical breakdown, no single microbe can fully eliminate microplastics. The review highlights that biological degradation is a promising but still limited approach to addressing microplastic pollution, and more research is needed to develop effective microbial cleanup strategies.
Profusion of microplastics in dental healthcare units; morphological, polymer, and seasonal trends with hazardous consequences for humans
This study measured microplastic contamination in dental clinics during routine procedures and found thousands of particles in the air, with dental professionals inhaling significant amounts daily. Female dental workers faced slightly higher inhalation risks than male workers. The findings highlight that people working in healthcare settings with extensive plastic use face elevated microplastic exposure that could affect their respiratory health over time.
Microplastics and associated chemicals in drinking water: A review of their occurrence and human health implications
This review examines how microplastics in drinking water can leach harmful chemicals like plasticizers, stabilizers, and UV filters, especially during water treatment processes that use disinfectants or UV light. These released chemicals can affect the nervous, digestive, reproductive, and liver systems in humans. The findings suggest that microplastics in tap water and bottled water may pose health risks not just from the plastic particles themselves, but also from the toxic chemicals they carry and release.
Characterization of plastic degrading bacteria isolated from sewage wastewater
Researchers isolated bacteria from sewage wastewater that can degrade plastic, with two Pseudomonas strains achieving 25% weight loss of plastic pieces over 120 days. Chemical analysis confirmed the bacteria were breaking down and transforming the plastic polymer bonds. These plastic-eating bacteria could offer a green biotechnology approach to reducing microplastic pollution in wastewater systems.
Nano-based remediation strategies for micro and nanoplastic pollution
This review covers how nanomaterial-based technologies can be used to remove microplastics from the environment, including methods using magnetic nanoparticles, photocatalysts, and membrane filters. While current physical, chemical, and biological removal methods each have limitations, nanomaterials can enhance their effectiveness by targeting smaller plastic particles that traditional methods miss. Better removal technologies could ultimately reduce human exposure to microplastics in drinking water and food.
Ecological Toxicity, Oxidative Stress and Impacts of Microplastics on Fish Gills
This review summarizes research on how microplastic exposure damages fish gills, a critical organ for breathing, waste removal, and maintaining body chemistry. Researchers found that microplastics cause oxidative stress, DNA damage, and structural changes to gill tissue, which can impair blood parameters and overall fish health. The findings highlight that gill damage from microplastics may be a widespread concern for freshwater and marine fish populations.
Recent Advances in Enzyme Immobilisation Strategies: An Overview of Techniques and Composite Carriers
This review covers recent advances in enzyme immobilization, a technique where enzymes are attached to solid materials to make them reusable and more stable for industrial applications. Researchers describe various methods including adsorption, cross-linking, and entrapment, along with emerging composite carrier materials that improve performance. While not focused on microplastics specifically, the technology has applications in biodegradation of plastics and environmental remediation.
Spatial distribution of microplastics in soil with context to human activities: a case study from the urban center
Researchers mapped the spatial distribution of microplastics in topsoil across different land use types in an urbanized city in the upper Indus plain. They found that agricultural and urban areas had significantly higher microplastic concentrations than less developed areas, with fibers being the dominant particle type. The study links microplastic soil contamination patterns to specific human activities including irrigation with wastewater, plastic mulching, and industrial discharge.
RETRACTED: Proteomic modulation by arsenic and microplastic toxicity in the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings
This retracted study originally investigated how iron oxide nanoparticles might protect wheat seedlings from the combined toxic effects of arsenic and PVC microplastics in soil. The researchers had reported that the nanoparticles helped restore normal protein activity and growth in the wheat plants. Note: this paper has been retracted, meaning the scientific community has identified concerns with the findings.
A preliminary assessment of microplastics in indoor dust of a developing country in South Asia
Researchers conducted a preliminary assessment of microplastics in indoor dust from homes in two cities in Pakistan, finding microplastic contamination in all samples. The study highlights that indoor environments are an important but understudied source of human microplastic exposure, particularly through dust inhalation and ingestion.
Microplastics in water, sediments, and fish at Alpine River, originating from the Hindu Kush Mountain, Pakistan: implications for conservation
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in water, sediments, and fish from the Swat River in Pakistan, originating from the Hindu Kush Mountains. The study found microplastics present across all sample types, even in this relatively remote mountain river system, with concentrations linked to municipal and industrial discharges along the river.
Sources, distribution, and incipient threats of polymeric microplastic released from food storage plastic materials
This review examines how common food storage materials such as plastic bags, bottles, and containers release microplastic particles into the food they hold. Researchers compiled data on the sources, quantities, and distribution patterns of these released particles across multiple countries. The study highlights that everyday food packaging represents a significant and often overlooked pathway for human microplastic exposure.
Dynamics of airborne microplastics, appraisal and distributional behaviour in atmosphere; a review
This review explores the sources, distribution, and behaviour of airborne microplastics in the terrestrial environment. Researchers summarize how factors like size, density, and atmospheric conditions influence microplastic transport and concentration in air. The study highlights that airborne exposure represents a significant and relatively understudied route of human microplastic intake, with particles capable of carrying organic pollutants that bioaccumulate through food webs.
A Review on Emerging Contaminants: Effects on Human Health and Cancer Risks
This review examines how emerging contaminants, including microplastics, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals, may contribute to health problems and cancer risk. Evidence indicates that many of these pollutants can disrupt hormones, trigger inflammation, and cause DNA damage, though the long-term effects of low-level exposure are not yet fully understood. The authors stress the need for better monitoring, regulation, and research into how mixtures of these contaminants affect human health over time.
Enhanced Area Triboelectric Nanogenerator Utilizing Recycled Single Used Plastic Bubble Wrap and Discarded Sketching Paper Ensuring Circularity of Material
Researchers developed a low-cost triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) made from recycled single-use bubble wrap and discarded sketching paper, demonstrating a way to convert waste plastics into functional energy-harvesting devices. The study suggests that repurposing plastic waste into sustainable electronics could help address both plastic pollution and energy consumption concerns.
The potential influence of food additives and contaminants on the gut microbiota: A comprehensive review
This comprehensive review examines how food additives and contaminants, including pesticides, heavy metals, microplastics, and antibiotics, affect the gut microbiota. Researchers found that these substances can disrupt the balance of gut microbes, leading to inflammation, gastrointestinal injury, and altered production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids. The study emphasizes the need for further research into the mechanisms by which dietary contaminants affect gut health and overall wellbeing.
Polymer-Specific Quantification of Circulating Microplastics in Healthy and Immunocompromised Individuals
Scientists found tiny plastic particles in the blood of all people they tested, but people with weakened immune systems had slightly higher levels than healthy people. The plastic pieces likely come from everyday items and medical equipment, and people with compromised immune systems may have trouble clearing them from their bodies. This research shows that microplastics are now circulating in human blood, though we still don't know what health effects this might have.
Harnessing fungal bio-electricity: a promising path to a cleaner environment
This review explores the integration of fungi into fuel cell systems for simultaneous energy generation and environmental pollutant degradation. The study suggests that fungal bio-electricity, particularly through constructed wetland fuel cells, represents a promising and eco-friendly approach to addressing pollution challenges.
Source identification, characteristics, and spatial distribution of airborne microplastic deposition in Lahore City, Pakistan
Researchers conducted the first comprehensive assessment of airborne microplastic deposition across 23 sites in Lahore, Pakistan, covering areas with diverse human activities. They identified fibers as the dominant microplastic type in atmospheric fallout, with concentrations varying by land use and proximity to industrial areas. The study establishes baseline data on atmospheric microplastic pollution in a major South Asian city and identifies key contributing sources.
Silicon mitigates combined cadmium and microplastics toxicity in rice by regulating glyoxalase system, and phytochelatin-mediated cadmium detoxification
Researchers demonstrated that foliar silicon application mitigates the combined toxicity of cadmium and microplastics in rice by enhancing antioxidant defenses, stimulating phytochelatin production to sequester cadmium, suppressing cadmium-uptake gene expression, and restoring chlorophyll content and hormone signaling to recover crop yield.