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Papers
66 resultsShowing papers from Universidad Complutense de Madrid
ClearRemoval of polystyrene nanoplastics from urban treated wastewater by electrochemical oxidation
Scientists demonstrated a new method for removing polystyrene nanoplastics from treated wastewater using electrochemical oxidation with a special diamond-coated electrode. The technique achieved over 90% removal of the nanoplastics and reduced the toxicity of treated water to non-toxic levels. This approach could be a practical addition to existing wastewater treatment to address nanoplastic pollution that slips through conventional systems.
Cancer Metabolism: The Role of ROS in DNA Damage and Induction of Apoptosis in Cancer Cells
This review explores how reactive oxygen species (ROS) -- harmful molecules produced during abnormal cell metabolism -- can damage DNA and trigger cancer cell death, making ROS a potential target for cancer treatment. While not directly about microplastics, this is relevant because microplastic exposure is known to increase ROS production in human cells, which could contribute to DNA damage over time.
Soil contamination in nearby natural areas mirrors that in urban greenspaces worldwide
A global study found that soil contamination in natural areas is just as bad as in nearby urban green spaces, with similar levels of heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes. Human activity was the main driver of contamination regardless of whether the area was urban or natural. The findings show that microplastic pollution and other contaminants have spread far beyond cities, potentially affecting soil health and the food grown in these areas.
The impact of nanomaterials on autophagy across health and disease conditions
Researchers examined how nanomaterials — including nanoplastics — interact with autophagy, the cell's internal recycling and cleanup system. Depending on the type and dose, nanoplastics can either trigger helpful cellular defense responses or push cells toward self-destruction, a dual nature that has important implications for both environmental health and the design of nanomaterial-based medicines.
Accumulation of microplastics in predatory birds near a densely populated urban area
Researchers found microplastics in every single digestive tract examined from four species of predatory birds near a major city, and 65% also had microplastics in their respiratory systems. On average, each bird contained about 8 microplastic particles, mostly fibers, likely ingested through contaminated prey. This is the first study to document microplastic contamination in the breathing organs of birds of prey, showing how plastic pollution moves up the food chain.
Interspecific interactions disrupted by roads
This review examined how roads disrupt interactions between different species, including predator-prey relationships, competition, pollination, and the spread of parasites. While focused on road ecology rather than microplastics, the study is relevant because roads are a significant source of microplastic pollution from tire wear, road markings, and litter. The ecological disruptions documented in this review may be compounded by the microplastic contamination that roads introduce into surrounding habitats.
Assessing Bioconcentration and Biotransformation of BDE-47 In Vitro: The Relevance of Bioavailable and Intracellular Concentrations
Researchers used zebrafish liver cells to study how the flame retardant BDE-47 accumulates and breaks down in living tissue, as part of efforts to reduce animal testing. They measured both the concentration inside cells and the freely available concentration in the surrounding fluid over time. The study demonstrates that in vitro cell-based methods can provide meaningful data about how hydrophobic pollutants build up in organisms, offering a practical alternative to whole-animal experiments.
Microplastics in Antarctic air: revealing current findings
This review examines the growing body of evidence on microplastic air pollution in Antarctica, one of the most remote places on Earth. Researchers found that both micro- and nanoplastics have been detected in Antarctic air, posing potential threats to this fragile ecosystem and its freshwater reserves. The study emphasizes that global action to reduce microplastic emissions is essential, since these particles can travel vast distances through the atmosphere.
Elucidating microplastic's seasonal occurrence in urban indoor and outdoor aerosol
Scientists conducted the first year-long study of airborne microplastics in both indoor and outdoor air in Madrid, Spain, finding that indoor exposure was roughly four times higher than outdoor levels. Indoor microplastic concentrations averaged 124 particles per cubic meter per day, dominated by polystyrene and polyethylene from textiles and consumer products. The results suggest that people may face their greatest microplastic inhalation risk inside their own homes and workplaces.
Risk assessment of silver and microplastics release from antibacterial food containers under conventional use and microwave heating
Researchers tested whether antibacterial food containers made with silver release potentially harmful substances during normal use and microwave heating. The study found that polypropylene containers released significant amounts of silver that increased with temperature, acidity, and repeated use. In addition, microplastic particles were detected in the food simulants, raising questions about the safety of reusable antimicrobial plastic food packaging.
First Report of Lactococcus petauri in the Pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) from Candia Lake (Northwestern Italy)
This case report documents the first identification of the bacterial pathogen Lactococcus petauri in a wild pumpkinseed fish from an Italian lake. The bacterium showed resistance to multiple antibiotics, and while the fish appeared healthy, the finding expands the known host range of this emerging pathogen and raises awareness of its potential to affect both farmed and wild fish populations.
Bibliometric Analysis and Research Trends on Microplastic Pollution in the Soil and Terrestrial Ecosystems
This bibliometric analysis tracks research trends on microplastic pollution in soil and terrestrial ecosystems, revealing a rapidly growing field with increasing global collaboration. Researchers identified key themes including microplastic sources, soil organism impacts, and interactions with other pollutants. The study maps out knowledge gaps and suggests future research priorities for understanding how microplastics affect land-based environments.
Magnetic polymeric composites: potential for separating and degrading micro/nano plastics
Researchers reviewed how magnetic composite materials can be used to attract, capture, and chemically break down microplastics and nanoplastics in wastewater, finding that combining magnetic separation with advanced oxidation or photocatalysis offers one of the most promising approaches for removing these persistent plastic pollutants from water.
Biofilm formation on polyethylene microplastics and their role as transfer vector of emerging organic pollutants
This study examined how bacteria form biofilms on polyethylene microplastics and whether those biofilms help transport organic pollutants like common pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Researchers found that the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa readily colonized microplastics, and the presence of contaminants in the water altered biofilm characteristics. The findings suggest that microplastics in waterways may act as carriers that help spread pharmaceutical and chemical pollutants through aquatic environments.
Human intake assessment of triclosan associated with the daily use of polypropylene-made antimicrobial food packaging
Researchers assessed human exposure to triclosan, an antimicrobial chemical, from everyday use of Microban-branded microwave-safe food containers. They found that both direct chemical migration from the containers and microplastics released during microwave heating contributed to significant triclosan intake, with estimated weekly exposure levels raising health concerns. The study calls for a worldwide ban on triclosan in food-contact materials and better compliance testing, especially for products sold through online platforms.
Sustainable food packaging: An updated definition following a holistic approach
Researchers proposed an updated, holistic definition for sustainable food packaging by analyzing 38 related terms across the food systems domain. The study found that the lack of a commonly accepted definition has led to uninformed packaging choices by stakeholders throughout the value chain, and the work aims to help producers, distributors, practitioners, and consumers make better decisions about sustainable food packaging alternatives.
Beyond allergic progression: From molecules to microbes as barrier modulators in the gut-lung axis functionality
This review explores the epithelial barrier hypothesis, which proposes that dysfunction of gut and lung barriers can trigger allergic responses due to tolerance breakdown. Researchers examined how environmental factors including pollution, food additives, and microplastics can damage epithelial barriers and alter the gut-lung axis, while also discussing how dietary factors and the microbiome may modulate barrier integrity and allergic progression.
Influence of Age of Infection on the Gut Microbiota in Worker Honey Bees (Apis mellifera iberiensis) Experimentally Infected with Nosema ceranae
Researchers studied how infection with the gut parasite Nosema ceranae affects the microbiome of honey bees at different ages. The study found that infected bees, especially those infected shortly after emerging, showed significant shifts in their gut bacteria populations, suggesting that both age and infection timing play important roles in how bee gut health is disrupted.
Food packaging characterization, composition profiles and in vitro testing of micro(bio)plastics from selected petroleum- and plant-based food containers
Researchers tested the composition and cytotoxicity of microplastics from both petroleum-based and plant-based food packaging materials using intestinal cell models. The study found that some products marketed as bio-based actually contained synthetic polypropylene with plant fiber additives, and while no acute toxicity was observed, petroleum-based microplastics induced cellular stress whereas plant-based particles showed potential protective effects against oxidative damage.
Complex combined effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and phenanthrene in aquatic models
Researchers investigated the combined toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics and the pollutant phenanthrene in fish cells and zebrafish larvae. They found that the interaction between nanoplastics and phenanthrene was complex and tissue-dependent, with nanoplastics increasing phenanthrene uptake in some cell types while decreasing it in others. Interestingly, zebrafish larvae experienced lower overall toxicity during co-exposure compared to single-pollutant exposure, suggesting the interaction dynamics are more nuanced than previously assumed.
An Overview of Microplastic Exposure in Urban, Suburban, and Rural Aerosols
Researchers conducted the first multipoint study of atmospheric microplastic exposure across urban, suburban, and rural areas of Madrid, Spain, during the winter season. Using active aerosol sampling and UV-assisted optical microscopy, they found microplastics in all sampling locations, with urban areas showing the highest concentrations. The study provides new baseline data on airborne microplastic levels and uses air mass trajectory analysis to trace potential sources and transport pathways.
Transcriptomic and physiological effects of polyethylene microplastics on Zea mays seedlings and their role as a vector for organic pollutants
Researchers found that polyethylene microplastics cause transcriptomic and physiological changes in corn seedlings, altering gene expression related to stress responses and growth, while also serving as vectors that increase the bioavailability of organic pollutants to plant roots.
Mineralization of polystyrene nanoplastics in water by photo-Fenton oxidation
Researchers demonstrated that a photo-Fenton process — using UV light, hydrogen peroxide, and iron — can completely break down polystyrene nanoplastics in water within just 40 minutes under normal room conditions. This is the first study to achieve full mineralization (conversion to harmless byproducts) of plastic nanoparticles this rapidly, suggesting the method could be integrated into wastewater treatment plants to eliminate nanoplastic pollution.
Pathologic findings and causes of death of stranded cetaceans in the Canary Islands (2006-2012)
The causes of death of 224 cetaceans stranded on the Canary Islands between 2006 and 2012 were determined by necropsy, with natural causes (good nutritional status, 33.6%) and nutritional stress (23.5%) being most common, but foreign body-related pathology (including plastic ingestion) identified as a cause of death in a subset of animals. The study provides forensic evidence that plastic ingestion contributes to cetacean mortality in this eastern Atlantic region.