We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
119 resultsShowing papers from Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
ClearExploring biodegradative efficiency: a systematic review on the main microplastic-degrading bacteria
This systematic review identified bacteria that can break down microplastics in the environment. Some bacterial species show promising ability to degrade common plastics like polyethylene and polystyrene, offering a potential biological approach to reducing plastic pollution.
Large-scale monitoring and risk assessment of microplastics in the Amazon River
Researchers conducted the largest microplastic monitoring study in the Amazon River, sampling 40 sites across 1,500 kilometers. Microplastics were found everywhere, with urban streams near cities showing concentrations up to 1,000 times higher than the main river. This study confirms that even remote freshwater ecosystems like the Amazon are contaminated with microplastics, which could affect the fish and water that local communities depend on.
Biotechnology in Food Packaging Using Bacterial Cellulose
This review explores bacterial cellulose as a biodegradable, biocompatible alternative to conventional plastic food packaging, which contributes to micro- and nanoplastic pollution that threatens both the environment and human health. While bacterial cellulose shows strong potential due to its mechanical strength and food preservation abilities, scaling up production remains a challenge due to higher costs and manufacturing difficulties.
Systematic Review of Fish Ecology and Anthropogenic Impacts in South American Estuaries: Setting Priorities for Ecosystem Conservation
This systematic review examines fish ecology and human impacts on South American estuaries. While focused on broader environmental pressures, it documents how pollution — including microplastics — affects fish populations in these ecosystems, with implications for communities that depend on estuarine fisheries for food.
More than just sweet: current insights into microplastics in honey products and a case study of <i>Melipona quadrifasciata</i> honey
Researchers found microplastic contamination in 100% of honey samples from native Brazilian bees, with polypropylene fibers being the most common type detected. Concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 2.6 particles per milliliter of honey, showing that even honey from native bee species in vegetated areas is contaminated. This adds honey to the growing list of everyday foods through which people regularly consume microplastics.
Microplastics and other anthropogenic particles contamination and their potential trophic transfer in a tropical Andean reservoir, Colombia
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination across water, sediment, and aquatic organisms in a tropical Andean reservoir in Colombia, finding plastic particles present in all environmental compartments and at every level of the food chain studied. The most common particles were fibers and fragments made of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester. The study provides evidence that microplastics are being transferred up through the food web in this freshwater ecosystem, from tiny crustaceans to fish.
Distribution, sources and consequences of nutrients, persistent organic pollutants, metals and microplastics in South American estuaries
Researchers reviewed the distribution, sources, and environmental consequences of nutrients, persistent organic pollutants, metals, and microplastics in South American estuaries. The study found that inadequate sanitation infrastructure and uncontrolled coastal development are major pollution drivers across the continent, and that microplastics add a relatively understudied dimension to the cumulative contamination burden in these ecosystems.
The emerging chemistry of self-electrified water interfaces
This review explores the recently discovered phenomenon that water can create electrically charged domains on virtually any material it contacts. Researchers found that this self-electrification of water interfaces explains surprising effects in chemical reactions, power generation, and material stability. The findings suggest that understanding water-driven electrification could lead to new green technologies and a deeper understanding of chemistry at surfaces.
Bacteria as Ecological Tools: Pioneering Microplastic Biodegradation
This systematic review examines how bacteria can be used to biologically break down microplastic particles. The researchers identified several bacterial species capable of degrading different types of plastics, offering a potential natural solution to microplastic pollution. Finding biological methods to break down microplastics could reduce the amount of these particles that accumulate in our environment and food chain.
Caenorhabditis elegans as a Prediction Platform for Nanotechnology-Based Strategies: Insights on Analytical Challenges
This review examines the use of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism for evaluating the safety and toxicity of nanotechnology-based materials, including nanoplastics. Researchers highlight the advantages of C. elegans for toxicological screening, including its transparency, genetic tractability, and fast response to environmental contaminants. The study suggests that C. elegans is a valuable platform for assessing the impacts of emerging pollutants like nanoplastics and nanopesticides from a holistic health perspective.
Understanding the interactions between cephalopods and marine litter: A research evaluation with identification of gaps and future perspectives
Researchers reviewed the scientific literature on interactions between cephalopods (squid, octopus, and related species) and marine litter to evaluate impacts and identify knowledge gaps. The study found 30 papers documenting microplastic ingestion and synthetic microfiber transfer along food chains, but concluded that significant gaps remain in understanding how marine debris affects these ecologically and economically important animals.
Zooplankton exposure to microplastic contamination in a estuarine plume-influenced region, in Northeast Brazil
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in estuarine plume waters off the coast of northeastern Brazil and its relationship with zooplankton. The study found significantly higher microplastic abundance during the high rainfall season, with fibers and fragments being the dominant types, and elevated concentrations in river plume areas compared to reef-adjacent waters, indicating land-based sources as major contributors.
Community dynamics and functional traits drive microplastic sequestration by marine nematodes
Researchers used short- and long-term microcosm experiments to show that marine nematode communities sequester microplastics primarily at very high particle densities, with opportunistic non-selective feeders responsible for 90% of short-term uptake, while paradoxically the most severe community disruption occurs at low densities where no particle ingestion is detectable.
Rich and underreported: First integrated assessment of the diversity of mesopelagic fishes in the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic
Researchers conducted the first integrated assessment of mesopelagic fish diversity in the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic, revealing significant underreporting of species richness and highlighting the ecological importance of these deep-water fish for carbon sequestration and marine food webs.
Nanomaterials' Multigenerational Effects by Single and Joint Exposure in Non‐mammalian Models
This review examines multigenerational effects of nanomaterials, including nanoplastics, studied in non-mammalian models such as nematodes, water fleas, and zebrafish. Researchers found common effects across generations including altered life-history traits, oxidative stress, and transfer of nanomaterials to offspring. The study highlights that co-exposure to nanoplastics alongside other pollutants can produce either synergistic toxicity or alleviating effects depending on the combination.
Biocellulose for Treatment of Wastewaters Generated by Energy Consuming Industries: A Review
This review assessed biocellulose as a sustainable material for treating wastewaters from energy-intensive industries, highlighting its high adsorption capacity for removing pollutants including oils, heavy metals, and organic contaminants.
The present and future of microplastic pollution in the marine environment
This review assessed the current and projected state of microplastic pollution in the marine environment, examining evidence on sources, accumulation trends, and biological effects and arguing that the problem will worsen without significant intervention.
Community dynamics and functional traits drive microplastic sequestration by marine nematodes
Researchers used short- and long-term microcosm experiments to show that marine nematode communities sequester microplastics primarily at very high particle densities, with opportunistic non-selective feeders responsible for 90% of short-term uptake, while paradoxically the most severe community disruption occurs at low densities where no particle ingestion is detectable.
Community dynamics and functional traits drive microplastic sequestration by marine nematodes
Researchers ran short- and long-term microcosm experiments to investigate how marine nematode communities interact with microplastics in benthic sediments, finding that meaningful particle sequestration only occurred at very high MP densities and was driven primarily by opportunistic non-selective feeders, while community-level impacts on nematode structure paradoxically appeared most severe at low MP concentrations.
Climate change and microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems: ecological and societal consequences
This review examines how climate change amplifies the ecological and societal impacts of microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems. The study suggests that rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and altered precipitation patterns accelerate plastic fragmentation and dispersal, creating compounding effects on water quality, biodiversity, and coastal communities.
Macroinvertebrates as biomonitors of pollutants on natural sandy beaches: Overview and meta-analysis
Donacidae and Talitridae macroinvertebrates reliably reflected trace element concentrations from beach sediments in their tissues, validating their use as biomonitors, though fewer than 2 studies evaluated their response to microplastics, hydrocarbons, or persistent organic pollutants.
Avoidance of Inhaled Pollutants and Irritants in Asthma from a Salutogenic Perspective
This review identifies the most common inhaled pollutants and irritants found in home environments and describes their potential effects on the respiratory health of children with asthma. Researchers found that indoor exposures to substances like volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and cleaning product residues can damage the respiratory epithelium and worsen asthma symptoms. The study emphasizes the role of caregivers in environmental control as a proactive approach to reducing harmful indoor exposures.
Assessment of Human Health Risks Posed by Nano-and Microplastics Is Currently Not Feasible
This assessment concluded that human health risk assessment for nano- and microplastics is currently not feasible due to the lack of standardized reference materials, analytical limitations, and insufficient data on realistic particle types, sizes, and exposure scenarios.
Does the feeding mechanism determine the accumulation of microplastics in marine benthic organisms? A systematic review
This systematic review investigates whether the way marine bottom-dwelling organisms feed determines how many microplastics they accumulate. Filter feeders, which strain large volumes of water, appear particularly vulnerable to ingesting plastic particles. This matters for human health because many of these organisms — like mussels and oysters — are commonly consumed as seafood.