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Papers
140 resultsPost-mortem evidence of microplastic bioaccumulation in human organs: insights from advanced imaging and spectroscopic analysis
Researchers examined tissue samples from deceased individuals and found microplastics in the brain, liver, thyroid, kidney, heart, muscle, and lungs, with the thyroid, kidney, and brain showing the highest contamination at up to 40 particles per gram of tissue. Nanoscale plastic particles smaller than 0.02 micrometers were also detected, indicating that the tiniest plastics can cross biological barriers and accumulate deep in human organs.
Ranking of potential hazards from microplastics polymers in the marine environment
Researchers developed a model to rank which types of microplastic polymers pose the greatest health risk from marine exposure pathways, based on their chemical toxicity when broken down and their particle size. Polyurethane, PVC, and polyacrylonitrile ranked as the most hazardous, while the toxicity of the broken-down chemical components was the single biggest factor in determining risk. This ranking system could help policymakers prioritize which plastic types to regulate first to protect human health.
Assessment of microplastic pollution and polymer risk in the sediment compartment of the Limfjord, Denmark
Scientists measured microplastic contamination across a large Danish fjord and found plastic particles at every location sampled, with concentrations up to 4,288 particles per kilogram of sediment. They applied a Polymer Hazard Index showing that certain plastic types like polyacrylonitrile and ABS pose especially high risks. The study estimates the fjord's surface sediments hold thousands of kilograms of microplastics, with potential consequences for the commercial shellfish species living there.
Human health concerns regarding microplastics in the aquatic environment - From marine to food systems
This review traces the journey of microplastics from marine environments into the human food supply, examining how they contaminate seafood, drinking water, and the food chain. Particles smaller than 150 micrometers can pass through the intestinal wall and reach other organs, where they may cause chronic toxicity including cardiovascular, liver, and brain damage. The authors emphasize that nanoplastics are especially concerning because their small size allows them to penetrate deeper into the body.
Contamination of coastal and marine bird species with plastics: Global analysis and synthesis
This review summarizes global data on plastic contamination in coastal and marine bird species across all seven continents, finding that seabirds like fulmars, shearwaters, and albatrosses are the most heavily affected. Birds ingest microplastics, mesoplastics, and macroplastics that can cause death directly through gut blockage and indirectly through toxic chemicals absorbed onto or released from the plastic. Several contaminated species are already classified as endangered.
Microplastics in freshwater: Unveiling sources, fate, and removal strategies
This review of 167 studies examines the sources, distribution, and fate of microplastics in freshwater systems worldwide. Key sources include improperly disposed plastic waste, synthetic fabrics, and personal care products, and these particles act as carriers for heavy metals, pesticides, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria -- collectively posing potential cancer and other health risks through contaminated drinking water and food.
Microplastics in commercial fish and their habitats in the important fishing ground of the Black Sea: Characteristic, concentration, and risk assessment
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in six commercial fish species from the Black Sea and found microplastics in all environmental areas studied, including surface water, the water column, sediments, and fish. Fibers were the most common type of microplastic found, and bottom-dwelling fish had higher contamination levels than fish living closer to the surface. Since these are commonly eaten fish species, the findings are relevant to human dietary exposure to microplastics.
Understanding microplastic retention in surface flow constructed wetlands: The impact of aquatic macrophytes
This study tested how well constructed wetlands with different aquatic plants retain three common types of microplastics: polyethylene beads, tire wear particles, and synthetic fibers. Plants with complex leaf structures trapped more microplastics than simpler plants or unvegetated areas. The findings suggest that planted wetlands could serve as a nature-based solution for filtering microplastics from water before they reach rivers and drinking water sources.
Potential risks of accumulated microplastics in shells and soft tissues of cultured hard clams (Meretrix taiwanica) and associated metals
Researchers found microplastics in both the shells and soft tissues of farmed hard clams in Taiwan, with small fibers being the most common type. The soft tissues showed higher potential ecological risk from microplastics than the shells, and the health risk from eating contaminated clams was greater for children than adults. While metal levels in the clams were within safe limits, the study highlights shellfish as another source of human microplastic exposure.
Ecological risk assessment of microplastics in agricultural soils of Coimbatore region, India
Researchers assessed the ecological risk of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils near Coimbatore, India, and found that soils treated with inorganic fertilizers had the highest risk levels. While overall pollution loads were categorized as low, the types of plastics found (including PVC and polystyrene) pushed risk scores into the extremely dangerous category due to their potential toxicity. The study raises concerns about how farming practices may be introducing hazardous microplastics into the soil where food is grown.
Face Masks to Combat Coronavirus (COVID-19)—Processing, Roles, Requirements, Efficacy, Risk and Sustainability
This review examines the materials, manufacturing methods, and effectiveness of face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of which are made from non-biodegradable plastics like polypropylene and polyester. Researchers found that while masks are effective at reducing virus transmission, their widespread use and improper disposal have created a significant environmental concern as they break down into microplastics. The study calls for more sustainable mask materials and better waste management strategies to reduce the environmental footprint of pandemic-related plastic waste.
A Review for Prioritizing Microplastic Regulation and Research: An Integral Approach
This review argues that not all microplastics are equally harmful and proposes a priority ranking of plastic types based on how much is produced, how toxic their additives are, and how easily they fragment. Polyester and polyamide fibers, polyethylene, PET, PVC, and polystyrene were identified as the highest-priority types for regulation and research. The findings could help focus health research and policy on the specific microplastics most likely to harm people, rather than treating all plastic pollution as a single problem.
Microplastic fibres from synthetic textiles: Environmental degradation and additive chemical content
Researchers studied how common synthetic textile fibers — polyester, polyamide, and polyacrylonitrile — degrade in seawater and freshwater under UV light exposure. They found that these fibers release chemical additives as they break down, with polyester and polyamide releasing particularly concerning levels of plastic-related chemicals into the surrounding water.
Microplastic accumulation in a lizard species: Observations from the terrestrial environments
Researchers examined 152 snake-eyed lizards from 18 populations in Turkey and found microplastics in the digestive tracts of about 22% of them. Fibers and fragments were the most common types, likely coming from synthetic textiles and plastic waste in the lizards' habitats. This is one of the first studies showing that microplastic contamination has spread to terrestrial reptiles, meaning land-based food chains are also affected.
Global occurrence, drivers, and environmental risks of microplastics in marine environments
Global marine microplastic abundance showed significant spatial heterogeneity driven by offshore distance, population density, and economic development, with small-size particles (<1 mm) dominating. Polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, and PVC posed the highest environmental risk contributions, and land-based waste and marine operations were the dominant sources aggregating at nearshore and deep-sea bottom environments.
[Meta-analysis of the Occurrence Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Microplastics in Agricultural Soil in China].
This meta-analysis pooled data from studies across China to assess microplastic pollution in agricultural soil. The research found that microplastic levels vary by region and are influenced by factors like temperature, precipitation, and farming practices. Since agricultural soil is where food crops grow, understanding microplastic contamination in farmland is directly relevant to food safety and human health.
Mesophilic anaerobic digestion of mixed sludge in CSTR and AnMBR systems: A perspective on microplastics fate
Researchers compared how two types of anaerobic digesters used in wastewater treatment affect the fate of microplastics in sewage sludge. They found that while digestion reduced some types of microplastics, it also fragmented larger particles into smaller ones, and a membrane bioreactor retained more microplastics than a conventional stirred tank. The study suggests that current wastewater treatment processes may not fully eliminate microplastics and could even create smaller, harder-to-remove particles.
Assessing microplastic pollution in marine mammals: evidence from three cetacean species in the southeastern Black Sea
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in the digestive tracts of three cetacean species from the southeastern Black Sea, finding particles in all seven individuals studied. Fiber-shaped microplastics were the most common type, and polymer analysis identified polyester and polyamide as the dominant materials. The study adds to growing evidence that marine mammals accumulate microplastics through the food chain, raising concerns about the health of top ocean predators.
Profiling microplastic fibers in the intertidal sentinel mussel <i>Brachidontes rodriguezii</i> from the coast of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in small mussels along the coast of Argentina's most popular resort city and found plastic particles in nearly 98% of all specimens examined. Surprisingly, the highest contamination levels were found at the least urbanized site, suggesting that agricultural runoff and local water currents, not just city pollution, play important roles in distributing microplastics. The study underscores that microplastic contamination in coastal shellfish is widespread regardless of the level of nearby urban development.
Microbial strategies for degradation of microplastics generated from COVID-19 healthcare waste
Researchers reviewed microbial strategies for degrading microplastics generated from COVID-19 healthcare waste such as masks, gloves, and personal protective equipment. The study discusses how improper disposal of pandemic-related plastic waste creates microplastic pollution and explores the potential of microorganisms to break down these polymeric materials as a bioremediation approach.
Abundance and composition of microplastics in Tampico beach sediments, Tamaulipas State, southern Gulf of Mexico
Researchers analyzed beach sediments from Tampico, Mexico, on the Gulf of Mexico coast and found microplastics present in all samples. The most common types were fragments and fibers made of polyethylene and polypropylene, and concentrations ranged from 256 to 2,830 particles per 20 grams of sediment. The study adds to growing evidence that microplastic contamination is widespread along Gulf of Mexico coastlines.
Efficacy of bacterial cellulose hydrogel in microfiber removal from contaminated waters: A sustainable approach to wastewater treatment
Researchers developed a bacterial cellulose hydrogel made from unused cellulose remnants and tested it as an eco-friendly filter for removing microfibers from contaminated water. The hydrogel achieved an average removal rate of nearly 94 percent and retained the captured fibers well, releasing only about 8 percent after washing. The study presents this bio-based approach as a sustainable and effective alternative for tackling microfiber pollution in wastewater.
Impact of face mask microplastics pollution on the aquatic environment and aquaculture organisms
This review examines how the widespread use of disposable face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to microplastic pollution in aquatic environments. Researchers found that mask materials made from polymers like polypropylene break down into microplastics through UV radiation and weathering, causing harm to aquatic organisms including reduced growth, neurotoxicity, and increased mortality. The study recommends developing biodegradable alternatives to plastic-based face masks to reduce environmental impact.
Microplastic concentrations in cultured oysters in two seasons from two bays of Baja California, Mexico
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in cultured Pacific oysters from two bays in Baja California, Mexico, across winter and summer seasons. Microfibers were the most abundant particle type found in all samples, with higher concentrations observed during winter. The study suggests that seasonal and spatial factors influence microplastic accumulation in farmed shellfish, which is relevant given that oysters are consumed whole by humans.