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Papers
179 resultsThailand's animals in peril: a systematic review of microplastic contamination and its ecological consequences
This systematic review examines microplastic contamination in animals across Thailand, from fish to birds, revealing widespread pollution in the country's ecosystems. The findings matter for human health because microplastics that accumulate in wildlife can move up the food chain and eventually end up on our plates.
Identification and occurrence of microplastics in drinking water bottles and milk packaging consumed by humans daily
Researchers found microplastics in both drinking water bottles and milk packets sold for daily human consumption, identifying polymers like polypropylene and polyamide in various shapes and colors. The contamination likely occurs during manufacturing or packaging, meaning that routine food and beverage consumption is a direct route of microplastic exposure for people.
Effects of microplastics polluted soil on the growth of Solanum lycopersicum L.
This study tested how microplastic-contaminated soil affects tomato plant growth, finding that higher concentrations of plastic particles in soil reduced plant height, root development, and overall crop health. The results suggest that microplastic pollution in farmland could reduce food crop yields and potentially affect the quality of the produce we eat.
Microplastics Increase Soil pH and Decrease Microbial Activities as a Function of Microplastic Shape, Polymer Type, and Exposure Time
Researchers tested twelve different types of microplastics in soil and found that their effects on soil health depended heavily on the shape, plastic type, and how long they were present. Foam and fragment shapes raised soil pH the most, while polyethylene foam increased soil respiration, and several types reduced the activity of important soil enzymes. These findings help explain why microplastic studies often show conflicting results, since the specific characteristics of the plastic matter as much as its presence.
Microplastics comparison of indoor and outdoor air and ventilation rate effect in outskirts of the Seoul metropolitan city
Researchers measured airborne microplastics both indoors and outdoors in buildings near Seoul, finding that indoor concentrations were 1.8 times higher than outdoor levels. Polyester fibers from clothing and furnishings were the most common type, and lower ventilation rates led to higher indoor microplastic levels, meaning the air people breathe at home and work may be a significant source of microplastic exposure.
Environmental nanoplastics quantification by pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in the Pearl River, China: First insights into spatiotemporal distributions, compositions, sources and risks
Researchers measured nanoplastics -- plastic particles smaller than a micrometer -- in China's Pearl River and found them at every sampling site, with polystyrene detected 100% of the time. Areas near aquaculture and shipping had the highest levels, and the study estimates that people living nearby could face health risks from drinking and touching contaminated water.
Effects of microplastic type on growth and physiology of soil crops: Implications for farmland yield and food quality
Researchers tested how two common types of microplastics (polypropylene and polyester) affect corn, soybean, and peanut crops grown in real farm conditions. The effects varied by crop and plastic type, with polypropylene generally reducing peanut growth while polyester had milder impacts. These findings suggest that microplastic contamination in agricultural soil could affect crop yields and food quality in ways that depend on which plastics are present.
A systematic review on the presence of microplastics in drinking water in South American countries with a special emphasis on health risk assessment
This systematic review examines microplastic contamination in drinking water across South American countries. The findings show wide variation in contamination levels and highlight that current health risk assessments for microplastics in drinking water are still limited, though the presence of these particles in tap water raises ongoing concerns about long-term human exposure.
Ecological footprint of microplastics in coastal and estuarine environments of India: Sediment-water interface analysis
This study mapped microplastic pollution across 16 coastal and estuarine sites along India's coastline, finding contamination everywhere with concentrations varying based on local human activities like port operations, tourism, and fishing. The microplastics were mostly small fibers and fragments under 500 micrometers, and certain plastic types were especially good at absorbing heavy metals. This means microplastics in coastal waters serve as carriers that can transport toxic metals into the seafood chain and ultimately into human diets.
Trade-offs in microplastic-adsorbed iopamidol degradation by UV-AOPs: Molecular-level insights into deiodination pathways versus iodinated disinfection by-products formation
This study examined how a common medical contrast agent called iopamidol behaves when it sticks to microplastics during UV water treatment. The researchers found that different UV treatment methods create a trade-off: one approach breaks down the chemical more effectively but produces toxic byproducts, while another retains harmful iodine compounds. The findings matter because they show that microplastics in water treatment systems can complicate the removal of pharmaceutical pollutants.
Tracing microplastics in marine fish: Ecological threats and human exposure in the Bay of Bengal
Researchers analyzed microplastics in nine fish species from the Bay of Bengal, finding an average of about 33 microplastic items per fish, mostly fibers. Bottom-dwelling and meat-eating fish had higher contamination levels, and the pollution was linked to untreated industrial and municipal waste. The study raises concerns about human health exposure through seafood consumption in a region where millions of people depend on fishing for food and livelihood.
Fabrication of dual-charged MOF-based ultrafiltration membrane to remove charged nanoplastics from wastewater
Researchers developed a new type of water filter membrane that can remove over 99% of nanoplastics from wastewater while maintaining high water flow. The membrane uses metal-organic framework nanoparticles that repel plastic particles through electrical charges and physical filtering. This technology could help prevent nanoplastics, which are too small for conventional filters, from reaching drinking water sources.
Investigating the effects of microplastics on the metabolism of Trematomus bernacchii from the ross sea (Antarctica)
Scientists examined Antarctic fish (Trematomus bernacchii) from the Ross Sea and found microplastic fibers in 70% of specimens, showing that even the most remote ecosystems are contaminated. While the microplastics did not dramatically change the overall fat composition of the fish, the study documented that plastic pollution has reached wildlife in pristine Antarctic waters. This is concerning because it demonstrates the truly global scale of microplastic contamination throughout the food web.
Airborne microplastic particle concentrations and characterization in indoor urban microenvironments
Researchers measured airborne microplastic concentrations across indoor environments including homes, workplaces, and public transit in an urban setting. Buses had the highest concentrations at over 17 particles per cubic meter, while homes and workplaces had lower but still significant levels. Most particles were polyamide and polyester fibers smaller than 100 micrometers, small enough to be inhaled, highlighting indoor air as an important but understudied route of microplastic exposure.
Microplastics from headwaters to tap water: occurrence and removal in a drinking water treatment plant in Barcelona Metropolitan area (Catalonia, NE Spain)
Researchers tracked microplastics through an entire drinking water treatment plant in Barcelona, from river source to tap. The study found microplastic concentrations of about 1 particle per liter in the raw intake water, with sand filtration removing roughly 78% of particles and the overall treatment process achieving 93% removal. Advanced treatments like ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis proved more effective at removing microplastics than conventional ozonation and carbon filtration.
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.
Petrochemical industry as a source for microplastics; abundance and characteristics of pollution in soil, sewage, and bay
This is the first study to track microplastic pollution from a petrochemical industrial site through its soil, wastewater, and into the nearby bay. Soil near the production facilities contained up to 4,620 microplastic particles per kilogram, and significant amounts passed through wastewater treatment into open waters. The research shows that plastic manufacturing facilities are a direct and substantial source of microplastic contamination in the environment.
Terrestrial wildlife as indicators of microplastic pollution in western Thailand
Researchers found microplastics in 92% of terrestrial wildlife examined in western Thailand, including snakes, birds, lizards, and amphibians both inside and outside protected areas. Fibers were the most common type, making up 77% of all particles found. This study demonstrates that microplastic pollution has spread throughout land-based food webs, even in protected natural areas, suggesting that virtually all wildlife is now exposed.
Branded milks – Are they immune from microplastics contamination?
Researchers tested 23 branded milk samples from international and national brands in Mexico and found microplastics in all of them, averaging about 6.5 particles per liter. The most common types were blue fibers made of thermoplastic sulfone polymers, which are widely used as membrane materials in dairy processing equipment. The study provides the first baseline data on microplastic contamination in dairy products and suggests that manufacturing processes may be a contributing source.
Evaluating the performance of the metal organic framework-based ultrafiltration membrane for nanoplastics removal
Researchers created an advanced membrane filter using metal-organic framework nanoparticles that removed over 99% of nanoplastics from water while maintaining high water flow rates. The membrane resisted fouling and worked reliably across multiple cycles and different water conditions. This type of technology could improve wastewater treatment plants' ability to prevent nanoplastics from reaching drinking water supplies.
RETRACTED: Organic composts as A vehicle for the entry of microplastics into the environment: A comprehensive review
This retracted review examined how organic compost can introduce microplastics into agricultural soil, finding that compost contained up to thousands of microplastic particles per kilogram. The microplastics in compost come from plastic packaging fragments, synthetic fibers, and other contaminants in the source waste. While the paper was retracted, the underlying concern remains valid: composting may be an overlooked pathway for microplastic contamination of farmland.
Foodborne and airborne polyethersulfone nanoplastics respectively induce liver and lung injury in mice: Comparison with microplastics
Researchers compared the effects of polyethersulfone micro and nanoplastics when consumed through food versus inhaled through air in mice. Eaten particles mainly damaged the liver by disrupting gut bacteria and metabolism, while inhaled particles primarily harmed the lungs. Nanoplastics caused more damage than microplastics in both cases, suggesting that the smallest plastic particles we breathe and eat may pose the greatest health risks.
Hazard assessment of microplastics and heavy metals contamination in Levant frogs (Pelophylax bedriagae): A bioindicator in Western Iran
Scientists examined frogs from 16 locations in western Iran and found microplastics and heavy metals in their digestive tracts, confirming these animals are useful indicators of environmental contamination. Fibers were the most common microplastic type found, mainly from polyethylene and polypropylene. The study shows that microplastic pollution has reached freshwater habitats in Iran and is being ingested by amphibians that are part of broader food webs.
Identification of Microplastic in the Digestive Tracts of Mackerel Tuna, Lemuru and Sea Water from Pangandaran, Indonesia
Researchers examined the digestive tracts of mackerel tuna and lemuru fish from coastal waters in Pangandaran, Indonesia, and found microplastics in both species. Mackerel tuna contained mostly fragment-type microplastics while lemuru had primarily fiber-type particles, with polypropylene and polyester identified as the dominant polymer types. The study highlights the extent of microplastic contamination in commercially important fish species and the potential for human exposure through seafood consumption.