Environmental Science › Pollution

Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Works Count: 72417

Wikipedia

Description

This cluster of papers focuses on the production, use, fate, and environmental impact of microplastics in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. It covers topics such as sources, distribution, accumulation, ingestion by organisms, potential health effects, and waste management strategies for mitigating microplastic pollution.

Keywords

Microplastics; Marine Environment; Terrestrial Ecosystems; Pollution; Plastic Debris; Environmental Impact; Waste Management; Human Health; Freshwater Systems; Recycling

Marine Anthropogenic Litter

2015-01-01

Melanie Bergmann , Lars Gutow , Michaël Klages

Ingested Microscopic Plastic Translocates to the Circulatory System of the Mussel, Mytilus edulis (L.)

2008-05-30

Mark A. Oakley Browne , Awantha Dissanayake , Tamara S. Galloway +2 more

Plastics debris is accumulating in the environment and is fragmenting into smaller pieces; as it does, the potential for ingestion by animals increases. The consequences of macroplastic debris for wildlife … Plastics debris is accumulating in the environment and is fragmenting into smaller pieces; as it does, the potential for ingestion by animals increases. The consequences of macroplastic debris for wildlife are well documented, however the impacts of microplastic (<1 mm) are poorly understood. The mussel, Mytilus edulis, was used to investigate ingestion, translocation, and accumulation of this debris. Initial experiments showed that upon ingestion, microplastic accumulated in the gut. Mussels were subsequently exposed to treatments containing seawater and microplastic (3.0 or 9.6 µm). After transfer to clean conditions, microplastic was tracked in the hemolymph. Particles translocated from the gut to the circulatory system within 3 days and persisted for over 48 days. Abundance of microplastic was greatest after 12 days and declined thereafter. Smaller particles were more abundant than larger particles and our data indicate as plastic fragments into smaller particles, the potential for accumulation in the tissues of an organism increases. The short-term pulse exposure used here did not result in significant biological effects. However, plastics are exceedingly durable and so further work using a wider range of organisms, polymers, and periods of exposure will be required to establish the biological consequences of this debris.

Microplastics in freshwater systems: A review of the emerging threats, identification of knowledge gaps and prioritisation of research needs

2015-02-18

Dafne Eerkes‐Medrano , Richard C. Thompson , David C. Aldridge

Microplastics in bivalves cultured for human consumption

2014-07-05

L. Van Cauwenberghe , Colin Janssen

Synthetic polymers in the marine environment: A rapidly increasing, long-term threat

2008-10-01

Charles J. Moore

Plastic debris in the open ocean

2014-06-30

Andrés Cózar , Fidel Echevarrı́a , J. Ignacio González-Gordillo +7 more

Significance High concentrations of floating plastic debris have been reported in remote areas of the ocean, increasing concern about the accumulation of plastic litter on the ocean surface. Since the … Significance High concentrations of floating plastic debris have been reported in remote areas of the ocean, increasing concern about the accumulation of plastic litter on the ocean surface. Since the introduction of plastic materials in the 1950s, the global production of plastic has increased rapidly and will continue in the coming decades. However, the abundance and the distribution of plastic debris in the open ocean are still unknown, despite evidence of affects on organisms ranging from small invertebrates to whales. In this work, we synthetize data collected across the world to provide a global map and a first-order approximation of the magnitude of the plastic pollution in surface waters of the open ocean.

View PDF Chat

Microplastic Ingestion by Zooplankton

2013-05-21

Matthew Cole , Penelope K. Lindeque , Elaine S. Fileman +4 more

Small plastic detritus, termed "microplastics", are a widespread and ubiquitous contaminant of marine ecosystems across the globe. Ingestion of microplastics by marine biota, including mussels, worms, fish, and seabirds, has … Small plastic detritus, termed "microplastics", are a widespread and ubiquitous contaminant of marine ecosystems across the globe. Ingestion of microplastics by marine biota, including mussels, worms, fish, and seabirds, has been widely reported, but despite their vital ecological role in marine food-webs, the impact of microplastics on zooplankton remains under-researched. Here, we show that microplastics are ingested by, and may impact upon, zooplankton. We used bioimaging techniques to document ingestion, egestion, and adherence of microplastics in a range of zooplankton common to the northeast Atlantic, and employed feeding rate studies to determine the impact of plastic detritus on algal ingestion rates in copepods. Using fluorescence and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy we identified that thirteen zooplankton taxa had the capacity to ingest 1.7–30.6 μm polystyrene beads, with uptake varying by taxa, life-stage and bead-size. Post-ingestion, copepods egested faecal pellets laden with microplastics. We further observed microplastics adhered to the external carapace and appendages of exposed zooplankton. Exposure of the copepod Centropages typicus to natural assemblages of algae with and without microplastics showed that 7.3 μm microplastics (>4000 mL–1) significantly decreased algal feeding. Our findings imply that marine microplastic debris can negatively impact upon zooplankton function and health.

View PDF Chat

The physical impacts of microplastics on marine organisms: A review

2013-03-29

Stephanie Wright , Richard C. Thompson , Tamara S. Galloway

Microplastics in the Marine Environment: A Review of the Methods Used for Identification and Quantification

2012-02-09

Valeria Hidalgo‐Ruz , Lars Gutow , Richard C. Thompson +1 more

This review of 68 studies compares the methodologies used for the identification and quantification of microplastics from the marine environment. Three main sampling strategies were identified: selective, volume-reduced, and bulk … This review of 68 studies compares the methodologies used for the identification and quantification of microplastics from the marine environment. Three main sampling strategies were identified: selective, volume-reduced, and bulk sampling. Most sediment samples came from sandy beaches at the high tide line, and most seawater samples were taken at the sea surface using neuston nets. Four steps were distinguished during sample processing: density separation, filtration, sieving, and visual sorting of microplastics. Visual sorting was one of the most commonly used methods for the identification of microplastics (using type, shape, degradation stage, and color as criteria). Chemical and physical characteristics (e.g., specific density) were also used. The most reliable method to identify the chemical composition of microplastics is by infrared spectroscopy. Most studies reported that plastic fragments were polyethylene and polypropylene polymers. Units commonly used for abundance estimates are "items per m(2)" for sediment and sea surface studies and "items per m(3)" for water column studies. Mesh size of sieves and filters used during sampling or sample processing influence abundance estimates. Most studies reported two main size ranges of microplastics: (i) 500 μm-5 mm, which are retained by a 500 μm sieve/net, and (ii) 1-500 μm, or fractions thereof that are retained on filters. We recommend that future programs of monitoring continue to distinguish these size fractions, but we suggest standardized sampling procedures which allow the spatiotemporal comparison of microplastic abundance across marine environments.

Accumulation of Microplastic on Shorelines Woldwide: Sources and Sinks

2011-09-06

Mark A. Oakley Browne , Phillip Crump , S. J. Niven +4 more

Plastic debris <1 mm (defined here as microplastic) is accumulating in marine habitats. Ingestion of microplastic provides a potential pathway for the transfer of pollutants, monomers, and plastic-additives to organisms … Plastic debris <1 mm (defined here as microplastic) is accumulating in marine habitats. Ingestion of microplastic provides a potential pathway for the transfer of pollutants, monomers, and plastic-additives to organisms with uncertain consequences for their health. Here, we show that microplastic contaminates the shorelines at 18 sites worldwide representing six continents from the poles to the equator, with more material in densely populated areas, but no clear relationship between the abundance of miocroplastics and the mean size-distribution of natural particulates. An important source of microplastic appears to be through sewage contaminated by fibers from washing clothes. Forensic evaluation of microplastic from sediments showed that the proportions of polyester and acrylic fibers used in clothing resembled those found in habitats that receive sewage-discharges and sewage-effluent itself. Experiments sampling wastewater from domestic washing machines demonstrated that a single garment can produce >1900 fibers per wash. This suggests that a large proportion of microplastic fibers found in the marine environment may be derived from sewage as a consequence of washing of clothes. As the human population grows and people use more synthetic textiles, contamination of habitats and animals by microplastic is likely to increase.

Biological degradation of plastics: A comprehensive review

2008-01-28

Aamer Ali Shah , Fariha Hasan , Abdul Hameed +1 more

Life in the “Plastisphere”: Microbial Communities on Plastic Marine Debris

2013-06-07

Erik R. Zettler , Tracy J. Mincer , Linda Amaral‐Zettler

Plastics are the most abundant form of marine debris, with global production rising and documented impacts in some marine environments, but the influence of plastic on open ocean ecosystems is … Plastics are the most abundant form of marine debris, with global production rising and documented impacts in some marine environments, but the influence of plastic on open ocean ecosystems is poorly understood, particularly for microbial communities. Plastic marine debris (PMD) collected at multiple locations in the North Atlantic was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and next-generation sequencing to characterize the attached microbial communities. We unveiled a diverse microbial community of heterotrophs, autotrophs, predators, and symbionts, a community we refer to as the "Plastisphere". Pits visualized in the PMD surface conformed to bacterial shapes suggesting active hydrolysis of the hydrocarbon polymer. Small-subunit rRNA gene surveys identified several hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, supporting the possibility that microbes play a role in degrading PMD. Some Plastisphere members may be opportunistic pathogens (the authors, unpublished data) such as specific members of the genus Vibrio that dominated one of our plastic samples. Plastisphere communities are distinct from surrounding surface water, implying that plastic serves as a novel ecological habitat in the open ocean. Plastic has a longer half-life than most natural floating marine substrates, and a hydrophobic surface that promotes microbial colonization and biofilm formation, differing from autochthonous substrates in the upper layers of the ocean.

Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean

2015-02-12

Jenna Jambeck , Roland Geyer , Chris Wilcox +5 more

Plastic debris in the marine environment is widely documented, but the quantity of plastic entering the ocean from waste generated on land is unknown. By linking worldwide data on solid … Plastic debris in the marine environment is widely documented, but the quantity of plastic entering the ocean from waste generated on land is unknown. By linking worldwide data on solid waste, population density, and economic status, we estimated the mass of land-based plastic waste entering the ocean. We calculate that 275 million metric tons (MT) of plastic waste was generated in 192 coastal countries in 2010, with 4.8 to 12.7 million MT entering the ocean. Population size and the quality of waste management systems largely determine which countries contribute the greatest mass of uncaptured waste available to become plastic marine debris. Without waste management infrastructure improvements, the cumulative quantity of plastic waste available to enter the ocean from land is predicted to increase by an order of magnitude by 2025.

The impact of debris on marine life

2015-02-10

Sarah Gall , Richard C. Thompson

Role of cell shape in growth control

1978-06-01

Judah Folkman , Anne Moscona

Occurrence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of pelagic and demersal fish from the English Channel

2012-12-27

Amy Lusher , Matthew McHugh , Richard C. Thompson

Accumulation and fragmentation of plastic debris in global environments

2009-06-15

David K. A. Barnes , François Galgani , Richard C. Thompson +1 more

One of the most ubiquitous and long-lasting recent changes to the surface of our planet is the accumulation and fragmentation of plastics. Within just a few decades since mass production … One of the most ubiquitous and long-lasting recent changes to the surface of our planet is the accumulation and fragmentation of plastics. Within just a few decades since mass production of plastic products commenced in the 1950s, plastic debris has accumulated in terrestrial environments, in the open ocean, on shorelines of even the most remote islands and in the deep sea. Annual clean-up operations, costing millions of pounds sterling, are now organized in many countries and on every continent. Here we document global plastics production and the accumulation of plastic waste. While plastics typically constitute approximately 10 per cent of discarded waste, they represent a much greater proportion of the debris accumulating on shorelines. Mega- and macro-plastics have accumulated in the highest densities in the Northern Hemisphere, adjacent to urban centres, in enclosed seas and at water convergences (fronts). We report lower densities on remote island shores, on the continental shelf seabed and the lowest densities (but still a documented presence) in the deep sea and Southern Ocean. The longevity of plastic is estimated to be hundreds to thousands of years, but is likely to be far longer in deep sea and non-surface polar environments. Plastic debris poses considerable threat by choking and starving wildlife, distributing non-native and potentially harmful organisms, absorbing toxic chemicals and degrading to micro-plastics that may subsequently be ingested. Well-established annual surveys on coasts and at sea have shown that trends in mega- and macro-plastic accumulation rates are no longer uniformly increasing: rather stable, increasing and decreasing trends have all been reported. The average size of plastic particles in the environment seems to be decreasing, and the abundance and global distribution of micro-plastic fragments have increased over the last few decades. However, the environmental consequences of such microscopic debris are still poorly understood.

View PDF Chat

Lost at Sea: Where Is All the Plastic?

2004-05-06

Richard C. Thompson , Ylva S. Olsen , Richard P. Mitchell +5 more

Millions of metric tons of plastic are produced annually. Countless large items of plastic debris are accumulating in marine habitats worldwide and may persist for centuries ([ 1 ][1]–[ 4 … Millions of metric tons of plastic are produced annually. Countless large items of plastic debris are accumulating in marine habitats worldwide and may persist for centuries ([ 1 ][1]–[ 4 ][2]). Here we show that microscopic plastic fragments and fibers ([Fig. 1A][3]) are also widespread in the

Plastics recycling: challenges and opportunities

2009-06-15

Jefferson Hopewell , Robert G Dvorak , Edward Kosior

Plastics are inexpensive, lightweight and durable materials, which can readily be moulded into a variety of products that find use in a wide range of applications. As a consequence, the … Plastics are inexpensive, lightweight and durable materials, which can readily be moulded into a variety of products that find use in a wide range of applications. As a consequence, the production of plastics has increased markedly over the last 60 years. However, current levels of their usage and disposal generate several environmental problems. Around 4 per cent of world oil and gas production, a non-renewable resource, is used as feedstock for plastics and a further 3-4% is expended to provide energy for their manufacture. A major portion of plastic produced each year is used to make disposable items of packaging or other short-lived products that are discarded within a year of manufacture. These two observations alone indicate that our current use of plastics is not sustainable. In addition, because of the durability of the polymers involved, substantial quantities of discarded end-of-life plastics are accumulating as debris in landfills and in natural habitats worldwide. Recycling is one of the most important actions currently available to reduce these impacts and represents one of the most dynamic areas in the plastics industry today. Recycling provides opportunities to reduce oil usage, carbon dioxide emissions and the quantities of waste requiring disposal. Here, we briefly set recycling into context against other waste-reduction strategies, namely reduction in material use through downgauging or product reuse, the use of alternative biodegradable materials and energy recovery as fuel. While plastics have been recycled since the 1970s, the quantities that are recycled vary geographically, according to plastic type and application. Recycling of packaging materials has seen rapid expansion over the last decades in a number of countries. Advances in technologies and systems for the collection, sorting and reprocessing of recyclable plastics are creating new opportunities for recycling, and with the combined actions of the public, industry and governments it may be possible to divert the majority of plastic waste from landfills to recycling over the next decades.

View PDF Chat

Plastics, the environment and human health: current consensus and future trends

2009-06-15

Richard C. Thompson , Charles J. Moore , Frederick S. vom Saal +1 more

Plastics have transformed everyday life; usage is increasing and annual production is likely to exceed 300 million tonnes by 2010. In this concluding paper to the Theme Issue on Plastics, … Plastics have transformed everyday life; usage is increasing and annual production is likely to exceed 300 million tonnes by 2010. In this concluding paper to the Theme Issue on Plastics, the Environment and Human Health, we synthesize current understanding of the benefits and concerns surrounding the use of plastics and look to future priorities, challenges and opportunities. It is evident that plastics bring many societal benefits and offer future technological and medical advances. However, concerns about usage and disposal are diverse and include accumulation of waste in landfills and in natural habitats, physical problems for wildlife resulting from ingestion or entanglement in plastic, the leaching of chemicals from plastic products and the potential for plastics to transfer chemicals to wildlife and humans. However, perhaps the most important overriding concern, which is implicit throughout this volume, is that our current usage is not sustainable. Around 4 per cent of world oil production is used as a feedstock to make plastics and a similar amount is used as energy in the process. Yet over a third of current production is used to make items of packaging, which are then rapidly discarded. Given our declining reserves of fossil fuels, and finite capacity for disposal of waste to landfill, this linear use of hydrocarbons, via packaging and other short-lived applications of plastic, is simply not sustainable. There are solutions, including material reduction, design for end-of-life recyclability, increased recycling capacity, development of bio-based feedstocks, strategies to reduce littering, the application of green chemistry life-cycle analyses and revised risk assessment approaches. Such measures will be most effective through the combined actions of the public, industry, scientists and policymakers. There is some urgency, as the quantity of plastics produced in the first 10 years of the current century is likely to approach the quantity produced in the entire century that preceded.

View PDF Chat

Plastic Pollution in the World's Oceans: More than 5 Trillion Plastic Pieces Weighing over 250,000 Tons Afloat at Sea

2014-12-10

Marcus Eriksen , Laurent Lebreton , Henry S. Carson +6 more

Plastic pollution is ubiquitous throughout the marine environment, yet estimates of the global abundance and weight of floating plastics have lacked data, particularly from the Southern Hemisphere and remote regions. … Plastic pollution is ubiquitous throughout the marine environment, yet estimates of the global abundance and weight of floating plastics have lacked data, particularly from the Southern Hemisphere and remote regions. Here we report an estimate of the total number of plastic particles and their weight floating in the world's oceans from 24 expeditions (2007–2013) across all five sub-tropical gyres, costal Australia, Bay of Bengal and the Mediterranean Sea conducting surface net tows (N = 680) and visual survey transects of large plastic debris (N = 891). Using an oceanographic model of floating debris dispersal calibrated by our data, and correcting for wind-driven vertical mixing, we estimate a minimum of 5.25 trillion particles weighing 268,940 tons. When comparing between four size classes, two microplastic <4.75 mm and meso- and macroplastic >4.75 mm, a tremendous loss of microplastics is observed from the sea surface compared to expected rates of fragmentation, suggesting there are mechanisms at play that remove <4.75 mm plastic particles from the ocean surface.

View PDF Chat

Microplastics as contaminants in the marine environment: A review

2011-10-17

Matthew Cole , Penelope K. Lindeque , Claudia Halsband +1 more

View PDF Chat

Transport and release of chemicals from plastics to the environment and to wildlife

2009-06-15

Emma L. Teuten , Jovita M. Saquing , Detlef R.U. Knappe +7 more

Plastics debris in the marine environment, including resin pellets, fragments and microscopic plastic fragments, contain organic contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, petroleum hydrocarbons, organochlorine pesticides (2,2'-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane, hexachlorinated … Plastics debris in the marine environment, including resin pellets, fragments and microscopic plastic fragments, contain organic contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, petroleum hydrocarbons, organochlorine pesticides (2,2'-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane, hexachlorinated hexanes), polybrominated diphenylethers, alkylphenols and bisphenol A, at concentrations from sub ng g(-1) to microg g(-1). Some of these compounds are added during plastics manufacture, while others adsorb from the surrounding seawater. Concentrations of hydrophobic contaminants adsorbed on plastics showed distinct spatial variations reflecting global pollution patterns. Model calculations and experimental observations consistently show that polyethylene accumulates more organic contaminants than other plastics such as polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride. Both a mathematical model using equilibrium partitioning and experimental data have demonstrated the transfer of contaminants from plastic to organisms. A feeding experiment indicated that PCBs could transfer from contaminated plastics to streaked shearwater chicks. Plasticizers, other plastics additives and constitutional monomers also present potential threats in terrestrial environments because they can leach from waste disposal sites into groundwater and/or surface waters. Leaching and degradation of plasticizers and polymers are complex phenomena dependent on environmental conditions in the landfill and the chemical properties of each additive. Bisphenol A concentrations in leachates from municipal waste disposal sites in tropical Asia ranged from sub microg l(-1) to mg l(-1) and were correlated with the level of economic development.

View PDF Chat

Applications and societal benefits of plastics

2009-06-15

Anthony L. Andrady , Mike A. Neal

This article explains the history, from 1600 BC to 2008, of materials that are today termed 'plastics'. It includes production volumes and current consumption patterns of five main commodity plastics: … This article explains the history, from 1600 BC to 2008, of materials that are today termed 'plastics'. It includes production volumes and current consumption patterns of five main commodity plastics: polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate. The use of additives to modify the properties of these plastics and any associated safety, in use, issues for the resulting polymeric materials are described. A comparison is made with the thermal and barrier properties of other materials to demonstrate the versatility of plastics. Societal benefits for health, safety, energy saving and material conservation are described, and the particular advantages of plastics in society are outlined. Concerns relating to littering and trends in recycling of plastics are also described. Finally, we give predictions for some of the potential applications of plastic over the next 20 years.

View PDF Chat

The pollution of the marine environment by plastic debris: a review

2002-09-01

José G. B. Derraik

Environmental and health hazard ranking and assessment of plastic polymers based on chemical composition

2011-06-24

Delilah Lithner , Åke Larsson , Göran Dave

Microplastics in the marine environment

2011-07-14

Anthony L. Andrady

Synthetic fibers in atmospheric fallout: A source of microplastics in the environment?

2016-01-17

Rachid Dris , Johnny Gaspéri , Mohamed Saad +2 more

View PDF Chat

A bacterium that degrades and assimilates poly(ethylene terephthalate)

2016-03-10

Shosuke Yoshida , Kazumi Hiraga , Toshihiko Takehana +7 more

Some bacteria think plastic is fantastic Bacteria isolated from outside a bottle-recycling facility can break down and metabolize plastic. The proliferation of plastics in consumer products, from bottles to clothing, … Some bacteria think plastic is fantastic Bacteria isolated from outside a bottle-recycling facility can break down and metabolize plastic. The proliferation of plastics in consumer products, from bottles to clothing, has resulted in the release of countless tons of plastics into the environment. Yoshida et al. show how the biodegradation of plastics by specialized bacteria could be a viable bioremediation strategy (see the Perspective by Bornscheuer). The new species, Ideonella sakaiensis , breaks down the plastic by using two enzymes to hydrolyze PET and a primary reaction intermediate, eventually yielding basic building blocks for growth. Science , this issue p. 1196 ; see also p. 1154

Microplastics in freshwater and terrestrial environments: Evaluating the current understanding to identify the knowledge gaps and future research priorities

2017-02-04

Alice A. Horton , Alexander Walton , David J. Spurgeon +2 more

View PDF Chat

Distribution and importance of microplastics in the marine environment: A review of the sources, fate, effects, and potential solutions

2017-03-08

Helen Shnada Auta , C. U. Emenike , S. H. Fauziah

River plastic emissions to the world’s oceans

2017-06-07

Laurent Lebreton , Joost van der Zwet , Jan-Willem Damsteeg +3 more

Abstract Plastics in the marine environment have become a major concern because of their persistence at sea, and adverse consequences to marine life and potentially human health. Implementing mitigation strategies … Abstract Plastics in the marine environment have become a major concern because of their persistence at sea, and adverse consequences to marine life and potentially human health. Implementing mitigation strategies requires an understanding and quantification of marine plastic sources, taking spatial and temporal variability into account. Here we present a global model of plastic inputs from rivers into oceans based on waste management, population density and hydrological information. Our model is calibrated against measurements available in the literature. We estimate that between 1.15 and 2.41 million tonnes of plastic waste currently enters the ocean every year from rivers, with over 74% of emissions occurring between May and October. The top 20 polluting rivers, mostly located in Asia, account for 67% of the global total. The findings of this study provide baseline data for ocean plastic mass balance exercises, and assist in prioritizing future plastic debris monitoring and mitigation strategies.

View PDF Chat

The plastic in microplastics: A review

2017-04-25

Anthony L. Andrady

Plastic and Human Health: A Micro Issue?

2017-05-22

Stephanie Wright , Frank J. Kelly

Microplastics are a pollutant of environmental concern. Their presence in food destined for human consumption and in air samples has been reported. Thus, microplastic exposure via diet or inhalation could … Microplastics are a pollutant of environmental concern. Their presence in food destined for human consumption and in air samples has been reported. Thus, microplastic exposure via diet or inhalation could occur, the human health effects of which are unknown. The current review article draws upon cross-disciplinary scientific literature to discuss and evaluate the potential human health impacts of microplastics and outlines urgent areas for future research. Key literature up to September 2016 relating to accumulation, particle toxicity, and chemical and microbial contaminants was critically examined. Although microplastics and human health is an emerging field, complementary existing fields indicate potential particle, chemical and microbial hazards. If inhaled or ingested, microplastics may accumulate and exert localized particle toxicity by inducing or enhancing an immune response. Chemical toxicity could occur due to the localized leaching of component monomers, endogenous additives, and adsorbed environmental pollutants. Chronic exposure is anticipated to be of greater concern due to the accumulative effect that could occur. This is expected to be dose-dependent, and a robust evidence-base of exposure levels is currently lacking. Although there is potential for microplastics to impact human health, assessing current exposure levels and burdens is key. This information will guide future research into the potential mechanisms of toxicity and hence therein possible health effects.

Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made

2017-07-07

Roland Geyer , Jenna Jambeck , Kara Lavender Law

We present the first ever global account of the production, use, and end-of-life fate of all plastics ever made by humankind. We present the first ever global account of the production, use, and end-of-life fate of all plastics ever made by humankind.

View PDF Chat

An overview of chemical additives present in plastics: Migration, release, fate and environmental impact during their use, disposal and recycling

2017-10-12

John Ν. Hahladakis , Costas A. Velis , Roland Weber +2 more

Over the last 60 years plastics production has increased manifold, owing to their inexpensive, multipurpose, durable and lightweight nature. These characteristics have raised the demand for plastic materials that will … Over the last 60 years plastics production has increased manifold, owing to their inexpensive, multipurpose, durable and lightweight nature. These characteristics have raised the demand for plastic materials that will continue to grow over the coming years. However, with increased plastic materials production, comes increased plastic material wastage creating a number of challenges, as well as opportunities to the waste management industry. The present overview highlights the waste management and pollution challenges, emphasising on the various chemical substances (known as "additives") contained in all plastic products for enhancing polymer properties and prolonging their life. Despite how useful these additives are in the functionality of polymer products, their potential to contaminate soil, air, water and food is widely documented in literature and described herein. These additives can potentially migrate and undesirably lead to human exposure via e.g. food contact materials, such as packaging. They can, also, be released from plastics during the various recycling and recovery processes and from the products produced from recyclates. Thus, sound recycling has to be performed in such a way as to ensure that emission of substances of high concern and contamination of recycled products is avoided, ensuring environmental and human health protection, at all times.

View PDF Chat

Microplastics as an emerging threat to terrestrial ecosystems

2017-12-16

Anderson Abel de Souza Machado , Werner Kloas , Christiane Zarfl +2 more

Abstract Microplastics (plastics <5 mm, including nanoplastics which are <0.1 μm) originate from the fragmentation of large plastic litter or from direct environmental emission. Their potential impacts in terrestrial ecosystems … Abstract Microplastics (plastics <5 mm, including nanoplastics which are <0.1 μm) originate from the fragmentation of large plastic litter or from direct environmental emission. Their potential impacts in terrestrial ecosystems remain largely unexplored despite numerous reported effects on marine organisms. Most plastics arriving in the oceans were produced, used, and often disposed on land. Hence, it is within terrestrial systems that microplastics might first interact with biota eliciting ecologically relevant impacts. This article introduces the pervasive microplastic contamination as a potential agent of global change in terrestrial systems, highlights the physical and chemical nature of the respective observed effects, and discusses the broad toxicity of nanoplastics derived from plastic breakdown. Making relevant links to the fate of microplastics in aquatic continental systems, we here present new insights into the mechanisms of impacts on terrestrial geochemistry, the biophysical environment, and ecotoxicology. Broad changes in continental environments are possible even in particle‐rich habitats such as soils. Furthermore, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that microplastics interact with terrestrial organisms that mediate essential ecosystem services and functions, such as soil dwelling invertebrates, terrestrial fungi, and plant‐pollinators. Therefore, research is needed to clarify the terrestrial fate and effects of microplastics. We suggest that due to the widespread presence, environmental persistence, and various interactions with continental biota, microplastic pollution might represent an emerging global change threat to terrestrial ecosystems.

View PDF Chat

Microplastics in freshwater systems: A review on occurrence, environmental effects, and methods for microplastics detection

2017-12-28

Jingyi Li , Huihui Liu , J. Paul Chen

Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Aquatic Environments: Aggregation, Deposition, and Enhanced Contaminant Transport

2017-12-21

Olubukola S. Alimi , Jeffrey M. Farner , Laura M. Hernandez +1 more

Plastic litter is widely acknowledged as a global environmental threat, and poor management and disposal lead to increasing levels in the environment. Of recent concern is the degradation of plastics … Plastic litter is widely acknowledged as a global environmental threat, and poor management and disposal lead to increasing levels in the environment. Of recent concern is the degradation of plastics from macro- to micro- and even to nanosized particles smaller than 100 nm in size. At the nanoscale, plastics are difficult to detect and can be transported in air, soil, and water compartments. While the impact of plastic debris on marine and fresh waters and organisms has been studied, the loads, transformations, transport, and fate of plastics in terrestrial and subsurface environments are largely overlooked. In this Critical Review, we first present estimated loads of plastics in different environmental compartments. We also provide a critical review of the current knowledge vis-à-vis nanoplastic (NP) and microplastic (MP) aggregation, deposition, and contaminant cotransport in the environment. Important factors that affect aggregation and deposition in natural subsurface environments are identified and critically analyzed. Factors affecting contaminant sorption onto plastic debris are discussed, and we show how polyethylene generally exhibits a greater sorption capacity than other plastic types. Finally, we highlight key knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to improve our ability to predict the risks associated with these ubiquitous contaminants in the environment by understanding their mobility, aggregation behavior and their potential to enhance the transport of other pollutants.

View PDF Chat

Are We Speaking the Same Language? Recommendations for a Definition and Categorization Framework for Plastic Debris

2019-01-04

Nanna B. Hartmann , Thorsten Hüffer , Richard C. Thompson +7 more

The accumulation of plastic litter in natural environments is a global issue. Concerns over potential negative impacts on the economy, wildlife, and human health provide strong incentives for improving the … The accumulation of plastic litter in natural environments is a global issue. Concerns over potential negative impacts on the economy, wildlife, and human health provide strong incentives for improving the sustainable use of plastics. Despite the many voices raised on the issue, we lack a consensus on how to define and categorize plastic debris. This is evident for microplastics, where inconsistent size classes are used and where the materials to be included are under debate. While this is inherent in an emerging research field, an ambiguous terminology results in confusion and miscommunication that may compromise progress in research and mitigation measures. Therefore, we need to be explicit on what exactly we consider plastic debris. Thus, we critically discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a unified terminology, propose a definition and categorization framework, and highlight areas of uncertainty. Going beyond size classes, our framework includes physicochemical properties (polymer composition, solid state, solubility) as defining criteria and size, shape, color, and origin as classifiers for categorization. Acknowledging the rapid evolution of our knowledge on plastic pollution, our framework will promote consensus building within the scientific and regulatory community based on a solid scientific foundation.

View PDF Chat

Future scenarios of global plastic waste generation and disposal

2019-01-11

Laurent Lebreton , Anthony L. Andrady

Abstract The accumulation of mismanaged plastic waste (MPW) in the environment is a global growing concern. Knowing with precision where litter is generated is important to target priority areas for … Abstract The accumulation of mismanaged plastic waste (MPW) in the environment is a global growing concern. Knowing with precision where litter is generated is important to target priority areas for the implementation of mitigation policies. In this study, using country-level data on waste management combined with high-resolution distributions and long-term projections of population and the gross domestic product (GDP), we present projections of global MPW generation at ~1 km resolution from now to 2060. We estimated between 60 and 99 million metric tonnes (Mt) of MPW were produced globally in 2015. In a business-as-usual scenario, this figure could triple to 155–265 Mt y −1 by 2060. The future MPW load will continue to be disproportionately high in African and Asian continents even in the future years. However, we show that this growth in plastic waste can be reduced if developing economies significantly invest in waste management infrastructures as their GDP grows in the future and if efforts are made internationally to reduce the fraction of plastic in municipal solid waste. Using our projections, we also demonstrate that the majority of MPW (91%) are transported via watersheds larger than 100 km 2 suggesting that rivers are major pathways for plastic litter to the ocean.

View PDF Chat

Microplastics in freshwaters and drinking water: Critical review and assessment of data quality

2019-03-01

Albert A. Koelmans , Nur Hazimah Mohamed Nor , Enya Hermsen +3 more

Microplastics have recently been detected in drinking water as well as in drinking water sources. This presence has triggered discussions on possible implications for human health. However, there have been … Microplastics have recently been detected in drinking water as well as in drinking water sources. This presence has triggered discussions on possible implications for human health. However, there have been questions regarding the quality of these occurrence studies since there are no standard sampling, extraction and identification methods for microplastics. Accordingly, we assessed the quality of fifty studies researching microplastics in drinking water and in its major freshwater sources. This includes an assessment of microplastic occurrence data from river and lake water, groundwater, tap water and bottled drinking water. Studies of occurrence in wastewater were also reviewed. We review and propose best practices to sample, extract and detect microplastics and provide a quantitative quality assessment of studies reporting microplastic concentrations. Further, we summarize the findings related to microplastic concentrations, polymer types and particle shapes. Microplastics are frequently present in freshwaters and drinking water, and number concentrations spanned ten orders of magnitude (1 × 10−2 to 108 #/m3) across individual samples and water types. However, only four out of 50 studies received positive scores for all proposed quality criteria, implying there is a significant need to improve quality assurance of microplastic sampling and analysis in water samples. The order in globally detected polymers in these studies is PE ≈ PP > PS > PVC > PET, which probably reflects the global plastic demand and a higher tendency for PVC and PET to settle as a result of their higher densities. Fragments, fibres, film, foam and pellets were the most frequently reported shapes. We conclude that more high quality data is needed on the occurrence of microplastics in drinking water, to better understand potential exposure and to inform human health risk assessments.

View PDF Chat

Atmospheric transport and deposition of microplastics in a remote mountain catchment

2019-04-15

Steve Allen , Deonie Allen , Vernon R. Phoenix +5 more

View PDF Chat

Human Consumption of Microplastics

2019-06-05

Kieran Cox , Garth A. Covernton , Hailey L. Davies +3 more

Microplastics are ubiquitous across ecosystems, yet the exposure risk to humans is unresolved. Focusing on the American diet, we evaluated the number of microplastic particles in commonly consumed foods in … Microplastics are ubiquitous across ecosystems, yet the exposure risk to humans is unresolved. Focusing on the American diet, we evaluated the number of microplastic particles in commonly consumed foods in relation to their recommended daily intake. The potential for microplastic inhalation and how the source of drinking water may affect microplastic consumption were also explored. Our analysis used 402 data points from 26 studies, which represents over 3600 processed samples. Evaluating approximately 15% of Americans' caloric intake, we estimate that annual microplastics consumption ranges from 39000 to 52000 particles depending on age and sex. These estimates increase to 74000 and 121000 when inhalation is considered. Additionally, individuals who meet their recommended water intake through only bottled sources may be ingesting an additional 90000 microplastics annually, compared to 4000 microplastics for those who consume only tap water. These estimates are subject to large amounts of variation; however, given methodological and data limitations, these values are likely underestimates.

Environmental exposure to microplastics: An overview on possible human health effects

2019-10-04

Joana C. Prata , João Pinto da Costa , Isabel Lopes +2 more

Degradation Rates of Plastics in the Environment

2020-02-03

Ali Chamas , Hyunjin Moon , Jiajia Zheng +6 more

Plastic waste is currently generated at a rate approaching 400 Mt year–1. The amount of plastics accumulating in the environment is growing rapidly, yet our understanding of its persistence is … Plastic waste is currently generated at a rate approaching 400 Mt year–1. The amount of plastics accumulating in the environment is growing rapidly, yet our understanding of its persistence is very limited. This Perspective summarizes the existing literature on environmental degradation rates and pathways for the major types of thermoplastic polymers. A metric to harmonize disparate types of measurements, the specific surface degradation rate (SSDR), is implemented and used to extrapolate half-lives. SSDR values cover a very wide range, with some of the variability arising due to degradation studies conducted in different natural environments. SSDRs for high density polyethylene (HDPE) in the marine environment range from practically 0 to approximately 11 μm year–1. This approach yields a number of interesting insights. Using a mean SSDR for HDPE in the marine environment, linear extrapolation leads to estimated half-lives ranging from 58 years (bottles) to 1200 years (pipes). For example, SSDRs for HDPE and polylactic acid (PLA) are surprisingly similar in the marine environment, although PLA degrades approximately 20 times faster than HDPE on land. Our study highlights the need for better experimental studies under well-defined reaction conditions, standardized reporting of rates, and methods to simulate polymer degradation using.

View PDF Chat

Predicted growth in plastic waste exceeds efforts to mitigate plastic pollution

2020-09-17

Stephanie B. Borrelle , Jeremy Ringma , Kara Lavender Law +7 more

A mess of plastic It is not clear what strategies will be most effective in mitigating harm from the global problem of plastic pollution. Borrelle et al. and Lau et … A mess of plastic It is not clear what strategies will be most effective in mitigating harm from the global problem of plastic pollution. Borrelle et al. and Lau et al. discuss possible solutions and their impacts. Both groups found that substantial reductions in plastic-waste generation can be made in the coming decades with immediate, concerted, and vigorous action, but even in the best case scenario, huge quantities of plastic will still accumulate in the environment. Science , this issue p. 1515 , p. 1455

View PDF Chat

Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta

2020-12-02

Antonio Ragusa , Alessandro Svelato , Criselda Santacroce +7 more

Microplastics are particles smaller than five millimeters deriving from the degradation of plastic objects present in the environment. Microplastics can move from the environment to living organisms, including mammals. In … Microplastics are particles smaller than five millimeters deriving from the degradation of plastic objects present in the environment. Microplastics can move from the environment to living organisms, including mammals. In this study, six human placentas, collected from consenting women with physiological pregnancies, were analyzed by Raman Microspectroscopy to evaluate the presence of microplastics. In total, 12 microplastic fragments (ranging from 5 to 10 μm in size), with spheric or irregular shape were found in 4 placentas (5 in the fetal side, 4 in the maternal side and 3 in the chorioamniotic membranes); all microplastics particles were characterized in terms of morphology and chemical composition. All of them were pigmented; three were identified as stained polypropylene a thermoplastic polymer, while for the other nine it was possible to identify only the pigments, which were all used for man-made coatings, paints, adhesives, plasters, finger paints, polymers and cosmetics and personal care products.

View PDF Chat

The global threat from plastic pollution

2021-07-01

Matthew MacLeod , Hans Peter H. Arp , Mine Banu Tekman +1 more

Plastic pollution accumulating in an area of the environment is considered “poorly reversible” if natural mineralization processes occurring there are slow and engineered remediation solutions are improbable. Should negative outcomes … Plastic pollution accumulating in an area of the environment is considered “poorly reversible” if natural mineralization processes occurring there are slow and engineered remediation solutions are improbable. Should negative outcomes in these areas arise as a consequence of plastic pollution, they will be practically irreversible. Potential impacts from poorly reversible plastic pollution include changes to carbon and nutrient cycles; habitat changes within soils, sediments, and aquatic ecosystems; co-occurring biological impacts on endangered or keystone species; ecotoxicity; and related societal impacts. The rational response to the global threat posed by accumulating and poorly reversible plastic pollution is to rapidly reduce plastic emissions through reductions in consumption of virgin plastic materials, along with internationally coordinated strategies for waste management.

Discovery and quantification of plastic particle pollution in human blood

2022-03-24

H.A. Leslie , Martin J.M. van Velzen , Sicco H. Brandsma +3 more

Plastic particles are ubiquitous pollutants in the living environment and food chain but no study to date has reported on the internal exposure of plastic particles in human blood. This … Plastic particles are ubiquitous pollutants in the living environment and food chain but no study to date has reported on the internal exposure of plastic particles in human blood. This study's goal was to develop a robust and sensitive sampling and analytical method with double shot pyrolysis - gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and apply it to measure plastic particles ≥700 nm in human whole blood from 22 healthy volunteers. Four high production volume polymers applied in plastic were identified and quantified for the first time in blood. Polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene and polymers of styrene (a sum parameter of polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, acetonitrile butadiene styrene etc.) were the most widely encountered, followed by poly(methyl methacrylate). Polypropylene was analysed but values were under the limits of quantification. In this study of a small set of donors, the mean of the sum quantifiable concentration of plastic particles in blood was 1.6 µg/ml, showing a first measurement of the mass concentration of the polymeric component of plastic in human blood. This pioneering human biomonitoring study demonstrated that plastic particles are bioavailable for uptake into the human bloodstream. An understanding of the exposure of these substances in humans and the associated hazard of such exposure is needed to determine whether or not plastic particle exposure is a public health risk.

View PDF Chat

Identifying plastic pollution hotspots of Vembanad lake, Kerala, India: an integrated approach using artificial intelligence and spatial analysis

2025-06-25

P. P. Ayana , Manivel Sethu , Antony Nirmal +2 more | Wetlands Ecology and Management

Effects of pollution on ecologically and economically important organisms of the Salish Sea

2025-06-25

Jeremy B. Axworthy , Eileen H Bates , Matt P Grosser +1 more | Marine Pollution Bulletin

Encapsulated biocides in facade materials impact leaching and UV stability, resulting in lower aquatic toxicity of the eluates

2025-06-25

Moritz Nichterlein , Nadine Kiefer , Jenny Hohner +4 more | Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Abstract In the construction or reconstruction of building facades, user-friendly, dispersion-based renders and paints, which contain organic polymers, are increasingly being used. These materials are susceptible to microbial colonization, potentially … Abstract In the construction or reconstruction of building facades, user-friendly, dispersion-based renders and paints, which contain organic polymers, are increasingly being used. These materials are susceptible to microbial colonization, potentially causing both esthetic and structural damages. To prevent this, biocides are often added, which in turn can have harmful environmental effects after leaching induced by wind-driven rain. To reduce leaching rates, biocides are widely utilized in encapsulated form. In this study, we investigated, using test facades and standardized leaching with and without sunlight irradiation, whether and to what extent sunlight-caused UV exposure additionally impacts the leaching of encapsulated biocides compared to unencapsulated biocides, and how this affects the chemical composition as well as the toxicity of the resulting eluates. Our results show that encapsulation significantly improves the UV stability of the biocides 2-Octyl-1,2-thiazol-3-one (OIT) and 4,5-Dichloro-2-octyl-1,2-thiazol-3-one (DCOIT), thereby extending their effectiveness in facade materials, while Terbutryn is only slightly affected. Furthermore, encapsulation leads to a reduction in the concentrations of the leached biocides, both without and especially with irradiation, along with a corresponding decrease in the toxicity of the eluates towards aquatic model organisms, luminescent bacteria, and green algae. These findings emphasize the relevance of encapsulation as an effective strategy for improving the sustainability and safety of biocides in facade materials, as well as the need to consider the influence of UV irradiation in toxicological evaluations of renders and paints.

Historically low microplastic loads within white bream (<scp>Blicca bjoerkna</scp>) in the Marmara basin, Türkiye

2025-06-25

Irmak Kurtul , Ben Parker , Esra Bayçelebi +7 more | Journal of Fish Biology

Abstract Assessment of 154 white bream Blicca bjoerkna specimens collected between 1963 and 2004 from Manyas and Uluabat lake, northwest Türkiye, revealed that only 3.2% of fish were contaminated with … Abstract Assessment of 154 white bream Blicca bjoerkna specimens collected between 1963 and 2004 from Manyas and Uluabat lake, northwest Türkiye, revealed that only 3.2% of fish were contaminated with microplastics, with a mean incidence and standard error of 0.04 ± 0.02 particles. Black fibres and white fragments were spectroscopically confirmed as polyamide and polyethylene terephthalate. Contamination status (contaminated/uncontaminated) of individuals was unrelated to Fulton's condition factor, lake, sampling year and sex. Results thus highlight the utility of historical collection specimens in assessing temporal microplastic contamination within freshwater fishes.

Remediation strategies for micro/nanoplastic pollution using magnetic nanomaterials

2025-06-25

Chaitanya Kumar , Harpreet Singh , Manvinderpreet Kaur +2 more | Environmental Science and Pollution Research

[Isolation, identification, and degradation characterization of a polyethylene plastic-degrading bacterial strain].

2025-06-25

Yuwei Wang , Liting Zhang , Min Xu +2 more | PubMed

Polyethylene (PE) is widely used due to its excellent properties. However, the improper disposal of PE waste has led to serious environmental pollution. Microbial degradation of PE is a low-carbon, … Polyethylene (PE) is widely used due to its excellent properties. However, the improper disposal of PE waste has led to serious environmental pollution. Microbial degradation of PE is a low-carbon, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient method of homogeneous recycling. The use of microbial degradation technology to treat polyethylene waste has become one of the current research hotspots. As a result, employing microbial degradation technology to address polyethylene waste has become a key focus of current research. A PE-degrading strain ETX1 was screened from waste plastics in a landfill by the enrichment culture method. The strain was identified as Lysinibacillus sp.. After incubating PE powder with the strain for 20 days, a weight loss of 29.41% was observed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that special absorption peaks such as carbonyl and hydroxyl groups appeared, proving that ETX1 had the effect of degrading PE. The degradation effect of this strain was characterized by the weight loss of PE film, FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle. The results showed that ETX1 reduced the PE film weight by up to 5.23% within 120 days. The film structure was damaged, with holes formed by erosion on the film surface, and the hydrophilicity was enhanced. Additionally, a stronger carbonyl absorption peak appeared. The discovery of the PE-degrading strain ETX1 not only enriches the resources of PE plastic-degrading strains but also lays a foundation for mining efficient PE-degrading elements, obtaining degrading enzymes, and deciphering related degradation pathways.

Oppositely charged proteins lead to different effects on the bioaccumulation kinetics of polystyrene nanoplastics in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

2025-06-25

Guoliang Zhang , Bowen Xiao , Tao Jiang +4 more | Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

Current Approaches and Challenges in Advanced Oxidation Processes for Nanoplastic Degradation

2025-06-25

Arezou Fazli , Athanassia Athanassiou , Despina Fragouli | Advanced Science

Abstract The proliferation of plastic production has led to a surge in nanoplastic (NPs) pollution, posing significant environmental and health risks. Despite efforts to mitigate plastic waste, NPs persist as … Abstract The proliferation of plastic production has led to a surge in nanoplastic (NPs) pollution, posing significant environmental and health risks. Despite efforts to mitigate plastic waste, NPs persist as a significant challenge due to their small size, high surface‐to‐volume ratio, and complex nature. This review analyzes existing research on advanced oxidation processes, focused exclusively on NPs remediation, including ozonation, electrochemical, photocatalytic, and plasma‐induced processes. Gaps in the development of effective processes and analytical methods for the treatment of such plastic particles with sizes lower than 1 µm are highlighted, and future directions are suggested. This study aims to improve understanding and support sustainable solutions for the remediation of NPs from contaminated water sources, in alingment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Material Matters: Unraveling the effect of biodegradable plastic polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), conventional high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and bamboo on the bacterial community of marine eulittoral sediments

2025-06-25

Aniruddha Bhalerao , Urda Dueker , Miriam Weber +5 more | Heliyon

Comparative Photo‐Induced Aging of Poly(Butylene Adipate‐co‐Terephthalate) and Polystyrene Microplastics and their Divergent Affinities for Tetracycline in Aquatic Environments

2025-06-25

Sadam Hussain Tumrani , Zeenat Naz , Razium Ali Soomro +4 more | ChemistryOpen

Microplastics (MPs) experience photo‐induced surface modification in sunlit waters, yet the implications for contaminant binding differ fundamentally for biodegradable and conventional MPs. To simulate submerged aging, biodegradable poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) … Microplastics (MPs) experience photo‐induced surface modification in sunlit waters, yet the implications for contaminant binding differ fundamentally for biodegradable and conventional MPs. To simulate submerged aging, biodegradable poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) and nondegradable polystyrene (PS) are exposed to ultraviolet A irradiation and river water for 30 days. Aged PBAT shows significant surface oxidation, including a 16% decrease in carbonyl index, a reversal of ζ‐potential from slightly positive to −50 mV, and an increase in tetracycline (TC) sorption kinetics. In contrast, the nondegradable analog (PS) displays only modest oxidation (ΔCI ≈ 6%), a smaller charge shift, and a lower capacity increase ( q m ≈ 33 mg g −1 ). Maximum TC uptake occurs at pH ≈ 7, whereas modest salinity increments (0.010–0.0105 M) attenuate retention, confirming the controlling influence of electrostatic forces. Fluorescence quenching (86% vs 74% for PBAT and PS) and Akaike information criterion/Bayesian information criterion‐ranked model fits indicate that hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attraction dominate on the biodegradable surface, whereas π–π and hydrophobic interactions on the PS. This work confirms that submerged photo‐oxidation turns biodegradable MPs into reactive, salinity‐sensitive antibiotic sinks while conventional MPs remain inert transport vectors, emphasizing the need for MP‐specific risk assessment and antibiotic pollution mitigation in aquatic settings.

Plastic Pollution in South and Southeast Asia: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions

2025-06-25

Bhumika Das , Bijeesh Kozhikkodan Veettil , Farhan Khan +1 more | Land Degradation and Development

ABSTRACT Plastic pollution is an ongoing environmental problem because of anthropogenic activities. Low‐income South and Southeast Asian countries have witnessed an unprecedented increase in terrestrial and aquatic plastic litter and … ABSTRACT Plastic pollution is an ongoing environmental problem because of anthropogenic activities. Low‐income South and Southeast Asian countries have witnessed an unprecedented increase in terrestrial and aquatic plastic litter and aerial micro‐ and nanoplastic pollution. The present review discusses the sources and pathways of plastic pollution in the soil, water, and air, focusing on South and Southeast Asia. In addition, the consequences of plastic pollution on terrestrial, aquatic, and airborne organisms were also analyzed. Fragmentation and degradation pathways of plastic pollutants are highly complex and unpredictable. The circulation of micro‐ and nanoplastics in the food web and accumulation in living faunal tissues raise health concerns. Challenges in curbing plastic pollution due to technical, legal, behavioral, and socioeconomic conditions were discussed. An extensive list of sustainable solutions to plastic‐related hazards focusing on South and Southeast Asia is also provided.

Synergistic Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics and Cadmium on the Metabolic Processes and Their Accumulation in Hydroponically Grown Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

2025-06-24

Michael Bryant , Lorenzo Rossi , Ruipu Mu +2 more | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

Plastic contamination in agricultural systems is an emerging concern. While current research suggests low direct toxicity, the consequences from interactions between nanoplastics and copresent contaminants are poorly understood. In this … Plastic contamination in agricultural systems is an emerging concern. While current research suggests low direct toxicity, the consequences from interactions between nanoplastics and copresent contaminants are poorly understood. In this study, the synergistic effects of cadmium (Cd) and polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NP) on the growth and physiological responses of hydroponically grown Lactuca sativa (lettuce) were examined. Coexposure significantly increased the accumulation of Cd and PS NP by 61 and 67% in lettuce shoots compared with single-contaminant exposure. Metabolomic analysis showed that joint exposure induced an increase in glutathione and flavonoid-like compounds, suggesting an energy-intensive oxidative stress response. In addition, coexposure appeared to promote adventitious root formation, as evidenced by an increased abundance of metabolites linked to nitric oxide signaling. These findings suggest that the projected increase in PS NP in agricultural environments could exacerbate Cd uptake in food crops, potentially increasing human dietary exposure to heavy metals.

Effects of microplastics on the bones: a comprehensive review

2025-06-24

Lauter Eston Pelepenko , Mariana Cassani de Oliveira , Daniela A. Masaro +7 more | Osteoporosis International

A Human Health Risk Assessment of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Wild Marine Mussels from the Western Cape Province of South Africa

2025-06-24

Deborah Caitlin Firth , P.E. Strydom , Lutz Auerswald +1 more | Foods

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are contaminants that pose potential harm to environments and human consumers. Wild mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Choromytilus meridionalis, and Perna perna) were collected from the coastline of … Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are contaminants that pose potential harm to environments and human consumers. Wild mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Choromytilus meridionalis, and Perna perna) were collected from the coastline of the Western Cape Province of South Africa and analysed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) via gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed eleven PAHs at concentrations ranging from NF to 50.3 ng g−1 d.w., five PCBs at concentrations between 4.1 and 18.6 ng g−1 d.w., and two OCPs, namely β-hexachlorocyclohexane (NF–7.9 ng g−1 d.w.) and chlordane (7.2–14.5 µg g−1 d.w.). A Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) determined PAH concentrations to pose little health risk to adults and children consuming < 1000 g and 500 g per month (g m−1) wild mussel meat, respectively. The HHRA of PCBs found adults and children would experience negative health effects at a consumption rate of 250 g m−1. HHRAs determined chlordane concentrations to pose unacceptable health risks for adults and children at all consumption rates (similar results for lindane). To avoid unnecessary POP-related health risks over a lifetime, it is recommended that adults consume < 250 g m−1 of wild mussels from the Western Cape Province, and children should avoid consuming mussels. This research demonstrates the legacy of POP contamination along the coastline of the Western Cape Province; more monitoring of these contaminants is imperative to protect marine ecosystems and food chains.

Detection of virulence genes in bacteria associated with microplastics from selected Rivers in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

2025-06-24

Falilat Toyin AKINRULI , Adewale Oluwasogo Olalemi , D. J. Arotupin | International Journal of Science and Research Archive

This study investigated the detection of virulence genes in bacteria associated with microplastics in selected rivers in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Water samples were collected biweekly over a period of 24 months … This study investigated the detection of virulence genes in bacteria associated with microplastics in selected rivers in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Water samples were collected biweekly over a period of 24 months from the rivers (Ureje, Emirin, Ogbese, Odo-Ayo and Elemi). Isolation of bacteria, antibiotics susceptibility testing of the isolates and detection of virulence genes were carried out using standard methods. The bacteria isolated include Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Bacillus subtilis, B. licheniformis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Micrococcus luteus, Enterobacter aerogenes, B. cereus, Citrobacter freundii, Aeromonas spp, Proteus vulgaris. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of the isolates showed that both Gram negative and Gram positive bacterial isolates exhibited multiple antibiotic resistance. Of the 423 bacterial isolates, 226 were positive to biofilm formation, 78 to heamolysin formation, 87 to phospholipase and 76 to gelatinase production. Virulence genes stn, spvC and invA were detected in Salmonella typhi (EM22), fimH and sxt1genes were detected in E. coli (Urj.23) and Shigella dysenteriae (EM6), fimH, rmpA and entB genes were detected in Klebsiella pneumoniae (Ogb4). In Bacillus cereus (EM4), nheA, hblC and hblD genes were detected while oprL, exoS and oprI genes were detected in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ELE12). The findings of this study suggests that water from the rivers are of poor microbial qualities, the bacterial isolates were multiple antibiotic resistant with various virulence genes. Therefore, water from the rivers must be adequately treated before use.

Occurrence characteristics of microplastics in Dongting Lake, China

2025-06-24

Jiping Niu , Wenfeng Gao , Dongyu Xu +1 more | River

Abstract Lakes are critical sinks for terrigenous microplastics (MPs), yet understanding their ecological risks remains hindered by data uncertainties and the absence of local background values. In this study, an … Abstract Lakes are critical sinks for terrigenous microplastics (MPs), yet understanding their ecological risks remains hindered by data uncertainties and the absence of local background values. In this study, an enhanced pollution load index ( PLI ) model integrating stochastic mathematical methods and species sensitivity distributions (SSD) was developed. The model was applied to assess and predict the ecological risk posed by MPs in the surface water and sediments of Dongting Lake, the second‐largest freshwater lake in China. Results revealed average MP abundances of 4889 (range: 1667–9667) items/m 3 in surface water and 7058 (range: 3935–10,736) items/kg in sediments within the Dongting Lake District. Small microplastics accounted for 90% of total MP particles, predominantly as polyethylene fragments. SSD‐derived predicted no‐effect concentrations values were determined as 8620 items/m³ for water and 7022 items/kg for sediments. While surface water exhibited low MP pollution risk and sediments were classified as unpolluted, both compartments showed signs of potential pollution escalation, suggesting non‐negligible ecological risks. Through conditional fragmentation modeling, primary MP sources were identified as Yangtze River upstream inputs, atmospheric deposition, and soil erosion. In conclusion, the enhanced PLI model demonstrates effective ecological risk assessment and forecasting capabilities across environmental media, providing strategic insights for lake MP pollution mitigation.

Sustainable Fabrication of Anisotropic Conductive Composites from Discarded Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Films

2025-06-24

Qingquan Jiang , Qi Wu , Min Nie | Advanced Sustainable Systems

Abstract Traditional mechanical recycling often compromises the structural and functional integrity of plastic materials, limiting high‐value reuse. Here, a sustainable upcycling strategy is presented that transforms discarded biaxially‐oriented polypropylene (BOPP) … Abstract Traditional mechanical recycling often compromises the structural and functional integrity of plastic materials, limiting high‐value reuse. Here, a sustainable upcycling strategy is presented that transforms discarded biaxially‐oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films into high‐performance anisotropic conductive polymer composites through a low‐temperature alternating lamination approach. By harnessing the intrinsic molecular orientation of BOPP and the chemical compatibility with polypropylene random copolymer (PPR), alternating BOPP insulating layer and PPR conductive layers containing conductive fillers are thermally welded at an optimized temperature of 160 °C, enabling strong interfacial bonding while preserving the orientation‐induced mechanical advantages. This innovative processing method yields a remarkable 162% improvement in tensile strength and an extraordinary 1193% enhancement in toughness compared to conventional recycled technology. More importantly, the resulting composites exhibit outstanding electrical anisotropy, characterized by an in‐plane conductivity of 11.4 S m −1 while maintaining excellent through‐thickness insulation. Such a unique integration of mechanical robustness and directional conductivity enables promising applications in next‐generation intelligent electronics. This work not only establishes a scalable and eco‐conscious route for upcycling industrial polymer waste into multifunctional, high‐performance materials but also provides new design principles for the development of next‐generation electronics.

Microbial colonization and function of biofilms developing on plastics and bioplastics in a pristine mountain stream ecosystem

2025-06-24

Mar Oliva‐Albert , Alba Bellostas‐Carreras , José Luis Guijosa‐Ortega +7 more | Limnology and Oceanography

Abstract Streams naturally receive allochthonous particulate organic materials, but human activity may contribute additional plastic litter inputs, which can affect ecosystem functioning. Our objective was to assess the effect of … Abstract Streams naturally receive allochthonous particulate organic materials, but human activity may contribute additional plastic litter inputs, which can affect ecosystem functioning. Our objective was to assess the effect of plastic and bioplastic inputs on microbial biomass and function in a pristine mountain stream. To do that, fragments of plastics (polyethylene—PE, polypropylene—PP), bioplastics (polyhydroxyalkanoate—PHA, polylactic acid—PLA), and wood (as a natural material) were immersed in the stream and collected after 120, 202, 316, and 383 d. Fungal, prokaryotic, and algal biomass, and autotrophic and heterotrophic functions (net primary production, extracellular enzyme activities, and nutrient uptake) were analyzed together with organic matter weight changes over time. Wood showed high fungal and prokaryotic biomass, phosphatase and β‐glucosidase activities, and a significant weight loss, as related to the degradation process. In contrast, plastics and bioplastics did not lose weight and were mainly colonized by algae, suggesting that they serve as an inert surface and over‐enhance primary production. However, phenol oxidase (ligninolytic enzyme) activity in plastics and bioplastics was similar to that in wood and increased with time together with heterotrophic biomass. This indicates that plastispheres can contribute to the degradation of plastics and bioplastics, which may become a carbon source in the long term. Overall, the observed dynamics of microbial biomass and metabolism in the plastispheres point to their potential effect on stream nutrient and carbon cycles. The study highlights the need for careful human activities in pristine mountain watersheds to avoid altering their ecosystem functioning.

Response of Brassica chinensis L to the stress of combined pollution of microplastics and cypermethrin

2025-06-24

Li Hua , Meiting Wang , Xinlong Wei | Environmental Technology

Microplastics (MPs) can coexist with pesticides in soil for a long period, forming combined pollution. Brassica chinensis L was used as the test plant and the differences in the effects … Microplastics (MPs) can coexist with pesticides in soil for a long period, forming combined pollution. Brassica chinensis L was used as the test plant and the differences in the effects of traditional microplastic polyethylene (PE MPs) and biodegradable microplastic polylactic acid (PLA MPs) alone and combination with cypermethrin pesticide on plants were studied. The results showed that the inhibitory effect of the PLA MPs on Brassica chinensis L was greater than PE MPs and that the inhibitory effect of microplastics in combination with cypermethrin pesticides was greater than that of microplastics alone. Brassica chinensis L avoided oxidative damage by increasing the stress level at a low PE MP concentration (2%) and the antioxidant defense capability gradually weakened as the concentration increased. As the concentration of PLA MPs increased, the oxidative damage of plant roots was further aggravated. The biomass and quality of Brassica chinensis L showed the pattern of 'low promotion and high inhibition' whether PE MPs were treated alone or combined with cypermethrin pesticides. While PLA MPs treatment groups showed a pattern of 'stronger inhibition with increasing microplastic concentration'.

Lignin/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Hydrogel for Detecting and Effectively Removing Microplastics

2025-06-23

Xiaohong Li , Qi Xia , Yanli Leng +2 more | Langmuir

This study presents the synthesis of a biobased hydrogel derived from aminated lignin and poly(vinyl alcohol), where the lignin was extracted from bamboo powder and functionalized through phenolization and ammoniation. … This study presents the synthesis of a biobased hydrogel derived from aminated lignin and poly(vinyl alcohol), where the lignin was extracted from bamboo powder and functionalized through phenolization and ammoniation. The hydrogel was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. Its adsorption performance was evaluated for polystyrene microplastics (PSMP), demonstrating a high maximum adsorption capacity of 288.6 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model, while the equilibrium data aligned with the Langmuir isotherm, indicating monolayer adsorption. Remarkably, the hydrogel retained 87.64% of its adsorption efficiency after five regeneration cycles. Beyond PSMPs, the hydrogel also exhibited effective adsorption for four other microplastic types─polyethylene (PEMP), polypropylene (PPMP), polyvinyl chloride (PVCMP), and polyamide (PAMP)─at low concentrations (10 mg/L). In real-world water matrices, the adsorption rates for PSMPs and PAMP were as follows: 92.7% and 96.7% in lake water, 94.7% and 98.5% in pipeline water, 97.1% and 99.2% in river water, and 97.9% and 99.7% in sludge supernatant. This work provides foundational data for microplastic removal across diverse environmental media and proposes an eco-friendly, sustainable, and efficient strategy for designing biobased adsorbents targeting low-concentration, small-sized microplastics.

Study of occurrence, abundance, and characterization of microplastics in wastewater treatment plant in New Delhi, India

2025-06-23

Heena Bisht , Ankita C. Maurya , Veeranna Channashettar +5 more | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Removal of Microplastics By Ozone Oxidation from Urban Wastewater Using Taguchi Experimental Design

2025-06-23

Eylem Topkaya , Ayla Arslan , Sevil Veli +2 more | Water Air & Soil Pollution

Abstract In this study, the removal of microplastics (MPs) in secondary treatment effluent by ozone (O 3 ) oxidation was evaluated. The study was carried out with three samples taken … Abstract In this study, the removal of microplastics (MPs) in secondary treatment effluent by ozone (O 3 ) oxidation was evaluated. The study was carried out with three samples taken from Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) discharge point. MPs between 200–5000 µm were identified in terms of number, shape, colour and type and then treated by O 3 oxidation in batch experiments. Taguchi design method was applied for process optimization. The parameters pH, ozone dose and reaction time were selected as the main factors affecting O 3 oxidation. The optimal conditions for MPs removal were pH 7, reaction time 60 min and O 3 dose 10 ppm. In the verification experiments carried out under this conditions, an average MP removal efficiency of 83% was obtained. FTIR analyses were performed on raw and treated wastewater. Five different polymer structures, Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyester (PES), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polyurethane (PUR) were determined in raw wastewater. It was determined that these species were converted into low molecular weight organic compounds after ozone treatment. The results of kinetic studies were found to be in accordance with first order reaction kinetics (k = 0.02243 min −1 ). The cost of MP removal by ozone oxidation at the optimum experimental condition was 0.094 €/m 3 .

Alfalfa growth, Pb accumulation and bacterial communities in response to co-contamination with microplastics and Pb

2025-06-23

Wei Chen , Zhaozheng Chen , Fei Li +3 more | Applied Soil Ecology

Impacts of compostable and non-compostable plastic ingestion on Tenebrio molitor L. (Insecta: Tenebrionidae): a life history approach

2025-06-23

Walter Martínez-Muñoz , J. Guillermo Jiménez-Cortés , Cecilia Soldatini +2 more | Research Square (Research Square)

<title>Abstract</title> Given the harmful impact of plastics on organisms' fitness, one question arises: is compostable material (derived from non-oil sources) any better? Here we assessed the fitness effects of consuming … <title>Abstract</title> Given the harmful impact of plastics on organisms' fitness, one question arises: is compostable material (derived from non-oil sources) any better? Here we assessed the fitness effects of consuming two oil-derived plastics (polyethylene and polystyrene) and one compostable product in insects, utilizing <italic>Tenebrio molitor</italic> beetles as the study system. Animals were fed during the larval stage either of four different treatments: a) polyethylene + apple/wheat; b) polystyrene + apple/wheat; c) compostable product + apple/wheat; and d) apple/wheat alone. Upon reaching the adult stage, insects were provided with wheat and apple for 7 days, allowed to mate, and lay eggs. We recorded developmental rate and mortality from larvae to pupa, weight and fecundity, and survival probability from one stage to the next. Mortality was higher when animals consumed any type of plastic. The probability of survival was also affected, particularly in the pupal and adult stages. Feeding with any type of plastic oil-derived or compostable plastic led to a reduction in body size and reproductive success (measured as surviving larvae). Notably, in some cases, the group fed with compostable plastic was the most affected. Delays in development at different stages could increase mortality, while the decrease in egg production in females and the reduction in adult size could imply carry-over effects on demography. Perhaps, the additional materials in compostable products imply toxic effects like those caused by plastics. Thus, the effects of compostable products are not any better than those of plastics.

Characterization and distribution of microplastics on the beaches of Southern Tunisia: a case study of the Island of Djerba

2025-06-23

Mohamed Guesmi , Abir Ouri , Ibtissem Jlalia +6 more | Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration

The Impact of Destructive Climatic Factors on the Mechanical and Performance Properties of Structural Materials

2025-06-23

Paweł Widomski , Przemysław Maksymowicz , Oliwia Trzaska +6 more | Materials

This study investigates the effects of destructive climatic factors on the mechanical and performance properties of various structural materials, encompassing both polymers and metals. Over recent decades, the growing adoption … This study investigates the effects of destructive climatic factors on the mechanical and performance properties of various structural materials, encompassing both polymers and metals. Over recent decades, the growing adoption of synthetic polymers has revolutionized engineering applications, yet their susceptibility to environmental degradation poses significant challenges. This research emphasizes the need for comprehensive testing under both operational and environmental stressors, including extreme temperatures, UV radiation, and moisture, to assess material durability and performance. Mechanical tests were conducted at ambient (25 °C) and low temperatures (−50 °C) to evaluate the strength and strain responses of selected materials. Additionally, a 12-month accelerated aging process using UV radiation and elevated temperatures was performed to simulate long-term environmental exposure. Parameters such as Shore D hardness, gloss, and mass were measured at regular intervals to quantify material degradation. The results revealed significant differences in performance across material types. Among polymers, laser-extruded and milky plexiglass, as well as solid polycarbonate, exhibited satisfactory resistance to aging, with minimal changes in mechanical properties. However, high-impact polystyrene displayed substantial deformation and hardness loss after prolonged UV exposure. For metals, aluminum and stainless steel (304 and 316) demonstrated exceptional durability, retaining structural and aesthetic properties after 12 months of accelerated aging, whereas galvanized steel exhibited pronounced corrosion. The study highlights the critical interplay between mechanical loading and environmental factors, stressing the importance of material selection tailored to specific climatic conditions. It further underscores the value of integrating experimental findings with predictive models, such as finite element analysis, to enhance the design and longevity of engineering materials. The findings provide actionable insights for industries operating in temperate climates, where materials are subjected to diverse and cyclic environmental stressors. Recommendations are offered for selecting resilient materials suitable for protective housings and structural components.

Nanoplastics Stimulate Colony Formation and Bloom in Phaeocystis globosa

2025-06-23

Yingxia Li , Dong Xu , Xintong Huang +7 more | Environmental Science & Technology

The genus Phaeocystis is a globally distributed harmful alga that adversely impacts marine ecosystems. Nanoplastics (NPs) are ubiquitous in marine environments and often co-occur with Phaeocystis blooms. However, the effect … The genus Phaeocystis is a globally distributed harmful alga that adversely impacts marine ecosystems. Nanoplastics (NPs) are ubiquitous in marine environments and often co-occur with Phaeocystis blooms. However, the effect of NPs on the colony formation and bloom dynamics of Phaeocystis remains poorly understood. Here, we conducted both indoor and outdoor mesocosm experiments to demonstrate that NPs significantly increased the total cell density, colonial diameter, and colonial density of P. globosa. These enhancements in colonial density and diameter were primarily driven by elevated levels of extracellular polysaccharides as well as key substrates involved in polysaccharide synthesis, including glucose 1-phosphate, adenosine diphosphate glucose, and uridine diphosphate glucose. Concurrently, the accumulation of extracellular polysaccharides was accompanied by the significant upregulation of ten genes associated with N-glycan synthesis. Furthermore, assuming no other environmental changes, our projections indicated that if 0.1% of microplastics (MPs) degrade into NPs, colonial cell densities of Phaeocystis could increase by more than 5% at 242 global locations, with potential maxima approaching 80%. These findings indicate that the ongoing rise in MPs pollution could exacerbate Phaeocystis blooms by enhancing colony formation, posing substantial risks to marine ecosystems.

Influence of Ultraviolet Light-Induced Photooxidation on the Surface Chemistry and Biodegradability of Aliphatic Polyamide Films

2025-06-23

Yingjun An , Adchara Padermshoke , Tomoko Kajiwara +7 more | Langmuir

This study examines the environmental degradation of polyamides (PAs) with varying methylene group content from the perspective of polymer surface chemistry. PA4, PA6, PA11, and PA12 films were subjected to … This study examines the environmental degradation of polyamides (PAs) with varying methylene group content from the perspective of polymer surface chemistry. PA4, PA6, PA11, and PA12 films were subjected to ultraviolet (UV) exposure to simulate environmental photooxidation, and subsequent changes in surface morphology and wettability were analyzed using laser microscopy and contact angle measurements. After 4 weeks of UV exposure, PA11 and PA12, which contain longer alkylene chains, exhibited more pronounced and denser surface cracks than PA4 and PA6. UV exposure increased the surface wettability of all samples, indicating photooxidation, as confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The photooxidation rate followed the order: PA4 < PA6 < PA11 < PA12. Biodegradation was assessed by immersing pristine and UV-exposed films in extracted seawater. While pristine PA4 and PA6 developed biofilms, indicating biodegradation, PA11 and PA12 remained resistant. However, UV exposure rendered PA11 and PA12 biodegradable, likely due to the formation of lower-molecular-weight, soluble photooxidation products that facilitated microbial attack. UV exposure also enhanced the biodegradability of PA4 and PA6. Wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering analyses revealed that both photooxidation and biodegradation predominantly affected the amorphous regions of the polymers. These findings highlight the role of surface chemistry in the environmental fate of polyamides and the potential for UV-induced degradation to influence their biodegradability.

Micro and nano-plastics on environmental health: a review on future thrust in agro-ecotoxicology management

2025-06-23

M. Chandrasekaran , Paramasivan Manivannan , Sajjad Ahmad | Environmental Geochemistry and Health

Recent Applications in Analytical Techniques of Microplastics

2025-06-23

Alan Meng , Jing Pan , Daqian Song +2 more | Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry

Microplastics (MPs), which originate from the widespread use of plastic products, undergo aging and decomposition under environmental conditions, making them almost ubiquitous in the environment. They pose significant potential hazards … Microplastics (MPs), which originate from the widespread use of plastic products, undergo aging and decomposition under environmental conditions, making them almost ubiquitous in the environment. They pose significant potential hazards to human health and the ecological environment and have become a global environmental safety issue. However, effective analysis is challenging due to the diverse types of MPs, large variations in particle size, and the complex composition of the environmental matrix. There are a few articles that provide an overview of analytical techniques for MPs, but the most review focus on the particular analytical methods and sample pretreatment techniques, lacking a comprehensive summary of systematic detection approaches. This article reviews the analytical methods for MPs developed over the past five years, emphasizing six categories of analytical technologies: fluorescent labeling, spectroscopic techniques, thermal analysis, electrochemical analysis, mass spectrometry (MS), and chromatography. It discusses the principles and applications of these methods, as well as the challenges they currently face and prospects. This work aims to provide valuable guidance for researchers in the field of MPs and promote the further development of analytical technologies.

Taming plastic pollution—a systematic mapping of the literature on plastic policies between 2009 and 2024

2025-06-23

Marlene Kammerer , Tom Beer , Ruth Wiedemann | Regional Environmental Change

Abstract This review article systematically maps the literature on the policy and politics of plastic pollution since 2009 and identifies future avenues for research. The conceptualization of wicked problems guides … Abstract This review article systematically maps the literature on the policy and politics of plastic pollution since 2009 and identifies future avenues for research. The conceptualization of wicked problems guides the structure of this review along two dimensions of policymaking: the policy dimension, which concerns problem definitions and objectives, and policy solutions. The politics dimension reflects stakeholders and their perception of problems and interests. We show that the respective research has gained momentum in the past 15 years, but it still has a strong focus on inventorying policies or policy instruments, policy evaluations or impact assessments, and behavioural analyses, as well as investigations of the global governance architecture and the need for a new multilateral environmental agreement (MEA). In contrast, systematic assessments of policy efficacy or country-level plastic policy performance are still rare. Likewise, studies about the politics dimension, i.e. on actors involved in policymaking and their policy beliefs and preferences, are still scant. However, both aspects are crucial in the light of a new MEA, as its success and effectiveness strongly hinge on the capacity and willingness of countries to comply with MEA obligations, i.e. adopt and implement respective policies at the national and local levels. Hence, future research should focus more on politics instead of policy to provide new insights into the feasibility of the different policy options, and it should work more on systematic evaluations of policy instruments along the life cycle of plastics and country performances.

State of the art detection methods of microplastics as marine litter: a mini review

2025-06-23

Rajib Biswas | Deleted Journal

Microplastics Influence Dissolved Organic Matter Transformation Mediated by Microbiomes in Soil Aggregates

2025-06-23

Xinran Qiu , Sirui Ma , Zhenyuan Liu +7 more | Environmental Science & Technology

Soil aggregate stability is vital for soil structure, erosion control, fertility, and crop productivity. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) turnover plays an important role in controlling the stability of soil aggregates, … Soil aggregate stability is vital for soil structure, erosion control, fertility, and crop productivity. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) turnover plays an important role in controlling the stability of soil aggregates, affecting aggregate formation and microbial activity. Microplastics (MPs) are known to impact soil DOM composition and structure, but their effects on DOM transformation in different soil aggregates remain unclear. Herein, we conducted 450 day incubation assays to study the effects of nondegradable and biodegradable MPs with varying aging levels on DOM transformations in agricultural soil aggregates. MPs were found to increase DOM transformation in soil aggregates, leading to changes in soil aggregate stability, including a reduction in geometric mean diameter and mass-weighted diameter. The addition of MPs resulted in a decrease in the stability of DOM in large-sized aggregates but an increase in the aromaticity and unsaturation of DOM in small-sized aggregates, which were more pronounced in the PLAMPs-treated group. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the transformation of unsaturated aliphatic compounds and highly unsaturated and phenolic compounds, which play a major role in the intra- and intergroup transformation of DOM. In this process, microbial communities play a significant role. They tend to consume DOM in larger aggregates and produce DOM in smaller aggregates, leading to an accumulation of DOM in smaller aggregates, thereby promoting the formation of smaller aggregates and reducing the aggregate stability. This study uncovers the mechanisms of DOM transformation in response to MPs in soil aggregates, providing a scientific basis for soil management and sustainable agricultural development.

Distribution of microplastics in domestic wastewater treatment plant: Exploring ferrofluid assisted magnetic separation for microplastics removal

2025-06-23

A Angel Jessieleena , R. Premkumar , K.E. Iniyan +1 more | Journal of Water Process Engineering

Adaptation of Lemna Minor To Stress Induced by Biodegradable and Conventional Microplastics

2025-06-23

Petra Procházková , Gabriela Kalčíková , Helena Zlámalová Gargošová +1 more | Environmental Processes

Elucidating microplastic's seasonal occurrence in urban indoor and outdoor aerosol

2025-06-23

J. Cárdenas-Escudero , Saed Deylami , M. Ochoa +3 more | The Science of The Total Environment

Current developments in multifunctional technology for waste plastic chemical recycling and case studies

2025-06-23

Tiantian Wang , J.W. Zhang , Ting Wang +3 more | International Journal of Environmental & Analytical Chemistry

Author Correction: Biogel scavenging slows the sinking of organic particles to the ocean depths

2025-06-23

Uria Alcolombri , Alon Nissan , Jonasz Słomka +7 more | Nature Communications

Preliminary Study on PCC-Chitosan’s Ability to Enhance Microplastic Excretion in Human Stools from Healthy Volunteers

2025-06-23

Claudio Casella , Umberto Cornelli , Santiago Ballaz +3 more | Foods

Recent studies have indicated that microplastics (MPs) may accumulate in the human body, potentially posing health risks. This preliminary study aimed to investigate the effect of a food supplement (FS: … Recent studies have indicated that microplastics (MPs) may accumulate in the human body, potentially posing health risks. This preliminary study aimed to investigate the effect of a food supplement (FS: 0.8 g of chitosan derived from Procambarus clarkii, PCC) on the fecal excretion of MPs (20–500 µm size) following ingestion of a standardized meal (SM). Ten healthy volunteers (non-smokers, non-drinkers, non-drug users) participated in a two-phase, crossover design conducted one week apart. In both phases, participants consumed an SM after overnight fasting, and fecal samples were collected the following morning (7–10 am). Phase 1 served as baseline (no PCC), while in Phase 2, PCC was administered immediately before the SM. Sixteen types of MPs were analyzed. A modest increase (5%) in fecal mass was observed after PCC intake. MP counts were 356 in the SM, 656 ± 110 in Phase 1 feces, and 965 ± 165 in Phase 2 feces. The excretion of nine MPs—PA, PAN, PAM, PE, PES, PET, PP, PS, and RA—was enhanced by PCC. These preliminary findings suggest that PCC promotes the fecal elimination of MPs. Further controlled studies are needed to validate these results and assess their potential relevance for dietary interventions.

Microplastics in Soil–Plant Systems: Current Knowledge, Research Gaps, and Future Directions for Agricultural Sustainability

2025-06-22

Zhangling Chen , Laura Carter , Steven A. Banwart +1 more | Agronomy

With the increasing accumulation of plastic residues in agricultural ecosystems, microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a novel and pervasive environmental risk factor threatening sustainable agriculture. Compared to aquatic systems, our … With the increasing accumulation of plastic residues in agricultural ecosystems, microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a novel and pervasive environmental risk factor threatening sustainable agriculture. Compared to aquatic systems, our understanding of MP dynamics in agricultural soils—particularly their transport mechanisms, bioavailability, plant uptake pathways, and ecological impacts—remains limited. These knowledge gaps impede accurate risk assessment and hinder the development of effective mitigation strategies. This review critically synthesises current knowledge in the study of MPs within soil–plant systems. It examines how MPs influence soil physicochemical properties, plant physiological processes, toxicological responses, and rhizosphere interactions. It further explores the transport dynamics of MPs in soil–plant systems and recent advances in analytical techniques for their detection and quantification. The role of plant functional traits in mediating species-specific responses to MP exposure is also discussed. In addition, the review evaluates the ecological relevance of laboratory-based findings under realistic agricultural conditions, highlighting the methodological limitations imposed by pollution heterogeneity, complex exposure scenarios, and detection technologies. It also examines existing policy responses at both regional and global levels aimed at addressing MP pollution in agriculture. To address these challenges, we propose future research directions that include the integration of multi-method detection protocols, long-term and multi-site field experiments, the development of advanced risk modelling frameworks, and the establishment of threshold values for MP residues in edible crops. Additionally, we highlight the need for future policies to regulate the full life cycle of agricultural plastics, monitor soil MP residues, and integrate MP risks into food safety assessments. This review provides both theoretical insights and practical strategies for understanding and mitigating MP pollution in agroecosystems, supporting the transition toward more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally sound agricultural practices.

Evaluation of Bio-Polyurethane Foam Synthesized from Liquefied Waste Wood Polyol

2025-06-22

Go Masuda , Christian Ebere Enyoh , Keiju Ishidoya +2 more | Recycling

Bio-polyurethane foam was synthesized in this study using bio-polyol derived from liquefied waste wood as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polyols. It has been widely reported that polyurethane foams incorporating … Bio-polyurethane foam was synthesized in this study using bio-polyol derived from liquefied waste wood as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polyols. It has been widely reported that polyurethane foams incorporating liquefied wood exhibit biodegradability when buried in soil, with assessments typically relying on CO2 emission measurements in a close system. However, this method cannot obtain any chemical bonding breakage information of the bio-polyurethane foam. On the other hand, our study investigated the biodegradation process by employing an elemental composition analysis using a CHN coder and functional group analysis through Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to capture chemical structure changing. The results demonstrated that biodegradation occurs in three different stages over time, even in the absence of significant early-stage weight loss. The gradual breakdown of urethane bonds was confirmed through changes in the elemental composition and functional group ratios, providing a more detailed understanding of the degradation mechanism. These findings suggest highlighting the importance of complementary chemical analytical techniques for a more accurate evaluation. On the other hand, TG data showed that bio-polyurethane foams remained thermally stable even after biodegradation occurred.

Microplastics’ Abundance and Spatial Distribution in Bayinbuluk Alpine Swamp Meadow

2025-06-22

Yuxin Tian , Maidinuer Abulaizi , Yunpeng Hu +6 more | Agriculture

In order to investigate the current pollution status and distribution characteristics of soil microplastics (MPs) in Bayinbuluk alpine swamp meadow, soil samples of different depths were collected from the study … In order to investigate the current pollution status and distribution characteristics of soil microplastics (MPs) in Bayinbuluk alpine swamp meadow, soil samples of different depths were collected from the study area. The physicochemical properties of the soil, as well as the abundance and morphological distribution of microplastics, were analyzed. The results showed that the microplastics’ abundance in the samples ranged from 46 to 266 microplastics/kg, with significantly higher levels (p < 0.05) in the 0–10 cm soil layer than in the other layers (10–100 cm). The shapes of microplastics mainly include fibrous, fragmented, thin film, and foamed, and the number of fibrous shapes is significantly higher than the other three types. Microplastic colors included black, yellow, red, blue, green, and clear, with black accounting for 70.16%, significantly more abundant than other colors (p < 0.05). Among the different particle sizes of microplastics, 0.5–1 mm microplastics comprised the largest proportion and were significantly more abundant than other particle sizes. Polyethylene (PE) was found to be a major component of soil microplastics in the study area through random sampling using Raman spectroscopy. Correlation analysis showed that the change in soil layer had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the number, color, and particle size of microplastics. Meanwhile, an increase in microplastic abundance had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the soil physicochemical properties. The results of RDA (Redundancy Analysis) and Monte Carlo testing showed that there was a significant correlation between microplastic quantity and soluble organic carbon and soil water content (p < 0.01).

Growth but Not Corticosterone, Oxidative Stress, or Telomere Length Is Negatively Affected by Microplastic Exposure in a Filter‐Feeding Amphibian

2025-06-22

Colette Martin , Katharina Ruthsatz , Iván Gómez-Mestre +1 more | Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A Ecological and Integrative Physiology

ABSTRACT Microplastics (MPs) are of increasing global concern for species inhabiting aquatic habitats. However, the mechanisms behind animal responses to MPs still require comprehensive exploration. Amphibians are the most threatened … ABSTRACT Microplastics (MPs) are of increasing global concern for species inhabiting aquatic habitats. However, the mechanisms behind animal responses to MPs still require comprehensive exploration. Amphibians are the most threatened vertebrate group with most species having a complex life cycle, commonly with an aquatic larval stage. Here, we investigated whether exposure to an environmentally relevant concentration of MPs affects the growth of filter‐feeding larvae of the African clawed frog ( Xenopus laevis ), and the consequences for their stress physiology (corticosterone [CORT] levels), or health and ageing physiology (oxidative stress and telomere length, the latter in the liver and gut). We conducted a 3 × 2 experiment with three levels of fiber exposure (fibers absent ‐control‐, and MP and cellulose fiber treatments), and two stress levels (CORT absent –control‐, and CORT present simulating a stressful condition). We observed a negative impact of MP exposure on larval growth; however, this did not alter the CORT levels, oxidative stress. or telomere length. Our study shows that realistic concentrations of MPs are not enough to induce major alterations on the stress or health and ageing physiology of a filter‐feeding amphibian. Whether compensatory growth responses during the post‐metamorphic stages could lead to detrimental effects later in life should be explored in amphibians and other organisms with complex life cycles.

Polystyrene microplastic pollution induces species-specific shifts in root traits and rhizosphere conditions in a temperate forest

2025-06-22

Yingtong Zhou , Guo Wei , Ivano Brunner +6 more | Journal of Hazardous Materials

Microplastics Identification in Remote Aquatic Environments Using Raman Spectroscopy: A Case Study for Mt. Tymfi's Alpine Lake

2025-06-22

Christos Salmas , K. Alexopoulos , Ioannis Papanikolaou +2 more | Journal of Raman Spectroscopy

ABSTRACT Water samples from the alpine lake of Mt. Tymfi (Dragon Lake) in Greece were analyzed for microplastics (MPs) using optical microscopy and Raman microspectroscopy. The alpine lake of Tymfi … ABSTRACT Water samples from the alpine lake of Mt. Tymfi (Dragon Lake) in Greece were analyzed for microplastics (MPs) using optical microscopy and Raman microspectroscopy. The alpine lake of Tymfi (Dragon Lake) represents a pristine environment with few anthropogenic interventions. A total of 4770 ± 637 L of the lake's surface water was analyzed as part of an expedition of the LiMnADs project in 2023—post‐tourism. Volume‐reduced sampling (large water volumes filtered via a plankton net), oxidative digestion with Fenton reagent, stereoscopy, and Raman spectroscopy (RS) were carried out in the samples to detect the presence of microplastics. Stereoscopy revealed 100 MPs (0.021 MP/L) larger than 150 μm, with fibers being the most abundant (66%), followed by fragments (34%). Fibers were predominantly blue (95%) and long > 1000 μm (~70%), whereas fragments were mainly transparent (73%) and < 500 μm (97%). A nondestructive Raman investigation was then performed on a random subsample of 70/100 microparticles directly on the filters without further treatment. Eighty‐three percent (83%) of them were Raman active. Polymers identified were PE fragments, PET fibers, and PA (nylon) fibers. Several analytical challenges such as (1) strong fluorescence, (2) pigments obscuring the polymer peaks, and (3) weathering of the material by UV irradiation led to highly complex and demanding processes regarding the polymer identification, highlighting the analytical challenges in such environmental samples. The MPs in the alpine lake of Tymfi could originate from human activities; the low level of degradation of some synthetic fibers could indicate recent exposure. The pretreatment of the samples before Raman analysis also proved to be crucial. This work contributes to the literature on the detection of MPs in Greece, proposes a method for MPs extraction in remote environments, and takes a step forward in MP analysis by Raman spectroscopy.

Environmental Nanoplastics Induce Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Review of Cellular Mechanisms and Associated Diseases

2025-06-21

Huanpeng Liu , Huiqi Li , Xinxin Yao +2 more | Environmental Pollution

Global Research Trends in Photocatalytic Degradation of Microplastics: A Bibliometric Perspective

2025-06-21

Robert O. Gembo , Zebron Phiri , Lawrence Mzukisi Madikizela +3 more | Microplastics

Microplastics have emerged as pervasive contaminants in various ecosystems, raising considerable concerns regarding their impact on environmental health and public safety. The degradation of microplastics is thus recognized as a … Microplastics have emerged as pervasive contaminants in various ecosystems, raising considerable concerns regarding their impact on environmental health and public safety. The degradation of microplastics is thus recognized as a pressing global challenge. Photocatalytic degradation has emerged as a promising approach due to its potential for efficiency and environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, there remains a need to investigate emerging trends and advancements to understand and fully optimize this technique. Consequently, PRISMA guidelines were employed to define the search parameters, enable the identification of pertinent scholarly articles, and systematically gather bibliographic data from the published literature from 2005 to October 2024. A bibliometric analysis of 204 research articles derived from merged Scopus and Web of Science datasets was conducted to map the field’s research landscape. The analysis showed a robust annual publication growth rate of 17.94%, with leading contributions from China, India, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Keyword analysis revealed that the commonly applied photocatalysts are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in the photocatalytic degradation of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, high-density polyethylene, and low-density polyethylene. Advances in collaboration across Asia and Europe have bolstered the research landscape. However, challenges persist in achieving cost-effective scalability, ensuring the safety of degradation byproducts, and translating laboratory findings into real-world applications. Emerging trends include the development of visible-light-responsive catalysts, advanced nanocomposites, and sustainable photocatalytic technologies. This study underscores the utility of bibliometric tools in identifying knowledge gaps and guiding the development of innovative approaches for microplastic degradation as part of environmental remediation efforts.