Microplastics

Plastic pollution represents a persistent global issue, with catastrophic effects on ecosystems. Due to unique properties, these synthetic materials do not break down into biodegradable compounds when naturally dispersed, but degrade into smaller fragments, known as micro- (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), that easily enter the food chain. Among plastics, polypropylene (PP) is one of the most common, whose consumption has dramatically increased in recent years for single-use packaging and surgical masks. In this context, given the widespread detection of PP-MPs and NPs in various biological matrices, investigating their toxicity in living organisms is crucial. For these reasons, this study aims to assess how PP-MPs and NPs affect tissue regeneration following injury, proposing the freshwater leech Hirudo verbana as an established experimental model. Injured leeches were examined at different time points after plastic administration, and analyses were conducted using microscopy, immunofluorescence, and molecular biology techniques. The results demonstrate that plastic exposure induces fibrosis, disrupts tissue reorganization, delays wound repair, and activates the innate immune and oxidative stress responses. In summary, this project provides new insight into the adverse effects of PP particles on living organisms, highlighting for the first time their negative impact on proper tissue regeneration. Full article

This study presents the first investigation into the distribution of microplastics (MPs) in Sasebo City, Japan, using principal component analysis (PCA) in conjunction with water flow velocity and salinity variables. The mean MP abundance was 82.4 ± 47.7 items/m³ (SSB1–SSB4), showing no significant difference among sampling points. The fragment-to-fiber ratio was 76:24, and polypropylene and polyethylene (each 41%) were the main polymers. Fragment abundance increased with decreasing particle size, while fibers were rare below 700 μm. PCA indicated distinct MP polymer and shape distributions corresponding to stagnant water (SSB1), high-flow conditions (SSB2 and SSB3), and seawater (SSB4). Based on the literature, the study area represents a case of a small-scale aquatic system with limited anthropogenic influence due to moderate population, short river length, efficient effluent discharge, minimal industry, good water quality, and the absence of significant spatial variation in MP abundance. The infrequent precipitation during the sampling event supports the findings of the present study as a reliable baseline for objectively assessing MP contamination. Compared to aquatic systems of varying scales and anthropogenic influence, this baseline is applicable to both small-scale and large-scale aquatic systems with significant influences. This will serve as a valuable reference for future MP studies across diverse freshwater environments. Full article

Microplastics and metals are increasingly recognised as major water contaminants with profound environmental and health consequences. The environmental co-occurrence of microplastics and metals are well documented in waterways, including urban runoff, highway balancing ponds, industrial wastewater, and mine-impacted waters, posing a multifaceted environmental threat. Urgent remedial action is required to remove co-occurring microplastics and metals from water, giving consideration to how their co-occurrence can affect remediative efforts. However, information on the sorption of microplastics and Pb and Zn simultaneously by biochar is lacking. In this current study, changes in the quantity of metal adsorbed by pristine larch biochar and magnetised larch biochar due to the presence of microplastics was assessed using spectroscopic techniques. This study demonstrated that magnetised larch biochar and pristine larch biochar both remove co-occurring microplastics, Pb, and Zn from solution. Neither magnetised larch biochar nor pristine larch biochar show any statistical difference in the sorption of Pb with the inclusion of microplastics into the aqueous matrix. However, the inclusion of microplastics result in the reduced sorption of Zn by 43% for magnetised larch biochar (p < 0.01) and 69% for pristine larch biochar (p < 0.01). Magnetised larch biochar also demonstrated greater sorption than pristine larch biochar for microplastics (p < 0.05), Zn co-occurring with microplastics (p < 0.05), and Zn with no microplastics present (p < 0.01). Despite the effects of competitive sorption between Zn and microplastics, the removal of Pb, Zn, and microplastic from a multi-contaminant system indicate that magnetic larch biochar is a viable option to remove multiple contaminants from aqueous environs where metals and microplastics are seen to co-occur. Full article

Microplastic pollution in the Chesapeake Bay is of critical concern as estuaries serve as habitats and nurseries for diverse aquatic organisms and offer vital ecological services. However, quantitative analysis of microplastics, especially those smaller than 300 µm, in the natural aquatic environment is very challenging due to a lack of efficient sampling methods. This study takes a novel approach to quantify the abundance, size distribution, and morphological characteristics of microplastics, as small as 20 µm, in the surface waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Water samples (10 L) were collected monthly from July 2023 to October 2023 at four locations along the Chesapeake Bay. The samples were digested with a 10% potassium hydroxide solution and subjected to density separation using sodium chloride (ρ = 1.2 g/cc). Microplastic particles were examined using a Shimadzu AIM–9000 FTIR microscope for enumeration and chemical identification. Overall, the mean microplastic concentration observed was 766.16 ± 302.59 MP/L, significantly higher than previously estimated in the Chesapeake Bay. Microplastic abundance exhibited a significant (p = 0.02) spatial variation across the four sampling locations. Most abundant were particles less than 100 µm (60.65%), followed by particles between 100 µm and 300 µm (23.19%), and particles exceeding 300 µm (16.16%). Morphological analysis identified fragments as the dominant shape (86.02%), followed by fibers (11.87%), and beads (2.10%). This study underscores the importance of standard and efficient sampling methods in microplastics research. By sampling microplastics as small as 20 µm, this research demonstrated that the abundance of microplastics in the Chesapeake Bay is significantly higher than previously estimated and dominated by smaller–sized particles. These small microplastics are more likely to enter the food web where human exposure may occur. Therefore, microplastic pollution in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem has the potential to impose environmental and public health risks. Full article

Microplastics, synthetic polymer particles measuring less than 5 mm, have become a widespread environmental pollutant, raising concerns over their possible effects on human health. Growing evidence links MPs to vascular aging and cardiovascular disease beyond their ecological toxicity. Upon inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, microplastics can traverse biological barriers, circulate systemically, and accumulate in vascular tissues. Experimental investigations indicate that MPs, especially polystyrene and polyethylene in nano- and micro-sized forms, induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. These disruptions activate redox-sensitive signaling pathways, such as NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome, causing endothelial dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle modulation, and foam cell production, indicating early vascular aging. Animal models and in vitro studies have consistently shown endothelial activation, increased cytokine production, and changes in vascular tone after exposure to MPs. Initial human research has detected microplastics in blood, thrombi, and atherosclerotic plaques, which correlate with negative cardiovascular outcomes and systemic inflammation. Notably, recent research suggests that the gut microbiota and antioxidant systems may play a role in adaptive reactions, although these processes are still not fully understood. MP-induced vascular toxicity is covered in this interdisciplinary review, highlighting molecular pathways, experimental data, and translational gaps. Full article

Accurate identification of microplastic polymers in marine environments is essential for tracing pollution sources, understanding ecological impacts, and guiding mitigation strategies. This study presents a comprehensive, explainable-AI framework that uses Raman spectroscopy to classify pristine and weathered microplastics versus biological materials. Using a curated spectral library of 78 polymer specimens—including pristine, weathered, and biological materials—we benchmark seven supervised machine learning models (Decision Trees, Random Forest, k-Nearest Neighbours, Neural Networks, LightGBM, XGBoost and Support Vector Machines) without and with Principal Component Analysis for binary classification. Although k-Nearest Neighbours and Support Vector Machines achieved the highest single metric accuracy (82.5%), k NN also recorded the highest recall both with and without PCA, thereby offering the most balanced overall performance. To enhance interpretability, we employed SHapley Additive exPlanations, which revealed chemically meaningful spectral regions (notably near 700 cm⁻¹ and 1080 cm⁻¹) as critical to model predictions. Notably, models trained without Principal Component Analysis provided clearer feature attributions, suggesting improved interpretability in raw spectral space. This pipeline surpasses traditional spectral matching techniques and also delivers transparent insights into classification logic. Our findings can support scalable, real-time deployment of AI-based tools for oceanic microplastic monitoring and environmental policy development. Full article

Plastic pollution in marine environments poses a new global threat. Microplastics (MPs) can bioaccumulate in marine organisms, leading to oxidative stress (OS). This study investigates MP accumulation and associated OS responses in six invertebrate species (Bivalvia, Gastropoda, and Malacostraca) and three key fish species of the Bulgarian Black Sea ecosystems. The target hydrobionts were collected from nine representative coastal habitats of the northern and southern aquatory. MPs were quantified microscopically, and OS biomarkers (lipid peroxidation, glutathione, and antioxidant enzymes) were analyzed spectrometrically in fish liver and gills and invertebrate soft tissues (STs). The specific OS (SOS) index was calculated as a composite indicator of the ecological impact, incl. MP effects. The results revealed species-specific MP bioaccumulation, with the highest concentrations in Palaemon adspersus, Rathke (1837) (0.99 ± 1.09 particles/g ST) and the least abundance in Bittium reticulatum (da Costa, 1778) (0.0033 ± 0.0025 particles/g ST). In Sprattus sprattus (Linnaeus, 1758), the highest accumulation of MPs was present (2.01 ± 2.56 particles/g muscle). The correlation analyses demonstrated a significant association between MP counts and catalase activity in all examined species. The SOS index varied among species, reflecting different stress responses, and this indicated that OS levels were linked to ecological conditions of the habitat and the species-specific antioxidant defense potential to overcome multiple stressors. These findings confirmed the importance of environmental conditions, including MP pollution and the evolutionarily developed capacity of marine organisms to tolerate and adapt to environmental stress. This study emphasizes the need for novel approaches in monitoring MPs and OS to better assess potential ecological risks. Full article

Microplastics are an increasing concern due to their widespread occurrence in aquatic environments worldwide. The lack of a harmonised protocol for their reliable quantification remains a major challenge in current scientific efforts. This study presents a comparative evaluation of three protocols for the detection and quantification of microplastics in aqueous samples. The protocols were assessed based on quantification efficiency, risk of particle degradation, staining performance, operational complexity, and cost per sample. Protocol A combined Rhodamine B and ethanol staining with NaCl-based density separation, demonstrating strong isolation performance while maintaining minimal chemical hazards and moderate cost (2.45€ per sample) that could be further reduced to 0.45€ per sample by substituting reagent-grade NaCl with table salt. Protocol B offered moderate isolation capacity and presented the highest risk of particle fragmentation, likely due to the use of acetone and high-temperature digestion. Protocol C, based on the combined use of Nile Red and ZnCl₂, also presented a risk of particle fragmentation, resulting in the highest MP count for small and hydrophobic particles. In addition, its high cost (15.23€ per sample) limits its suitability for routine application. Full article

Nanoplastics (NPs), the tiniest and one of the most problematic fractions of plastic pollution, present dangers because of their size, reactivity, and ecosystem interactions. This review highlights the distinct characteristics, sources, routes, and ecological effects of NPs, a substantial subgroup of plastic pollution. With a focus on their ecological and toxicological implications, this review highlights the unique qualities of NPs and their functions in wastewater and urban runoff systems. The analysis of NPs’ entry points into terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric ecosystems reveals difficulties with detection and quantification that make monitoring more difficult. Filtration technologies, adsorption-based techniques, and membrane bioreactors are examples of advanced technical solutions emphasized as efficient NP mitigation measures that can integrated into current infrastructure. Environmental effects are examined, including toxicological hazards to organisms in freshwater, terrestrial, and marine environments, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification. This analysis emphasizes the serious ecological problems that NPs present and the necessity of using civil and environmental engineering techniques to improve detection techniques, enact stronger laws, and encourage public participation. Full article

Microplastics are pervasive environmental pollutants that pose risks to human health through ingestion and inhalation. This review synthesizes current practices to reduce exposure and toxicity by examining major exposure routes and dietary interventions. More than 130 papers were analyzed to achieve this aim. The findings show that microplastics contaminate a wide range of food products, with particular concern over seafood, drinking water, plastic-packaged foods, paper cups, and tea filter bags. Inhalation exposure is mainly linked to indoor air quality and smoking, while dermal contact poses minimal risk, though the release of additives from plastics onto the skin remains an area of concern. Recommended strategies to reduce dietary exposure include consuming only muscle parts of seafood, moderating intake of high-risk items like anchovies and mollusks, limiting canned seafood liquids, and purging mussels in clean water before consumption. Avoiding plastic containers, especially for hot food or microwaving, using wooden cutting boards, paper tea bags, and opting for tap or filtered water over bottled water are also advised. To mitigate inhalation exposure, the use of air filters with HyperHEPA systems, improved ventilation, regular vacuuming, and the reduction of smoking are recommended. While antioxidant supplementation shows potential in reducing microplastic toxicity, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. This review provides practical, evidence-based recommendations for minimizing daily microplastic exposure. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are a major contaminant in aquatic environments. Due to their size, they are likely to cause deleterious effects. In this study, we assessed the effects of MPs obtained from two commercially available plastics (PP and PET) in the polychaeta Hediste diversicolor after different periods (4 and 28 days). Toxic effects were assessed by measuring burrowing and spontaneous activities, phase I (CYP1A1, 1A2, and 3A4) activities), conjugation metabolism (GSTs), and antioxidant defense (CAT). Behavioral traits and phase I activities were nonresponsive to the presence of both plastics and for the two durations of exposure, indicating that these organisms are not affected by exposure to MPs and do not metabolize them. Conjugation metabolism was inhibited, which may be explained by the MPs’ capability of inhibiting certain enzymes. CAT activity was increased in animals acutely exposed to PP and decreased in animals chronically exposed to PET. This study shows that PP- and PET-MPs do not cause adverse effects on H. diversicolor. Full article

Nano- (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous and raising concerns about their toxicity. A popular model for studying acute toxicity is Danio rerio. This study investigated the acute toxicity in FET test of polystyrene nanoparticles (500 nm, nanoPS) at different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 0.2 mg/mL), with different surface groups (non-modified, amine, carboxyl) and discuss the toxicological contribution of commercially added compounds. Different behavioural tests were used to investigate the neurotoxicity of nanoPS and sodium azide: coiling assay test, light–dark preference test, and colour preference test. Sodium azide and other preservatives are often present in commercially available NP and MP solutions frequently used in microplastic toxicity tests, but their effects on the results remain largely unknown. In the FET test, nanoPS did not increase mortality or affect the heart rate or body length. A higher hatching rate was observed at 48 hpf. Although nanoPS showed no acute toxicity, behavioural tests revealed subtle neurotoxic effects (changes in colour preference), suggesting a potential impact on neurological function. Additionally, sodium azide exhibited toxicity, indicating that additives may confound toxicity assessments. This highlights the need for careful consideration of preservatives in nanoparticle research to avoid misleading conclusions. Full article

Plastic (P) and microplastic (MP) pollution in marine and freshwater environments is an increasingly urgent issue that needs to be addressed at many levels. The Seabin (an easily operated and cost-effective floating debris collection device) can help clean up buoyant plastic debris in calm waters while monitoring water pollution. A Seabin was used to conduct a comparative analysis of plastic and microplastic concentrations in northern Lake Garda (Italy) during peak and low tourist seasons. The composition of the litter was further investigated using Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The analysis showed a decreased mean amount of plastic from summer (32.5 mg/m³) to autumn (17.6 mg/m³), with an average number of collected microplastics per day of 45 ± 15 and 15 ± 3, respectively. Packaging and foam accounted for 92.2% of the recognized plastic waste products. The material composition of the plastic mass (442 pieces, 103.0 g) was mainly identified as polypropylene (PP, 47.1%) and polyethylene (PE, 21.8%). Moreover, 313 microplastics (approximately 2.0 g) were counted with average weight in the range of 1–16 mg. A case study of selected plastic debris was also conducted. Spectroscopic, microscopic, and thermal analysis of specimens provided insights into how aging affects plastics in this specific environment. The purpose of this study was to establish a baseline for further research on the topic, to provide guidelines for similar analyses from a multidisciplinary perspective, to monitor plastic pollution in Lake Garda, and to inform policy makers, scientists, and the public. Full article

The presence of plastics in the soil environment is an undeniable global reality. Biodegradable plastics (BPs) possess several key properties that make them more environmentally sustainable compared to other categories of plastics. However, their presence induces significant changes in soil systems health where they are found, due to a combination of environmental, soil, and climatic factors, as well as the simultaneous presence of other pollutants, both inorganic and organic. In the present work, a review has been conducted on published research findings regarding the impact of various types of BPs on the parameters that regulate and determine soil health. In particular, the study examined the effects of BPs on physical, chemical, and biological indices of soil quality, leading to several important conclusions. It was observed that silty and loamy soils were significantly affected, as their physical properties were altered. Moreover, significant changes in both chemical and microbiological indicators were observed with increasing environmental temperatures. The presence of all types of biodegradable microplastics led to a significant reduction in soil nitrogen content as temperature increased. This study highlights the profound effects of the climate crisis on the properties of soils already contaminated with plastics, as the effects of rising temperatures on soil properties appear to be amplified in the presence of plastics. On the other hand, higher temperatures also trigger a series of chemical reactions that accelerate the degradation of BPs, thereby reducing their volume and mass in the soil environment. These processes lead to increased emissions of gases and higher ambient temperatures, leading to global warming. The types and quantities of plastics present, along with the environmental changes in a study area, are critical factors that must be taken into account by policymakers in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change on soil health and productivity. Full article

This study systematically investigates microplastic (MP) release from polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid (PLA) straws across beverage matrices (deionized water, cola, and skim milk) under thermal variations. A laboratory simulation system was developed to quantify MP release at ambient temperature (25 °C) and characterize size reduction across thermal gradients (25 °C, 45 °C, and 65 °C). The integrated analytical approaches combining Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), micro-FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and optical microscopy were employed to systematically quantify and characterize MPs in terms of abundance, morphological features, and polymer composition. The findings reveal that PP straws released significantly higher MP quantities (26–28 particles/straw) than PLA counterparts (18–26 particles/straw) at 25 °C, with a pronounced burst release phase occurring within the initial 5 min of usage of straws. Thermal escalation experiments demonstrated progressive MP size reduction for both PP and PLA groups, with elevated temperatures inducing particles into smaller particles. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a critical environmental challenge in China’s aquatic ecosystems, driven by rapid industrialization and population growth. This review synthesizes recent findings on the abundance, morphology, and polymer types of MPs in China’s freshwater systems (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) and coastal marine environments. Spatial analysis reveals significant variability in MP abundance, ranging from 0.1 items/L in Tibet’s Lalu Wetland to 30.8 items/L in Beijing’s Qinghe River, with polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) dominating polymer profiles. Coastal regions exhibit distinct contamination patterns, with the Yellow Sea (5.3 ± 2.0 items/L) and the South China Sea (180 ± 80 items/m³) showing the highest MP loads, primarily as fibers and fragments. Fluvial transport, atmospheric deposition, and coastal anthropogenic activities (e.g., fisheries, tourism) are identified as major pathways for marine MP influx. Secondary MPs from degraded plastics and primary MPs from industrial/domestic effluents pose synergistic risks through the adsorption of heavy metals and organic pollutants. Human exposure routes—ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact—are linked to inflammatory, metabolic, and carcinogenic health outcomes. Policy interventions, including bans on microbeads and non-degradable plastics, demonstrate progress in pollution mitigation. This work underscores the urgency of integrated source control, advanced wastewater treatment, and transboundary monitoring to address MP contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Full article

(1) Background: Plastic and microplastic pollution in freshwater systems has emerged as a significant environmental and human health concern, yet limited research has explored how affected communities perceive these risks and support related policy interventions. This study addresses this gap by comparing the perceptions of pollution risk and preferred policy responses among stakeholders and the general public associated with the Tennessee River—one of the most plastic-polluted rivers globally. (2) Methods: Using an online survey, we collected data from 419 public respondents and 45 local stakeholders. Participants assessed perceived environmental and human health risks posed by six common pollutants and expressed support for a range of policy solutions. (3) Results: Results indicate that the public consistently perceives higher risks from pollutants than stakeholders, particularly for plastics, E. coli, and heavy metals. Surprisingly, stakeholders demonstrated significantly stronger support for regulatory policy interventions than the public, despite perceiving lower levels of pollution risk. Importantly, perceived harm from microplastics emerged as the most consistent predictor of policy support across all policy types. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that risk perceptions, particularly regarding microplastics, play a critical role in shaping policy preferences and highlight the importance of stakeholder engagement in designing effective freshwater pollution mitigation strategies. Full article

Soil microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to the integrity of terrestrial ecosystems and agricultural sustainability. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent progress on soil microplastic (MP) sources, ecological impacts, and separation technologies. Agricultural practices (e.g., residual plastic mulch and wastewater irrigation) and atmospheric deposition serve as primary drivers of contamination accumulation, with pronounced spatial heterogeneity observed across regions. Predominant MP types such as polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene disrupt soil structure and biogeochemical processes through three core mechanisms: physical interference, chemical toxicity, and biological accumulation. These particles further form carrier–pollutant complexes, exacerbating ecotoxicological impacts across trophic levels. While emerging separation techniques like magnetic separation and solvent extraction demonstrate enhanced efficiency, their implementation faces challenges stemming from soil matrix complexity and high operational costs. This article underscores the need for global collaborative efforts to accelerate innovation in biodegradable polymers, offering practical pathways for sustainable soil management. Full article

Microplastics (MP) have recently become an emerging problem with the advent of bountiful and widespread pollutants in the aquatic environment. Owing to their large surface areas, microplastics act as an effective carrier of heavy metals and tend to form complex contamination. This combined pollution created by them poses a new threat to the world. This review summarizes the effects of microplastics and heavy metals on the aquatic fauna, along with their combined adverse effects and potential threats to human health. Furthermore, the adsorption kinetics adopted by microplastics to adsorb the heavy metal is also explained and some future research directions in this field are suggested. Full article