Plastic Contamination (Plastamination): An Environmental and Public Health-Related Concern

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plastic contamination (plastamination) from non-biodegradable and biodegradable waste represents the main anthropogenic change in the biosphere and has deep implications for biodiversity and ecosystem health. For long time, plastamination has been considered an environmental concern with possible health risks restricted to the marine species. Hence, there is a need to investigate environmental fragmentation in micro- and nanometer-range debris—called microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), respectively—their spatial distribution dynamics, mitigation, and effects on biota; in addition, standardized methodologies should be assessed for plastic characterization. In recent years, in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the ability of MP and NP debris to enter the food chain, bypass biological barriers, be internalized in cells, and target biological tissues like those of the gut, brain, and gonads. Apart from fish, the detection and the accumulation of MPs has been recently reported in terrestrial organisms, including humans. Ingestion of contaminated food, inhalation, and contact are the main exposure routes in humans. Hence, the worldwide diffusion of plastamination in daily life may have ecotoxicological and health risk outcomes like neuronal and reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity and inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic dysbiosis, or poor gamete quality in marine, freshwater and terrestrial organisms and, finally, humans. Improvements in waste recycling, circular economy principles, and the production of plastic-free foods are key steps in reducing plastamination. In addition, the introduction of biodegradable polymers and plastic-free food to the market may have a positive impact on the environment but does not ensure their biosafety due to the paucity of studies in the field.

This Topic aims at collecting research and review articles related to the following aspects in plastamination: (i) environmental plastamination: plastic pollution, bioplastic polymers, the fate and distribution of plastics, and plastic degradation, fragmentation, biodegradation, and mitigation; (ii) plastamination and health in cell lines, invertebrates, and humans: epidemiology, preclinical studies, and evidence from mammalian and non-mammalian animal models; and (iii) plastic production and management: the chemistry of plastic polymers, bioplastics, plastic-free food, and recycling.

Prof. Dr. Rosaria Meccariello
Dr. Antonino Testa
Prof. Dr. Francesco Cappello
Dr. Antonietta Santoro
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ijerph	-	8.5	2004	25.8 Days	CHF 2500	Submit
Microplastics microplastics	-	6.8	2022	27.5 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Polymers polymers	4.7	9.7	2009	14.5 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Toxics toxics	3.9	6.4	2013	18.3 Days	CHF 2600	Submit

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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All IJERPH Microplastics Polymers Toxics

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18 pages, 1402 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

A Preliminary Study on the “Hitchhiking” of Radionuclides on Microplastics: A New Threat to the Marine Environment from Compound Pollution

by Chaoran Li, Zhonglai Zhou, Xinran Meng, Junheng Li, Hongyi Chen, Tianle Yu and Min Xu

Toxics 2025, 13(6), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13060429 - 24 May 2025

Viewed by 421

Abstract

With the widespread use of plastic products globally, the issue of microplastics as environmental pollutants has become increasingly severe. Due to their small size, large surface area, and hydrophobic properties, microplastics are capable of adsorbing various pollutants, particularly radionuclides, which, in turn, can [...] Read more.

With the widespread use of plastic products globally, the issue of microplastics as environmental pollutants has become increasingly severe. Due to their small size, large surface area, and hydrophobic properties, microplastics are capable of adsorbing various pollutants, particularly radionuclides, which, in turn, can impact the stability of ecosystems. This laboratory study investigates the adsorption capacity of microplastics (PVC) for radionuclides (Ra-226, Cs-137, and K-40) under controlled conditions, examining the effects of spatial distribution and particle size. The laboratory experiment results indicate that the adsorption of Ra-226 by microplastics was significantly higher in the bottom water compared to the surface layer, with concentrations of 13.29 mBq/kg on microplastics mixed with the bottom water and 1.65 mBq/kg in the surface layer. The concentration of Cs-137 on microplastics mixed with the bottom water was 6.99 mBq/kg, while on microplastics mixed with the surface water, the concentration was 1.31 mBq/kg. In contrast, the adsorption of K-40 was lower, with concentrations of 2.1 mBq/kg and 0.35 mBq/kg on microplastics mixed with the bottom and surface water, respectively. Furthermore, microplastics with smaller particle sizes exhibited stronger adsorption capacities. The adsorption concentrations of Ra-226 and Cs-137 by 50 µm microplastics were 13.29 mBq/kg and 6.99 mBq/kg, respectively, while the concentrations for 100 µm and 150 µm particles decreased to 3.14 mBq/kg and 1.39 mBq/kg, and 2.2 mBq/kg and 0.35 mBq/kg, respectively. These findings suggest that the adsorption capacity of microplastics is significantly influenced by particle size and sediment depth, highlighting the potential risk of exacerbating the spread of radioactive pollutants in marine ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plastic Contamination (Plastamination): An Environmental and Public Health-Related Concern)

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14 pages, 1408 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Remote Alpine Lakes and Microplastic Accumulation: Insights from Sediment Analysis of Lake Cadagno

by Serena M. Abel, Colin Courtney-Mustaphi, Maja Damber and Patricia Burkhardt-Holm

Microplastics 2025, 4(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics4020025 - 7 May 2025

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Abstract

Microplastic (MP) occurrence is a growing concern in environmental research, with significant attention focused on its presence in various ecosystems worldwide. While much research has centered on large lakes and water bodies, remote alpine lakes remain relatively unexplored in terms of microplastic occurrence. [...] Read more.

Microplastic (MP) occurrence is a growing concern in environmental research, with significant attention focused on its presence in various ecosystems worldwide. While much research has centered on large lakes and water bodies, remote alpine lakes remain relatively unexplored in terms of microplastic occurrence. Studying microplastic occurrence in remote alpine lakes is important to understand the global spread of pollution, assess its impact on pristine ecosystems, and inform conservation efforts in these vulnerable environments. This study investigates microplastic presence in the sediment of Lake Cadagno, a remote alpine lake situated in the Piora Valley of southern central Switzerland. The lake has no effluents, and its meromictic nature means that the water on the bottom is not mixed with the water above, which can potentially lead to an enhanced accumulation of microplastics in the sediments that perpetuate in the lake system. Through sediment core sampling and analysis, we aim to identify the sources and deposition trends of microplastics in this pristine alpine environment. Our findings reveal the presence of microplastic within Lake Cadagno: in total, 186 MP particles were extracted from 756 cm³ of processed sediment (0.24 MP/cm³) with an average of 19.5 MP/sample (SD ± 11.8 MP/sample). Our results suggest that microplastics are predominantly attributable to localized sources associated with nearby human activities. The absence of synthetic fibers and the limited polymer types detected suggest a minimal contribution from atmospheric deposition, reinforcing the significance of local anthropogenic influences. Spatial clustering of microplastic particles near potential sources underscores the impact of surrounding land use activities on microplastic distribution. Overall, this study highlights the importance of addressing microplastic contamination even in remote and relatively unmodified ecosystems like Lake Cadagno, to elucidate the need for strict adherence to waste management and correct disposal actions to reduce the impacts of microplastic contamination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plastic Contamination (Plastamination): An Environmental and Public Health-Related Concern)

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12 pages, 4626 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Microplastics on Ciprofloxacin Adsorption Dynamics and Mechanisms in Soil

by Qian Xu, Hanbing Li, Sumei Li, Ziyi Li, Sha Chen, Yixuan Liang, Yuyang Li, Jianan Li and Mengxin Yuan

Toxics 2025, 13(4), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13040294 - 11 Apr 2025

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Abstract

The co-occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics as emerging contaminants demonstrates significant ecological perturbations in soil matrices. Of particular scientific interest is the potential for MPs to mediate the environmental fate and transport dynamics of co-existing antibiotics. This study investigated MP-mediated ciprofloxacin (CIP) [...] Read more.

The co-occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics as emerging contaminants demonstrates significant ecological perturbations in soil matrices. Of particular scientific interest is the potential for MPs to mediate the environmental fate and transport dynamics of co-existing antibiotics. This study investigated MP-mediated ciprofloxacin (CIP) adsorption in lateritic soils. Batch experiments with polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and poly (ethylene-terephthalate) (PET) revealed soil components dominated CIP retention, while 10% (w/w) MPs reduced soil adsorption capacity by ≥10.8%, with inhibition intensity following PET > PE > PP. Adsorption thermodynamics exhibited significant pH dependence, achieving maximum sorption efficiency at pH 5.0 (± 0.2), which was approximately 83%. Competitive adsorption analysis demonstrated inverse proportionality between ionic strength and CIP retention, with trivalent cations exhibiting superior competitive displacement capacity compared to mono- and divalent counterparts. Isothermal modeling revealed multilayer adsorption mechanisms governed by hybrid chemisorption/physisorption processes in both soil and MP substrates. Spectroscopic characterization suggested differential adsorption pathways: MP-CIP interactions were primarily mediated through hydrophobic partitioning and π-π electron coupling, while soil–MP composite systems exhibited dominant cation exchange capacity and surface complexation mechanisms. Notably, electrostatic attraction/repulsion forces modulated adsorption efficiency across all experimental conditions, particularly under varying pH regimes. This work advances understanding of co-contaminant dynamics in soil ecosystems, informing risk assessment frameworks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plastic Contamination (Plastamination): An Environmental and Public Health-Related Concern)

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16 pages, 1078 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Could Mussel Populations Be Differentially Threatened by the Presence of Microplastics and Related Chemicals?

by Filipe Borges, Rosa Freitas, Ana L. Patrício Silva, Dulce Lucy Soliz Rojas, Gema Paniagua González and Montserrat Solé

Toxics 2025, 13(3), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030181 - 28 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Mussels serve as indicators of anthropogenic chemical pollution; however, the effects of microplastics and plastic-related chemicals on their health performance remain an emerging issue. In this study, mussels were exposed to a polyamide (PA; 5 μg/L) and tricresyl phosphate (TCP; 1 μg/L) for [...] Read more.

Mussels serve as indicators of anthropogenic chemical pollution; however, the effects of microplastics and plastic-related chemicals on their health performance remain an emerging issue. In this study, mussels were exposed to a polyamide (PA; 5 μg/L) and tricresyl phosphate (TCP; 1 μg/L) for 28 days. The exposures to the two contaminants were performed independently or in combination and lasted 28 days. The results showed that the independent exposure altered enzyme activities more significantly than the combined one. Exposure to the PA significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) by 43.5% and the neurotransmitter enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by 40.6%, while TCP specifically inhibited carboxylesterase (CE) activity by 38.5%, all in respect to the solvent control. When both pollutants were combined, most biomarker responses were similar to control levels. To further investigate if the mussels’ response to contaminants (here, chemical compounds only) could be population-specific, a comparative study between Atlantic and Mediterranean mussels was included. Firstly, baseline detoxification defenses were contrasted in the digestive glands of each mussel population, followed by an assessment of in vitro responses to a wide range of plastic additives. The results revealed that Mediterranean mussels expressed higher baseline activities for most detoxification enzymes, although the in vitro sensitivity to the targeted chemicals was similar in both populations. Of all the plastic additives tested, TCP significantly inhibited CE activity both in vivo and in vitro. The in vitro screening also indicated that other plastic additives could act as strong inhibitors of CE. However, additional in vivo exposures in mussels are needed to confirm CE suitability as a biomarker of these chemical exposures. All together, these results also suggest critical population-level differences in susceptibility to microplastic pollution, highlighting a need for targeted conservation efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plastic Contamination (Plastamination): An Environmental and Public Health-Related Concern)

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