Microplastics

Huan Jing Ke Xue. 2025 Nov 8;46(11):6917-6929. doi: 10.13227/j.hjkx.202408148.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are persistent pollutants that are resistant to degradation and can persist in the environment for extended periods, exerting negative impacts on ecosystems. Through Meta-analysis, the distribution of MPs in domestic and international water bodies was comprehensively analyzed based on representative data extracted from the literature. This data included occurrence characteristics such as abundance, shape, size, color, and composition of MPs in marine, river, and lake water bodies. The results indicated that marine, riverine, and lacustrine systems across the globe are subjected to varying degrees of MP pollution. The predominant components identified were polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene, with black, white, and transparent colors being the most common. The particle sizes of MPs were largely distributed within the range of 0-1 mm. The Tukey's test revealed significant differences in MP abundance between marine and freshwater systems (P < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed between riverine and lacustrine systems. MPs were concentrated in areas of intense human activity, with primary sources including fishing activities, plastic waste degradation, laundry, and personal care products. Spatial and temporal variations in MP distribution were attributed to factors such as monsoon currents, geographic location, and water flow direction. MPs were also found to be ingested and accumulated by aquatic organisms, leading to oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and immune damage, which negatively affected metabolism and reproduction. A total of 38 studies on the ecological risk assessment of MPs in aquatic environments were synthesized to evaluate the applicability, advantages, and limitations of current assessment methods. The findings indicated that the ecological risks of MPs in aquatic systems were predominantly classified as levels Ⅰ-Ⅲ, with MP abundance and polymer toxicity being the primary factors influencing overall risk levels. Finally, future research directions were proposed for studying the occurrence characteristics and ecological risk assessment of MPs in aquatic environments.

PMID:41316757 | DOI:10.13227/j.hjkx.202408148

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Nov 28;308:119438. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119438. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Environmental xenobiotics, encompassing a wide spectrum of chemical pollutants such as particulate matter-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), pesticides, and emerging contaminants like nanomaterials and microplastics, have been increasingly implicated in impairing lung tissue function. These agents enter the body primarily through inhalation, particularly via outdoor air pollution, indoor contaminants, and occupational exposures, with additional contributions from ingestion and dermal absorption. Studies investigating these pollutants employ diverse exposure assessment methods, including environmental and biological monitoring, model-based estimations, and questionnaire-based tools. Lung function assessment spans from clinical spirometry and imaging to experimental histopathology and molecular biomarker analyses. Mechanistic evidence reveals that xenobiotics induce lung injury through oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, epithelial barrier disruption, and epigenetic alterations. These processes lead to chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer. Key signaling pathways implicated include activation of NF-κB, AP-1, and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), promoting pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic responses. Furthermore, pollutant-induced epithelial permeability and fibrotic remodeling via TGF-β signaling exacerbate lung tissue damage and functional decline. While spirometry is widely used in population studies, it lacks sensitivity for early pathophysiological changes, necessitating integration with molecular and imaging approaches. Experimental models and in vitro studies provide valuable mechanistic insight, though challenges remain in translating findings to human populations. Current research underscores the complexity of real-world exposure scenarios and highlights the need for harmonized, multidisciplinary approaches combining environmental, biological, and molecular data. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence across epidemiological and experimental studies, aiming to elucidate the biological pathways by which xenobiotic exposure compromises lung tissue function and to inform future research and regulatory strategies.

PMID:41317616 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119438

Huan Jing Ke Xue. 2025 Nov 8;46(11):6930-6939. doi: 10.13227/j.hjkx.202409267.

ABSTRACT

Plastic consumption and waste contribute to microplastic pollution in aquatic environments. This study aims to investigate the effect of microplastics on the growth and physiological characteristics of aquatic plants, providing a valuable reference for understanding the ecological effects of microplastics and scientific basis for water environment protection. The submerged aquatic plants Ceratophyllum demersum and Hydrilla verticillata were selected to study the effect of cultivation methods (single and mixed), microplastic types (polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) with a particle size of 100 μm, and microplastic concentrations (50 and 100 mg·L^-1) on length growth rate, relative growth rate, biomass, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT)), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The results showed that a mixture of C. demersum and H. verticillata was more suitable to cope with PS and PET stress. PS significantly altered the chlorophyll content, POD, and CAT activities, while PET significantly increased the SOD activity. PS and PET of 100 mg·L^-1 significantly inhibited the growth of C. demersum. The growth rate of plant height decreased by 32.54%-41.04%, the relative growth rate declined by 56.63%-81.40%, and the biomass reduced by 38.41%-52.86%. The contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and chlorophyll a+b of the mixed H. verticillata were significantly increased by 14.80%, 19.82%, and 16.17%, respectively, when treated with 100 mg·L^-1 PS. PS and PET significantly reduced the MDA content of the mixed species of C. demersum by 28.13%-49.03%, whereas 50 mg·L^-1 PS and PET significantly increased the MDA content of the single species of H. verticillata by 47.45% and 27.39%, respectively. With the increase in the PS and PET concentrations, the activities of SOD, POD, and CAT in H. verticillata were enhanced. In contrast, while the SOD activity of C. demersum increased, its POD activity showed a continuous and significant decline, ranging from 23.93% to 42.28%. CAT activities initially increased and subsequently decreased; however, they consistently remained higher than those in the control group, with an observed increase ranging from 32.23% to 95.11%. The high concentrations of PS and PET exerted significant interference on the growth and development of C. demersum. The effects of PS on the growth and physiological characteristics of C. demersum and H. verticillata were evident.

PMID:41316758 | DOI:10.13227/j.hjkx.202409267

J Environ Manage. 2025 Nov 28;396:128122. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.128122. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The proliferation of drinking straw waste as a single-use plastic pollutant poses significant risks to the environment and, by extension, to human health. Polylactic acid (PLA) has shown notable advantages in the material of single-use plastic drinking straws owing to its biocompatibility and non-toxic properties. However, research on PLA straw-induced microplastic pollution entering natural ecosystems, along with the associated potential microbial degradation mechanisms, remains insufficient in both scope and depth. Therefore, this study systematically investigates the effects of PLA straws at 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 wt% on soil aggregate stability, organic carbon, and microbial communities. Addition of PLA straw significantly influenced the stability of water-stable soil aggregates, which initially increased and then declined with increasing PLA straw concentrations. A similar trend was observed in the contribution of large macroaggregates to soil organic carbon. Bacterial community α-diversity also first increased, followed by a decline with an increased PLA concentration, whereas fungal communities displayed an opposite trend. Microbial communities were found to be pivotal in PLA straw aging and degradation. Bacterial communities significantly influenced soil aggregate stability, whereas fungal communities had a more substantial impact on the organic carbon content of aggregates. The most active degradation occurred at 0.2 wt% PLA, which coincided with increases in Acidibacter (bacteria) and Mortierella (fungus). Moreover, the degradation of PLA's functional groups (-CH₃, -CH₂-, C=O, and = C-H) was closely associated with significant enrichment of Botryotrichum atrogriseum (fungus), and Luedemannella and Pseudomonas (bacteria). Notably, PLA degradation in the soil appears to promote the proliferation of potentially pathogenic bacteria that could affect plants and animals. These microorganisms may compromise soil aggregate stability and organic carbon storage, raising potential food safety concerns.

PMID:41317554 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.128122

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Nov 28;308:119488. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119488. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants; however, the risks of their combined exposure to aquatic reproductive health, particularly sex-specific differences, remain incompletely understood. This study investigated the effects of single and combined exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs; 0.1 and 1 mg/L) and DEHP (10 μg/L) on the reproductive endocrine system of adult male and female zebrafish (Danio rerio) Results demonstrated that PS-NPs accumulated in the zebrafish intestine. High concentrations of PS-NP and DEHP and their combined exposures induced significant adverse effects in both sexes, including gonadal tissue damage and oxidative stress. A striking sexual dimorphism was observed in endocrine responses. Females exhibited a pronounced suppression of both 17β-estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) levels, which correlated with inhibited ovarian cyp19a gene expression under co-exposure. Conversely, male E2 levels remained stable and T levels decreased only under co-exposure, increasing E2/T ratio. This distinct male endocrine profile was associated with differential regulation of testicular cyp19a and 17β-hsd expression. This study confirms that PS-NPs and DEHP exert profound sex-specific reproductive toxicity in zebrafish. These effects are mediated by disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, while inducing sex-specific alterations in brain and gonadal gene expression. Overall, this study highlights the critical importance of considering sex differences and pollutant mixture effects in environmental risk assessments.

PMID:41317617 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119488

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Nov 28;308:119438. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119438. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Environmental xenobiotics, encompassing a wide spectrum of chemical pollutants such as particulate matter-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), pesticides, and emerging contaminants like nanomaterials and microplastics, have been increasingly implicated in impairing lung tissue function. These agents enter the body primarily through inhalation, particularly via outdoor air pollution, indoor contaminants, and occupational exposures, with additional contributions from ingestion and dermal absorption. Studies investigating these pollutants employ diverse exposure assessment methods, including environmental and biological monitoring, model-based estimations, and questionnaire-based tools. Lung function assessment spans from clinical spirometry and imaging to experimental histopathology and molecular biomarker analyses. Mechanistic evidence reveals that xenobiotics induce lung injury through oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, epithelial barrier disruption, and epigenetic alterations. These processes lead to chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer. Key signaling pathways implicated include activation of NF-κB, AP-1, and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), promoting pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic responses. Furthermore, pollutant-induced epithelial permeability and fibrotic remodeling via TGF-β signaling exacerbate lung tissue damage and functional decline. While spirometry is widely used in population studies, it lacks sensitivity for early pathophysiological changes, necessitating integration with molecular and imaging approaches. Experimental models and in vitro studies provide valuable mechanistic insight, though challenges remain in translating findings to human populations. Current research underscores the complexity of real-world exposure scenarios and highlights the need for harmonized, multidisciplinary approaches combining environmental, biological, and molecular data. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence across epidemiological and experimental studies, aiming to elucidate the biological pathways by which xenobiotic exposure compromises lung tissue function and to inform future research and regulatory strategies.

PMID:41317616 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119438

Mar Environ Res. 2025 Nov 25;214:107736. doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107736. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The rapid increase in plastic waste has emerged as a major environmental challenge worldwide. Biodegradable plastics (BPs), once considered a promising solution, have raised significant concerns regarding their contribution to environmental pollution. Recent studies, particularly on their adverse effects in marine environments, underscore the need to reevaluate their viability as substitutes for petroleum-based plastics. However, a comprehensive understanding of the effects of BPs in the environment, especially at their microscale level, remains incomplete. This review examines the degradation of BPs by marine microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, microalgae, archaea, and viruses, focusing on the enzymatic mechanisms driving their breakdown. It also explores the interactions of microplastics derived from BPs with toxic contaminants such as heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and persistent organic pollutants and their adsorption behavior. Moreover, the review highlights the potential role of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) in spreading pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes. Key limitations of previous research are identified, emphasizing challenges in BP degradation and the role of surrounding pollutants in enhancing BMPs as vectors. Our comprehensive analysis identifies key limitations in current research, such as an overreliance on laboratory-scale experiments that fail to replicate in situ marine conditions. We also highlight significant gaps in understanding the long-term fate and ecological consequences of BP degradation products. To address these challenges, we recommend developing advanced simulation models, integrating multidisciplinary approaches, and establishing rigorous, standardized methodologies. These efforts are crucial for ensuring that implementing BPs does not compromise the integrity of marine ecosystems. Rigorous interdisciplinary research is key to protecting marine ecosystems and achieving sustainable plastic management.

PMID:41317670 | DOI:10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107736

Environ Res. 2025 Nov 27:123443. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.123443. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plastic pollution of water environments remains a widespread environmental concern. Previous studies of release of additives from plastics either utilised microplastics particles (<5 mm) or were conducted under artificial conditions, such as microwaving, boiling, or UV exposure. However, in reality, plastics are disposed of as large items and seen in the natural environment for long periods. In this study, we employed natural outdoor environmental conditions to investigate and quantify the release of specific organic chemical additives (phthalates, phenolic compounds and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, PBDEs) from large plastic pieces of seven commercial polymers. The release of potentially toxic elements (PTEs - As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Sb, Sn and Zn) was also assessed. The results revealed the plastic polymers that were responsible for releasing the different additive contaminants under natural conditions. Polystyrene (PS) released the greatest variety and highest concentration of all the organic chemicals. Bis (2-ethyhexyl) phthalate (BEHP) at 26.9 mg/L, BDE-153 at 11.1 mg/L, and bisphenol-A (BPA) at 0.85 mg/L, were the dominant phthalate, PBDE and phenolic compounds released by PS plastic. Different patterns of release of the PTEs were also observed from the plastics, with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) leaching out the highest amount of PTEs. This was evidenced by Sn and Fe concentrations, which were measured in the HDPE leachate at up to 1.77 and 2.11 mg/L, respectively. This study provides realistic understanding of the characteristics of leachates from plastic polymers, and will be invaluable in curbing chemical pollution of the aquatic environment.

PMID:41317835 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2025.123443

Huan Jing Ke Xue. 2025 Nov 8;46(11):6917-6929. doi: 10.13227/j.hjkx.202408148.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are persistent pollutants that are resistant to degradation and can persist in the environment for extended periods, exerting negative impacts on ecosystems. Through Meta-analysis, the distribution of MPs in domestic and international water bodies was comprehensively analyzed based on representative data extracted from the literature. This data included occurrence characteristics such as abundance, shape, size, color, and composition of MPs in marine, river, and lake water bodies. The results indicated that marine, riverine, and lacustrine systems across the globe are subjected to varying degrees of MP pollution. The predominant components identified were polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene, with black, white, and transparent colors being the most common. The particle sizes of MPs were largely distributed within the range of 0-1 mm. The Tukey's test revealed significant differences in MP abundance between marine and freshwater systems (P &lt; 0.05), while no significant differences were observed between riverine and lacustrine systems. MPs were concentrated in areas of intense human activity, with primary sources including fishing activities, plastic waste degradation, laundry, and personal care products. Spatial and temporal variations in MP distribution were attributed to factors such as monsoon currents, geographic location, and water flow direction. MPs were also found to be ingested and accumulated by aquatic organisms, leading to oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and immune damage, which negatively affected metabolism and reproduction. A total of 38 studies on the ecological risk assessment of MPs in aquatic environments were synthesized to evaluate the applicability, advantages, and limitations of current assessment methods. The findings indicated that the ecological risks of MPs in aquatic systems were predominantly classified as levels Ⅰ-Ⅲ, with MP abundance and polymer toxicity being the primary factors influencing overall risk levels. Finally, future research directions were proposed for studying the occurrence characteristics and ecological risk assessment of MPs in aquatic environments.

PMID:41316757 | DOI:10.13227/j.hjkx.202408148

Sci Rep. 2025 Nov 29. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-27992-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Scanning electron microscopy with combined backscattered electron and X-ray imaging (SEM-BEX) represents a new way to conduct direct visual assessment and elemental characterisation of particles in environmental samples up to 18× faster than standard scanning electron microscopy techniques. SEM-BEX provides all element maps combined with back-scattered electron microscopy, which allows the detection of the elemental composition of individual particles, such as microplastics and others, in a semi-automated fashion. Detection of characteristic elements leads to further quantification of specific particles. This provides improved versatility compared to the elemental scans provided by standalone energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques and strongly increases multi-sample throughput speeds. The applications of this new technology for environmental contamination research include estimations on the morphology and distribution of microplastics and other particles alongside their interaction with micro-organisms and toxicity assessments by tracing the transport of trace metals through the environment on both contaminant (microplastics) and natural (suspended sediment) vectors. This study used filtered samples from the Cát Bà Islands of Viet Nam to assess the applicability of SEM-BEX to environmental contamination research, our results indicate that microplastics and other particles can be physically and chemically characterised across all samples down to a minimum particle size of 5 µm², in addition, we show that SEM-BEX is particularly powerful for identifying transparent fragments that are otherwise missed by optical studies. Trace metals were also detected, including Cr, Ti, and Hg, which might be due to pigment composition in paints or plastics, or adsorbed onto particles from the environment. Ultimately, SEM-BEX has broad applications as a rapid screening tool for environmental assessments in identifying contamination hot-spots before conducting particle-specific analysis (such as Raman spectroscopy). Further potential also exists to accelerate screening using artificial intelligence machine learning.

PMID:41318580 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-27992-w

Sci Rep. 2025 Nov 29. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-27440-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of the current study is to examine the response of the marine diatom Chaetoceros muellerii upon exposure to LDPE-MPs. The toxic effects of LDPE-MP treatment on C. muellerii cultures were dependent on its concentration, particle size, and exposure time. The highest percentage of growth inhibition (60.87%) was observed in cultures treated with a dose of 100 mg L⁻¹ and a particle size of 100 µm of LDPE-MP after 6 days of exposure. A notable reduction was also recorded for the chlorophyll, carotenoids, carbohydrate, and protein contents of the exposed C. muellerii cultures compared to the control. In contrast, exposure to LDPE-MPs promoted the lipid content by 47.78 and 51.78% over control at 100 and 250 µm particle sizes, respectively. Also, enhanced the antioxidant activities of CAT (by 41.76 and 33.33%) and SOD (by 57.26 and 44.87%) of C. muellerii cultures at both tested particle size, respectively. As a defense mechanism, C. muellerii cells secreted exopolysaccharides (EPS) which reached 12.75 and 19.98 folds over control in cultures of 10 mg L⁻¹ LDPE-MPs at both tested particle size, respectively. The EPS triggered the adsorption of LDPE-MPs on C. muellerii surfaces forming hetero-aggregate clusters, obviously shown in the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images. The Diffraction Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) technique and combustion techniques were applied for quantifying the adsorbed LDPE-MPs on the surfaces of C. muellerii cells. The accumulated LDPE-MPs on C. muellerii cells at 100 mg L⁻¹ recorded 0.334 and 0.167 g g^-1 DW at 100 and 250µm treatment, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first work to applying both techniques for quantifying MPs accumulated on the microalgal cells, which could be adopted in future studies.

PMID:41318711 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-27440-9

Curr Res Food Sci. 2025 Nov 3;11:101235. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2025.101235. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Green tea is consumed worldwide for its health-promoting properties, but it remains vulnerable to microplastic contamination during packaging and processing. Microplastics such as polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pose potential risks to human health and food safety, underscoring the need for effective detection methods. In this study, Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) using gold nanoparticle substrates was applied to detect and classify PS and PET contamination in four green tea powder varieties across the 400-1650 cm^-1 spectral range. To classify the samples, we compared two chemometric techniques-Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) and Support Vector Machine (SVM)-with a deep learning approach namely one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN). Using optimized preprocessing, PLS-DA achieved perfect classification accuracy (100 %) for all tea varieties except Ryokucha. SVM also showed strong performance but with slightly reduced accuracies of 83.89 % for Matcha, 100 % for Jasmine, and 93.24 % for Sencha. Although the 1D-CNN model achieved higher validation accuracies-93.52 % (Matcha), 99.91 % (Jasmine), and 94.26 % (Sencha)-than SVM, its performance was still slightly lower compared to the PLS-DA models. Additionally, for unknown samples from distinct green tea varieties, the SERS-PLS-DA approach again delivered the highest validation accuracies of 100 % (Matcha), 99.80 % (Jasmine), and 96.46 % (Sencha), further demonstrating the strong potential of this technique. These findings confirm that SERS with gold nanoparticle substrates, especially when integrated with PLS-DA, provides a highly sensitive, non-destructive, and reliable platform for the rapid detection and classification of microplastic contamination in green tea.

PMID:41312430 | PMC:PMC12650794 | DOI:10.1016/j.crfs.2025.101235

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Nov 28. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c11358. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In this study, the vertical distribution of microplastic items across the water column and deep-sea sediments in the North Pacific Ocean, at depths exceeding 5 km, was investigated, covering two previously detected hotspots of surface-floating plastic items, the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre and the World Heritage Site Papaha̅naumokua̅kea Marine National Monument, and a less polluted open ocean site between them. Concentrations ranged from 8 to 2600 items m^-3 in the water column and 1100 to 3200 items kg^-1 in sediments, with distinct distribution patterns between stations. Our results demonstrate that microplastics are ubiquitously distributed vertically throughout the study sites in the North Pacific Ocean. The similar polymer composition across the samples, dominated by polyethylene and polypropylene, suggests that the plastic items originate from surface fallout, indicating vertical transport as a crucial dispersion pathway. The high abundance of small plastics at the analytical size detection limit of 11 μm is particularly concerning and underscores the necessity to analyze even smaller particles. This study substantially contributes to narrowing critical knowledge gaps regarding distribution and transport pathways of marine plastics in the North Pacific Ocean and provides crucial information for environmental management and policy actions.

PMID:41311236 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c11358

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Nov 22;500:140590. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140590. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Intertidal mangroves are major sinks for microplastics (MPs); however, the dynamics involved in their conversion to contamination sources remain unclear. This work explored the distribution patterns of MPs in an intertidal zone, estimated the retention rates of floating MPs in a mangrove ecosystem during spring tides, and quantified the resuspension features of sediment MPs based on field observations and simulation experiments. The mean abundance of sediment MPs (1202-12,131 n kg^-1) tended to increase substantially from mudflats to the mangrove forest. Storm surge was identified the main driver of vertical MP displacement in sediments, whereas the compositional features of MPs (shape, color, and polymer type) were mainly determined by interception and radiation shielding effects of mangroves. During the spring tides, ∼40 % of floating MPs were intercepted by Acanthus ilicifolius under a normal hydrological regime, whereas typhoon-induced hydraulic disturbances resuspended MPs from sediments, leading to negative retention rates (< -44 %) by A. ilicifolius and Sonneratia apetala. Mangrove sediments displayed a greater resistance to MP resuspension, requiring higher critical shear stress (∼0.024 N m^-2) for their release. At increasing shear stress levels (0.036-0.11 N m^-2), more medium-sized (5002000 μm), fibrous, low-density MPs tended to be resuspended, allowing the mangrove forest to be converted into a secondary contamination source. This work provides quantitative evidence of the sink-source dynamics of MPs in mangroves, being expected to enhance a comprehensive understanding for environmental behaviors of MPs in intertidal ecosystems.

PMID:41313852 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140590

Mar Pollut Bull. 2025 Nov 27;223:119048. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.119048. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plastic pollution, particularly microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), is increasingly threatening urban aquatic environments. These particles (25-1000 μm) originate from diverse sources and exhibit complex environmental behavior depending on their physicochemical characteristics and interactions with organic matter. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), though designed to mitigate various contaminants, have demonstrated limited efficiency in removing micro and nanoplastics (MNPs), with effluent concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 180 × 10^6 MPs L^-1 and removal rates 40-95 % for MPs, and lower for NPs depending on the treatment process and particle properties. This inefficiency contributes to the persistent dissemination of MNPs into rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Moreover, ecotoxicological evidence, although limited, indicates oxidative stress and physiological impairments in fish, highlighting substantial knowledge gaps. To address these knowledge gaps, recent scientific efforts have focused on understanding the occurrence, sources, and behavior of MNPs across urban water systems, along with assessing the effectiveness of physical separation and chemical/biological degradation technologies. While methods such as coagulation, filtration, adsorption, and advanced oxidation processes show promise, each presents limitations in terms of operational cost, energy demand, and the potential generation of toxic by-products. Emerging strategies such as upcycling plastic waste and employing nature-based solutions (e.g., riparian vegetation restoration, constructed wetlands) offer complementary benefits but require further investigation and investment. This review critically summarizes current knowledge on the sources, fate, ecological impacts, and management strategies of MNPs in urban waters, identifies region-specific challenges and research gaps, and provides guidance for future monitoring, technological innovation, and policy interventions.

PMID:41313821 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.119048

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Nov 21;500:140493. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140493. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pollutants usually occur as mixtures in the environment, where they affect each other's toxicity even at non-toxic concentrations. Despite the environmental relevance of interactions in complex mixtures, they remain severely understudied. Therefore, this study aimed to assess how PFAS and microplastics (MPs) as ubiquitous pollutants at (non-)toxic concentrations affect the potencies of highly toxic chemicals in mixtures. Experiments were performed to assess the toxicity of perfluorobutane sulfonamide (FBSA), linear low-density polyethylene MPs (0-50 µm), chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid to the reproduction of the springtail Folsomia candida in Lufa 2.2 soil, as single compounds, binary and ternary mixtures. FBSA at non-toxic concentrations showed dose-dependent synergism with imidacloprid, but antagonism with chlorpyrifos. Synergism only occurred in the ternary mixtures dominated by FBSA at non-toxic concentrations and imidacloprid. MPs and toxic concentrations of FBSA were antagonistic in all mixtures. In conclusion, MPs and FBSA affected insecticide toxicity, and assuming concentration addition for the hazard assessment of ternary mixtures is generally precautionary. Ternary interactions could not be reliably predicted from binary interactions, and ratio-specific interactions may be overlooked. This emphasizes the need to include experimental mixture toxicity data for a realistic risk assessment of complex chemical mixtures.

PMID:41313859 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140493

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Nov 22;500:140591. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140591. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP)-associated biofilms in wastewater treatment plants affect ecosystem integrity and treatment stability, yet their stage-specific developmental dynamics remain unresolved. This study characterized 30 d biofilm assembly dynamics on polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), and biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/polylactic acid (BP) in simulated wastewater treatment systems. Integrated multi-parametric analyses revealed cyclic di-guanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP) as a key biomarker of biofilm maturity, peaking at 15-22 d alongside maximal biomass and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Subsequent detachment was mediated by β-glucosidase and lysozyme, inducing autolysis. Stage-specific transitions included: Initial attachment (0-10 d); Microbial colonization (10-22 d); Maturation/Detachment (post-22 d). EPS-secreting and plastic-degrading taxa (Pseudomonas and Rhodotorula) facilitated initial attachment, followed by functional taxa mediating nitrogen transformation (Ochrobactrum, Aminobacter, and Cupriavidus) and potential biofilm-stabilizing fungi (Rozellomycota-gen-incertae-sedis). PA enhanced colonization via amide-driven nitrogen enrichment and elevated c-di-GMP levels, leading to robust biofilms with functional consortia (Zavarzinia, Sphingopyxis, and Rozellomycota-gen-incertae-sedis). Conversely, BP promoted initial bacterial recruitment (Pseudomonas and Enterobacter) but later inhibited sustained growth because of cytotoxic leachates and nutrient competition, causing biomass decline and fungal inhibition at 20 d. These findings elucidated plastisphere succession pathways, enabling more accurate assessment of their ecological impact and improved MP pollution management strategies in wastewater treatment.

PMID:41313857 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140591

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Nov 21;500:140493. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140493. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pollutants usually occur as mixtures in the environment, where they affect each other's toxicity even at non-toxic concentrations. Despite the environmental relevance of interactions in complex mixtures, they remain severely understudied. Therefore, this study aimed to assess how PFAS and microplastics (MPs) as ubiquitous pollutants at (non-)toxic concentrations affect the potencies of highly toxic chemicals in mixtures. Experiments were performed to assess the toxicity of perfluorobutane sulfonamide (FBSA), linear low-density polyethylene MPs (0-50 µm), chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid to the reproduction of the springtail Folsomia candida in Lufa 2.2 soil, as single compounds, binary and ternary mixtures. FBSA at non-toxic concentrations showed dose-dependent synergism with imidacloprid, but antagonism with chlorpyrifos. Synergism only occurred in the ternary mixtures dominated by FBSA at non-toxic concentrations and imidacloprid. MPs and toxic concentrations of FBSA were antagonistic in all mixtures. In conclusion, MPs and FBSA affected insecticide toxicity, and assuming concentration addition for the hazard assessment of ternary mixtures is generally precautionary. Ternary interactions could not be reliably predicted from binary interactions, and ratio-specific interactions may be overlooked. This emphasizes the need to include experimental mixture toxicity data for a realistic risk assessment of complex chemical mixtures.

PMID:41313859 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140493

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Nov 26;502:140628. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140628. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) are emerging pollutants, with growing evidence suggesting the presence of MNPs in human tissues. However, there is a notable lack of quantitative data regarding the maternal-embryonic transfer of MNPs. In this study, rats were utilized as model animals and were orally exposed to europium-labeled nanoplastics (Eu-NPs, 0.2 μm) and microplastics (Eu-MPs, 2 μm) over 18 days, from gestation day 0.5 to day 18.5. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were employed to qualitatively and quantitatively track the maternal-fetal transfer of MNPs. The results indicate that the transfer of MNPs from the placenta to the fetus exhibits size-dependent. Specifically, the transfer rate from the placenta to fetus reached 0.48 %, significantly higher than that of Eu-MPs. Notably, MNPs underwent deformation and fragmentation during in vivo transfer. The study also demonstrated that MNPs primarily accumulated in the rat decidua, where they compressed capillaries, potentially impairing fetal growth. These findings provide new insights into the maternal-fetal transfer of MNPs and offer a novel perspective for further investigating the impact of MNPs on maternal and fetal health.

PMID:41313868 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140628

Plant Physiol Biochem. 2025 Nov 21;229(Pt E):110797. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.110797. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Polyethylene terephthalate microplastics (PET-MPs), as emerging environmental contaminants, pose growing threats to agricultural ecosystems. This study investigated the impacts of PET-MPs on key physiological traits of Oryza sativa L. and the abundance of functional genes involved in carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) cycling within rhizosphere soils. Results demonstrated that PET-MPs were absorbed by rice roots and translocated to aerial tissues, significantly inhibiting chlorophyll biosynthesis (p < 0.05). Exposure to PET-MPs induced oxidative stress, with the 2.5 g kg^-1 treatment elevating root malondialdehyde levels by 175.3 %, and reducing plant height and biomass by 15.8 % and 44.6 %, respectively. Metagenomic analysis revealed a marked increase in the denitrification gene narI, while genes associated with C fixation (korB, korA), methanogenesis (mch), organic N metabolism (glnA), and P transport (ugpC) were significantly suppressed, indicating disruptions to soil nutrient cycling. Actinomycetota and Pseudomonadota were identified as predominant microbial hosts of these functional genes. Pearson correlation analysis showed significant positive associations (p < 0.05) between plant growth parameters and the abundance of korA, korB, IDH1, mch, glnA, and ugpC. These findings advance our understanding of the ecological risks posed by PET-MPs in terrestrial environments and underscore their potential to compromise soil fertility and sustainable rice production.

PMID:41313912 | DOI:10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.110797

J Environ Manage. 2025 Nov 27;396:128132. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.128132. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) pollution necessitates efficient removal technologies. This study developed a novel combined filtration-adsorption process using coal-based modified activated carbon (CMAC) synthesized from low-ash anthracite via carbonization, KOH activation, and chitosan dip-coating. Characterization revealed CMAC's positive surface charge under acidic conditions (pH < 7) enhances electrostatic adsorption of negatively charged MPs, while chitosan coating provides additional active sites. Orthogonal experiments identified bed loading as the most influential parameter, followed by flow velocity, initial concentration, and pH value. Under optimal conditions, the combined process achieved 95.48 % MP removal rate, surpassing pure filtration by 52.59 %. This improvement stems from dual mechanisms: (1) Filtration stage physically intercepts coarse MPs (>0.125 mm) via quartz sand's "pseudo-filter" structure; (2) Adsorption stage combines chemical interactions (electron donor-acceptor interactions, electrostatic forces) with physical adsorption (chitosan-mediated bridging). This synergistic approach effectively removes MPs of varying sizes and properties, demonstrating superior performance for practical wastewater treatment applications. The study provides a sustainable, scalable solution for MPs pollution control through waste-derived adsorbents and mechanistic insights for process optimization.

PMID:41313989 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.128132

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Nov 27;1009:181048. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.181048. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Soil-biodegradable mulch films offer a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics in agriculture, especially where recollection or recycling are impractical. However, biodegradation of these materials must not result in the formation of persistent microplastics. This study investigates the fragmentation and biodegradation of the certified soil-biodegradable mulch film ecovio® M2351 in standardized laboratory conditions (ISO 17556). The material was incubated in agricultural soil in two different forms: cryomilled fragments and 1 cm² film pieces. Fragment formation was quantified using μ-FTIR microscopy. Biodegradation as well as fragmentation kinetics were modelled by the open-source mechanistic FRAGMENT-MNP model. Results demonstrate that fragmentation is a transient phase within the biodegradation process, with particle counts transitionally peaking, then declining as mineralization progresses. Cryomilled fragments exhibited faster biodegradation and more pronounced fragmentation than larger film pieces. When biodegradation experiments were stopped, more than 90 % of the polymeric carbon was converted into CO₂ and residual fragments showed comparable chemical composition to the original material but showed significantly reduced molar masses, indicating that the biodegradation was still progressing. This is supported by the model, predicting that particle concentrations will decrease to below one particle per gram of soil within 600-700 days for both scenarios. These findings confirm that certified soil-biodegradable polymers like ecovio® M2351 do not form persistent microplastics. The combined experimental and modelling approach provides mechanistic insights into the interplay between fragmentation and mineralization and could be further improved by additional measurements of fragments <25 μm and of the polymer mass in the dissolved phase. In future, field data can support the extrapolation of the model predictions to the real-world.

PMID:41314070 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.181048

NanoImpact. 2025 Nov 26:100600. doi: 10.1016/j.impact.2025.100600. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Although cumulative evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies indicates that micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) can induce toxic effects, and MNPs have been detected in several human fluids and tissues, the consequences of MNP exposure to human health still remain unknown. Human biomonitoring (HBM) studies allow assessing human exposure to MPs and associated adverse health effects, contributing to the risk assessment of these environmental pollutants. To date, reliable human exposure estimates are hindered by the lack of standardized processing and analytical methods to detect MNPs in human tissues, and limited evidence on the MNP-related adverse health effects exists. Occupational environments, where plastics are processed, may represent prioritized settings for such evaluations, as workers typically face higher exposure levels than the general population. Population sub-groups with potentially higher susceptibility, such as children and pregnant women, should also be considered. To develop effective preventive strategies, it is essential to identify and validate sensitive and specific biomarkers of exposure and early biological changes, which could result in adverse health effects. Standardized protocols integrating environmental exposure assessment with HBM, and sensitive methods for evaluating internal dose resulting from cumulative exposure to MNP particles and associated chemicals are needed. Based on the experience gathered by a multidisciplinary panel of experts belonging to the European Research Cluster to Understand the Health Impacts of MNPs (CUSP), this consensus paper describes the key elements that should be part of an integrated HBM approach for MNP exposure, emphasizing existing challenges and proposing solutions for future studies.

PMID:41314612 | DOI:10.1016/j.impact.2025.100600

Sci Rep. 2025 Nov 28;15(1):42637. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-26751-1.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) pollution is increasingly acknowledged as a critical environmental and public health issue. This study sought to establish a robust, clinically compatible method for detecting MP particles in deparaffinized formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human colon tissue sections, using protocols compatible with routine clinical pathology. We employed mid-infrared photothermal (MIP) microscopy-also referred to as optical photothermal infrared (OPTIR) spectroscopy-as a non-destructive, high-resolution technique for chemical characterization and spatial mapping of polymer particles in intact FFPE samples. Following OPTIR analysis, identical sections underwent hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining to facilitate precise histopathological evaluation in defined regions of interest. Using this integrated workflow, we detected and localized polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles (21 PE particles, 1 PS particle, and 1 PET fiber) within distinct tissue areas. Subsequent histological assessment revealed characteristic inflammatory features near to these identified MP particles. To our knowledge, this represents the first demonstration of a diagnostic workflow that enables combined infrared spectroscopic and histopathological analysis of MPs in routinely processed human FFPE tissue. This approach offers a promising avenue to elucidate the role of microplastic accumulation in human disease and supports further investigation into potential mechanistic links between MP exposure and inflammatory processes in the colon.

PMID:41315108 | PMC:PMC12663095 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-26751-1

Toxics. 2025 Nov 14;13(11):977. doi: 10.3390/toxics13110977.

ABSTRACT

As two representative environmental contaminants, the individual toxic effects of microplastics and triclosan have been extensively studied; however, systematic evidence regarding their combined toxicity in mammals and the underlying mechanisms remains lacking. In this study, mice were orally exposed to triclosan (TCS) or/and polystyrene microplastics (PS), and their toxicity to intestine and liver was evaluated through histopathological examination, biochemical assays, and 16S rRNA sequencing. Results demonstrated that co-exposure to TCS and PS elicited markedly aggravated toxicological effects compared to individual exposures. Histopathological evaluation revealed exacerbated tissue damage, with histological scores substantially higher in co-exposed mice (colon: 7.27; liver: 5.0) than in PS-alone (colon: 6.07; liver: 3.0) or TCS-alone (colon: 3.0; liver: 0.7) groups. Quantitative Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) analysis confirmed this potential additive or synergistic interaction: co-exposure not only dramatically elevated colonic oxidative stress (R_IB = 12.30 vs. 5.88 in PS and 0.23 in TCS groups) but also exacerbated inflammatory responses (R_IB = 11.69 vs. 3.52 in PS and 0 in TCS). Hepatic assessment demonstrated the most severe compromise in liver function and oxidative homeostasis following co-exposure (R_IB = 16.48), markedly exceeding the effects of individual PS (4.75) or TCS (0.43) exposure. In-depth exploration found that co-exposure to TCS and PS significantly disrupted gut microbiota homeostasis, characterized by enrichment of opportunistic pathogens and depletion of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria; these alterations were not only correlated with intestinal barrier impairment but also exacerbated gut-liver axis dysregulation. Together, the findings not only highlight the synergistic toxicity of triclosan and polystyrene microplastics in mice but also identify the gut-liver axis as a mediator of this effect, thereby providing novel evidence for health risk assessment and underscoring a potential concern for human health under co-exposure.

PMID:41304530 | PMC:PMC12656245 | DOI:10.3390/toxics13110977

Green Chem. 2025 Nov 12. doi: 10.1039/d5gc03562g. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The harmful effects of daily plastic use are increasingly evident, with most waste burned or landfilled, leading to the formation of microplastics that pollute the environment and the food chain. While the full impact remains unclear, photoreforming of plastics has emerged as a promising sustainable abatement method. This study demonstrates the commercial potential of P25 TiO₂ towards photocatalytic upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics by systematic exploration of the effect of co-catalysts, reaction temperature and oxygen presence on the generation of solar fuels and high-value liquid products. We demonstrate that while neat P25 yields minimal H₂ evolution, increasing the reaction temperature enhances its production significantly, and the addition of Pt further boosts H₂ generation by four orders of magnitude, resulting in 15.35 µmol h^-1 of H₂ and apparent quantum yield (AQY) values up to 0.45%. On par with H₂, we observe the generation of CH₄ from the reaction mixture, which we conclude to originate directly from PET rather than hydrogenation reactions. Liquid-phase analysis reveals diverse photoreforming products, including acetic acid, oxalic acid, formic acid and ethanol, with selectivity influenced by catalyst composition and reaction conditions. The feasibility of large-scale application of the process is further validated through prolonged irradiation tests using solar-simulated light and an upscaled setup, which demonstrate remarkable AQYs reaching 0.84%. These findings suggest PET photoreforming as a promising route for producing solar fuels and valuable chemicals, paving the way for sustainable plastic processing and upcycling.

PMID:41306329 | PMC:PMC12645822 | DOI:10.1039/d5gc03562g

Toxics. 2025 Nov 14;13(11):980. doi: 10.3390/toxics13110980.

ABSTRACT

The presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in freshwater environments has received increasing attention in recent years. However, the hetero-aggregation behaviors of NPs with the co-existing algae and the influence on NP toxicity, especially the potential role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) during the entire process, are poorly understood. In this study, the hetero-aggregations of polystyrene (PS) and polylactic acid (PLA) NPs with Chlorella vulgaris, along with their toxicological consequences, were investigated in EPS-containing and EPS-free conditions. The results in the 12 h settling experiments showed that the ΔOD_reduced values ranged from 0.33 to 0.74, and the PS NPs exhibited higher aggregation efficiency with algae than the PLA NPs, which was inconsistent with previous microplastic studies and the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek calculations. This can be attributed to the unique properties of NPs and the mediating effects of tightly bound and loosely bound EPS during the formation of stable heteropolymers. In the 96 h toxicological experiments, various endpoints for algal growth inhibition, pigment synthesis disturbance, cell membrane damage, and oxidative stress were measured. Both the ΔOD_reduced values and integrated biomarker responses were positively associated with membrane damage and superoxide dismutase activity, demonstrating a view that the hetero-aggregation behavior could affect the membrane integrity and oxidative stress of algal cells, and exacerbate the toxicity of NPs on algae. The present study underscores the material-specific uniqueness of NPs in interactions with freshwater algae. Further studies are needed to broaden our knowledge of the hetero-aggregation behaviors and toxicological effects of NPs.

PMID:41304532 | PMC:PMC12656403 | DOI:10.3390/toxics13110980

Curr Cardiol Rep. 2025 Nov 27;27(1):159. doi: 10.1007/s11886-025-02320-w.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide clinicians with a concise introduction of microplastics potential role as a cardiovascular risk factor.

RECENT FINDINGS: Microplastics have been identified in human cardiovascular tissues. In vitro and animal-based studies associate microplastics presence with increased oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, platelet aggregation disruption, and low-grade inflammation. Small human studies report associations between intraplaque or circulating microplastics and cardiovascular outcomes. However, these signals are associative, method-dependent, and vulnerable to exposure misclassification, co-pollutant confounding, contamination, and heterogeneous analytics. Microplastics are pervasive and biologically plausible as a cardiovascular risk factor, supported by growing in-vitro evidence and incipient human association studies. Cohesive population-level measures to curb MP pollution should be embedded within policies addressing broader environmental cardiovascular risk factors. For clinicians, it remains premature to recommend personal-level mitigation strategies, and MPs are best regarded as an emerging exposure within the patient's exposome that warrants awareness and further rigorous studies.

PMID:41307802 | DOI:10.1007/s11886-025-02320-w

Front Plant Sci. 2025 Nov 11;16:1678722. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1678722. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) have become a prominent topic of interest due to their effects on soil ecosystems and plant growth. In this study, using a pot experiment, we investigated the responses of the high-quality forage Cichorium intybus to different amounts (0.15%, 0.75%, 1.5%, 4.5%, 7.5%) of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) in the soil, and sought to identify the underlying mechanisms. We found that PE-MPs did not significantly affect the growth of C. intybus at application rates of ≤1.5%. However, at the concentration of 4.5%, PE-MPs significantly reduced C. intybus height and root length. The fresh weight of the aboveground parts significantly decreased (by 25.06%) compared with the CK. At a PE-MP dosage of ≥1.5%, the chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll contents in the leaves of C. intybus declined significantly. Compared with the CK, PE-MP treatment increased the malondialdehyde content in the leaves of C. intybus by 60.04% to 306.47%, while superoxide dismutase activity also tended to increase. Meanwhile, the addition of PE-MPs significantly increased soil organic matter, decreased the pH and the alkali-hydrolysable nitrogen content, and reduced nitrogen concentrations in the aboveground parts of the plant. High-throughput sequencing analysis indicated that PE-MP treatment also reduced bacterial community diversity in the rhizosphere soil of C. intybus. At the phylum level, the abundance of Proteobacteria and Patescibacteria was significantly increased, whereas that of Gemmatimonadota and Chloroflexi showed the opposite trend. At the genus level, the relative abundance of the norank_WD2101_soil_group was increased, while that of RB41 and Gemmatimona was decreased, reflecting deteriorating soil quality. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for revealing the ecotoxicological effects of MPs on forage.

PMID:41306691 | PMC:PMC12646112 | DOI:10.3389/fpls.2025.1678722

Animals (Basel). 2025 Nov 20;15(22):3351. doi: 10.3390/ani15223351.

ABSTRACT

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a naturally occurring contaminant pervasively found in agricultural produce, exhibiting extremely high carcinogenicity, teratogenicity and immunotoxicity, thereby constituting a substantial menace to worldwide food security and public health. Consequently, developing green and efficient degradation strategies for AFB1 is highly important. The intestinal tract of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) contains complex, functionally diverse microbial communities that function as microbial reactors to degrade emerging environmental pollutants such as pesticides, microplastics, mycotoxins, and antibiotics. This functional characteristic offers a novel approach for mitigating AFB1 contamination. In this review, we systematically summarize the currently reported AFB1 degradation methods, focusing on the biological mode of action of the intestinal microbiota of BSFL. We elaborate on the efficacy of BSFL in AFB1 detoxification in terms of the host-microorganism co-degradation mechanism and discuss the core intestinal microbiota of BSFL and the main microbial degradation pathways involved in AFB1 metabolism during degradation. Given the low cost, high efficiency, safety, and sustainability of using the BSFL as living microbial reactors in which the core gut microbiota and the larval host detoxifying enzyme system synergistically degrade AFB1, this study provides a scientific reference for managing AFB1 pollution to overcome food security issues.

PMID:41302058 | PMC:PMC12649714 | DOI:10.3390/ani15223351

Toxics. 2025 Nov 13;13(11):976. doi: 10.3390/toxics13110976.

ABSTRACT

After nearly two decades of extensive research, microplastics (MPs) have been documented in virtually all ecosystems and across diverse environmental compartments [...].

PMID:41304528 | PMC:PMC12655938 | DOI:10.3390/toxics13110976

Insects. 2025 Nov 16;16(11):1169. doi: 10.3390/insects16111169.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic pollution is a pressing global concern, yet its immunotoxicological impacts on invertebrates remain poorly understood. The Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larva has gained attention for its role in waste management and potential bioremediation, making it essential to evaluate its interactions with microplastics. In this study, fluorescent carboxylate-modified polystyrene microbeads were directly injected into the hemocoel of larvae to bypass gut-associated variables and investigate systemic immune responses. Experimental groups were analyzed at multiple time points (1 h, 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days) using histopathology, cytology, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results confirmed the persistence and systemic distribution of microplastics in hemolymph and tissues, with hemocytes exhibiting active phagocytosis of particles. Microplastics were retained within tissues for up to seven days, indicating long-term sequestration. Histological observations further highlighted their close association with metabolically active organs such as the fat body and Malpighian tubules, suggesting possible effects on detoxification and metabolism. These findings demonstrate that microplastics elicit measurable immune responses and are subject to cellular uptake and retention in insect larvae. The study provides novel insights into the immunological and histopathological consequences of microplastic contamination in H. illucens larvae, with implications for their safe use in bioconversion and bioremediation applications.

PMID:41302915 | PMC:PMC12653486 | DOI:10.3390/insects16111169

Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Nov 19;26(22):11194. doi: 10.3390/ijms262211194.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), formed as a result of plastic product degradation, pose a global environmental threat by penetrating biological systems and inducing systemic pathological changes. This systematic review, conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, aims to analyze the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the toxic effects of MPs and NPs on the human cardiovascular, nervous, reproductive, urinary, and digestive systems. The primary mechanisms include oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and impaired barrier functions. In the cardiovascular system, MPs and NPs contribute to endothelial dysfunction, disorders of lipid metabolism, and fibrosis; in the nervous system, they promote neuroinflammation, pathological protein aggregation, and psychiatric disorders; in the reproductive system, they lead to hormonal imbalance and reduced fertility; in the kidneys, they cause inflammation, and fibrosis and lead to deterioration of kidney function; and in the gastrointestinal tract, they contribute to dysbiosis and metabolic disorders. The literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases without limitations on date, language, or access. Studies were selected based on criteria of transparency, statistical validity, sample representativeness, and correctness of data interpretation. The review emphasizes the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach to developing prevention and treatment strategies, including reduction in exposure, antioxidant and immunomodulatory therapy, and restoration of barrier functions and microbiota. The data obtained reveal research gaps and identify directions for further study.

PMID:41303677 | PMC:PMC12653346 | DOI:10.3390/ijms262211194

Polymers (Basel). 2025 Nov 17;17(22):3045. doi: 10.3390/polym17223045.

ABSTRACT

The massive use of plastics has raised growing environmental concerns, including microplastic (MP) pollution. While most studies have focused on MPs in aquatic environments, research on airborne microplastics has gained increasing attention in recent years. This review discusses the sampling, analytical, and identification techniques used for MPs, with a particular focus on PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ fractions, which have been scarcely addressed in the literature. The main active and passive sampling methods, sample preparation protocols, MP quantification approaches, and chemical characterization techniques applied to airborne plastic particles are compiled. Attention is given to the influence of meteorological conditions on transport and deposition, as well as to the predominant sources of primary and secondary microplastics in both indoor and outdoor environments. The analysis identifies the main research challenges, particularly in the detection of microplastics and in the standardization of protocols. The review highlights the need for standardized methodologies to advance reliable quantification and to better understand the environmental implications of MPs.

PMID:41304410 | PMC:PMC12656186 | DOI:10.3390/polym17223045

Toxics. 2025 Oct 29;13(11):928. doi: 10.3390/toxics13110928.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognized as persistent pollutants in marine and freshwater systems. Their small size, widespread distribution, and ability to adsorb chemical contaminants raise concerns about ecological impacts and human exposure through aquatic food webs. In parallel, marine polysaccharides such as alginate, chitosan, and carrageenan have drawn interest as natural biopolymers with the capacity to interact with MPs. These interactions occur via electrostatic forces, hydrophobic effects, hydrogen bonding, and physical entrapment, influencing the fate and mobility of MPs in aquatic environments. This review critically examines the current state of knowledge on the binding mechanisms between MPs and marine-derived polysaccharides, emphasizing their role in modulating the transport, aggregation, and bioavailability of plastic particles. Recent efforts to modify these biopolymers for improved performance in sorption and stabilization applications are also discussed. Furthermore, analytical strategies for investigating MP-polysaccharide systems are outlined, and the practical limitations associated with scaling up these approaches are considered. The potential use of such materials in environmentally sustainable remediation technologies is explored, along with future research needs related to safety evaluation, lifecycle impact, and feasibility in real-world conditions.

PMID:41304480 | PMC:PMC12656240 | DOI:10.3390/toxics13110928

Toxics. 2025 Nov 3;13(11):946. doi: 10.3390/toxics13110946.

ABSTRACT

In the environment, the coexistence of microplastics (MPs) with other pollutants may either enhance or reduce the toxicity of MPs themselves or the co-occurring pollutants toward microalgae. This phenomenon is particularly notable when MPs interact with emerging pollutants, such as ultraviolet absorbers. This study investigates the single and combined exposure effects of ultraviolet absorber (Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, BMDM, 50 μg/L) and MPs (Polystyrene, PS, 10 mg/L, d = 1 μm) on Chlorella sp. with a stress duration of 7 days. The results showed that cell density, chlorophyll a (Chla) concentration, and physical properties of cell surface integrity were higher in the combined stress group compared to the BMDM single stress group. Furthermore, transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the combined exposure group (885 DEGs) was lower than in the single exposure groups (BMDM: 1870 DEGs and PS: 9109 DEGs). Transcriptomic profiling indicated that individual stressors of BMDM and PS disrupted 113 and 123 pathways, respectively, predominantly associated with protein synthesis and energy metabolism. Conversely, combined exposure significantly enriched 86 pathways, including ribosome function and oxidative phosphorylation, thereby manifesting an antagonistic effect. This study provides new insights into the effects of BMDM and PS on Chlorella sp. and offers valuable information for the risk assessment of multiple pollutants.

PMID:41304498 | PMC:PMC12656043 | DOI:10.3390/toxics13110946

Toxics. 2025 Nov 7;13(11):964. doi: 10.3390/toxics13110964.

ABSTRACT

Dioxins are legacy and persistent environmental pollutants that pose complex and far-reaching risks to human, animal, and ecosystem health. As unintentional byproducts of industrial and combustion processes, dioxins accumulate in the environment, biomagnify through food webs, and exert toxic effects even at low concentrations. This review applies a One Health lens to synthesize current knowledge on dioxin sources, environmental fate, exposure pathways, and toxicological impacts across species. We have critically examined existing surveillance systems, regulatory frameworks, and policy responses, highlighting both achievements and persistent gaps. A fully integrated One Health approach, linking environmental, animal, and human health domains, is essential for effective monitoring, risk assessment, and mitigation. It includes cross-sectoral collaboration, harmonized biomonitoring, evidence-based policy interventions, and transparent risk communication. Emerging evidence on climate-driven dioxin remobilization and microplastic interactions further underscores the urgency of adaptive, system-based strategies. Strengthening global capacity through such integrative approaches is vital to safeguard planetary health from these enduring contaminants. Quantitative insights and illustrative examples support these conclusions.

PMID:41304516 | PMC:PMC12656547 | DOI:10.3390/toxics13110964

Biomolecules. 2025 Oct 22;15(11):1484. doi: 10.3390/biom15111484.

ABSTRACT

Polystyrene Microplastics (PS-MPs) affect testicular activity, as evidenced by increased oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy activation, impairing steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. The present study investigates, for the first time in vivo, the potential protective effect of D-aspartate (D-Asp) against PS-MPs-induced damage on the testicular function of adult rats. D-Asp, well-known stimulator of testosterone biosynthesis and spermatogenesis progression, possesses pharmacological properties, including antioxidant and anti-apoptotic ones. The results showed that PS-MP's adverse effects on testicular activity were reversed by D-Asp treatment. Mechanistically, D-Asp inhibited testicular oxidative stress by modulating the protein levels of CAT, SOD1, SOD2, and 4-HNE; affecting TBARS levels; and reducing apoptosis, as suggested by CYT C analysis and a TUNEL assay. Furthermore, D-Asp administration mitigated PS-MPs-induced autophagy activation by modulating the expression of LC3BI, LC3BII, and p62 proteins. Finally, the amino acid counteracts PS-MPs damage on steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis by restoring normal levels of steroidogenic (StAR, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD) and spermatogenic (PCNA and SYCP3) markers. This study encourages further research to understand the potential value of the amino acid in improving human testicular health and male fertility.

PMID:41301402 | PMC:PMC12650146 | DOI:10.3390/biom15111484

Toxics. 2025 Oct 30;13(11):938. doi: 10.3390/toxics13110938.

ABSTRACT

The uptake and accumulation of nanoplastics by plants have emerged as a major research focus. Exogenous selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are widely used to mitigate the toxicity of abiotic stresses, such as nanoplastics (NPs) and polyethylene (PE-NPs) nanoplastics, and represent a feasible strategy to enhance plant performance. However, the molecular mechanisms by which SeNPs alleviate the phytotoxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics remain poorly defined. To address this gap, we used Pistia stratiotes L. (P. stratiotes) as a model and silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO₂NPs) as a comparator, integrating physiological assays, ultrastructural observations, and proteomic analyses. We found that NP stress caused ultrastructural damage in root tips, exacerbated oxidative stress, and intensified membrane lipid peroxidation. SeNPs treatment significantly mitigated NP-induced oxidative injury and metabolic suppression. Compared to the NPs group, SeNPs increased T-AOC by 38.2% while reducing MDA and ·OH by 33.3% and 89.6%, respectively. Antioxidant enzymes were also elevated, with CAT and POD rising by 47.1% and 39.2%. SeNPs further enhanced the photosynthetic capacity and osmotic adjustment, reflected by increases in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and soluble sugar by 49.7%, 43.8%, and 27.0%, respectively. In contrast, proline decreased by 17.4%, indicating stress alleviation rather than an osmotic compensation response. Overall, SeNPs outperformed SiO₂NPs. These results indicate that SeNPs broadly strengthen anti-oxidative defenses and metabolic regulation in P. stratiotes, effectively alleviating NP-induced oxidative damage. Proteomics further showed that SeNPs specifically activated the MAPK signaling cascade, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and energy metabolic pathways, enhancing cell-wall lignification to improve the mechanical barrier and limiting NPs translocation via a phytochelatin-mediated vacuolar sequestration mechanism. SiO₂NPs produced similar but weaker alleviative effects. Collectively, these findings elucidate the molecular basis by which SeNPs mitigate NPs' phytotoxicity and provide a theoretical foundation and practical outlook for using nanomaterials to enhance phytoremediation in aquatic systems.

PMID:41304490 | PMC:PMC12656514 | DOI:10.3390/toxics13110938

Cancers (Basel). 2025 Nov 10;17(22):3616. doi: 10.3390/cancers17223616.

ABSTRACT

The ubiquitous environmental pollution with micro- and nano-sized plastic particles (MNPs) is a current and significant problem today. At the same time, lung cancer is responsible for the largest number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Many research groups have investigated the relationship between lung cancer development and exposure to MNPs in recent years. Studies have demonstrated that these particles could enter the respiratory system in a variety of ways-both directly through inhaled air and through the bloodstream, and through internalization in the intestines and other digestive organs. Data regarding the possibility of their aggregation in the respiratory system, thyroid gland, and brain are also concerning, as the harmful effects of MNPs have been proven to depend on their concentration and exposure time. The primary response of cells to plastic particles is an increase in oxidative stress. This is generated both by the cell itself (especially macrophages) and induced by damage caused by mechanical damage to cellular organelles by MNPs. The consequences of MNP exposure can include metabolic disturbances, DNA damage, and mutations, ultimately inducing neoplastic transformation in healthy cells. This can lead to changes in tissue architecture and increase their susceptibility to other pathogens, such as pathogenic microorganisms or heavy metals. These, in turn, can be internalized along with MNPs, forming a corona surrounding them.

PMID:41300983 | PMC:PMC12650568 | DOI:10.3390/cancers17223616

Toxics. 2025 Oct 29;13(11):926. doi: 10.3390/toxics13110926.

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the potential role of microplastics in the development of diabetes mellitus and assesses their presence in individuals undergoing insulin therapy. A total of 100 participants were included: 50 insulin-dependent diabetic patients and 50 healthy controls. The diabetic group was divided into two subgroups based on their insulin regimen: those receiving one daily injection of basal insulin and those receiving four injections of basal and short-acting insulin. Blood samples were analysed for microplastic content using chromatographic methods (LC/GC-MSMS and LCTOF MS). The findings revealed that diabetic patients had significantly higher serum microplastic levels (3.14 ± 1.30 µg/mL) than healthy individuals (1.50 ± 0.89 µg/mL, p < 0.05). Within the diabetic group, patients receiving four injections had a longer disease duration (15.14 ± 3.64 years) than those receiving one injection (10.56 ± 5.21 years), with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). However, microplastic levels did not differ significantly based on injection frequency. A strong positive correlation was observed between microplastic levels and both HbA1c (%) and fasting glucose levels (p = 0.001). These results imply that microplastics may act as endocrine disruptors that contribute to the development of diabetes, rather than being introduced through insulin treatment itself.

PMID:41304478 | PMC:PMC12656115 | DOI:10.3390/toxics13110926

Foods. 2025 Nov 11;14(22):3853. doi: 10.3390/foods14223853.

ABSTRACT

Although microplastics are known as bivalve mollusc contaminants, the standardisation of isolation protocols hasn't been developed yet. This study aims at assessing the best microplastic recovery rates and digestion efficiencies, applying two chemical reagents (10% KOH and 30% H₂O₂) across a wide range of known temperatures, on mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) contaminated with virgin microplastic standards. Both reagents provided good digestion efficiencies, but microplastic recovery was optimised employing 30% H₂O₂ at 50-60 °C, which also preserved polymer integrity. Indeed, recovery rates ranged from 88.75 to 91.86% at 50 and 60 °C, respectively, whereas 85.8 and 99.4% were the values of the digestion efficiency at 50 and 60 °C, respectively. Flotation and supernatant fractionation were found to be decisive parameters in maximising microplastic recovery; therefore, they shouldn't be overlooked. These findings lay the foundations for standardising microplastic isolation protocol from mussels, allowing for the reproducibility of data and consequently the comparison of different laboratories' results in order to concretely assess the risk for consumer health and lead to determining the benchmarks for food safety policymaking. Further studies are needed to standardise the method for the detection of microplastics from other foods.

PMID:41300009 | PMC:PMC12650936 | DOI:10.3390/foods14223853

Microorganisms. 2025 Oct 31;13(11):2500. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms13112500.

ABSTRACT

This work investigated the use of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the simultaneous generation of electricity. The study implemented two separate single-chamber MFCs, one with a co-culture of Ideonella sakaiensis and Geobacter sulfurreducens (I.S-G.S) and the other with Ideonella sakaiensis and activated sludge (I.S-AS). The effectiveness of microplastic (MP) degradation was assessed based on the electroactivity of the anodic biofilm, the reduction in particle size, and the decrease in PET mass. Both systems achieved a significant reduction in MP size and mass, with the I.S-AS system notably surpassing the I.S-G.S in terms of efficiency and electricity generation. The I.S-AS system achieved a 30% mass reduction and 80% size reduction, along with a peak voltage of 222 mV. The study concludes that MFCs, particularly with the activated sludge co-culture, offer a viable and more environmentally friendly alternative for MP degradation and energy recovery. These findings suggest a promising direction for improving waste management practices and advancing the capabilities of bio-electrochemical systems in addressing plastic pollution. Further research is recommended to optimize the operational conditions and to test a broader range of MP sizes for enhanced degradation efficacy.

PMID:41304186 | PMC:PMC12654431 | DOI:10.3390/microorganisms13112500

J Clin Med. 2025 Nov 13;14(22):8034. doi: 10.3390/jcm14228034.

ABSTRACT

Breast milk (BM) is a unique biological fluid that represents the optimal nutritional source for infants, uniquely adapted through millions of years of evolution. BM is not only a nutritional fluid but a dynamic biological system, evolved to provide optimal growth, immune protection, and neurodevelopmental support. Its unique composition-including macronutrients, micronutrients, bioactive molecules, and stem cells-makes it essential in early life. Breastfeeding further promotes psychological well-being, secure attachment, and maternal-infant bonding. Yet, in recent decades, concern has grown over environmental contaminants in BM, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and micro/nanoplastics. These pollutants have the potential to disrupt endocrine signaling, neurodevelopment, metabolic programming, and immune development, thereby undermining the natural advantages of breastfeeding. Therefore, a better understanding of the unique features of BM, while investigating the effects of these contaminants, is important for safeguarding maternal and infant health. This perspective article highlights the current knowledge on BM and indicates the need for further research. It also emphasizes the need for appropriate public health measures aimed at reducing exposure to pollutants and lowering associated risks, as well as preventive strategies to protect breast milk and breastfeeding in such a changing environment, as it is uniquely designed to promote the health of children.

PMID:41303070 | PMC:PMC12653506 | DOI:10.3390/jcm14228034

J Clin Med. 2025 Nov 13;14(22):8034. doi: 10.3390/jcm14228034.

ABSTRACT

Breast milk (BM) is a unique biological fluid that represents the optimal nutritional source for infants, uniquely adapted through millions of years of evolution. BM is not only a nutritional fluid but a dynamic biological system, evolved to provide optimal growth, immune protection, and neurodevelopmental support. Its unique composition-including macronutrients, micronutrients, bioactive molecules, and stem cells-makes it essential in early life. Breastfeeding further promotes psychological well-being, secure attachment, and maternal-infant bonding. Yet, in recent decades, concern has grown over environmental contaminants in BM, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and micro/nanoplastics. These pollutants have the potential to disrupt endocrine signaling, neurodevelopment, metabolic programming, and immune development, thereby undermining the natural advantages of breastfeeding. Therefore, a better understanding of the unique features of BM, while investigating the effects of these contaminants, is important for safeguarding maternal and infant health. This perspective article highlights the current knowledge on BM and indicates the need for further research. It also emphasizes the need for appropriate public health measures aimed at reducing exposure to pollutants and lowering associated risks, as well as preventive strategies to protect breast milk and breastfeeding in such a changing environment, as it is uniquely designed to promote the health of children.

PMID:41303070 | PMC:PMC12653506 | DOI:10.3390/jcm14228034

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Nov 22;500:140586. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140586. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The advantages of polymeric materials have been supplanted by the problem of anthropogenic litter in the oceans. Ideal materials that combine suitable properties for use and minor environmental impact after discard motivate the research and engineering of new polymers, blends, and composites. Aiming to understand the correlations of polymer biodegradation, marine toxicity and microplastic formation, this research evaluated five polymer-based films (varied polymers, blends, and fillers) regarding their biodegradability in natural and synthetic marine media. The experiments were monitored through CO₂ evolution, correlating the results with bacteriological (bacteria species and couting), chemical (Raman spectra), and physical data. The remained media was subjected to toxicity assessment, and the microplastic produced by the samples´ biodegradation was collected and analysed. Even though most of the polymeric-based films achieved the biodegradability requirements (over than 80 % within 90 days), toxicity (maximum dilution of 32 time for all biodegradation products in natural media) and microplastic formation (between 10 and 130 microparticles) were expressive, particularly for polylactic acid-based samples. All in all, the results with natural marine water pointed out that there is still no ideal polymeric-based material that produces no environmental impact after the release in the oceans and biodegradation by waterborne bacteria.

PMID:41308446 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140586

Molecules. 2025 Nov 19;30(22):4461. doi: 10.3390/molecules30224461.

ABSTRACT

Accumulation of plastic debris in marine environments has become a critical global issue, with microplastics (MPs) posing persistent ecological risks. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the formation mechanisms of MPs from polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), emphasizing the influence of marine conditions on degradation pathways. Autoxidation is identified as the dominant mechanism; however, salinity and chloride ions significantly retard radical formation, altering photodegradation kinetics and crack propagation. These effects lead to distinctive surface morphologies-such as rectangular and trapezoidal crack patterns in PP-which can serve as reliable indicators for polymer identification. This review further explores the role of polymer chain orientation and spherulite structures in crack development and discusses how these features can be leveraged for cost-effective sorting and recycling strategies. Finally, emerging approaches using AI-based image recognition for automated identification of weathered plastics are highlighted as promising tools to enhance resource recovery and mitigate marine plastic pollution.

PMID:41302518 | PMC:PMC12655479 | DOI:10.3390/molecules30224461

Chemosphere. 2025 Nov 26;394:144783. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144783. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study proposes a novel in-situ bioremediation strategy for the removal of highly toxic algal metabolites released during Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). The target algal toxins are Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and Anatoxin-a (Atx-a) as they are acutely toxic, environmentally stable, evade conventional treatment processes and contribute to disinfection by-products formation. Native bacterial consortia isolated from lakes with recurrent algal blooms were immobilised on three matrices: polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), and cellulose sponge (CS). Suspended systems achieved 90.4 % (MC-LR) and 92.5 % (Atx-a) removal at 50 μg/L, but efficiencies declined to 77.8 % and 80.0 %, respectively, at 250 μg/L. In contrast, immobilised systems maintained high removal efficiencies even at an initial toxin concentration as high as 250 μg/L, achieving 100 % toxin removal with PU and CS and over 90 % with PE. Although CS showed complete removal, its biodegradable nature limits long-term use. PU emerged as the most durable and effective carrier, ensuring stable microbial activity and negligible sorption. Microbial degradation was confirmed as the dominant mechanism, with Burkholderia sp. identified as the key degrader. This study also provides insight on Atx-a attenuation by identifying degradation products and proposing a potential co-metabolic biodegradation pathway. Microplastic analysis revealed minor particle release from PU, which can be further mitigated by enclosing the immobilised matrices in permeable barrier during field deployment to prevent secondary contamination. Present study highlights the promise of combining native consortia with immobilised systems as a scalable and environmentally compatible strategy for in-situ algal toxin remediation.

PMID:41308350 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144783

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025 Nov 27. doi: 10.1007/s11356-025-37224-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, represent an escalating global concern due to their persistence, ubiquity, and potential risks to ecosystems and human health. This review critically examines the application of Raman spectroscopy as a possibly non-destructive vibrational technique for detecting and characterizing MPs in environmental and biological matrices. The main objective is to consolidate Raman spectral signatures of common polymers such as polystyrene, polyester, and polyethylene terephthalate and to evaluate methodological advances that improve analytical precision and detection sensitivity. By summarizing Raman-based approaches across water, sediment, air, and biological tissues, this review identifies major analytical challenges including fluorescence interference and matrix complexity and discusses recent innovations such as coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS), surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and compressive Raman technology (CRT). Overall, this work provides a comprehensive reference for Raman spectral data and offers practical insights to guide future research aimed at advancing MP detection and pollution mitigation.

PMID:41310260 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-025-37224-3

Integr Environ Assess Manag. 2025 Nov 27:vjaf176. doi: 10.1093/inteam/vjaf176. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobials pose ecological risks in aquatic environments, particularly to cyanobacteria, aquatic plants and green algae, and with the potential to disrupt microbiomes upon which all biota rely. Beyond direct toxicity, these chemicals also contribute to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance, posing risks to human, animal (including wildlife) and plant crop health, particularly through wastewater discharges and water reuse. Despite these concerns, Australia and New Zealand currently lack environmental water quality guideline values for antimicrobials. Furthermore, existing guideline value derivation frameworks for this region do not consider environmental endpoints to protect against antimicrobial resistance. This study critically reviews international approaches to estimating antimicrobial hazards to identify possible improvements for use in Australia and New Zealand. Through a co-design process with stakeholders across the water sector, a method for deriving guideline values using species sensitivity distributions was developed that integrates both traditional toxicity and antimicrobial resistance endpoints. Critically, the approach includes microbiome data, essential for capturing the impacts of antimicrobials on complex aquatic microbial communities. A case study with ciprofloxacin demonstrated that combining microbiome and single-species data in species sensitivity distributions provides a scientifically robust and data-efficient approach for developing environmental guideline values for antimicrobials. The framework may also have applicability to other contaminants known to influence antimicrobial resistance, such as other pharmaceuticals, metals, pesticides and microplastics. We also identified critical gaps that remain barriers to implementing antimicrobial resistance-inclusive frameworks for deriving water quality guideline values applicable to Australia and New Zealand.

PMID:41308172 | DOI:10.1093/inteam/vjaf176

Bioengineering (Basel). 2025 Oct 22;12(11):1138. doi: 10.3390/bioengineering12111138.

ABSTRACT

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are among the most common medical implants that remain in the body long-term, with millions of IOLs implanted into patients every year. In addition, there are rapidly growing concerns about microplastic pollution, including particle emission from medical implants directly inside the body. Against this backdrop, we analyze the particle emission of seven common types of IOLs over a 30-day period under laboratory conditions. To accomplish both particle counting over a long period and chemical identification, we combine OptoFluidic Force Induction (OF2i), a novel online particle counting method, with micro Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflection (μ-FTIR-ATR) and Raman microscopy. Encouragingly, over the 30-day period, no significant particle emission from the IOLs was detectable. Neither was any increase in particle count detectable by OF2i, nor could any particle related to IOL material be found out of over 500 particles analyzed on non-control samples by FTIR and Raman microscopy. The most notable limitation of these results is the 30-day period, which is short compared to the time an IOL stays in the patient, which can be years or even decades. However, two of the tested IOLs were stored in liquid in their original packaging, the analysis of which represents a less-controlled long-term version of our study. Whilst microplastic contamination was found in these liquids, the FTIR and Raman analysis showed that it relates to the packaging materials (PE, PP) rather than the IOLs (acrylic), pointing to a high stability of the IOLs. Future work should try to assess longer time frames with accelerated aging (thermal/UV/oxidative conditions) to approximate long-term in vivo scenarios. Moreover, our findings highlight the need for manufacturers to ensure maximum stability of packaging materials and packaging methods to minimize potential microplastic contamination.

PMID:41301094 | PMC:PMC12649333 | DOI:10.3390/bioengineering12111138

Adv Sci (Weinh). 2025 Nov 27:e18500. doi: 10.1002/advs.202518500. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are increasingly associated with carcinogenesis. However, their specific role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unclear. In this study, the microplastics in ccRCC tissues and normal adjacent tissues (NAT) are detected utilizing Py-GC/MS, LDIR, and SEM. Tumor functional assays are conducted to assess the effects of PS-MPs on ccRCC cellular behaviors. Transcriptomic alterations induced by PS-MPs are characterized via RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis. Key signaling pathways are investigated through immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and ELISA. PDO and CDX models are employed to evaluate the effects of PS-MPs on ccRCC progression and intervention strategies. The results demonstrate that PS-MPs are markedly abundant in ccRCC tissues compared to NAT. Cytoplasmic accumulation of PS-MPs promotes malignant phenotypes in ccRCC cells. RNA-seq analysis demonstrates significant enrichment of oncogenic pathways following PS-MPs exposure. Mechanistic validation confirms PS-MPs exposure activates the NF-κB and TGF-β pathways in ccRCC. In preclinical models, PS-MPs accelerate ccRCC growth, which is attenuated by treatment with the pathway inhibitors. In conclusion, this study provides the first comprehensive evidence that PS-MPs exacerbate ccRCC progression through activating the NF-κB and TGF-β pathways. These findings establish PS-MPs as an environmental risk factor for ccRCC and identify potential therapeutic targets to counteract PS-MPs-mediated oncogenic effects.

PMID:41309521 | DOI:10.1002/advs.202518500

Foods. 2025 Nov 19;14(22):3971. doi: 10.3390/foods14223971.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic contamination in seafood has emerged as a significant concern for public health and food safety. Bivalve molluscs are especially vulnerable because of their filter-feeding behaviour, leading to the accumulation of different substances in seawater, including contaminants like microplastics. This study examines microplastic contamination by comparing commercially available ready-to-cook frozen and deep-frozen clams, assessing particle morphologies, dimensions, colours, and chemical identities. The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) derived from the proportions of polymers in the samples and their hazard scores, whereas the Estimated Average Daily Intake (EADI) was determined based on per capita consumption and microplastic counts. The results indicated a significantly higher prevalence of microplastics in deep-frozen clams compared to frozen clams, with 2.58 ± 0.87 and 0.43 ± 0.13, respectively. EADI was estimated at 0.47 and 0.76 MP/kg(bw)/day for deep-frozen clams and frozen clams, respectively (before cooking). Our findings highlight the influence of industrial processing on microplastic contamination, other than the environmental contribution, with considerable implications for human exposure, underscoring the necessity for monitoring initiatives and regulatory policies to reduce microplastic exposure in seafood, thereby safeguarding food safety and public health.

PMID:41300128 | PMC:PMC12651755 | DOI:10.3390/foods14223971

Br J Gen Pract. 2025 Nov 27;75(761):547. doi: 10.3399/bjgp25X743649. Print 2025 Dec 1.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41309309 | DOI:10.3399/bjgp25X743649

Toxics. 2025 Oct 29;13(11):926. doi: 10.3390/toxics13110926.

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the potential role of microplastics in the development of diabetes mellitus and assesses their presence in individuals undergoing insulin therapy. A total of 100 participants were included: 50 insulin-dependent diabetic patients and 50 healthy controls. The diabetic group was divided into two subgroups based on their insulin regimen: those receiving one daily injection of basal insulin and those receiving four injections of basal and short-acting insulin. Blood samples were analysed for microplastic content using chromatographic methods (LC/GC-MSMS and LCTOF MS). The findings revealed that diabetic patients had significantly higher serum microplastic levels (3.14 ± 1.30 µg/mL) than healthy individuals (1.50 ± 0.89 µg/mL, p < 0.05). Within the diabetic group, patients receiving four injections had a longer disease duration (15.14 ± 3.64 years) than those receiving one injection (10.56 ± 5.21 years), with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). However, microplastic levels did not differ significantly based on injection frequency. A strong positive correlation was observed between microplastic levels and both HbA1c (%) and fasting glucose levels (p = 0.001). These results imply that microplastics may act as endocrine disruptors that contribute to the development of diabetes, rather than being introduced through insulin treatment itself.

PMID:41304478 | PMC:PMC12656115 | DOI:10.3390/toxics13110926

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Nov 22;500:140592. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140592. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) pollution in the Inner Mongolian Yellow River Basin (IMYRB) of China was investigated through 34 soil/sediment samples. The results showed MPs were widely distributed in the region, with a total mean abundance of 5503 ± 1502 n/kg dry weight (dw) in soils and 2059 ± 1188 n/kg dw in sediments. MPs were predominantly 1-2 mm transparent fibers, composed mainly of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). Spatial analysis revealed the highest MP abundance in soils of Baotou (6108 n/kg dw) and peak MPs contamination in sediments near Hohhot (2543 n/kg dw). By functional zones, sewage outlets (6133 n/kg dw) and industrial areas (5800 n/kg dw) were major sinks for soil MPs, while wetland fishponds contained the highest sediment MPs (2533 n/kg dw). Agricultural soils dominated by film-shaped MPs (>23 %), industrial areas by fragments, and wetland fishponds by fibers. Polymer composition varied, with elevated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in industrial soils, and higher polystyrene (PS) content in wetland sediments. Ecological risk assessment indicated ultrahigh risk in industrial soils and medium risk in wetland sediments, primarily due to toxic PVC/PMMA. These findings provide essential baseline data for ecological risk control of MPs across river basin in northern China.

PMID:41308456 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140592

Antibiotics (Basel). 2025 Nov 2;14(11):1106. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics14111106.

ABSTRACT

This comprehensive review compiles current knowledge about the connection between plastic waste and the selection and transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic ecosystems, which can result in ARG contamination of fishery products-a significant source of microplastic (MP) introduction into the food chain. Plastic debris in aquatic environments is covered by a biofilm (the plastisphere) in which antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) are selected and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs is facilitated. The types of plastic waste considered in this study for their role in ARG enrichment are mainly microplastics (MPs), and also nanoplastics (NPs) and macroplastics. Studies regarding freshwaters, seawaters, aquaculture farms, and ARG accumulation favored by MPs in aquatic animals were considered. Most studies focused on the identification of the microbiota and its correlation with ARGs in plastic biofilms, while a few evaluated the effect of MPs on ARG selection in aquatic animals. A higher abundance of ARGs in the plastisphere than in the surrounding water or natural solid substrates such as sand, rocks, and wood was repeatedly reported. Studies regarding aquatic animals showed that MPs alone, or in association with antibiotics, favored the increase in ARGs in exposed organisms, with the risk of their introduction into the food chain. Therefore, reducing plastic pollution in water bodies and aquaculture waters could mitigate the ARG threat. Further investigations focused on ARG selection in aquatic animals should be conducted to better assess health risks and increase awareness of this ARG transmission route, enabling the adoption of appropriate countermeasures.

PMID:41301601 | PMC:PMC12649708 | DOI:10.3390/antibiotics14111106

Ambio. 2025 Nov 20. doi: 10.1007/s13280-025-02301-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Global plastic production has risen from 2 million metric tons in 1950 to over 400 million in 2022 and is projected to triple by 2060. Constituents like toxic additives to pervasive microplastics pose a major environmental and public health crisis. Yet international action remains fragmented. The UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) is drafting a global plastics treaty, but INC-5.2 (August 2025) revealed sharp divides. High-ambition states and civil society demand binding caps on virgin plastic, elimination of single-use plastics, and bans on hazardous additives, while oil-producing and manufacturing nations oppose upstream measures, prioritising recycling and waste management. Industry lobbyists have outnumbered many delegations, raising concerns of policy capture reminiscent of tobacco industry tactics before the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Lessons from the FCTC, particularly Article 5.3 safeguarding policymaking from vested interests, are vital. Without binding commitments and protection from corporate influence, the treaty risks being ineffective.

PMID:41296184 | DOI:10.1007/s13280-025-02301-x

Prog Orthod. 2025 Nov 26;26(1):49. doi: 10.1186/s40510-025-00597-9.

ABSTRACT

This narrative review critically summarizes that microplastics and nanoplastics have been found in many different environments, including water and food, raising concerns on their possible harm to human health. Previous research indicates that microplastics may cause inflammation and tissue damage; however, the full extent of their health risks remains uncertain. Given the long-term use of plastic-based orthodontic appliances such as aligners, retainers, and widespread usage of adhesives, the potential release of microplastics and nanoplastics during routine wear and mechanical stress warrants thorough investigation to ensure patient safety and long-term biocompatibility. The literature search conducted for this review was structured but non-systematic, with no formal risk-of-bias evaluation. This review aimed to critically evaluate the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on human health, with a focus on their relevance to orthodontics. The review also aimed to identify possible gaps in current research, particularly regarding the quantification of microplastic leakage from orthodontic appliances and their possible long-term effects. Current evidence highlights a clear need for more targeted research to inform and improve safety standards regarding microplastics and plastic usage in orthodontic and dental practice.

PMID:41296116 | PMC:PMC12657672 | DOI:10.1186/s40510-025-00597-9

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Nov 21;500:140579. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140579. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging soil contaminants that significantly affect the adsorption of co-existing pollutants in soil. This study systematically investigates the distinct roles of conventional polyethylene (PE), biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA), and their derived dissolved organic matter (MPs-DOM) in regulating pyrene adsorption in soil. The results demonstrate that both MPs enhanced pyrene adsorption, with PE exhibiting higher capacity (Q_e = 4.09 mg g^-1) and faster rate (K₁ = 0.09 min^-1) than PLA (Q_e = 2.26 mg g^-1). Aging further diverged their behaviors: PE increased its adsorption partition coefficient (K_d) by 58.80 % through developing a polar-hydrophobic interface with oxygen-containing groups, while PLA decreased K_d by 39.45 % due to enhanced hydrophilicity from ester bond cleavage. Crucially, MPs-DOM, characterized as predominantly low-molecular-weight proteins (>95 %), demonstrated a dual regulatory effect: at 5 mg C L^-1, it enhanced ultimate adsorption capacity through micelle formation but concurrently retarded the adsorption rate by introducing hydrogen-bonding sites that modified soil microstructure and interaction pathways. These findings reveal that MPs-DOM operates through fundamentally different mechanisms compared to particulate MPs, predominantly involving protein-like component mediation rather than simple hydrophobic interactions. The study highlights the necessity of considering both particulate MPs and their persistent DOM derivatives in environmental risk assessments, particularly noting the contrasting long-term impacts of conventional versus biodegradable MPs on contaminant behavior in soil ecosystems.

PMID:41297259 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140579

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Nov 26. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c06151. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The use of biodegradable mulch (BDM) instead of a conventional plastic mulch film has the potential to reduce the accumulation of legacy plastic in agroecosystems. The fate of BDM polymer carbon (C) in soil, however, remains poorly understood, especially the fraction of polymer-C that enters microbial catabolic (mineralization) versus anabolic (immobilization) pathways. We present a novel approach that allows tracking of polymer-C into CO₂, macro- and microplastic residues, living microbial biomass, and soil organic matter (SOM) through the combination of CO₂ emission, ¹³C- and ¹⁴C-phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, and plastic polymer analysis. After exposing a clear BDM piece (2 cm × 2 cm) in an agricultural soil for up to 1 year, we found that 22 ± 9% (mean and standard deviation) of the polymer-C remained as macroplastic residues (>1 mm), 19 ± 3% was present in microplastic particles (<1 mm), 22 ± 1% was emitted as CO₂, 0.9 ± 0.1% was present in living microbial biomass, and 37 ± 9% was present in microbial necromass or SOM. Similar values were observed for black BDM (21 ± 3%, 10 ± 2%, 21 ± 4%, 0.8 ± 0.0%, and 47 ± 6%, respectively). Our findings indicate that, within 1 year of soil incubation, a fraction of the macroscopic BDM pieces fragmented into microplastics, while a fraction of polymer-C was mineralized and emitted as CO₂, and another substantial fraction transferred into SOM. Our research advances knowledge on reducing reliance on polyethylene-based plastics and offers practical implications for improving agroecosystem sustainability.

PMID:41296917 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c06151

Front Microbiol. 2025 Nov 10;16:1699325. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1699325. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

This minireview focuses on recent developments regarding mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and proximal environments. WWTPs are often discussed as hotspots and bioreactors for the evolution of MGEs and ARGs and their horizontal transfer. Firstly, the article reviews the effects of emerging contaminants on HGT and MGEs with a specific focus on microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Secondly, the review focuses on how extreme weather and climate change can overwhelm WWTPs, increase the input of diverse genetic elements, and alter the dynamics of HGT. Finally, the trophic connections between the WWTP microbiota and external ecosystems underscore the potential for wider transmission of MGEs. Here, the focus is on transfer of MGEs to larger organisms in the vicinity of WWTPs. In sum, the review focuses on emerging areas of research that refine our understanding of the WWTP environment as a hotspot for HGT and dissemination of MGEs with potentially deleterious implications for human and wider ecosystem health.

PMID:41292681 | PMC:PMC12643467 | DOI:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1699325

Sci Rep. 2025 Nov 26;15(1):42560. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-29499-w.

ABSTRACT

Reference materials play a fundamental role in standardizing and validating analytical and technical processes in research and industry. This also applies for the analysis of microplastic pollution, which should allow for both particle count and weight assessment. Here, we showcase a novel production method for monodisperse and count-accurate microplastic reference materials (MRM) using microextrusion via adapted nozzles in commercially available 3D-printers. The method is highly reliable and produces approximately 1,000 particles h^{- 1} with defined size and shape. We explored different thermoplastics such as LDPE, PA, PLA, PCL, and PMMA and size classes (224 -1,349 μm in diameter) concerning size and shape accuracy and reproducibility. The resulting particles showed low variability in size with a standard deviation between 3 and 30%. Particle size was adjusted using different nozzle diameters. Our approach provides a wide range of possible MRM readily available for analysis, process validation and environmental monitoring of microplastics. These reference materials may significantly contribute to the understanding of behaviour and dynamics of microplastics as novel entities with potentially detrimental effects on environment and human health.

PMID:41298995 | PMC:PMC12663106 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-29499-w

Aquat Toxicol. 2025 Nov 20;290:107653. doi: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107653. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Salmo trutta (weight 31 ± 8 g, total length: 14 ± 2 cm) were fed a feed containing a mixture of 1, 5, and 10 µm spherical polystyrene particles (5 × 10⁶ particles/g feed) for 30 days. Thirty days after completion of polystyrene administration, polystyrene concentrations in blood, spleen and head kidney were 9.2 - 51.6 µg/g tissue and 1.2 × 10⁶ to 8.7 × 10⁶ particles/g tissue with the highest concentrations in the spleen and the lowest in the kidney. Particles of 1 µm represented the largest proportion (80 %) in tissue, while 5 µm particles were much less frequent (20 %), and 10 µm particles were not detected at all. Effect of polystyrene on hematological parameters, on routine metabolic rate as well as on the cellular composition of the spleen and head kidney were investigated. Over the course of the experiment, mortality was < 5 % and was similar between the control group and polystyrene exposed fish. Due to polystyrene exposure the concentration of erythrocytes and of hemoglobin were significantly reduced, those of erythroblasts was increased. Also erythrocyte size was increased. These changes were an indication for macrocytic anemia. Polystyrene exposed S. trutta had also significant higher metabolic rate. Taken together the combination of an elevated metabolic rate and macrocytic anaemia can pose a substantial risk to fish fitness. Also the concentrations of granulocytes and of immunoglobulin were significantly reduced in polystyrene exposed fish, an indication for a compromised immune system. In serum of polystyrene-exposed fish, activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, as well as protein concentration were significantly elevated, indicating hepatic inflammation or injury. In the spleen of polystyrene-exposed fish, erythrocytes were reduced, which likely reflects microplastic-induced anaemia. Monoblasts, monocytes, and macrophages were increased suggesting that polystyrene stimulates phagocytotic processes. In the head kidney of polystyrene-exposed fish only minor effects were observed. A 35-fold lower polystyrene concentration (0.5 × 10⁶ particles/g feed) induced similar effects in blood cell count and haemoglobin concentrations, while at 350-fold lower concentrations concentration (0.05 × 10⁶ particles/g feed) no effects were detectable.

PMID:41297352 | DOI:10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107653

Vet Sci. 2025 Nov 1;12(11):1043. doi: 10.3390/vetsci12111043.

ABSTRACT

The pervasive contamination of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in livestock and poultry production systems represent a critical threat to animal health, productivity, and food safety. This review systematically evaluates the potential of curcumin, a natural polyphenol from Curcuma longa, to mitigate MNP-induced toxicity, drawing on evidence from 25 preclinical studies (2014-September 2025). We highlight that curcumin exerts broad-spectrum, dose-dependent protection primarily through a dual mechanism: the preventive activation of the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant pathway and the therapeutic suppression of NF-κB-driven inflammation. These actions collectively ameliorate oxidative stress, restore metabolic homeostasis (e.g., via the gut-liver axis), and reverse histopathological damage across key organs, including the liver, kidneys, and reproductive tissues. A major translational insight is the significant species-specific variation in curcumin bioavailability, which is substantially higher in poultry than in ruminants, necessitating the development of tailored delivery systems such as nanoencapsulation. While the preclinical data are compelling, translating these findings into practice requires robust clinical trials to establish standardized, safe, and effective dosing regimens for food-producing animals. This review concludes that curcumin presents a promising, sustainable phytogenic strategy to enhance the resilience of livestock and poultry systems against MNP pollution, directly contributing to the One Health goals of safeguarding animal welfare, food security, and environmental sustainability.

PMID:41295681 | PMC:PMC12656898 | DOI:10.3390/vetsci12111043

Environ Res. 2025 Nov 24;289:123418. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.123418. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are an important type of emerging pollutants, which can affect the behavior and effects of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and other pollutants. However, a comprehensive review of the effects of MP-DOM interactions on coexisting pollutants is lacking, in particular for the dual roles of environmental DOM and MPs-derived DOM in regulating the pollutant behavior. This would significantly limit understanding of the behavior, fate, and risk of environmental pollutants. Therefore, this paper summarizes the adsorption behaviors of DOM on MPs, the influence of DOM on the interactions between MPs and coexisting pollutants, as well as the characteristics and effects of MPs-derived DOM (MPs-DOM). On one hand, DOM can be adsorbed by MPs through several mechanisms, such as hydrophobic partitioning, π-π interactions, and hydrogen bonding. This can be enhanced by the aging of MPs, which changes the surface properties of MPs. The influence of surrounding DOM on the interactions between MPs and coexisting pollutants is determined by the net effect of competitive adsorption/surface coverage (inhibition) and bridging effect (promotion). On the other hand, MPs can leach organic compounds into the DOM pool. The MPs-DOM is mainly composed of the CHO molecules (containing C, H, and O) and the unsaturated lignin-like compounds, along with protein-like and phenol-like fluorescent components. MPs-DOM has higher bioavailability (9.5 %-85 %) than natural organic matter, which can result in more greenhouse gas emissions. MPs-DOM can also affect the speciation, behavior, and fate of environmental pollutants by either complexing with them or affecting their degradation. However, several knowledge gaps remain unclear, and future research is required to reveal the different roles of biodegradable and conventional MPs in changing the DOM cycle, especially to identify the MPs-absorbed molecules, the biologically labile molecules of MPs-DOM, and the molecular-level coupling between photochemical and microbial degradation of MPs-DOM.

PMID:41297756 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2025.123418

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Nov 25;1008:181054. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.181054. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Concerns surrounding micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have increased as a result of their pervasive distribution in the environment and the possible threats they pose. Precise identification and quantification of MNPs are essential for evaluating their environmental fate, transformation mechanisms, and potential health impacts on humans. The escalating presence of MNPs in consumer products has heightened scientific concern regarding potential human exposure. This review integrates chromatographic workflows with human-relevant exposure pathways (air, water, food, cosmetics, human tissues). Compared with previous reviews that focus mainly on environmental detection or specific techniques, we emphasize methodological advances, and quality assurance challenges. Our synthesis highlights that pyrolysis coupled with chromatography mass spectrometry and thermal extraction-desorption gas chromatography provide bulk quantitative data and polymer-specific fingerprints, even when particles are below the visualisation threshold, while liquid chromatography based workflows are emerging for additives and degradation products. Current evidence indicates that ingestion is the dominant exposure pathway, followed by inhalation, while dermal uptake remains comparatively limited and less well-established. Despite continuous progress, knowledge gaps remain, particularly in cosmetics analysis, where chromatographic applications are scarce compared to food, water, and air. Standardisation issues, matrix interferences, and toxicological interpretation challenges were also discussed. In general, the review emphasises the growing importance of the chromatographic analysis in elucidating the sources, pathways, and health implications of MNPs outline strategic directions for connecting analytical advances with toxicological and public health research.

PMID:41297489 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.181054

Environ Pollut. 2025 Nov 24;389:127435. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127435. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognized as emerging pollutants in freshwater systems. Detecting and tracing MP-derived carbon in aquatic food webs, however, remains unresolved, limiting our understanding of ecological impacts. Here, we evaluate the potential and limitations of natural abundance stable carbon isotope measurements (δ¹³C) as a tool to identify MP signals in freshwater ecosystems. For this purpose, two freshwater algae, Chlorella vulgaris and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, were exposed under controlled laboratory conditions to one non-biodegradable polymer, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and two biodegradable polymers, polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT), to assess isotope composition and growth. Laboratory data were complemented by particulate organic carbon (δ¹³C_POC) measurements from seasonal Danube River campaigns (2023-2024) with modeled predictions based on dissolved organic carbon (δ¹³C_DIC). MP exposure did not inhibit algae growth, but C. vulgaris exhibited significant (p <0.05) δ¹³C enrichment (+4 to +5 ‰), whereas C. reinhardtii showed no isotopic response. These shifts were unrelated to polymer isotope values and likely reflect indirect physiological stress rather than assimilation of polymer-derived carbon. Complementary binary mixing experiments further confirmed that measurable isotopic shifts occur only at unrealistically low algae-to-MP ratios (≤10:1), underscoring the limited sensitivity of isotope mass balances. Field surveys revealed pronounced seasonal δ¹³C_POC variability in the Danube, spanning 7.4 ‰ annually. Yet deviations from modeled expectations were inconsistent with MP inputs and instead reflected natural drivers such as productivity and remineralization. Overall, while natural abundance δ¹³C can capture subtle algae responses to MP exposure under laboratory conditions, its diagnostic power for tracing MP-derived carbon in complex freshwater systems appears limited.

PMID:41297870 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127435

Sci Rep. 2025 Nov 27. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-29279-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Urban rivers in Sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly affected by microbial pathogens, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and microplastic (MP) pollution. This study assessed the abundance of Vibrio spp. and their tetracycline gene (tetB) relative to the total bacterial community in water and MP biofilms collected from ten sites along the Swartkops and Kat rivers, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The aim is to explore whether MPs disproportionately associate with Vibrio spp. or tetB, relative to the surrounding water, by comparing gene abundance normalised to total bacterial 16 S rRNA. The physicochemical water quality was assessed, and quantitative PCR targeting the Vibrio-specific 16 S rRNA gene and tetB gene was performed. Mean relative abundance of Vibrio-specific 16 S rRNA gene was 0.18 copies per 16 S rRNA in water and 0.13 in MP biofilms, while tetB abundance was 1.78 × 10⁻⁵ and 5.32 × 10⁻⁵ copies per 16 S rRNA in water and MP biofilms. There was no statistically significant difference between water and MP biofilms. Vibrio 16 S rRNA and tetB gene abundance did not significantly correlate with MP concentrations. Higher tetB values downstream of wastewater treatment works (WWTWs) and in industrial zones suggest site-specific environmental influences, but overall patterns pointed to WWTW discharge, not MP, as the dominant driver. tetB abundance correlated with dissolved oxygen and turbidity, suggesting conditions favouring ARG persistence. A strong correlation between Vibrio and tetB suggests shared sources or co-occurrence. MPs may not be active reservoirs or persistence enhancers for Vibrio spp. and tetB in this setting. This study underscores the importance of improving wastewater infrastructure to mitigate ARG-associated health risks.

PMID:41298667 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-29279-6

Plant Cell Rep. 2025 Nov 27;44(12):283. doi: 10.1007/s00299-025-03664-x.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental concern, particularly in agricultural soils, where various MP types, including polyethylene, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride accumulate due to plastic mulch degradation, irrigation, and biosolid application. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the impacts of MPs on soil integrity and function, highlighting the degradation of soil structure, disruption of nutrient cycles and shifts in microbial community composition and enzymatic activity. Furthermore, MPs can be taken up by plants, with submicrometer sized particles infiltrating root tissues, triggering phytotoxic effects such as oxidative stress, impaired growth, and reduced photosynthesis. In response plants deploy tolerance mechanisms involving antioxidant defense and altered nutrient metabolism to mitigate MP-induced stress. Advanced omics technologies, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics provide valuable insights into the molecular responses of plants to MP exposure, uncovering stress responsive genes, metabolite shifts and protein alterations linked to MP toxicity. This review synthesizes current knowledge on MP contamination in agricultural soil, its impact on soil health and plant physiology, and the application of multiomics approaches to elucidate MP-induced toxicity, paving the way for sustainable strategies to mitigate MP pollution in agroecosystems.

PMID:41298935 | DOI:10.1007/s00299-025-03664-x

Environ Manage. 2025 Nov 26;76(1):11. doi: 10.1007/s00267-025-02294-z.

ABSTRACT

The spread of microplastics in urban environments is an increasingly highlighted environmental problem. To prevent their spread, the treatment of stormwater from urban surfaces in bioretention filters may be a possible solution. This research project aimed to identify the occurrence and pathways for microplastics in bioretention filters that receive contaminated stormwater from impervious surfaces in a city. Sampling was conducted in selected bioretention filters, incorporating soil sampling at different depths and flow-proportional stormwater sampling during various rain events. Eleven different polymers on particles >10 µm were analysed in the soil samples and stormwater with Thermal Extraction and Desorption Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (TED-GC/MS). Additionally, some of the stormwater samples were analysed by pyrolysis PYR-GC/MS on particles >27 µm. The polymers most prevalent in all samples were polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS). The study revealed variations in polymer composition between water and soil samples, with a tendency for more polar polymers, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), to be more prevalent in water samples. This suggests differential transport and retention mechanisms for various polymer types, with more polar polymers perhaps being more soluble or less likely to adhere to soil particles, thus remaining more abundant in stormwater runoff. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the implications of these findings for the design and optimization of bioretention systems in capturing a broad spectrum of microplastic pollutants. Furthermore, the highest microplastic concentrations in soil samples were found in the upper layers of the bioretention filters, demonstrating effective microplastic reduction through their accumulation in soil. However, different outcomes were observed between the analytical methods and some uncertainties in the analysis, necessitating further studies with simultaneous sampling and analysis by different analytical methods of both soil and stormwater. Overall, the investigated bioretention filters proved to be efficient measures for reducing the spread of microplastics from impervious surfaces, preventing their release to recipient surface waters.

PMID:41296100 | DOI:10.1007/s00267-025-02294-z

Water Res. 2025 Nov 19;289(Pt B):125018. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2025.125018. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic particles (MPs) are ubiquitous across aquatic compartments, yet their transport and retention dynamics in surface water-groundwater systems remain poorly understood. This study investigates polymer-specific microplastic fate across the sediment-water interface at two bank filtration sites in northeastern Germany, both characterized by sandy riverbeds and permanently losing hydraulic conditions. Using harmonized sampling and analytical methods, MPs ≥32 µm were quantified in surface waters, sediment cores, and adjacent groundwater from October 2022 to March 2024. MP concentrations in surface waters were significantly reduced by over 84 % in adjacent groundwater, indicating high MP removal efficiency during bank filtration. Spatial heterogeneity in riverbed MP concentrations reflects hydraulic stress regimes, with ship-induced currents resuspending particles, preventing deposition in navigation canals, and enhancing accumulation in river banks. Non-metric multidimensional scaling confirmed significantly distinct polymer composition patterns across environmental compartments. While polyethylene and polypropylene dominated surface waters, negatively buoyant polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyvinyl chloride were enriched in riverbeds and groundwater. Polyamide, although present in surface and groundwater samples, was absent from sediments, suggesting high subsurface mobility. Median MP sizes remained relatively constant across compartments, indicating that local hydrodynamics and polymer properties govern transport more than size alone. These findings emphasize the role of both removal along the subsurface flow path and lateral river hydrodynamics in MP distribution. Overall, this study provides robust field-based evidence of polymer-specific MP retention and transport at the surface water-groundwater interface, with implications for drinking water protection and freshwater ecosystem health.

PMID:41297301 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2025.125018

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Nov 26. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c10541. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Current plastic manufacturing trends have led to increases in microplastic pollution and corresponding adverse effects for aquatic ecosystems. Microplastics are important sorption sites for hydrophobic organic contaminants. Over the microplastic environmental lifetime, sorbed contaminants may undergo solar photodegradation, but little is known about the influence of microplastic properties. In this work, we explored the photodegradation of anthracene, a model organic contaminant, framing our discussions around the complexity of the contributing processes. The different microplastics studied here exhibit different anthracene photodegradation kinetics: polystyrene (PS) ≫ low-density polyethylene (LDPE) > high-density polyethylene (HDPE). We find that intraparticle diffusion governs anthracene loss kinetics, with opposing effects during the sorption and illumination phases. The photodegradation rate of microplastic-sorbed anthracene increases with increasing concentration, which likely reflects additional reactive loss pathways for self-associated species. Finally, indirect photodegradation contributes to anthracene loss on PS, but not on LDPE or HDPE. Overall, the photodegradation of anthracene on microplastics is governed by multiple complex processes and microplastic properties (intraparticle diffusion, light transmission characteristics, potential for indirect photodegradation, contaminant self-association). This highlights that different microplastic types will have different effects on the fate and environmental impact of associated organic contaminants.

PMID:41295922 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c10541

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Nov 25;307:119469. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119469. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Wastewater treatment plants are important areas for the concentration of antibiotics (ATBs) and microplastics (MPs), and anaerobic digestion (AD) is a green, efficient, and clean technology in wastewater treatment. Activated granular sludge (AGS) and biofilm methods are the two most critical biotreatment processes in the AD reactor; their differential response to complex pollutant exposure significantly affects wastewater treatment efficacy. However, differences regarding the response of the two sludge types to complex pollutants are not currently being explored. This study examines microbial adaptations to dual MPs (6 mg/L)-ATBs (1 mg/L) stress. Prolonged exposure reduced methanogenesis by 49.34 % and COD removal by 53.11 % while triggering microbial defense mechanisms: diminished cellular damage and enhanced antioxidant capacity, albeit at the cost of reduced electron transfer and energy metabolism efficacy. Extracellular polymeric substance secretion decreased, weakening structural integrity. Community restructuring featured declining Euryarchaeota and rising Actinomycetota, with biofilms enriching fermenters, acetogens, and electrogens versus AGS retaining more methanogens. Acetoclastic methanogenesis was dominated by upregulated acetate-to-acetyl-CoA genes (EC:2.7.2.1/2.3.1.8). Biofilms showed higher ARG loads but unchanged types, while AGS's granular structure conferred superior contaminant shielding. Enhanced denitrification gene expression contrasted with suppressed ammonium conversion, alongside elevated sulfide transformation potential (notably in biofilms). Biofilms demonstrated superior genetic-level resilience, cellular integrity, and energy generation. These findings yield mechanistic insights into AGS and biofilm responses during complex wastewater treatment scenarios.

PMID:41297290 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119469

Small. 2025 Nov 26:e10196. doi: 10.1002/smll.202510196. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Daily mask-wearing is a critical strategy for preventing pathogen infections and curbing their rapid spread. However, the widespread use of disposable commercial masks not only escalates microplastic pollution but also acts as a mobile carrier for pathogenic bacteria, further fueling their dissemination. To address these challenges, a facile room-temperature reduction method is employed to synthesize CoO@Ag nanozyme with enhanced catalytic activity. The Ag-decorated CoO nanozyme exhibits robust catalytic enzyme-like activity, rapidly generating abundant surface-bound singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and hydroxyl radicals (·OH) to effectively inactivate bacteria. The prepared CoO@Ag-PAN (CAP) mask exhibits exceptional in situ real-time antibacterial properties, enabling bacterial inactivation within 20 min even under dark conditions. Under simulated sunlight exposure, complete bacterial disinfection is achieved in just 90 s. Critically, the CAP mask displays minimal temperature elevation after 3 h of winter sunlight exposure, ensuring no thermal discomfort or harm during routine outdoor use. Additionally, it retains high filtration efficiency and outstanding reusability. The work addresses the critical need for masks that balance protection, antibacterial functionality, and sustainability across multi-scenario daily applications (indoor and outdoor), offering an innovative strategy for developing real-time, high-performance protective equipment.

PMID:41293971 | DOI:10.1002/smll.202510196

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Nov 21;500:140551. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140551. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Zooplankton are emerging as key actors in shaping the distribution and fate of microplastics in marine environments. Copepods are the predominant taxa in marine zooplankton communities, underpinning food webs and playing vital roles in biogeochemical cycling. Marine copepods have been identified as microplastic reservoirs that likely contribute to the biological transport of microplastics. Evaluating the extent to which copepods contribute to marine plastic cycles requires accurate measures of copepod-mediated microplastic fluxes. To address this critical research gap, real-time visualization is implemented to precisely measure microplastic gut passage time and ingestion intervals. The North Atlantic temperate copepod Calanus helgolandicus was exposed to fluorescent polystyrene beads, polyamide fibers and polyamide fragments under varying food concentrations. Copepods demonstrated consistent microplastic gut passage times (median: 40 min) with food concentration and microplastic shape having no significant effect. This study provides robust estimates of gut passage time and ingestion intervals, establishing a quantitative framework for assessing copepod-mediated microplastic fluxes. Estimated fluxes (∼271 microplastics m⁻³ day⁻¹), based on the mean abundance of C. helgolandicus in the western English Channel (Northeast Atlantic), suggest that copepods may represent key drivers of vertical microplastic transport. These findings advance integration of copepod-driven processes into oceanographic models, reducing uncertainties in microplastic transport predictions and enhancing understanding of microplastics' ecological impacts on marine ecosystems and global biogeochemical cycles.

PMID:41297267 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140551

Front Microbiol. 2025 Nov 10;16:1699325. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1699325. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

This minireview focuses on recent developments regarding mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and proximal environments. WWTPs are often discussed as hotspots and bioreactors for the evolution of MGEs and ARGs and their horizontal transfer. Firstly, the article reviews the effects of emerging contaminants on HGT and MGEs with a specific focus on microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Secondly, the review focuses on how extreme weather and climate change can overwhelm WWTPs, increase the input of diverse genetic elements, and alter the dynamics of HGT. Finally, the trophic connections between the WWTP microbiota and external ecosystems underscore the potential for wider transmission of MGEs. Here, the focus is on transfer of MGEs to larger organisms in the vicinity of WWTPs. In sum, the review focuses on emerging areas of research that refine our understanding of the WWTP environment as a hotspot for HGT and dissemination of MGEs with potentially deleterious implications for human and wider ecosystem health.

PMID:41292681 | PMC:PMC12643467 | DOI:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1699325

BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2025 Nov 25;25(1):837. doi: 10.1186/s12872-025-05330-2.

ABSTRACT

The pervasive presence of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the environment has raised growing concerns regarding their potential health impacts. While research has progressively revealed the toxicological effects of MNPs, limited attention has been given to their specific influence on the cardiovascular system, particularly in human models. This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on MNP-induced cardiotoxicity, highlighting both physiological outcomes and underlying mechanisms.A total of 72 studies-including in vivo experiments on aquatic species and rodents, and in vitro assays on human cardiovascular cells-were analyzed. The findings consistently demonstrate that MNPs can impair cardiac function by altering heart rate, inducing pericardial edema, and promoting myocardial fibrosis. These effects are mediated by mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and disruptions in cellular signaling pathways.Toxicity outcomes vary based on particle characteristics (type, size, and surface chemistry), exposure dose and duration, organismal factors (age, sex, species), and co-exposure to other pollutants. Notably, smaller particles (< 100 nm) exhibit greater bioaccumulation and systemic penetration, correlating with higher cardiovascular toxicity.Despite growing evidence, standardized protocols for evaluating MNP cardiotoxicity remain lacking, and human-based data are scarce. This review underscores the urgent need for long-term, mechanistic studies and regulatory frameworks to assess cardiovascular risks posed by environmental MNPs. Advancing this research frontier is critical to understanding the public health implications of chronic plastic particle exposure.

PMID:41291468 | PMC:PMC12648859 | DOI:10.1186/s12872-025-05330-2

Environ Pollut. 2025 Nov 24;389:127434. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127434. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Polypropylene (PP) is a major constituent of nanoplastics (NPs) found worldwide in aquatic environments, where it promotes the co-transport of contaminants. Of particular concern is the co-transport of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), potentially increasing the uptake and bioaccumulation of PFAS in organisms during simultaneous exposure. Since the adsorption mechanism of PFAS molecules on NPs is still only partially understood, we have carried out a thorough systematic investigation of how a range of PFAS interact with PP nanoplastics. To this end, we developed a computational procedure which combines molecular mechanics, semiempirical methods and density functional theory calculations. We were able to describe quantitatively the adsorption process, revealing similarities and differences in the adsorption behavior as a function of the PFAS length, branching and of the nature of the PFAS polar head. Our findings suggest that the nanoplastic possess a certain degree of local flexibility which allows it to effectively adsorb all the investigated compounds, by modifying its form to maximize the interactions with PFAS. The adsorption mechanism is mainly driven by dispersion forces between the PFAS perfluorinated chain and the nanoplastic polymeric chain, with minor electrostatic contributions. These findings represent a significant step forward in the rationalization of PFAS adsorption behavior, which is essential not only to clarify their environmental fate but also to help develop strategies for PFAS removal from contaminated water sources.

PMID:41297869 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127434

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025 Nov 24. doi: 10.1007/s11356-025-37149-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Poor waste management has resulted in marine plastic litter increasing worldwide, and microplastics (MP) are now detected in all marine habitats. To better understand the distribution and ecological implications of MPs, we quantify the abundance of MP in all major marine habitats through a meta-analysis of data collected by systematic review. We extracted MP densities from 334 studies covering all major water column, intertidal, inshore and offshore seabed habitats from all continents. MPs are ubiquitous, and are present in all habitats in all continents with an average (± 95%CI) global density of 37,921 ± 13,925 particles m^-2 or 0.011 kg m^-2. MP densities in sediments are at least an order of magnitude higher than in the water column. Mean MP densities are highest in Asia, in tropical regions, and in mangroves. Although sedimentary habitats such as mangroves, saltmarshes, and seagrasses are often considered potential MP sinks due to high sedimentation rates, our analysis revealed that "Blue Carbon" habitats do not consistently exhibit elevated MP densities. We found that MP densities significantly increased with decreasing minimum detectable particle size. When we rescaled MP abundance to a minimum particle size of 0.01 mm to reduce the bias, this significantly increased the estimate of mean global MP density to 57,953 ± 17,442 particles m^-2. Scaling our estimated MP densities for each habitat to a global estimate of total marine MP that exceeds 1.5 billion tonnes, far surpassing expectations based on historical plastic production. This discrepancy suggests that published MP studies may disproportionately sample polluted sites, underrepresenting broader environmental conditions. However, in the thousands of locations sampled in this meta-analysis, the mean MP densities are high enough to expect fundamental biological processes, such as growth and reproduction, of marine fauna to be significantly negatively impacted.

PMID:41286538 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-025-37149-x

Biomacromolecules. 2025 Nov 25. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.5c01099. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Heparin is a critical anticoagulant, yet its purification remains challenging. Most commercial adsorbents are derived from petroleum-based polymers, which may introduce microplastics into the human bloodstream during medical use, posing a potential health risk. Herein, we report a regenerated positively charged cellulose nanofibril (PCCNF)-based hydrogel as a green and efficient alternative for selective heparin extraction. With quaternary ammonium modification, PCCNFs capture ∼88% heparin within 1 min, which outperforms commercial Amberlite IRA-900. We then produce regenerated cationic cellulose (cCell) hydrogels through an ionic liquid (IL) dissolution and regeneration process from PCCNFs, and we demonstrate their high selectivity toward heparin even in the presence of protein contaminants and their excellent reusability over multiple cycles. Finally, the regenerated cCell hydrogels are fabricated into monodispersed spheres via electrospraying for column-based operations, and efficient heparin extraction is verified. This work highlights the potential of regenerated cellulose-based hydrogels as scalable, sustainable substitutes for conventional plastic adsorbents in the recovery of heparin and other polyelectrolytes.

PMID:41288519 | DOI:10.1021/acs.biomac.5c01099

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Nov 24;307:119456. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119456. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants with pervasive respiratory exposure routes, yet their lung-specific toxicity mechanisms remain poorly defined. This study aims to investigate the size-dependent detrimental effects on pulmonary systems using in vivo (mice) and in vitro (coculture) models, simulating acute (single dose) and subchronic (28-day) exposures. Crucially, we identify epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a novel cytotoxic mechanism and delineate the ECM-MMP signaling cascade as the primary driver of PS-MP-induced lung injury. In vivo, acute intratracheal exposure to 12 mg/kg PS-MPs (with 1 µm particles) resulted in weight loss (9.09 % vs. controls). PS-MPs accumulated dominantly in lungs, with 1 µm particles depositing 1.38-fold higher than 10 µm particles (quantitative result). Subchronic exposure (8 mg/kg) triggered particle-size-dependent pathology. 1 µm PS-MPs increased lung injury scores by 2.5-fold vs. 10 µm. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) rose by 2.13-fold (1 µm) vs. 1.81-fold (10 µm). In vitro, 1 µm PS-MP-exposed lung cells induced mitochondrial depolarization (ΔΨm loss: 50 %) and apoptosis (17 % increase). Critically, 1 µm PS-MPs potently activated MMPs (MMP-2↑180 %, MMP9↑250 %) via ECM-MMP dysregulation. Our findings reveal that PS-MPs drive lung injury through oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction in a strict size-dependent manner (1 µm > 5 µm > 10 µm), with the ECM-MMP axis as a central pathway. The signaling pathway activated by PS-MPs in lung injury suggested that PS-MPs induced proliferation inhibition, oxidative stress, and EMT via activating the ECM-MMP signaling cascade. In addition, EMT activation suggested a novel mechanism for the cytotoxicity of PS-MPs, hinting at the potential carcinogenic effect of these pollutants.

PMID:41289762 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119456

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Nov 17;500:140494. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140494. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The coexistence of microplastics (MPs) and metals is ubiquitous in terrestrial ecosystems. However, their coupled effects on soil biota and human health remain unknown. The present study investigated the interactive impacts of polystyrene (PS)-nickel (Ni) contamination on Ni mobility in the soil-medicinal plant system and the associated health risks. A soil pot experiment was conducted with Capsella bursa-pastoris under six treatments: control (CK), PS alone (1 % w/w, PS), Ni at 50 and 500 mg kg^-1 (Ni50 and Ni500), and their combinations (Ni50 +PS, Ni500 +PS). The introduction of PS into soil promoted Ni transformation to the reducible soil fraction (F2) and increased its bioavailability by up to 81.2 % compared to treatments without MPs. The mechanism underlying Ni redistribution involved PS-soil associations that mask mineral binding sites and induce a "dilution effect," whereby Ni loosely associated with PS surfaces became more mobile and bioavailable in the soil matrix. The most prominent increase was recorded in control soil (CK) and soil with 50 mg kg^-1 Ni (Ni50). PS addition to CK and Ni50 also stimulated Ni uptake by C. bursa-pastoris and increased the carcinogenic risk by 62.5 % compared to CK and by 28.6 % in Ni50 +PS compared to Ni50. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed that Ni bioavailability and transfer to and within the plant were strongly influenced by the PS presence. The findings of this study provided valuable insights into the toxic effects of PS-Ni exposure on the food safety of medicinal plants.

PMID:41289667 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140494

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Nov 23;1008:180979. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180979. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Hydrodynamic conditions are critical drivers of microplastic (MP) transport and retention in riverine systems. However, their influence across different flow habitats remains poorly understood. This study investigated the role of three hydraulic indices, Froude number (Fr), Reynolds number (Re), and shear velocity (U*), in shaping the spatial and seasonal distribution of MPs across distinct hydraulic zones (pools/backwaters, runs/riffles) in three subtropical urban rivers in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Microplastics were sampled in both suspended and settled fractions during dry/cold and wet/hot seasons. Samples were analysed via chemical digestion, density separation, stereomicroscopy, and Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR). Results revealed that settled MPs were strongly influenced by hydraulic dynamics, with Fr and U* showing significant zone- and season-dependent associations. The strongest effects occurred in run/riffle zones during the wet/hot season, where Fr had a significantly negative correlation with settled MP concentrations (p < 0.001). Notably, Fr was the only hydraulic predictor significantly associated with settled MP size class composition (multivariate p = 0.009), driven primarily by MPs in the 1-2 mm size range (p = 0.007), which appear most sensitive to hydraulic sorting. In contrast, suspended MPs exhibited weaker and more variable relationships with hydraulic indices, though elevated Re and U* values were occasionally associated with increased resuspension in deeper pool zones. Microplastic shape and size distributions did not vary significantly across zones and seasons in suspended samples, suggesting that turbulence and mixing override morphological sorting once entrained. These findings demonstrate that MP-hydraulic interactions are habitat- and season-specific, and underscore the importance of integrating hydraulic zoning, flow variability, and particle traits into MP monitoring and modelling frameworks. Improved understanding of these dynamics will support more accurate predictions of MP fate and inform targeted mitigation in fluvial systems.

PMID:41289892 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180979

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Nov 24;1008:181033. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.181033. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Atmospheric microplastics (AMPs) deposition was monitored over a 10-month period (May 2022 - Feb. 2023) at the Kanazawa University Wajima Air Monitoring Station (KUWAMS), a remote background site in Wajima, Japan. AMPs deposition rates at KUWAMS ranged from 55 to 560 n/(m²·d), with 75 % of particles smaller than 50 μm. Fragments (96.4 %), fibers (1.7 %), beads (1.6 %), and films (0.2 %) were identified with fragments being the most common. Most AMPs were composed of polyamide (22.3 %) and polyethylene terephthalate (35.9 %), likely from packaging and automotive materials. Estimated AMPs possible transportation time and backward trajectory modeling, showed that higher AMPs deposition rates and compositional differences during summer (Jul. - Sep. 2022) and winter monsoon periods (Dec. 2022 - Feb. 2023), were driven by air masses from mainland Japan and continental Asia, respectively. Total annual AMPs deposition in Wajima (426 km²) was estimated to be 2.27 tons. Our preliminary potential ecological risk evaluation indicated that KUWAMS falls under Risk Level V, indicating an extreme ecological consequence and necessitating further investigation into AMPs pollution. This is the first study to demonstrate that background sites in East Asian monsoon region exhibited AMPs deposition and complexity. These findings highlight the necessity for increased attention to AMPs in background sites and provide a valuable reference for future research.

PMID:41289894 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.181033

Sci Rep. 2025 Nov 25;15(1):41870. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-25851-2.

ABSTRACT

This study presents the design, optimisation, and experimental evaluation of additively manufactured fittings for a custom helmet continuous positive airway pressure (hCPAP) system. The project was initiated as a rapid response to the shortage of respiratory support equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The inlet and outlet connectors of the helmet were redesigned to comply with the EN ISO 5356-1:2015 standard, reduce mass, and simplify assembly, while ensuring functional reliability and patient comfort. Components were fabricated using fused filament fabrication (FFF) and selective laser sintering (SLS) with medical-grade ABS, TPU-95A, and PA 2200 materials. A comprehensive assessment of material safety was performed, including tests for potential particle detachment under high-flow air conditions. Results confirmed that ABS Medical printed without active cooling exhibited no measurable release of microplastic particles, making it the preferred material for oxygen pathway components. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses guided the optimisation of the internal diffuser geometry, leading to improved air distribution and reduced perceived noise. The redesigned helmet system was evaluated in clinical trials involving 120 participants, demonstrating good ergonomic performance, low noise levels, and high user comfort. The findings validate additive manufacturing as a practical and reliable method for the small-batch production of medical fittings, particularly under emergency or resource-limited conditions. The proposed design approach highlights the potential of 3D printing to enable flexible, localised, and rapid development of medical devices adapted to current clinical needs.

PMID:41290790 | PMC:PMC12647709 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-25851-2

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Nov 26;197(12):1374. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14820-x.

ABSTRACT

This study provides the first assessment of microplastics (MPs) pollution in the commercially important bivalve Meretrix aurora across estuarine and coastal environments on the southeast coast of India, comparing the Punnakayal Estuary (Site 1) and the Tuticorin Coast (Site 2). MPs concentrations were assessed in bivalve tissues (n = 75 per site), surface water (n = 3), and intertidal sediments (n = 3). Bivalve tissues were digested with KOH, while water and sediment samples underwent oxidative digestion combined with NaCl density separation. Results showed higher MPs loads in M. aurora from the urbanized Tuticorin Coast (0.81 ± 0.16 items/individual) compared to the Punnakayal Estuary (0.44 ± 0.12 items/individual), even though Tuticorin displayed lower MPs levels in water and sediment. Fibres dominated the ingested particles (> 60%), and nearly 80% were < 1 mm. FTIR spectra revealed polyethylene (PE) and polyamide (PA) as the most common polymers, pointing to packaging and fishing activities as key sources. The elevated MPs abundance in edible bivalves highlights potential risks to coastal food webs and human consumers. Overall, these findings establish M. aurora as a reliable bioindicator of MPs contamination and emphasize the urgent need for improved waste management and comprehensive monitoring in Indian coastal waters.

PMID:41291082 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14820-x

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Nov 25;197(12):1369. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14810-z.

ABSTRACT

Micro and nano plastics (MNPs) are emerging pollutants in agricultural systems that pose health concerns for the soil, crop production, and food safety. This review examined the origins of microplastics (MPs), their occurrence frequency, effects on crops, and various methods of mitigation available in the agricultural system. The literature was thoroughly analyzed using Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on relevant research on MPs/NPs, agriculture, degradation, and environmental effects. MNPs infiltrate agricultural soils via the decomposition of plastic mulch, irrigation with wastewater, application of biosolids, and air deposition. Concentrations fluctuate significantly, spanning from 100 to 10,000 particles per kilogram of soil. Prevalent polymers encompass polyethylene and polypropylene. These particles hinder nutrient absorption, photosynthesis, enzymatic functions, development, and productivity of the plant, particularly in crops such as wheat, lettuce, and maize. Oxidative stress and modifications in microbial populations have also been documented. Their durability poses enduring ecological hazards and potential trophic transmission. The prevalent occurrence of MNPs in agroecosystems jeopardizes food security and environmental integrity. This review also emphasizes the necessity for biodegradable alternatives, sustainable practices, and microbial biodegradation of plastic. HIGHLIGHTS: 1. MNPs were detected at 100-10,000 particles/kg in agricultural soil samples. 2. Polyethylene and polypropylene dominate plastic types found in crop fields. 3. MNPs reduce biomass and nutrient uptake in crop plants. 4. Biodegradable strategies align with the SDGs to mitigate the impact of plastic in farming.

PMID:41286480 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14810-z

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025 Nov 26. doi: 10.1007/s11356-025-37065-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the effects of polymethylmethacrylate (acrylic) microplastics (PMMA-MPs) on the growth, survival, digestive enzyme activity, and intestinal microbiota of tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) fed diets enriched with different percentages of PMMA-MPs (0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00%) for 60 days. Fish initial weight was 4.80 ± 1.18 g and a total length of 11.51 ± 0.89 cm, respectively. Final growth showed a significantly lower weight at 0.25% compared to 1.00% PMMA-MPs treatments (23.21 ± 8.33 and 30.33 ± 12.14 g, respectively; p = 0.02), however, without differences to the control group (p = 0.44). The enzymatic activity of acid proteases, alkaline proteases, trypsin, chymotrypsin, L-aminopeptidase, and α-amylase showed significant differences among treatments (p < 0.05), except in lipases (p = 0.83). A preliminary intestinal microbiota analysis showed higher values of the α diversity indexes (Chao, Shannon, Simpson, and Evenness) in the control groups and 1.00% PMMA-MPs and lower at 0.25, 0.75, and 0.50% PMMA-MPs. The relative abundance was represented mainly by Firmicutes in the groups with 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75% PMMA-MPs (between 67 and 88% coverage) compared to controls and 1.00% PMMA-MPs (23 and 13%, respectively). PMMA-MPs exposure affects the hydrolysis and absorption of nutrients, compromising the nutrition and, thus, the health of A. tropicus juveniles.

PMID:41291373 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-025-37065-0

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Nov 24. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c10110. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Sediment beds of aquatic ecosystems are known to present high microplastic contamination levels, where the infiltration of microplastic particles can extend deep into the sediment. In particular, turbulence can fuel the infiltration of microplastics in static beds. A set of experiments varying the turbulence intensity (shear rates from 10.03 to 20.36 s^-1) were conducted to determine the dynamic infiltration of microfibers in sediment beds. Eight types of microfibers (with lengths ranging from 3 to 5 mm, diameters from 0.045 to 1 mm, and two polymer types, here, polyethylene terephthalate and polyamide), previously deposited over a sediment floor, were submitted to vertical turbulence generated by an oscillating grid. The turbulence-induced infiltration of microfibers into sediment mimicked the sediment reworking in the bottom floors by episodes of moderate- to high-turbulent activity. The infiltration depth of the microfibers into the sediment floor increased with the shear stress on the bottom and was modulated with the fiber properties. Mainly, the infiltration of microfibers was greater as the diameter of the fibers decreased. In addition, the infiltration was from top to bottom, following an exponential decay in the number of microfibers, in accordance with the fine bridging infiltration mode.

PMID:41283876 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c10110

Crit Rev Microbiol. 2025 Nov 24:1-36. doi: 10.1080/1040841X.2025.2591753. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Industrialization marked a significant turning point that impacted the global climate at an unprecedented scale. Oceans, covering 71% of the surface of Earth, play a pivotal role in regulating climate change factors, serving as essential components of planetary processes. In these oceanic ecosystems, marine bacteria are intricately involved in regulating various biogeochemical cycles that are crucial to climate regulation and ecosystem functioning. However, the ongoing climatic changes pose significant challenges to marine bacteria and their associated processes. In the Anthropocene epoch, the interaction between anthropogenic pollutants and climatic stressors further amplifies their impact on marine bacteria across diverse ecological niches and their resilience mechanisms. It delves into the interactive effects of anthropogenic pollutants with climatic stressors on bacteria, particularly emphasizing on organic pollutants, heavy metals, and microplastics. The review entails the impact and resilience mechanisms of marine bacteria in response to climatic stressors. The current trajectory of climatic changes highlights the urgent need for concerted global action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change. In this context, various strategies employing marine bacteria in mitigating climate change for a sustainable future have also been discussed.

PMID:41283734 | DOI:10.1080/1040841X.2025.2591753

Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Nov 24;197(12):1366. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14834-5.

ABSTRACT

Rapid urban development and industrialization have led to severe soil pollution, which has become a major global environmental problem, further intensified by population growth and land-use changes. In urban soils, pollution from past anthropogenic activities can still be detected through its harmful effects on soil quality, ecosystems and human health. This review summarizes the status of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and microplastics (MPs) in Türkiye's urban soils. Across cities, Cd and Pb frequently exceeded national soil-quality thresholds, with industrial hubs and traffic corridors emerging as hotspots. PAH burdens often reached the 'heavily contaminated' category (> 1000 µg kg⁻¹), with winter maxima linked to heating activities and a dominance of pyrogenic four-ring compounds. Urban MPs were abundant in parks and along roadsides, dominated by fibers and polyethylene, and showed strong variation with land use (recreational > industrial > residential in İstanbul). This evidence illustrates a lack of in-depth understanding of the full extent of soil pollution in targeted areas. The results of this review will help develop practical strategies for soil management, pollution monitoring, and remediation, which will ultimately improve public health and support sustainable development in Türkiye.

PMID:41284079 | PMC:PMC12644175 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14834-5

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2025 Nov 24. doi: 10.1007/s00216-025-06212-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in biosolids raises significant concerns, primarily because biosolids are commonly used as fertilizers in soil, where MPs can accumulate, disrupt soil health and microbial activity, and potentially enter the food chain. Accurate quantification of MPs in biosolids and soil remains challenging due to their low concentrations, aging-induced property variations, and complex biosolid matrices. To address these challenges, modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC), a high-sensitivity, low-detection limit, and cost-effective thermal analysis approach, was employed to quantify MPs in complex biosolid matrices. Using micron-sized polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide 6 (PA6), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) spiked into biosolid matrices, MPs were quantified based on the enthalpies generated from the melting peaks. MDSC exhibited 1.4-2.5 times higher sensitivity than conventional DSC, with a theoretical limit of quantification (LOQ) as low as 7 μg/g. An averaged recovery of 93 ± 20% for four micron-sized plastics from three different sources using MDSC demonstrated good accuracy, confirming its reliability. To highlight its applicability to real-world samples, a tiered workflow incorporating MDSC, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to identify and quantify MPs in biosolids. These findings indicate that MDSC, especially when combined with complementary techniques, is a sensitive and accurate method for identifying and quantifying MPs in complex matrices.

PMID:41284004 | DOI:10.1007/s00216-025-06212-4

Environ Pollut. 2025 Dec 15;387:127316. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127316. Epub 2025 Oct 24.

ABSTRACT

Plastics have many beneficial uses in agriculture, but their degradation contributes to diffuse microplastic (MP) contamination of soils, affecting soil structure, biota, and downstream water quality. Their sources, numerous for agricultural soils, are often difficult to identify locally. Despite an awareness of these threats, few global studies outside China have characterized these contaminants in agricultural soil. Among these studies, few have evaluated the fate of microplastics while taking into account the various agricultural practices. This field study focused on characterizing microplastics in French agricultural soil with various land uses in a small watershed, both at the surface and down to a depth of 60 cm, the typical tillage depth. Microplastics concentrations in greenhouse surface soils using plastic mulching were found up to 1.1 · 10⁴ MP/kg, which is significantly higher than other land uses studied (i.e., agricultural crop fields, stream banks, and forests). Further, microplastic concentrations were found to decrease by > 80 % from the top 20 cm of soil to the below 20-60 cm of soil. These findings highlight the need to minimize microplastic sources in agricultural soil, in particular, from greenhouse films and plastic mulching, through policy and materials that reduce UV degradation.

PMID:41284495 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127316

J Vis Exp. 2025 Nov 7;(225). doi: 10.3791/68652.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics pollution in groundwater remains significantly underreported within scientific literature. This paper presents a comprehensive protocol outlining the methodology for the sampling of groundwater from boreholes, as well as the steps of microplastics separation and analysis. It provides an extensive description of a filtration sampling system designed specifically for this purpose, along with the detailed sampling procedure. In addition, it presents the laboratory analysis of microplastic particles, including their characterization based on size, shape, color, transparency, and chemical structure using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and micro-FTIR spectroscopy. Factors that can influence results are discussed, and special attention is paid to preventing contamination of samples. The methodology described also considers the requirements of the Annex of Commission Delegated Decision (EU) 2024/1441 of 11 March 2024, supplementing Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council. This comprehensive written protocol, accompanied by video guidance, is intended to support the development of a synchronized methodology for monitoring microplastics in groundwater or drinking water. This resource will be of interest to researchers in the field of microplastics worldwide.

PMID:41284620 | DOI:10.3791/68652

Environ Res. 2025 Nov 22;289:123399. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.123399. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), as emerging environmental contaminants, increasingly threaten plant performance in agricultural ecosystems, yet the differential toxicity of traditional and biodegradable MPs remains unclear. Here, we conducted a 60-day soil culture experiment to evaluate the effects of six MPs, four traditional polymers and two biodegradable plastics, on pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) at 0.1 % and 0.5 % (w/w). Growth inhibition occurred in a type- and dose-dependent manner, with non-degradable PP-MPs and PS-MPs exerting stronger effects than biodegradable MPs. PBS-MPs caused the most severe oxidative stress, increasing H₂O₂ content by 205.4 %. Metabolomic analyses revealed metabolic reprogramming under MPs exposure, with flux shifting from photosynthetic carbon assimilation/glycolysis to the pentose phosphate pathway. Notably, PVC-MPs imposed stronger inhibition on carbon assimilation/glycolysis. Metabolomic analysis further revealed that oxidative stress was closely associated with metabolic reprogramming: biodegradable MPs (PLA, PBS) markedly disrupted aromatic amino acid biosynthesis (e.g., tyramine decreased by 73.8 %), thereby weakening the basis for antioxidant defense, whereas traditional PS-MPs specifically suppressed downstream phenylpropanoid metabolism (e.g., 4-hydroxycinnamic acid and sinapic acid decreased). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that biodegradable and traditional MPs induce phytotoxicity through distinct mechanisms: biodegradable MPs primarily trigger oxidative damage and perturb primary metabolism, whereas traditional MPs preferentially suppress energy metabolism and secondary defense pathways. This study provides mechanistic insights into MPs-induced stress responses in pepper and highlights potential risks of both traditional and biodegradable MPs to agroecosystem health.

PMID:41285344 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2025.123399

Anal Chim Acta. 2026 Jan 1;1381:344829. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2025.344829. Epub 2025 Oct 27.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Global concern about micro/nanoplastic contamination in aquatic ecosystems reflects the heightened awareness of its environmental impact. Micro/nanoplastics, found in diverse environments, exhibit distinctive characteristics influenced by their polymer composition, such as variations in color and density. Addressing the critical issue of micro/nanoplastic contamination requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing various techniques for detection and mitigation, including filtration, centrifugation, magnetic separation, and others. Currently, microplastics detection requires separate isolation and analysis, making the detection process cumbersome and possible cause for potential sample loss.

RESULTS: In this study, we use the electrophoretic force on micro/nanoplastics (≤5 μm in size) flowing in an aqueous sample inside a fluidic channel to effectively capture the particles on a substrate. A direct current (DC) voltage is applied using an asymmetric electric field on the fluidic channel to induce electrophoresis of the microplastics. The captured microplastics can be characterized in situ through Raman spectroscopy and optical microscopy, enabling concurrent analysis of particle size, shape, and type. Using the method, we demonstrate the detection of micro/nanoplastics leached from a commercial teabag.

SIGNIFICANCE: The method shown here enables rapid and easy detection of small microplastics that are otherwise difficult to capture using conventional methods. In particular, eliminating the need for separation isolation and analysis steps is a huge advantage considering the potential loss of sample due to its low concentration.

PMID:41285523 | DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2025.344829

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Nov 24. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c01021. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Traditional nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) plays a crucial role in combating solid emerging pollutants. This study demonstrates that nZVI can effectively facilitate the aging and dechlorination of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics under mild anaerobic conditions. The effects of common heavy metals on the dechlorination aging process showed a dechlorination efficiency ranking of Ni > Cu > Co > Cr. Ni²⁺ and Cu²⁺ promote electron transfer and the formation of active iron phases by generating active metallic sites, while the catalytic efficiency of Cu is regulated by the redox cycle between Cu⁺ and Cu²⁺. In contrast, Cr⁶⁺ significantly inhibits dechlorination due to the formation of passivation layers. Electron transfer capacity was identified as the critical driving force for dechlorination, with Ni²⁺ exhibiting the highest electron donor and acceptor capacity. The dechlorination process was accompanied by C-Cl bond cleavage and the formation of C═C groups, indicating that chain scission and carbon backbone rearrangement are key reactions. However, the sequence of bond cleavage and formation varied among different metals. Additionally, in high-efficiency aging systems, more short-chain compounds were produced alongside long-chain compounds, indicating that synergistic effects between metals and nZVI promoted the molecular transformation of PVC chains.

PMID:41285702 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c01021