Microplastics

Spatial and Temporal Variation Characterization and Variability of Microplastics in Water-borne River and Reservoir - January 14, 2026

Huan Jing Ke Xue. 2026 Jan 8;47(1):278-288. doi: 10.13227/j.hjkx.202411193.

ABSTRACT

Water-source rivers and reservoirs are crucial sources of drinking water for numerous urban and rural areas. In depth exploration of the occurrence characteristics and risk differences of microplastics （MPs） in these two types of water environments is of great significance for formulating targeted pollution control strategies for MPs. This study selected the Dongjiang River and Xinfengjiang Reservoir， important drinking water sources in Guangdong Province， China， as the research objects. Through a systematic investigation of the abundance， composition， and diversity of MPs in their surface water and sediments， the differences in the pollution characteristics of MPs in the two types of water environments under spatiotemporal changes were explored in depth. The research results showed that during the dry and wet seasons， the abundance ranges of MPs in the surface water of the Dongjiang River were 180-500 and 33-300 items·m^-3， respectively， and the corresponding abundance ranges of MPs in sediments were 145-1 610 and 105-410 items·kg^-1， respectively. In the Xinfengjiang Reservoir， the abundance ranges of MPs in the surface water during the dry and wet seasons were 120-750 and 233-733 items·m^-3， respectively， and the abundance ranges of MPs in sediments were 75-365 and 80-445 items·kg^-1， respectively. The detected MPs were predominately 0.1-1 mm， fibrous， and white， and PET， PP， PE， and CP were the dominant polymer types. During the dry season， the abundance of MPs in the surface water and sediments of the Dongjiang River was significantly higher than that in the wet season （P < 0.05）. However， the difference in the abundance of MPs in the Xinfengjiang Reservoir between the two water periods was not obvious， indicating that the impact of water period changes on the abundance of MPs in the two types of water environments was different. At the same time， the diversity indices of MPs in the two types of water environments both showed the characteristic that the dry season was significantly higher than the wet season （P < 0.05）， indicating that water period changes affected the diversity of MPs in the two water bodies by re-combining the composition of MPs. In addition， under different water periods， the distribution of MPs in the Dongjiang River and Xinfengjiang Reservoir showed a large spatial heterogeneity. The impact of water period changes on the lower reaches of the Dongjiang River was greater than that on the upper reaches， and the impact on the tributaries entering the Xinfengjiang Reservoir was greater than that on the reservoir body. Notably， the abundance of MPs in the Xinfengjiang Reservoir was significantly higher within the two water periods than that in the Dongjiang River （P < 0.05）， indicating that the Xinfengjiang Reservoir was an important pollution source of MPs in the Dongjiang River. The comparison results of the three risk indicators showed that the ecological risk of MPs in the surface water of the Xinfengjiang Reservoir in the dry season was higher than that in the Dongjiang River. The differences in the pollution characteristics of MPs in the two types of water environments in different water periods may have been closely related to the differences in the impacts of rainfall and flow on their respective pollution sources and hydrodynamic characteristics.

PMID:41531059 | DOI:10.13227/j.hjkx.202411193

Pollution Situation and Transmission Risks of Antibiotic Resistance within the Plastisphere in the Aquatic Environment - January 14, 2026

Huan Jing Ke Xue. 2026 Jan 8;47(1):289-300. doi: 10.13227/j.hjkx.202411147.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics， as emerging contaminants， are widely distributed in the hydrosphere of the Earth. They not only provide a new niche for microorganisms， including antibiotic-resistant bacteria， but also interact with other pollutants， such as heavy metals， antibiotics， disinfectants， etc. Moreover， they migrate with water flow and through the food chains， influencing the spread and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes. Therefore， microplastics may not only serve as a vector for the transmission of pathogens but also be a hotspot for the transfer of resistance genes， posing significant threats to both human health and urban ecosystems. This review summarizes the types and abundances of antibiotic resistance genes in the plastisphere of different waters areas （including seawater， freshwater， and wastewater） and explores the influencing factors for the spread and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes in the plastisphere， as well as their potential risks to human health and ecosystems. Finally， the future research directions of antibiotic resistance in the plastisphere are prospected， aiming to provide new insights for a comprehensive understanding of relevant issues regarding antibiotic resistance in the plastisphere.

PMID:41531060 | DOI:10.13227/j.hjkx.202411147

Effect of Polyethylene Microplastics on Microbial Necromass Carbon in Different Land Use Type Soils - January 14, 2026

Huan Jing Ke Xue. 2026 Jan 8;47(1):622-628. doi: 10.13227/j.hjkx.202411187.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics （MPs） are widely present in terrestrial ecosystems， but the impact of their accumulation on microbial necromass and their contribution to soil organic carbon （SOC） in different land use types is unclear. In this study， 5 mm×5 mm polyethylene microplastics （PE-MPs） sourced from plastic film were added to the grassland， farmland， and facility soil at the dosages of 0% （CK）， 0.03%， and 0.3% （w/w）， respectively， for an eight-week indoor culture experiment. The changes in soil organic carbon and microbial residue carbon were analyzed after the culture was completed. The results showed that： ① The addition of 0.03% and 0.3% PE-MPs reduced the soil MNC content of the three land use types by 5.4%-11.1% and 2.1%-37.1%， respectively， compared with those of CK. Among them， the addition of 0.3% PE-MPs significantly reduced soil MNC content by 19.8% and 37.1% in farmland and facility soils， respectively， and had no significant effect on grassland soil. ② The addition of 0.03% and 0.3% PE-MPs significantly reduced the contribution of soil MNC to SOC by 20.6% and 25.0% in the farmland and by 4.8% and 18.8% in the facility soils， respectively （P<0.05）. The addition of 0.3% PE-MPs increased the contribution of soil MNC to organic carbon in grassland by 5.9%. ③ Soil nitrate nitrogen， dissolved organic nitrogen， and pH were important factors affecting the accumulation of microbial necromass carbon. In conclusion， the accumulation of soil MNC and its contribution to SOC were reduced in both farmland and facility soils after the addition of 0.3% PE-MPs， which was detrimental to soil carbon sequestration.

PMID:41531090 | DOI:10.13227/j.hjkx.202411187

Influencing Factors and Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance Gene Enrichment by Microplastics in the Environment - January 14, 2026

Huan Jing Ke Xue. 2026 Jan 8;47(1):629-639. doi: 10.13227/j.hjkx.202412243.

ABSTRACT

In recent decades， the misuse of antibiotics has contributed to a significant rise in antibiotic resistance among bacteria. Antibiotic resistance genes （ARGs）， carried by antibiotic-resistant bacteria and considered to be emerging pollutants， are primarily responsible for this phenomenon. ARGs have been extensively detected in various environmental media， including the atmosphere， soil， water， and sediments. Microplastics （MPs）， defined as plastic fragments with diameters less than 5 mm， pose a considerable threat due to their ease of ingestion by organisms， leading to adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. Moreover， microplastics exhibit a high affinity for organic pollutants， facilitating their migration through adsorption and desorption processes. The surfaces of microplastics can harbor bacterial pathogens and ARGs， thereby influencing the occurrence and dissemination of ARGs in the environment. Although numerous publications have reported the role of microplastics in the transmission of ARGs across diverse environments， there remains a gap in understanding the specific effects of microplastics on the accumulation and horizontal gene transfer of ARGs， including MPs types and surface characteristics， along with the underlying mechanisms. This review provides an overview of the ARGs enrichment by microplastics in various environment media and highlights how the type and surface characteristics of microplastics impact the concentration and subsequent spread of ARGs， while also clarifying the underlying mechanisms through which microplastics facilitate the horizontal transfer of ARGs. The review also outlines prospective research directions concerning microplastics and ARGs， offering valuable insights for the management and control of emerging pollutants.

PMID:41531091 | DOI:10.13227/j.hjkx.202412243

Removal Mechanism of Microplastics in Bioretention Systems and the Influence of Their Enrichment on the Treatment of Pollutants in the System - January 14, 2026

Huan Jing Ke Xue. 2026 Jan 8;47(1):640-649. doi: 10.13227/j.hjkx.202412251.

ABSTRACT

Stormwater washes microplastics deposited on road dust or floating in the air into urban pipeline networks and then into rivers， lakes， and oceans， which is a direct threat to ecosystems and human health. Therefore， there is an urgent need to implement control measures for microplastics in runoff. As one of the low-impact development strategies， bioretention systems can remove various pollutants， including microplastics， from runoff through natural processes such as adsorption and filtration by soil media， absorption by plants， and biodegradation by microorganisms， demonstrating effective microplastic management. However， due to their large specific surface area and resistance to degradation， most microplastics tend to accumulate within these systems， easily forming composite pollution with other contaminants， which hinders the removal of nutrients by bioretention systems. Based on a comprehensive analysis of domestic and international research on bioretention systems， this study summarizes the microplastic removal processes within bioretention systems and further explores the impact of microplastic accumulation on the nutrient treatment capabilities of these systems. The results indicated that microplastic accumulation altered the physicochemical properties of the soil media in bioretention systems， impeded plant growth and development， and inhibited the abundance and activity of relevant enzymes and microorganisms involved in nutrient processing. Notably， the removal of dissolved nitrogen， which primarily occurs through biodegradation processes in these systems， was significantly affected. The findings of this study provide scientific insights for microplastic management and the optimization of bioretention system performance. It also highlights future research directions， including the microplastic removal method， microplastic ageing mechanism， system numerical simulation， and so on.

PMID:41531092 | DOI:10.13227/j.hjkx.202412251

The Role of Soil Microorganisms in Microplastic Biodegradation: Mechanisms, Carbon Preferences, and Ecological Impacts - January 14, 2026

Environ Microbiol Rep. 2026 Feb;18(1):e70270. doi: 10.1111/1758-2229.70270.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) impact soil microorganisms by altering habitats and community structures. However, generalising these effects across polluted environments is challenging, particularly concerning soil carbon's role in biodegradation. This review aims to address crucial knowledge gaps regarding the relationship between soil carbon availability and microbial preferences for MP-derived polymers. It highlights that, despite being carbon-based, the unique structures of MPs prevent them from functioning like natural organic matter in the soil. This limitation affects both the degradation process and the ability of soil microorganisms to utilise MPs effectively as a carbon source. Notably, even polymers that are not directly assimilated after MP biodegradation can be transformed by other soil microorganisms into more readily exploitable forms through vital microbial interactions within the soil food web, which play a key role in carbon cycling. Moreover, this review emphasises attention on understanding how the microbial preferences for substrates derived from MPs are influenced by more readily available organic carbon in the soil. Evaluating carbon use efficiency among these communities reveals intricate responses of soil microorganisms to various carbon sources, including those from MPs. Overall, this review underscores the complex interplay between soil microorganisms, carbon sources, and MP pollution.

PMID:41531242 | DOI:10.1111/1758-2229.70270

Shape-driven toxicity of polystyrene microplastics: Impacts on physiology and gut microbiota in Daphnia magna - January 13, 2026

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jan 12;225:119218. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119218. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a global issue that poses serious risks to aquatic ecosystems. Although Daphnia spp. are widely used as model organisms to study the effects of microplastics on their fitness, their microbiome response remains largely unexplored. This study investigated the effects of ground polystyrene microplastics (G-PS; fragments below the EC₁₀ value) and commercial polystyrene microplastics (C-PS; beads below the EC₁₀ value) on the physio-biochemical responses and gut microbiota of Daphnia magna. The toxicity of polystyrene microplastics to D. magna was shape-dependent, with G-PS being more toxic than C-PS. Exposure to G-PS and C-PS triggered Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in D. magna. Although G-PS increased the abundance of both harmful (Fusobacterium) and beneficial bacteria (Blautia and Subdoligranulum) in the gut microbiota of Daphnia, C-PS only increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Ligilactobacillus, and Aerococcus), which may mitigate the toxicity of microplastics. Functional predictions based on amplicon sequencing suggested that altered microbiota may support the growth of D. magna by modulating associated metabolic pathways. D. magna exposed to G-PS exhibited a significantly higher abundance of gut microbiota pathways and enzymes associated with the detoxification of harmful compounds than those exposed to C-PS. This suggests that the higher toxicity of G-PS requires a stronger adaptive response from the gut microbiota. Overall, these findings highlight microplastic shape as a key factor influencing toxicity in D. magna and its associated microbiota.

PMID:41529362 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119218

Carboxymethylcellulose-modified nano-zero-valent iron (C-nZVI) promotes ryegrass phytoremediation of cadmium in sediments co-contaminated with multiple microplastics: Mechanisms revealed by PLS-PM - January 13, 2026

J Environ Manage. 2026 Jan 12;399:128650. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.128650. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The widespread distribution of microplastics (MPs) presents new challenges for the remediation of toxic metals-contaminated sediments. In this study, carboxymethylcellulose-modified nano-zero-valent iron (C-nZVI) was applied to explore its potential to assist ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in remediating sediment co-contaminated with cadmium (Cd) and six different types of MPs. Experimental results indicated that application of C-nZVI not only increased total dry biomass (+0.81 % to + 58.94 %) and enhanced the overall length of plants (+2.57 % to + 30.94 %), but also improved their capacity for Cd accumulation (+4.76 % to + 69.49 %). Furthermore, C-nZVI significantly increased the residual fraction of Cd (+22.12 % to +148.67 %), stimulate sediment enzyme activities and increased the relative abundance of key bacterial taxa (such as Devosia and Nitrosomonas), which are functionally linked to nutrient cycling and toxic metal immobilization, thereby supporting the remediation process. The partial least squares path model revealed that C-nZVI regulated the sediment-ryegrass system via two effective pathways: it not only reduced the bioavailable forms of Cd and increased the residual forms of Cd, but also enhanced Cd uptake by plants and facilitated plant growth. This study demonstrates the promising application of C-nZVI in enhancing phytoremediation efficiency in complex pollution scenarios where toxic metals and diverse MPs co-exist. This nano-enabled strategy offers a practical solution for the in-situ remediation of polluted riverine or wetland sediments. Future research should focus on field validation and assessing the long-term ecological impacts of this approach.

PMID:41529413 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.128650

Long-term biodegradable mulch films application in agricultural fields: effects on soil functionality and microplastic generation - January 13, 2026

J Environ Manage. 2026 Jan 12;398:128594. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.128594. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils has become a growing environmental concern, particularly due to the use of plastic mulch films. Biodegradable mulch films (BMFs) have been proposed as a sustainable alternative, yet long-term field evidence remains scarce. In this study, we evaluated MPs occurrence and soil functionality in two commercial farms in northern Italy where BMFs have been applied for over a decade. Soil samples were collected from plots with and without mulch, MPs (25 μm-5 mm) were isolated and chemically characterized, and soil biochemical parameters were assessed. The results revealed a diverse composition of plastics mainly not related to agricultural practices, suggesting external inputs from diffuse sources such as atmospheric deposition or irrigation water. Overall, MPs concentration over the two fields ranged between 300 and 580 MP items kg_ds^-1 with control surrounding areas reaching >1000 MP items kg_ds^-1. Notably, among the fragments spectrally compatible with biodegradable materials, their origin could not be directly linked to the applied mulch films and are therefore presumed to originate from external sources. From a biochemical point of view, BMFs application enhanced, on average, microbial biomass carbon (+27 %) and enzymatic activity (+23 % for β-glu, +13 % for β-xyl, and +31 % for PME), although these effects were strongly site-specific, with soil type emerging as the main driver of variability. Overall, our findings indicate that long-term use of BMFs does not lead to clear MP accumulation within the assessed size range nor adversely affect soil functionality, supporting their potential as an environmentally compatible alternative to conventional polyethylene mulches. Further research is nevertheless required to better understand their long-term transformation and environmental fate under field conditions.

PMID:41529652 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.128594

Combined Exposure of Microplastics and Climate Warming Affects the Bacteria-Driven Macrophyte Litter Decomposition in an Urban Lake - January 13, 2026

Environ Manage. 2026 Jan 13;76(2):66. doi: 10.1007/s00267-025-02371-3.

ABSTRACT

Lake ecosystems are increasingly threatened by multiple stressors, notably climate warming and microplastic (MP) pollution, which have emerged as a major environmental concern. Although there is evidence of harmful effects on aquatic organisms, their interactive effects on macrophyte litter decomposition in lake ecosystems remain poorly understood. Here, we conduct a 30-day microcosm experiment to examine the individual and combined impacts of warming and polystyrene MPs (PS MPs) on Vallisneria natans litter decomposition dynamics and linked microbial structure and function in the lake ecosystem. The results demonstrated that combined warming and PS-MPs treatments did not significantly affect litter decomposition at low PS-MPs concentrations but promoted it at high concentrations, indicating a concentration-dependent effect. The combined warming and PS-MPs significantly increased bacterial biomass and some extracellular enzymatic (β-1,4-xylosidase, acid phosphatase, and leucine-aminopeptidase) activities; this enhancement is likely attributable to the abundance and diversity of bacteria at higher PS concentrations. Notably, the combined warming and PS-MPs significantly increased the bacterial diversity and the relative abundance of unclassified Paludibacteraceae and Treponema. The presence of pathogens such as unclassified Paludibacteraceae and Treponema on MPs highlights significant potential risks to public health and aquatic food webs. These shifts suggest that warming and PS-MPs selectively enrich taxa with functional traits adapted to disturbed environments, thereby driving enhanced decomposition. Our findings highlight the need to consider stressor interactions when assessing the ecological and health risks posed by global change to lake ecosystems.

PMID:41530386 | DOI:10.1007/s00267-025-02371-3

Microplastics: A Modifiable Cardiac Risk Factor - January 13, 2026

Cardiol Rev. 2026 Jan 13. doi: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000001174. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Globally, cardiovascular disease is the most prevalent cause of death, and there are other risk factors involved that are not captured through traditional means. We present a review of the literature on microplastic exposure and discuss the clinical implications of microplastics for cardiovascular disease. Experimental studies show that micro- and nanoplastics induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, thrombosis, dyslipidemia, and direct cardiotoxicity. These microplastics and nanoplastics have been identified in coronary plaque. Emerging clinical data have recently reported evidence in patients having microplastics in carotid plaques that are at a 4.5-fold increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death, in a cohort from the New England Journal of Medicine in 2024. Microplastics remain a potential modifiable risk for cardiovascular disease.

PMID:41527182 | DOI:10.1097/CRD.0000000000001174

Impact of Conventional vs. Biodegradable and Compostable Microplastics on Eisenia fetida S.: An Ecopathological Approach - January 12, 2026

Environ Toxicol. 2026 Jan 12. doi: 10.1002/tox.70030. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics represent an emerging issue endangering all ecosystems including soils, where the impact of both conventional and biobased ones remains controversial. The study aimed to assess the effects of two concentrations (1% and 2%) of biodegradable and compostable microplastics and conventional high-density polyethylene microplastics on the abiotic properties of soil, and the ecotoxicological and ecopathological impacts on Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826) through histological techniques. Analyses conducted on the evaluation of abiotic soil parameters after 28 days of exposure did not show any significant change compared to the control samples. Ecotoxicological results showed increased mortality and decreased biomass across all treated groups after 14 days of exposure, while a significant reduction in offspring was only observed in 1%-biodegradable and compostable microplastics. Ecopathological analysis revealed inflammatory and/or degenerative phenomena in the epidermal and muscular layers in all treated groups after 14 days of exposure, suggesting the presence of sublethal effects which could impair the well-being of individuals. Overall, our results suggest that the ecopathological approach combined with the classical ecotoxicological one can help explain pathological events which are behind the ecotoxicological endpoints and underline the existence of fine tissue and cell damage even when no changes are observed during ecotoxicological studies.

PMID:41521850 | DOI:10.1002/tox.70030

Human Exposure to Airborne Microplastics: A Study on Detection and Potential Health Effects Using BAL Fluid - January 12, 2026

J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2025 Dec;17(Suppl 4):S3066-S3068. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1088_25. Epub 2025 Dec 17.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Airborne microplastics have emerged as a potential environmental health hazard, with increasing evidence of their presence in urban air. This study aimed to detect microplastic particles in human bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and assess associated respiratory health impacts.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 adult patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy. BAL fluid was collected and analyzed using polarized light microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to identify microplastics. Inflammatory markers and pulmonary function tests were recorded and compared between individuals with and without detectable microplastics.

RESULTS: Microplastics were detected in 70% of BAL samples, with polyethylene (52.4%) and polypropylene (31.0%) being the most common polymers. Participants with microplastic exposure showed significantly lower mean FEV1 values (66.3%) compared to nonexposed individuals (82.7%). Inflammatory markers such as neutrophils and eosinophils were also elevated in the exposed group. A higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms was noted among those with detectable microplastics.

CONCLUSION: The study highlights the presence of inhaled microplastics in the lower respiratory tract and their potential association with inflammation and impaired lung function. These findings emphasize the need for monitoring environmental exposure and assessing long-term health risks.

PMID:41522972 | PMC:PMC12788448 | DOI:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1088_25

Toward Scalability: Fe-MOF-Based Ultrafiltration Membrane for Effective Microplastics Removal from Drinking Water at Point-of-Use - January 12, 2026

Glob Chall. 2026 Jan 7;10(1):e00559. doi: 10.1002/gch2.202500559. eCollection 2026 Jan.

ABSTRACT

The frequent detection of microplastics (MPs) in bottled drinking water underscores the need for effective point-of-use (POU) purification strategies to limit human exposure, particularly given their ability to transport co-contaminants. While metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been extensively investigated for MP removal, their application in practical POU drinking water purification remains largely underexplored, especially regarding scalability and delivery of potable water after filtration. In this work, NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) MOF is integrated onto a commercial polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration (UF) membrane to develop a Fe-MOF@UF composite for enhanced removal of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-MP from drinking water. The optimally synthesized Fe-MOF@UF membrane achieved a PET-MP rejection efficacy of ∼94%. Additionally, its practical applicability is validated using commercially available PET-bottled drinking water, confirming the effective removal of MPs while delivering potable water compliant with international drinking water quality standards. Collectively, these outcomes emphasize the first practical viability of MOF-membrane hybrids for POU drinking water treatment. Despite limitations, this research lays a strong groundwork for future efforts toward performance optimization and highlights a viable pathway for scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable MOF-incorporated household MP filtration units.

PMID:41522423 | PMC:PMC12780347 | DOI:10.1002/gch2.202500559

From the Gut to the Brain: Microplastic-Associated Neurovascular Dysfunction and Implications for Stroke Risk - January 12, 2026

Adv Sci (Weinh). 2026 Jan 12:e20278. doi: 10.1002/advs.202520278. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as pervasive environmental contaminants with increasing relevance to neurovascular health. Following oral exposure, accumulating evidence suggests that MPs can disrupt gut microbial homeostasis, impair intestinal epithelial barrier integrity, and engage the gut-brain axis (GBA), thereby promoting systemic and central inflammatory responses. These interconnected processes are linked to blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, cerebral microvascular impairment, and neurovascular alterations that are biologically relevant to stroke susceptibility. Evidence derived largely from animal and in vitro models, together with emerging epidemiological observations, supports the biological plausibility that microplastic (MP) exposure may contribute to neurovascular vulnerability through mechanisms involving endothelial inflammation, pro-thrombotic signaling, and atherosclerotic progression. However, substantial heterogeneity in exposure paradigms, particle characteristics, and analytical methodologies limits direct causal inference and translational interpretation in humans. Future research should prioritize standardized exposure frameworks and integrate multi-omics approaches with artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted analysis to better define exposure-response relationships and mechanistic pathways underlying MP-associated cerebrovascular alterations. Such efforts are essential for improving risk assessment and informing evidence-based strategies for environmental neurovascular health.

PMID:41524206 | DOI:10.1002/advs.202520278

Bronchoalveolar Lavage as a Diagnostic Window into Human Exposure to Microplastics and Associated Lung Changes - January 12, 2026

J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2025 Dec;17(Suppl 4):S3078-S3080. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1095_25. Epub 2025 Dec 17.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Microplastics are emerging airborne pollutants increasingly implicated in respiratory health risks. Although ingestion has been widely studied, inhalation of microplastics and their potential pulmonary impact remain underexplored. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) provides a minimally invasive diagnostic technique for detecting inhaled particles and assessing associated inflammatory changes.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 adult patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy for non-infective pulmonary complaints. BAL fluid was collected and filtered to detect microplastics using polarized light microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Cytological examination and cytokine analysis (IL-6, TNF-α) were also performed. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS v25, with significance set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS: Microplastics were detected in 70% of BAL samples, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the most common types. The mean microplastic count was 6.4 ± 3.1 particles per 100 mL BALF. Individuals with detectable microplastics showed significantly higher macrophage (65.4% vs. 58.6%, P = 0.012) and neutrophil (18.2% vs. 12.4%, P = 0.003) percentages in BAL cytology, alongside elevated IL-6 and TNF-α levels (P < 0.001). Lymphocyte proportions were relatively lower in exposed individuals (P = 0.017).

CONCLUSION: Bronchoalveolar lavage is a valuable tool for detecting pulmonary microplastic exposure and related inflammatory changes. These findings underscore the potential health risks posed by airborne microplastics and support the need for environmental and occupational health interventions.

PMID:41523016 | PMC:PMC12788413 | DOI:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1095_25

Microplastics in Early Onset Carcinogenesis - January 12, 2026

Carcinogenesis. 2026 Jan 12:bgaf093. doi: 10.1093/carcin/bgaf093. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plastics have become integral to modern life, but their persistence has generated vast quantities of microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs, <1 µm) that now contaminate food, water, air, and human tissues. Although not yet classified as carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, accumulating experimental and epidemiologic evidence raises concern that MPs may contribute to cancer development. Global plastic production has risen from 2 megatons in 1950 to more than 450 megatons annually in 2022, leaving behind pervasive waste that fragments into MPs and NPs. These particles act as xenobiotics, carrying toxic additives and adsorbed pollutants, provoking oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, DNA damage, and microbiome disruption; all processes central to carcinogenesis. MPs have been detected in human cancers, and animal studies show tissue accumulation, fibrosis, and genomic instability following exposure. Importantly, the proliferation of plastics parallels a global rise in early-onset cancers (diagnosed before age 50), suggesting a possible, though unproven, temporal association. Individuals born after the 1950s plastic boom have experienced continuous MP exposure beginning in utero, potentially predisposing them to carcinogenic pathways later in life. In this review, we integrate human biomonitoring data, experimental findings, and clinical observations to evaluate the emerging hypothesis that chronic MP exposure contributes to cancer risk. While causality has not been established, the biological plausibility and mounting evidence underscore the urgent need for mechanistic and epidemiologic studies to clarify the role of MPs and NPs in cancer development. It also underscores an urgent need for research into causal pathways and preventive mechanisms.

PMID:41521690 | DOI:10.1093/carcin/bgaf093

Vinyl chloride oligomers: On the road to understand the potential toxicity of PVC nanoplastics - January 12, 2026

PLoS One. 2026 Jan 12;21(1):e0339850. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0339850. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

On the road to understand the toxicity of nanoplastics, it is important to determine their capacity to interact with other molecules, as this is the first condition that must be met. In particular, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a versatile plastic widely used in construction. It can be degraded producing micro and nanoplastics, which can be formed when PVC pipes are cut during the manufacturing of products. PVC is considered to be one of the most toxic plastics, so it is important to analyze potential detrimental effects. This is the main aim of this research. On the basis of Density Functional Theory calculations, we investigated different vinyl chloride oligomers (as models of PVC nanoplastics). Degradation energies, electron donor acceptor capacities to analyze possible oxidation reactions, and interaction energies with different molecules were calculated. The vinyl chloride oligomers used in this investigation are saturated and monounsaturated. This is important since monounsaturated variant is dominant in experimental conditions. We found that none of the oligomers are good electron donors or acceptors. We also investigated different oligomers interacting with ciprofloxacin and •OOH. The interaction energies with ciprofloxacin and •OOH are negative or less than 13 kcal/mol, indicating weak interactions. This theoretical investigation indicates that vinyl chloride oligomers are not expected to be reactive or toxic, considering the electron transfer and the interaction energies with other molecules.

PMID:41525331 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0339850

The evolving interface of aged microplastics and heavy metals: implications for environmental fate and toxicity - January 12, 2026

Environ Geochem Health. 2026 Jan 13;48(2):98. doi: 10.1007/s10653-025-02971-2.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) ubiquitously contaminate ecosystems and serve as efficient vectors for heavy metals (HMs), amplifying their environmental mobility and bioavailability. Although the individual toxicological impacts of MPs and HMs are well-documented, their combined effects, driven by complex adsorption dynamics and synergistic toxicity, remain poorly understood. This review systematically synthesizes recent advances in MP-HM interactions, with a focus on adsorption mechanisms such as electrostatic attraction, biofilm facilitation, and co-precipitation. Key factors governing adsorption efficiency, including polymer crystallinity, environmental aging, biofilm formation, and water chemistry, are critically examined. Furthermore, we elucidate the compounded toxicity of MP-HM complexes across aquatic and terrestrial organisms, manifesting as oxidative stress, multi-organ damage, and endocrine disruption, with bioaccumulation risks that propagate through food chains to humans. By identifying critical knowledge gaps, particularly regarding long-term ecotoxicological outcomes and transgenerational effects, this review provides a mechanistic framework to guide future research and evidence-based policy for mitigating composite pollution in a rapidly changing environment.

PMID:41526583 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-025-02971-2

The evolving interface of aged microplastics and heavy metals: implications for environmental fate and toxicity - January 12, 2026

Environ Geochem Health. 2026 Jan 13;48(2):98. doi: 10.1007/s10653-025-02971-2.

ABSTRACT

PMID:41526583 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-025-02971-2

Microplastics in the Gastrointestinal Tracts of Striped Field Mice (Apodemus agraruis Pallas, 1771) from Moscow Parks - January 12, 2026

Dokl Biol Sci. 2025 Dec;525(1):368-371. doi: 10.1134/S0012496625600599. Epub 2026 Jan 12.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) were for the first time isolated and partly identified from the contents of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in striped field mice (Apodemus agrarius Pallas, 1771) from two Moscow parks, Neskuchny Garden (n = 5) and Terletsky Park (n = 1). MPs were found in the GI tracts of all mice examined. Small multicolored threads dominated in samples. The chemical composition of the longest thread (>4 mm) was analyzed using a Foton-Bio Raman microscope (Russia). A toxic copolymer of vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile was identified in the composition (72.4% match). Artificial coverings in the park or films were presumably its source. The findings will contribute to the development of measures to control MP pollution in urban ecosystems and are important for assessing the risk to other vertebrates, including humans.

PMID:41526790 | DOI:10.1134/S0012496625600599

Microbial mechanisms as tools for monitoring and treating emerging contaminants in urban pollution: an overview - January 12, 2026

Arch Microbiol. 2026 Jan 12;208(2):119. doi: 10.1007/s00203-025-04677-6.

ABSTRACT

Emerging contaminants are molecules, either novel or previously recognized, that persist in the environment and may pose risks to ecosystems and human health. Their increasing occurrence, particularly in pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial processes, has intensified research on their detection, monitoring, and ecological impact. Advances in analytical technologies now enable the identification of these compounds at trace concentrations, yet their long-term effects remain uncertain. This review compiles recent findings on microbial ecotoxicology, focusing on representative contaminants of high concern such as penicillin, parabens, caffeine, and microplastics. Microorganisms (bacteria or fungi) are highlighted both as sensitive bioindicators of environmental pollution and as active agents in biodegradation processes. Their ability to metabolize, transform, or neutralize contaminants underscores their potential as sustainable tools for remediation. By integrating evidence from multiple studies, we emphasize microbial-based strategies as promising tools for environmental monitoring and mitigation.

PMID:41524950 | DOI:10.1007/s00203-025-04677-6

The bioaccumulation characteristics and combined toxicity effects of aged microplastics with adsorbed Hg(II) in oysters - January 11, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jan 6;503:141077. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141077. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The ubiquitous microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments were easily accessible to the highly toxic Hg(II) to form a complex co-pollutant scenario. The bioaccumulation patterns and toxicological effects of such Hg(II)-adsorbed MPs complexes were not clearly revealed and require in-depth investigation. This study employed oysters (Crassostrea hongkonggensis) as a model organism to investigate the joint effect of aged Hg(II)-adsorbed polyethylene MPs (A-PEs) and tire MPs (A-TMPs). Under medium (200 μg L^-1) and high (2 mg L^-1) levels, significant accumulation of A-MPs and Hg(II) was observed in the gill and digestive gland, reaching up to 45-57.18 μg g^-1. The oysters possessed a self-protection mechanism that relied on follicular exclusion and digestive encapsulation, expelling portions of A-MPs and Hg(II). The accumulation of Hg(II) and A-MPs featured the pattern of a rapid initial increase, a peak during mid-to-late stages, and eventual stabilization or gradual decline in organ burdens. Moreover, A-TMPs exhibited accumulation levels generally 3-6 times higher than those of A-PEs. More importantly, the bioaccumulated Hg(II) was predominantly derived from the food phase via the significant vector of the MPs based on the toxicokinetic model. Furthermore, medium and high concentrations induced oxidative damage, immune dysfunction, and the downregulation of associated gene expression. It was noteworthy that the oysters showed neither significant accumulation of A-MPs and Hg(II) nor notable alterations in the enzyme activities after 25 days of exposure at an environmentally relevant low level (20 μg L^-1). These findings offered critical insights into the vector effects of MPs and their synergistic toxic mechanisms with metals in filter-feeding organisms.

PMID:41520436 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141077

Initiating environmental microplastics analysis: A review and planning guide with practical insights from laboratory implementation - January 11, 2026

Sci Total Environ. 2026 Jan 10;1014:181220. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.181220. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Recent research indicating that microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous and may have harmful environmental and human health effects has led to widespread interest in MP monitoring. While a plethora of MP methods are available and in development, challenges remain, and little comprehensive advice is available to inform interested laboratories about planning, initial setup, time investment, capital and operating costs, and logistics. Grounded in current literature and informed by the authors' experience initiating environmental MP analysis, this review provides comprehensive, practical guidance that can assist other laboratories in planning and decision-making for initiating MP analysis. This work focuses on commonly used nondestructive methods, including physical isolation, quantification, and characterization, though alternative methods are also presented. Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC), including contamination reduction, is addressed as the primary challenge to robust analysis. An iterative planning diagram that works backwards from characterization method to sampling plan is provided. Time, costs, and logistics are also discussed. This review provides valuable information to utility, commercial, and research laboratories as they plan to undertake MP analysis. Although not intended to be the best fit for every laboratory, the authors' methods are referred to throughout to serve as a concrete example, and the developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) are also provided in Supplementary Material.

PMID:41520380 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.181220

Raman imaging spectroscopy approach for the microplastics detection in the Oka estuary in the Urdaibai biosphere reserve (Basque Country, Spain) - January 11, 2026

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jan 10;225:119239. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119239. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are contaminants of high concern due to their ubiquitous presence in the environment and their ability to adsorb and release other pollutants. Sediments, as final sinks of contaminants in coastal environments, are good indicators of the presence of MPs in estuaries. This study aims to investigate the abundance, geographical/ temporal trends and characteristics of MPs present in the Urdaibai estuary, located in an area protected by UNESCO. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the presence of MPs is reported in this area. Sediment samples were collected at five points in the estuary every three months for a year. The fraction between 250 μm and 2000 μm of the dry sediments was analysed by imaging-Raman microscopy, with tuned parameters and using a 785 nm laser, following an innovative methodology developed in our research group. The concentration of the MPs found ranges from 16 to 165 items per kilogram of dry sediment, being polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) the most abundant. Only fragments and fibres were encountered, and PET was only found in the form of fibres. Although no general temporal trend was observed, one sampling site presented a significantly higher amount of MPs than the rest of sites, probably due to geomorphic and hydrodynamic reasons. This work highlights the importance of monitoring MPs in coastal environments, which will provide us with information to improve plastic waste management, develop clear regulations on the manufacture and use of plastic materials, and implement public awareness programmes.

PMID:41520482 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119239

Response of microplastic color to photoaging and its influence on the release characteristics of derived dissolved organic matters - January 11, 2026

J Contam Hydrol. 2026 Jan 9;277:104849. doi: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2026.104849. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study systematically investigated the regulatory mechanisms of color parameters on the photoaging behavior and ecological effects of polypropylene (PP) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). We revealed the evolution of the physicochemical properties of various colored microplastics. These results indicate that red and yellow microplastics significantly accelerated surface oxidation and chain breakage due to their strong ultraviolet absorption properties (long wavelength of 380-420 nm). This led to an increase in specific surface area, exemplified by a 10.8% increase in the crystallinity of red PP, an enhancement in surface roughness characterized by dense cracks on the surface of red PMMA, and a greater release of dissolved organic matter (MPs-DOM). DOM components exhibited color dependence, with the red group displaying the highest peak fluorescence intensity. PMMA was primarily composed of humic acids (Ex/Im = 240-250/420-425 nm), while PP released polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Ex/Im = 220-225/305-310 nm). Biological toxicity experiments demonstrated that PMMA-DOM aged for 30 days significantly inhibited the germination rate of Chinese cabbage seeds, averaging 92%. Red PP-DOM promoted a 22.7% increase in seed wet weight during the early stage (10 d). However, long-term exposure (90 days) inhibited the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) due to the accumulation of free radicals. Further research has shown that green microplastics exhibit weaker light absorption capabilities and lower toxicity effects related to DOM. This study elucidates the mechanism by which color influences the environmental fate of microplastics through their photoresponsive properties, providing a theoretical foundation for microplastic control strategies based on pigment photosensitivity.

PMID:41520372 | DOI:10.1016/j.jconhyd.2026.104849

Delineating degradation of polyethylene microplastics by mangrove-derived microbes: Enzymatic pathways and intermediate identification - January 11, 2026

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Jan 10;309:119692. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119692. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The accumulation of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) in marine and coastal environments, particularly mangrove ecosystems, poses significant environmental challenges. To address this, we investigated the bioremediation potential of two bacterial strains, Lysobacter sp. (MAS-1) and Nitratireductor kimnyeongensis (MAS-2), isolated from biofilm-coated PE-film in a Thailand mangrove area. Microbial community analysis revealed a shift toward Proteobacteria (47-92 %) and Actinomycetota (5-41 %) in PE-MP-enriched consortia, indicating niche specialization. Both strains exhibited significant degradation, with MAS-1 achieving 35.4 ± 1.2 % and MAS-2 achieving 23.04 ± 0.8 % weight loss of PE-MPs within 30-days. Biofilm assays confirmed substantial microbial adhesion on PE-MPs, and SEM imaging revealed surface pitting and cracking, indicative of microbial colonization and polymer breakdown. While FT-IR analyses showed oxidative modifications including carbonyl (CO), hydroxyl (-OH), and ether (C-O) groups, enhancing PE surface hydrophilicity. LC-MS/MS identified organic acids and nitrogen- and sulfur-rich compounds in a liquid medium, with in silico BioTransformer 3.0 analysis predicting strain-specific pathways like sulfur oxidation for MAS-1 and dehalogenation of MAS-2. These findings establish the bioremediation potential of mangrove-derived microbes and highlight the strains' distinct metabolic roles in PE-MP degradation.

PMID:41520536 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119692

Zinc-containing PVC microplastics reduce soil microbial activity and alter community structure in the plastisphere following UV-induced weathering - January 11, 2026

Environ Res. 2026 Jan 9:123737. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.123737. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to agricultural ecosystems, yet the effects of metal additives in these plastics on soil health remain understudied. We investigated how new and UV-weathered PVC plastic film with realistic nano-ZnO addition rates (0, 1, and 5 % wt.) affected soil properties and microbial communities. UV aging significantly enhanced Zn release from nano-ZnO PVC plastics, substantially increasing both the total and bioavailable Zn concentrations in soil. UV-aging of PVC containing 1 % ZnO increased total soil Zn by ca. 2-fold and available Zn by ca. 6-fold, while in the 5 % ZnO treatment, total Zn increased 6-fold (reaching 649 mg kg^-1) and available Zn ca. 25-fold (reaching 159 mg kg^-1). FTIR analysis revealed formation of new functional groups after UV aging, including -OH groups and unsaturated C=C bonds due to PVC dehydrochlorination. Using ¹⁴C-isotope tracing, we demonstrated that UV-aged 5 % wt. ZnO microplastics inhibited soil microbial activity, induced shifts in microbial community structure, reduced bacterial diversity, and resulted in changes in microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE). Conversely, Zn-containing macroplastics showed negligible effects compared to their microplastic counterparts. Relative abundances of Actinomycetota, Planctomycetota, and Verrucomicrobiota increased with higher ZnO additive rates, while Pseudomonadota, Myxococcota, and Gemmatimonadota decreased. This research highlights the need to define critical thresholds for metal additives in plastics used within agriculture and emphasizes the importance of considering both physical fragmentation, UV aging, and chemical additive release when assessing the impact of plastics on soil health and ecosystem functioning.

PMID:41520757 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.123737

Source Tracking, Pollution Load, and Risk Assessment of Microplastics Pollution in Agricultural Soils of Bangladesh Using Machine Learning and Multi-Matrix Approaches - January 11, 2026

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jan 9:127669. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127669. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) contamination in agricultural soils has emerged as a critical environmental challenge, particularly in Bangladesh, where agriculture underpins food security and trade. This study provides one of the first comprehensive assessments of MPs in agricultural land, highlighting both their prevalence and ecological risks. A total of 64 soil samples were collected from eight areas from January to February 2024. Our findings reveal that MPs are present at concerning levels (2887.81±1027.23 MPs/kg dw), with fibres, small-sized particles (0.1-0.5 mm), transparent MPs overwhelmingly dominant and polyethene, polystyrene, and polypropylene identified as the most abundant polymers. Importantly, risk indices such as the Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Nemerow Pollution Index (NPI) consistently indicated medium to severe contamination. At the same time, the Polymeric Hazard Index showed that over 80% of the study area is exposed to very high polymer-associated ecological risks. The SEM-EDS analysis confirmed the presence of secondary MPs alongside toxic elements such as Hg, Cr, As, and Cd, underscoring the potential for MPs to act as vectors of hazardous substances. Furthermore, multivariate and machine learning approaches (Random Forest and XGBoost)identified agricultural practices-particularly the use of bio-fertilisers and plastic inputs-as the dominant contributors. Soil properties, including electrical conductivity, salinity, pH, and organic carbon, emerged as key controlling factors, demonstrating the utility of data-driven models for risk estimation. By combining traditional risk indices with advanced analytical and predictive tools, this study not only establishes the scale of MPs contamination in Bangladeshi agricultural soils but also provides actionable insights into its drivers and agricultural implications-identifying pollution hotspots, which enhance sustainable farming practices and targeted interventions to mitigate MPs pollution.

PMID:41520988 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127669

Analysis of sustainability differences among various shrimp farming models: a systematic review and meta analysis - January 11, 2026

Sci Rep. 2026 Jan 11. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-34072-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Aquaculture technology has diversified over the years, but its environmental impact and negative social effects have raised widespread concern. Currently, research on the differences in aquaculture models mainly focuses on a single dimension, lacking quantitative assessment methods for the various differences in farming models. This study employs a meta-analysis method to identify economic and ecological indicators' data from 136 pieces of literature published between 2002 and 2024. It systematically evaluates the impact of different aquaculture modes and technologies on the comprehensive (economic, ecological, and social) benefits of shrimp farming from multiple dimensions, exploring the differences in benefits between farming modes and the trends as they change with technology and indicators. The results indicate that the Pond Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture model (PIMTA), which uses biological hierarchy technology, exhibits the best comprehensive benefits, followed by the Indoor Super Intensive Recirculating Culture (ISIC_Recirculation), while the Pond Monoculture model (PMC) shows the lowest comprehensive benefits (-1.6425). In terms of ecological benefits, the ISIC_Recirculation model and the PIMTA model perform the best, with total solids (TS), the Shannon index, and microplastics (MPS) significantly affecting the differences in ecological benefits. The Indoor Super Intensive Exchange Culture (ISIC_Exchange) model stands out in terms of social benefits. Regarding economic benefits, the PIMTA model and the Indoor Super Intensive culture models (ISIC) are significantly higher than the PMC model. Based on simulations using collected data, when the survival rate (SR) is greater than 68.37%, the impact of different farming techniques on comprehensive benefits gradually diminishes as the survival rate (SR) increases. Higher pH levels reduce the impact of these differences, while higher dissolved oxygen (DO) levels increase their impact. This study proposes an evaluation method for the differences in comprehensive benefits among aquaculture models and technologies based on meta-analysis. It provides a scientific basis for optimizing the selection of aquaculture models, enhancing farming efficiency, and predicting the long-term trends of benefits from different farming models, thereby promoting the green and sustainable development of the aquaculture industry.

PMID:41521209 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-34072-6

Unraveling the impact of microplastics on autoimmune diseases: hidden dangers and environmental triggers - January 11, 2026

Environ Geochem Health. 2026 Jan 12;48(2):95. doi: 10.1007/s10653-026-02976-5.

ABSTRACT

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by loss of immune tolerance against self-antigens, leading to local or systemic inflammation and subsequent tissue/organ damage. Until now, the etiology of ADs remains obscure. Growing evidence suggests that microplastics (MPs) may act as emerging environmental triggers in the initiation and progression of these disorders. MPs have been shown to modulate immune-related gene expression and induce excessive reactive oxygen species production in various immune cells, such as macrophages, T cells, and B cells. This may lead to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and could create conditions that may promote the production of autoantibodies. Moreover, MPs can activate neutrophils and natural killer cells, potentially exacerbating immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation. Additionally, plasticizers and other chemical additives in MPs interact with immune cells via nuclear and membrane receptors, suggested to cause mitochondrial dysfunction and potentially further compromise immune homeostasis. Given the increasing presence of MPs in the environment and their potential immunomodulatory effects, understanding their role in ADs is of critical importance. This review summarizes the recent evidence and unveils the potential impact of MPs on immune functions and the pathogenesis of major ADs, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, we highlight future research directions to better understand the influences of MPs on ADs.

PMID:41521274 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-026-02976-5

Burbot (Lota lota) as a bioindicator of microplastic pollution in the Tisza River: Multi-tissue contamination, polymer characterisation, and implications for ecological and human-health risks - January 11, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jan 8;503:141048. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141048. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a growing threat to freshwater ecosystems and human health, yet knowledge of its occurrence in European rivers remains limited. This study provides the first evidence of MP contamination in burbot (Lota lota) from the Hungarian upper Tisza River. MPs were detected in all sampled fish (n = 10), with an average of 24.6 ± 7.46 particles per individual. Most particles were fibres (83.3 %), predominantly blue and generally < 500 μm in diameter. A Kruskal-Wallis analysis showed significant differences in MP retention across tissues (p < 0.05), with gills (1.53 MPs g⁻¹) and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT; 1.54 MPs g⁻¹) containing higher loads than liver (0.89 MPs g⁻¹) and muscle (1.07 MPs g⁻¹). Correlation analysis indicated non-significant positive associations (p ≥ 0.05) between total MP load and retention in the GIT (r = 0.41), liver (r = 0.58), and muscle (r = 0.63), but a negative relationship with gills (r = -0.56). Raman spectroscopy confirmed 68 particles representing 17 polymer and copolymer types, grouped into three categories: anthropogenically modified cellulosic fibres (ACF), textile-derived MPs, and petroleum-derived MPs. Textile-associated materials, including ACF, PET-cotton blends, and indigo-dyed polyurethane, predominated, indicating strong inputs from domestic laundering and urban effluent. Estimated human exposure through burbot consumption ranged from 14.4 MPs/week in infants to 320.54 MPs/week in European adults (123.6 MPs/week in Hungary), highlighting a potential dietary exposure pathway. These findings show that inadequate upstream waste management drives contamination and provide a critical baseline for monitoring microplastic pollution in Central European freshwater systems. Given its ecological traits and tissue-specific retention patterns, burbot represents a valuable bioindicator for long-term riverine MP surveillance.

PMID:41520437 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141048

Recent Advances in Raman Spectral Classification with Machine Learning - January 10, 2026

Sensors (Basel). 2026 Jan 5;26(1):341. doi: 10.3390/s26010341.

ABSTRACT

Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive analytical technique based on molecular vibrational properties. However, its practical application is often challenged by weak scattering signals, complex spectra, and the high-dimensional nature of the data, which complicates accurate interpretation. Traditional chemometric methods are limited in handling complex, nonlinear Raman data and rely on tedious, expert-knowledge-based feature engineering. The fusion of data-driven Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) methods offers a robust solution, enabling the automatic learning of complex features from raw data and achieving high-accuracy classification and prediction. The present study employed a structured narrative review methodology to capture the research progress, current trends, and future directions in the field of ML-assisted Raman spectral classification. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the application of traditional ML models and advanced DL architectures in Raman spectral analysis. It highlights the latest applications of this technology across several key domains, including biomedical diagnostics, food safety and authentication, mineralogical classification, and plastic and microplastic identification. Despite recent progress, several challenges remain: limited training data, weak cross-dataset generalization, poor reproducibility, and limited interpretability of deep models. We also outline practical directions for future research.

PMID:41516775 | PMC:PMC12788301 | DOI:10.3390/s26010341

Microplastic Pollution in the Environment: A Chemical Engineering Perspective on Sources, Fate, and Mitigation Strategies - January 10, 2026

Polymers (Basel). 2025 Dec 23;18(1):29. doi: 10.3390/polym18010029.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic pollution is a defining environmental crisis of the Anthropocene, threatening ecosystems and human health due to its persistence and global dispersion. This review synthesizes current knowledge through a chemical engineering framework, analyzing the contaminant's lifecycle from formation and environmental fate to detection and removal. We systematically evaluate conventional and advanced mitigation technologies, highlighting the potential of engineered adsorbents (e.g., functionalized sponges, biochar) for targeted capture while underscoring the limitations of current wastewater treatment for nano-plastics. The analysis extends beyond end-of-pipe solutions to underscore the imperative for sustainable polymer design and circular economy systems, where biodegradable polymers and chemical recycling must be integrated. Crucially, we identify techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life-cycle assessment (LCA) as essential, yet underdeveloped, tools for quantifying the true cost and sustainability of management strategies. The synthesis concludes that addressing microplastic pollution requires the integrated application of chemical engineering principles across molecular, process, and system scales, and it identifies key research priorities in advanced material design, standardized analytics, hybrid treatment processes, and comprehensive impact modeling.

PMID:41516814 | PMC:PMC12788071 | DOI:10.3390/polym18010029

Microplastic Pollution in the Environment: A Chemical Engineering Perspective on Sources, Fate, and Mitigation Strategies - January 10, 2026

Polymers (Basel). 2025 Dec 23;18(1):29. doi: 10.3390/polym18010029.

ABSTRACT

PMID:41516814 | PMC:PMC12788071 | DOI:10.3390/polym18010029

Unravelling the Potential Role of Nanoplastics and Microplastics-Induced Toxicity in Freshwater Fish: Emerging Role of Programmed Cell Death Mechanisms - January 10, 2026

J Appl Toxicol. 2026 Jan 9. doi: 10.1002/jat.70061. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have emerged as pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, resulting in several detrimental consequences for aquatic animals, particularly fish. Fish is a fundamental and economical food source, abundant in animal protein as well as micronutrients. Exposure of fish to MPs and NPs generates reactive oxygen species and induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage, while also altering gut microbiota, thus diminishing fish development and quality. Additionally, the accumulation of MPs and NPs in aquatic habitats may reach the human body through the consumption of polluted fish, potentially leading to significant health consequences. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a genetically controlled process of autonomous and controlled cell death that maintains homeostasis and facilitates development. PCD is crucial in the pathological mechanisms of toxicity generated by MPs and NPs. Although research on PCD in MPs and NPs toxicity is limited, it is crucial to discover key molecules and understand their regulatory roles for better disease prevention and management. This comprehensive review aims to delineate and elaborate on the emerging role of different PCD mechanisms, including pyroptosis, apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, oxeiptosis, and PANoptosis, in the pathogenesis of toxicity generated by MPs and NPs in freshwater fish.

PMID:41514476 | DOI:10.1002/jat.70061

Examining Latin America's Transition to a Circular Economy for Plastics - January 10, 2026

Environ Manage. 2026 Jan 10;76(2):65. doi: 10.1007/s00267-025-02298-9.

ABSTRACT

In light of global efforts to advance a circular economy for plastics, this study examines Latin America's transition through three core objectives. First, it analyzes secondary data on plastic production and consumption and the generation, mismanagement, and transboundary trade of plastic waste. Second, it scrutinizes government-led initiatives across the region based on official policy documents. Third, it conducts a SWOT analysis, evaluating the initiatives' strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to assess the current landscape of circular product design and business models, as well as their potential to mitigate the environmental impacts of the triple planetary crisis. Findings reveal that plastic production, consumption, and waste are steadily increasing in the region, while waste management and sustainable trade remain insufficient. The circular economy for plastics has gained traction through national strategies, roadmaps, and legal instruments. Its adoption has been notable in Chile and Uruguay, but negligent in several countries. Governments are supporting research into recycled materials and polymer innovation, yet policy gaps persist around microplastics and harmful additives in plastic product design. Most initiatives prioritize circular supply chains and resource recovery business models, while giving limited attention to other models and the underlying drivers and barriers. Furthermore, initiatives often address plastic pollution with weak linkages to climate change and biodiversity loss. This research strengthens the understanding and implementation of actions positioning circular design as pivotal to reducing plastic waste at the source, circular business models as catalysts for low-carbon economies, and the fight against the triple planetary crisis as an environmental objective of circular economy initiatives.

PMID:41518415 | PMC:PMC12790530 | DOI:10.1007/s00267-025-02298-9

The Impact of Nanoplastics on the Quality of Fish Sperm: A Review - January 10, 2026

Animals (Basel). 2025 Dec 29;16(1):94. doi: 10.3390/ani16010094.

ABSTRACT

Pollution in aquatic ecosystems is intensifying under the combined pressures of climate change and anthropogenic contaminants, with nanoplastics (NPs) emerging as a critical threat to fish reproduction. Although extensive research has demonstrated the physiological impacts of NPs, their direct effects on sperm quality and functionality remain poorly characterized. This review synthesizes evidence from original research articles that specifically examined NPs' impacts on fish sperm quality and related reproductive endpoints. The findings reveal that NPs consistently impair sperm motility, viability, and fertilization capacity, while inducing oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endocrine disruption. Particle size, surface chemistry, and exposure route were identified as key determinants of toxicity, with direct sperm exposure causing immediate impairments and chronic or maternal transfer exposures leading to systemic and transgenerational effects. Notably, several studies reported reduced offspring survival, altered development, and disrupted gene expression, highlighting the intergenerational risks of NPs contamination. Despite these advances, significant knowledge gaps remain, including limited research on marine wild and cultured fish species, the effects of diverse life histories on NPs toxicity, environmentally relevant exposure levels, and the combined effects of NPs with other stressors. Overall, this review underscores that fish sperm are highly sensitive to NPs pollution, with consequences that extend across generations and threaten population stability, calling for urgent mechanistic and ecologically realistic investigations.

PMID:41514781 | PMC:PMC12784842 | DOI:10.3390/ani16010094

Synergistically Enhanced Ta(2)O(5)/AgNPs SERS Substrate Coupled with Deep Learning for Ultra-Sensitive Microplastic Detection - January 10, 2026

Materials (Basel). 2025 Dec 25;19(1):90. doi: 10.3390/ma19010090.

ABSTRACT

Herein, a high-performance Ta₂O₅/AgNPs composite Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) substrate is engineered for highly sensitive detection of microplastics. Through morphology modulation and band-gap engineering, the semiconductor Ta₂O₅ is structured into spheres and composited with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), facilitating efficient charge transfer and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). This architecture integrates electromagnetic (EM) and chemical (CM) enhancement mechanisms, achieving an ultra-low detection limit of 10^-13 M for rhodamine 6G (R6G) with excellent linearity. Furthermore, the three-dimensional "pseudo-Neuston" network structure exhibits superior capture capability for microplastics (PS, PET, PMMA). To address spectral interference in simulated complex environments, a multi-scale deep-learning model combining wavelet transform, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), and Transformers is proposed. This model achieves a classification accuracy of 98.7% under high-noise conditions, significantly outperforming traditional machine learning methods. This work presents a robust strategy for environmental monitoring, offering a novel solution for precise risk assessment of microplastic pollution.

PMID:41515756 | PMC:PMC12786570 | DOI:10.3390/ma19010090

Revealing microplastic and anthropogenic microparticles contamination in tidal blue carbon ecosystems from eastern Brazil - January 10, 2026

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jan 9;225:119221. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119221. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We provide information about the accumulation of microplastic and other anthropogenic microparticles (AMP) in tidal blue carbon ecosystems from Eastern Brazil. This study analyzed the accumulation of AMP in 40 sediment samples extracted from tropical Spartina marsh (2 cores: CM1 and CM2) and mangrove (1 core: CAB) from Todos os Santos Bay (TSB, Bahia, Brazil). The main objective was to identify differences in AMP accumulation between mangrove and Spartina salt marsh cores in order to understand their different roles in AMP retention; and evaluate if Spartina marshes act as stronger AMP sinks than mangroves. The average AMP abundance was at least 38 % higher in saltmarshes compared to mangroves. Micro-Raman spectroscopy was applied to determine the chemical composition of the different collected samples, thereby enabling a detailed investigation of their structural and compositional features. Fibers represent the dominant category, likely due to the large widespread use of synthetic fibers, insufficient wastewater treatment and high levels of fishing activities in the area. The predominant color in all cores is blue (41.6 %) and transparent (20.0 %), the predominant particle size in all cores is between 0 and 1 mm. Organic matter (%OM) and mud content (%M) did not influence AMP concentration. This work improves the understanding of the distribution and consequences of AMP in South American mangrove and salt marsh ecosystems, highlighting the need for collective, comprehensive efforts to mitigate their effects, such as improving the efficiency of wastewater management and other human uses and mismanagement in TSB.

PMID:41518962 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119221

Widespread microplastic contamination in Australian soils: Sources, pathways, and environmental implications - January 10, 2026

Chemosphere. 2026 Jan 9;395:144825. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.144825. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, capable of long-range transport via rainfall, waterbodies, wind, and snow, and often carry other emerging contaminants on their surface, as well as additives within their own structure. This makes them persistent, bioaccumulative, and potentially toxic. This study represents the first survey of multiple land use settings in Victoria and New South Wales, Australia. A total of 55 soil samples were analysed for 13 different polymers in the 10-1000 μm size range, using foam fractionation to separate microplastic particles from the soil. The mean abundance was 14,400 ± 20,000 microplastics/kg, with a median of 4200 microplastics/kg (range: 0-90,200 microplastics/kg). Most of the particles were between 10 and 100 μm, with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), and polyurethane (PU) being the most prominent polymers. The microplastic particle morphologies were dominated by fragments (38 %) and pellets (27 %), with the remaining consisting of spheres, films, foams and fibres.

PMID:41518840 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.144825

Synergistic pulmonary toxicity of resorcinol bis(diphenylphosphate) and microplastics: Integrated proteomics and metabolomics approach reveals oxidative stress-inflammatory crosstalk - January 10, 2026

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Jan 9;309:119707. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119707. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

As a replacement for conventional brominated flame retardants, the environmental prevalence and toxicological implications of resorcinol bis(diphenylphosphate) (RDP), an emerging organophosphate ester flame retardants (OPFRs), remain inadequately characterized, particularly regarding its combinatorial effects with environmentally co-occurring micro/nanoplastics (MNPs). To address this knowledge gap, we established a murine inhalation exposure model featuring three experimental cohorts: low-dose group (0.1 mg/kg/day of RDP), high-dose group (10 mg/kg/day of RDP), and a co-exposure group (10 mg/kg/day of RDP and 10 mg/kg/day of polystyrene nanoplastics). Comprehensive mechanistic investigations employing histopathological evaluation, oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine profiling, and integrated proteomic-metabolomic analyses revealed that: (1) Both RDP monotherapy and RDP-nanoplastics co-exposure elicited pulmonary lesions characterized by alveolar septal thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration, with the co-exposure group exhibiting exacerbated oxidative stress (2.4-fold elevation in malondialdehyde levels vs. controls, p < 0.05); (2) Proteomic perturbations demonstrated exposure-specific signatures: low-dose group preferentially disrupted cytoskeletal remodeling pathways (e.g., Myh4, Myh8 downregulation), suggesting subclinical mechanical compromise, whereas high-dose group impaired mitochondrial-nuclear crosstalk (Hspa9, Mtnd1 dysregulation). Crucially, the co-exposure group showed synergistic mitochondrial energy metabolism interference, activation of neuroinflammatory (Nrxn1, Nrp2 upregulation) and immunoregulatory pathways (Ildr2, Ighg2b upregulation); (3) Metabolomic perturbations in arachidonic acid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis and tryptophan catabolism indicated systemic redox imbalance and inflammatory mediator dysregulation. This work provides the first experimental evidence of RDP-MNPs co-exposure inducing pulmonary toxicity through oxidative stress-inflammatory crosstalk, establishing a novel framework for assessing combinatorial risks of emerging pollutant mixtures.

PMID:41518986 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119707

Biological mediation of microplastic aggregation and sedimentation by a harmful dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum in a simulated marine environment - January 10, 2026

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jan 8;225:119227. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119227. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Coastal estuaries are hotspots of microplastics (MPs) and harmful algal blooms (HABs), yet the role of dinoflagellates in MP sinking remains unclear. We examined aggregate formation between Prorocentrum minimum and polyethylene (PE; 1.0 and 1.4 g cm^-3, 10-20 μm) and polypropylene (PP; 0.91 g cm^-3, 45-75 μm) using roller-shaker incubations. Growth, aggregate morphology, sinking velocity, and stability were evaluated microscopically and statistically. P. minimum growth was not inhibited by MPs; PE treatments showed significantly higher biomass than controls during exponential and stationary phases (p < 0.05). Aggregates appeared by Day 10 and progressively incorporated MPs and thecal fragments. The sinking ratio of PE1.0 particles increased to ∼22 % (R² = 0.96, p < 0.05), whereas PP showed negligible sedimentation (<1 %). Sinking velocities rose from 0.38 mm s^-1 (Day 10) to 0.76 mm s^-1 (Day 16; p < 0.05), then declined to 0.66 mm s^-1 by Day 31 despite larger sizes. This deviation from Stokes' law was linked to cellulose thecal plates reducing density and cohesion. Principal component analysis (PCA; PC1 = 53.9 % variance) associated sinking velocity with aggregate area, while PC2 (22.9 %) showed theca abundance negatively influenced velocity. Long-term incubations under cold, dark conditions (>70 days) showed no resuspension. These findings indicate thecate morphology limits MP export efficiency compared to extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)-rich raphidophytes. Nonetheless, scaling suggests Prorocentrum blooms may export on the order of 10¹⁰ MPs annually, highlighting species-specific traits as critical regulators of MP vertical flux and fate in coastal ecosystems.

PMID:41518965 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119227

Corrigendum to "Microplastic pollution across the Brazilian coastline: Evidence from the MICROMar project, the largest coastal survey in the Global South" [Environ. Res. 286, Part 2, (2025) 122923] - January 10, 2026

Environ Res. 2026 Jan 9;292:123605. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.123605. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41518992 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2025.123605

Synergistic assault of DEHP and MPs: Unmasking the ER stress-triggered autophagic injury male fertility - January 10, 2026

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2026 Jan 8;507:117710. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2026.117710. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

As an emerging category of environmental pollutants, microplastics (MPs) garner significant attention due to their exceptionally high exposure risk. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a ubiquitous plasticizer in the plastics industry, shares a similar trajectory of escalating risk as plastic pollution intensifies. MPs and DEHP are widely present in environments accessible to humans, exerting significant adverse effects on human health. The reproductive toxicity of both MPs and DEHP has been reported. However, their combined toxicity, particularly the damage to the male reproductive system, remains unclear. Here, we employed the C57BL/6 J mouse model for our experiments. The mice were continuously exposed to 10 mg/L MPs and 500 μg/L DEHP through free drinking water for two months to investigate the effects of these two pollutants on mouse testes. Our study found that mice co-exposed to MPs and DEHP experienced severe impairment of male reproductive system, manifested as disruption of testicular structure, decline in sperm quality, and dysregulation of sex hormone synthesis. Furthermore, the co-exposure to DEHP and MPs activated endoplasmic reticulum stress via the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 pathway, and also induced excessive autophagy, contributing to reproductive damage. In summary, our findings highlight the significant risks of co-exposure to DEHP and MPs and provide new insights into their combined reproductive toxicity in male mammals.

PMID:41519275 | DOI:10.1016/j.taap.2026.117710

Microfibers in Life Cycle Assessment: Comparing the Physical Effects of Cellulosic and Synthetic Fibers via Characterization Factors Development - January 10, 2026

Integr Environ Assess Manag. 2026 Jan 10:vjag007. doi: 10.1093/inteam/vjag007. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Textile clothing is a significant contributor to microfiber pollution in aquatic ecosystems. A large portion of these emissions are cellulosic-based, either natural (e.g.,, cotton, linen) or semi-synthetic (e.g.,, viscose, lyocell), which can be ingested by aquatic organisms, posing harmful effects even at environmentally relevant concentrations. Studies comparing the effects of cellulosic and synthetic fibers report conflicting results: some suggest synthetic fibers are more harmful, others the opposite. However, despite their high environmental abundance, the lack of a species sensitivity distribution (SSD) for cellulosic microfibers (CMFs) has prevented comparison of their effects with synthetic microfibers (SMFs). Further, while SMFs have been integrated into Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) through characterization factors (CFs), equivalent CFs for CMFs are missing, due to a lack of an exposure and effect factor (EEF) specific to these fibers. We derived CFs for six CMFs (cotton, linen, viscose, lyocell, rayon, and modal) by combining modelled fate factors in marine water and sediments with an EEF calculated from a hazardous concentration for 20% of species (HC20), using an SSD of EC10eq values. Taxonomically split SSDs were also obtained for further analysis of the mode of action of CMFs and microplastics. The HC20 for CMFs was not significantly different from that of MPs, suggesting similar physical effect mechanisms. Fate modelling indicated lower persistence for CMFs, resulting in CFs one to two orders of magnitude lower than those for SMFs. Computed CFs were applied in an LCA comparing the ecosystem quality impacts of a cotton and a polyester T-shirt while accounting for microfiber emissions. Results show that polyester emissions caused significant impacts compared to other lifecycle impacts, while cotton emissions did not. This work therefore provides the first comparative LCA of a cellulosic and a synthetic textile that considers impacts of microfiber emissions, and computes CFs compatible with different LCIA methods.

PMID:41520154 | DOI:10.1093/inteam/vjag007

Comparison of Benchtop and Portable Near-Infrared Instruments to Predict the Type of Microplastic Added to High-Moisture Food Samples - January 10, 2026

Sensors (Basel). 2025 Dec 29;26(1):210. doi: 10.3390/s26010210.

ABSTRACT

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a rapid, non-destructive analytical tool widely used in the food and agricultural sectors. In this study, two NIR instruments were compared for classifying the addition of microplastics (MPs) to high-moisture-content samples such as vegetables and fruit. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and a mix of polymers (PE + PP) MP were added to mixtures of spinach and banana and scanned using benchtop (Bruker Tango) and portable (MicroNIR) instruments. Both principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) were used to analyze and interpret the spectra of the samples. Quantitative models were developed to predict the addition of Mix, PP, or PE to spinach and banana samples using PLS regression. The R²_CV and the SECV obtained were 0.88 and 0.44 for the benchtop samples, and 0.54 and 0.67 for the portable instruments, respectively. Two wavenumber regions were also evaluated: 11,520-7500 cm^-1 (short to medium wavelengths), and 7500-4200 cm^-1 (long wavelengths). The R²_CV and the SECV obtained were 0.88 and 0.46, 0.86 and 0.49, respectively, for the prediction of addition in samples analyzed on the benchtop instrument using short and long wavenumbers, respectively. This study provides new insights into the comparison of two instruments for detecting the addition of MPs in high-moisture samples. The results of this study will ensure that NIR can be utilized not only to measure the quality of these samples but also to monitor MPs.

PMID:41516645 | PMC:PMC12788197 | DOI:10.3390/s26010210

From energy collapse to chemical defense: Microplastics reshape the metabolic landscape of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum (Vitaceae) - January 10, 2026

Plant Physiol Biochem. 2026 Jan 3;231:111007. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.111007. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics have emerged as widespread terrestrial contaminants, yet their mechanistic effects on medicinal plants remain largely unresolved. Here, we investigated the uptake, intracellular movement, and multi-level stress responses of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum, a flavonoid-rich medicinal species, under exposure to polystyrene microplastics. Confocal imaging confirmed extensive microplastic accumulation in the roots and vascular transport to the leaves. Microplastic stress induced pronounced oxidative damage, as evidenced by a 45.2 percent increase in malondialdehyde, enhanced peroxidase and catalase activities, and a 42.5 percent reduction in total chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency. Multi-omics integration revealed coordinated suppression of photosynthetic energy metabolism, exemplified by the strong repression of RPN2A, along with pronounced activation of PER31 and key genes of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. These transcriptional shifts corresponded with elevated accumulation of antioxidant metabolites, including catechin, dihydrokaempferol, and quercetin. Collectively, this study supports a mechanistic model in which microplastics disrupt redox homeostasis and constrain ATP supply, initiating a whole plant reallocation of metabolic resources from carbon fixation toward flavonoid-centered antioxidant defense. This adaptive shift provides insight into plant resilience to emerging pollutants and highlights the potential vulnerability of medicinal quality under microplastic contamination.

PMID:41518827 | DOI:10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.111007

Microplastics, Endocrine Disruptors, and Oxidative Stress: Mechanisms and Health Implications - January 10, 2026

Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Dec 30;27(1):399. doi: 10.3390/ijms27010399.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics and nanoplastics (<5 mm and <1 μm, respectively) are emerging contaminants now ubiquitous across environmental matrices and increasingly recognized for their impacts on human health. These particles commonly adsorb or contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals-such as bisphenol-A and phthalate additives-that together trigger complex biological responses. This review examines the central role of oxidative stress in mediating the toxicity of microplastics and associated endocrine disruptors across multiple organ systems. We discuss mechanisms including cellular uptake, reactive oxygen species generation, mitochondrial dysfunction, impairment of antioxidant defenses, and activation of key signaling pathways. Organ-specific effects on reproductive health, cardiovascular function, hepatic metabolism, gut barrier integrity, and neurological systems are highlighted. Current evidence strongly supports oxidative stress as a pivotal mechanism linking microplastic exposure to systemic toxicity, underscoring important implications for public health policy and clinical intervention strategies.

PMID:41516273 | PMC:PMC12785609 | DOI:10.3390/ijms27010399

Thermally driven polymer disentanglement: An overlooked Key pathway in PBAT-microplastic aging during composting - January 10, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jan 7;503:141080. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141080. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aging of microplastics (MPs) during composting is traditionally attributed to microbially driven biodegradation. However, the direct role of heat on MPs in composting has not been fundamentally understood. Here, we reveal for the first time that the composting heat drives MPs aging by directly disentangling polymer chains. We conducted a comparative experiment between hyperthermophilic composting (HTC) and thermophilic composting (TC), and combined it with molecular dynamics simulations and the Boruta machine-learning algorithm. During the early stage of HTC (90°C), van der Waals forces between PBAT molecular chains decreased to -2616.36 kcal/mol, the free volume fraction increased to 14.38 %, and the hydroxyl radical diffusion coefficient increased to 5.38 × 10^-3 Å²/ps. In addition to molecular chain disentanglement, composting aging resulted in significant changes in surface physicochemical properties of PBAT-MPs. Elemental analysis showed an increased surface oxidation degree, with the C/O ratio decreasing from 2.67 to 1.78 in HTC (compared to 2.02 in TC). After the molecular chain disentanglement, HTC further facilitated the development of a plastisphere core microbiota (Oceanobacillus and unclassified_f_Bacillaceae reached relative abundances of 9.19 % and 20.31 %), which boosted microbial degradation efficiency during late stage. We confirm that the direct disentangling effect induced by high temperature is pivotal for the aging process within the high-molecular-weight fractions of PBAT-MPs. These results revise the microorganism-dominant aging paradigm in composting, demonstrating that thermal energy directly disentangles polymeric molecular chains to drive MPs aging. This study provided new insights into the underlying mechanisms governing MPs aging in composting environments.

PMID:41518801 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141080

Comparative Metabolomic Approaches to Nanoplastic Toxicity in Mammalian and Aquatic Systems - January 10, 2026

Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Dec 20;27(1):50. doi: 10.3390/ijms27010050.

ABSTRACT

Nanoplastics (NPs), emerging contaminants originating from the degradation of larger plastics, have raised significant environmental and health concerns due to their ability to penetrate biological barriers and disturb cellular homeostasis. Exposure to NPs has been shown to induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory responses in both mammalian and aquatic systems, ultimately leading to metabolic imbalance. Metabolomics, a comprehensive analytical approach focusing on small-molecule metabolites, provides a direct reflection of these biochemical alterations and offers critical insights into the mechanisms underlying NP-induced toxicity. This review summarizes recent metabolomic studies investigating nanoplastic toxicity across mammalian and aquatic organisms, highlighting commonly perturbed pathways such as lipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and amino acid metabolism. These disruptions indicate that NPs impair energy production, lipid regulation, and redox balance. In mammals, polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics have been shown to alter hepatic and intestinal metabolism and induce oxidative and inflammatory stress, while in aquatic species, similar metabolic disturbances occur in the gills, liver, and brain. Collectively, the evidence emphasizes metabolomics as a powerful approach for elucidating the molecular basis of nanoplastic toxicity and suggests that integration with other omics techniques is essential for comprehensive risk assessment and mechanistic understanding.

PMID:41515930 | PMC:PMC12785257 | DOI:10.3390/ijms27010050

Chemical and toxicological fingerprints of polyethylene primary microplastics deployed along nine European rivers - January 10, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jan 5;503:141055. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141055. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plastics can adsorb both organic and inorganic contaminants from surrounding aquatic environments, with potential toxic effects on a wide range of species. In this study, polyethylene pellets were immersed along nine European river-to-sea continuums for one month. Adsorbed contaminants were characterized, and their toxicity assessed using DMSO extracts on the marine bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri and Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) embryos. A diverse array of organic pollutants was annotated, including plastic additives, pesticides, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Spatial trends were observed for trace elements, with higher zinc adsorption downstream, while iron was more concentrated upstream. Standardized bacterial toxicity tests revealed significant effects at 29 % of the sites, with estuarine and intermediate-salinity locations exhibiting higher toxicity than upstream sites. Redundancy analysis identified manganese, copper, zinc and iron as the primary contributors of the DMSO extracts toxicity, although iron was negatively correlated with toxic effects. Individual trace element concentrations in DMSO extracts remained below EC₅₀ values reported in the literature. Overall, this study demonstrates that caging polyethylene pellets could serve as effective passive sensors, enabling the monitoring of a wide range of environmental contaminants along river-to-sea gradients and highlighting spatial variations in both contaminant accumulation and toxicity.

PMID:41518798 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141055

Effects of Polyethylene and Polystyrene Microplastics on Oat (Avena sativa L.) Growth and Physiological Characteristics - January 10, 2026

Plants (Basel). 2025 Dec 24;15(1):56. doi: 10.3390/plants15010056.

ABSTRACT

Despite increasing environmental concerns, there are few studies on the potential effects of polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics on feed crops. The effects of polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics with a diameter of 2 μm at different concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, and 5%) (w/w) on the growth and development of oats were analyzed in a pot experiment, with no microplastics added as the Control (Ctrl) group. The results showed that PS microplastics exhibited a spherical morphology, whereas PE microplastics displayed an irregular morphology. PE microplastics had an inhibitory effect on oat growth, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic parameters and antioxidant enzyme activity, and this effect was concentration-dependent; specifically, the inhibitory intensity increased progressively as the concentration of PE microplastics rose. In contrast, treatments involving varying concentrations of PS microplastics elicited distinct effects on the physiological and biochemical parameters of oats. The 0.1% PS microplastics treatment significantly enhanced the net photosynthetic rate of oat leaves (by 14.0%), while the 5% PS microplastics treatment significantly reduced the seedling height (by 31.1%), the total chlorophyll content (by 34.6%), the transpiration rate (by 35.7%), the stomatal conductance (by 71.1%), and the intercellular CO₂ concentration (by 43.1%). Furthermore, a significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity was observed in oats after the 5% PE microplastics treatment. The activities of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased by 17.1%, 89.2% and 5.6%, respectively. At the same concentration (5%), PE microplastics exhibited a more pronounced inhibitory effect on oats compared to PS microplastics. In summary, this study demonstrates that microplastics impair photosynthesis and antioxidant capacity in oats, thereby inhibiting their normal growth and development. These findings provide a theoretical foundation and supporting data for further research into the toxicity of microplastics to oats.

PMID:41515002 | PMC:PMC12787792 | DOI:10.3390/plants15010056

Examining Latin America's Transition to a Circular Economy for Plastics - January 10, 2026

Environ Manage. 2026 Jan 10;76(2):65. doi: 10.1007/s00267-025-02298-9.

ABSTRACT

PMID:41518415 | PMC:PMC12790530 | DOI:10.1007/s00267-025-02298-9

Microplastics, Endocrine Disruptors, and Oxidative Stress: Mechanisms and Health Implications - January 10, 2026

Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Dec 30;27(1):399. doi: 10.3390/ijms27010399.

ABSTRACT

PMID:41516273 | PMC:PMC12785609 | DOI:10.3390/ijms27010399

Chemical and toxicological fingerprints of polyethylene primary microplastics deployed along nine European rivers - January 10, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jan 5;503:141055. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141055. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PMID:41518798 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141055

Micro- and Nanoplastics and Functional Nutrients in Human Health: Epigenetic Mechanisms and Cellular Resilience Signaling in Brain Insulin Resistance and the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease - January 10, 2026

Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Dec 23;27(1):169. doi: 10.3390/ijms27010169.

ABSTRACT

The therapeutic potential of functional nutrients has garnered considerable attention for enhancing resilience signaling and counteracting the damage to human health caused by microplastic pollutants. The intricate interactions between microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) and functional nutrients, including polyphenols, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phenolic acids, diterpenoids, and triterpenoids, have been shown to improve blood-brain barrier (BBB) homeostasis and brain function by inhibiting oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and inflammation linked to the pathogenesis of metabolic and brain disorders. Interestingly, nutrients exhibit biphasic dose-response effects by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway and stress-resilience proteins at minimum doses, thereby preventing or blocking MP and NP-induced damage. Notably, chronic exposure to environmental pollutants causes aberrant regulation of NFE2L2 gene and related antioxidant signaling, which can exacerbate selective susceptibility to brain insulin resistance under inflammatory conditions. This, in turn, impairs glucose metabolism and facilitates β-amyloid (Aβ) plaque synthesis leading to the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), also known as "Type 3 diabetes". This pathological process triggered by oxidative stress, inflammation, and ferroptosis creates a vicious cycle that ultimately contributes to neuronal damage and loss. The review aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of functional nutrients targeting the Nrf2 pathway and stress resilience proteins to regulate epigenetic alterations, and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms using innovative in vitro platforms for the development of promising preventive strategies and personalized nutritional interventions to attenuate oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and inflammation, with the goal of ultimately improving clinical outcomes.

PMID:41516048 | PMC:PMC12785368 | DOI:10.3390/ijms27010169

Activated sludge in municipal wastewater treatment plant serves as a potentially source of microplastics: Source apportionment based on APCS-MLR and PMF receptor models - January 9, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jan 6;503:141072. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141072. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The discharge of Municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is one of the important ways for microplastics (MPs) to enter the natural environment. Therefore, this study conducted in depth research on a combined sewer treatment plant, exploring the occurrence characteristics, migration mechanisms, and correlation with climate factors of MPs in activated sludge(AS), and conducting traceability analysis of MPs in AS. Research has shown that the main forms of MPs in AS are small-sized fragments (0.25-0.50 mm) and large-sized fibers (1.00-5.00 mm), with polyester (PES) and polypropylene (PP) as the main components. The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model was applied to analyze the four main sources of MPs, which are household sources (15.88 %), textile sources (48.7 %), agricultural sources (21.95 %), and industrial sources (13.47 %); The Absolute Principal Component Score-Multiple Linear Regression (APCS-MLR) model source analysis shows that the proportion of mixed sources of industrial, agricultural activities, and residential life is 62.71 %, and the proportion of textile activities is 28.31 %. Our research has validated the good applicability of PMF and APCS-MLR models for MPs source apportionment, which can provide important theoretical support and technical guidance for WWTP to analyze the main sources of MPs from different perspectives.

PMID:41512749 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141072

Comparison of hyperspectral imaging and FTIR spectroscopy for microplastic polymer identification: Proposal of a scalable protocol validated in a 12-month river survey - January 9, 2026

Talanta. 2026 Jan 5;302:129361. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2026.129361. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In this study, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) was systematically compared with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR/micro-FTIR) for microplastic (MP) polymer identification using environmental samples collected during a 12-month monitoring campaign at six stations along 300 km of the Po River (Italy), following the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008/56/EC) guidelines adapted to freshwater environments. In total, 11,828 MP particles (330 μm-5 mm) were collected and analyzed to assess MP abundance, morphology, color and polymer composition. Across the monitored sites and sampling period, MP concentrations ranged from 0.03 to 12.7 n°/m³, generally lower than values reported for other major world rivers. Fragments and foam dominated the MP categories (56 % and 24 %, respectively), and white was the dominant color (57 %), while PE, PP and EPS were the most abundant polymers (44.9 %, 28.8 % and 22.5 %, respectively). The particle-by-particle comparison between HSI in the short-wave infrared range (1000-2500 nm) and FTIR or micro-FTIR, depending on particle size, yielded an overall polymer identification agreement exceeding 99 %. HSI significantly improved analytical efficiency, requiring only 8 min for classification of 100 particles compared to 300-500 min using FTIR/micro-FTIR spectroscopy. Black MP particles (8 % of the total) were systematically excluded from HSI analysis and characterized exclusively by FTIR/micro-FTIR. The results support the proposal of a new analytical protocol using HSI as the primary tool for polymer classification, with FTIR/micro-FTIR reserved for black or unclassified particles, enabling faster, scalable and reliable MP monitoring.

PMID:41512619 | DOI:10.1016/j.talanta.2026.129361

Influence of microplastics on soil aggregate formation: Insights into biological binding agents - January 9, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jan 5;503:141050. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141050. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are widespread in agricultural soils and can disrupt soil structure by altering aggregate formation and stability. However, the mechanisms by which MPs influence aggregate formation through aggregate binding agents remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs, 0.40 % w/w) in different shapes (granule, fiber, and film) and aging states (pristine and UV-aged) on aggregate formation and mechanisms in purple soils with two levels of soil organic matter (SOM, 1 % and 3 %). Granule-shaped PE-MPs promoted aggregate formation, whereas fiber- and film-shaped PE-MPs inhibited it. EPS content, positively correlated with aggregate formation, was significantly influenced by PE-MP shape and SOM content. Fiber- and film-shaped PE-MPs significantly reduced EPS content. PE-MPs also significantly altered microbial composition, reducing the abundance of EPS-associated taxa such as Candidatus_Solibacter and Mortierella. Structural equation modeling revealed that PE-MPs can directly affect aggregate formation, and can also indirectly affect aggregate formation by interfering with EPS synthesis and microbial diversity by changing soil microbial biomass and activity. This complex process is mainly regulated by SOM content. These findings elucidated the multi-pathway mechanisms through which PE-MPs impact soil aggregate formation and provides a basis for understanding their broader effects on soil structure.

PMID:41512759 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141050

First comprehensive assessment of microplastics in urban street dust of Eastern Saudi Arabia: abundance, traits, and health risks - January 9, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jan 5;503:141047. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141047. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Urban street dust has emerged as an important reservoir and secondary emission source of microplastics (MPs), yet evidence from arid regions remains scarce. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of MP contamination in street dust from two major cities in eastern Saudi Arabia, Alkhobar and Al-Dammam, integrating occurrence, physicochemical characteristics, and human health risk evaluation. Street dust samples were collected from 58 sites representing diverse land-use categories and analyzed using density separation, chemical digestion, stereomicroscopy, and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Microplastics were detected in all samples, with a mean abundance of 12.6 ± 13.8 items per 5 g of dust and pronounced spatial heterogeneity. Fragments were the dominant morphotype, followed by fibers and films, while medium-sized particles (300-999 µm) prevailed. Polymer analysis identified polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene (PP) as the most abundant polymers, alongside consistent contributions from high-toxicity polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS). Diversity index (MDI) analysis revealed high heterogeneity in MP size and color across both cities. Human exposure assessment demonstrated that children experience substantially higher estimated daily and annual intake of MPs via both ingestion and inhalation compared with adults, particularly in residential and recreational areas. Polymer hazard index (H) classified several sites as high to very high risk, driven primarily by PVC and PS contributions. Overall, the findings identify urban street dust as a significant exposure pathway for hazardous microplastics in arid cities and provide critical baseline data for the Arabian Gulf region. These results highlight the need to integrate microplastic monitoring and polymer-specific risk control into urban dust management and public health frameworks in rapidly urbanizing arid environments.

PMID:41512758 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141047

Microplastic pollution in annelids: A systematic review of species-specific impacts, toxicity pathways, and ecological risks - January 9, 2026

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Jan 8;309:119686. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119686. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a pervasive environmental stressor affecting terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, with sediment-associated particles posing risks due to their persistence, bioavailability, and interactions with organisms and co-occurring contaminants. Annelids, including oligochaetes and polychaetes, are key ecosystem engineers that regulate sediment structure, nutrient cycling, and organic matter decomposition, making them highly relevant for evaluating the ecological risks of MP and nanoplastic (NP; <1 µm) contamination. Here, we synthesize peer-reviewed studies published up to 30 March 2025 to assess species-specific responses, toxicity pathways, and ecological implications of MP and NP exposure across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine annelids. By integrating evidence within a feeding-guild framework, we show that annelid responses are strongly trait-dependent rather than uniform. Deposit feeders and detritivores, such as Arenicola marina, Lumbriculus variegatus, Eisenia fetida, and Enchytraeus crypticus, frequently exhibit oxidative stress, altered energy allocation, gut microbiome disruption, and reproductive impairment. In contrast, filter feeders, including Sabella spallanzanii, often function as particle sinks with limited direct physiological effects, while carnivorous species, such as Hermodice carunculata, facilitate trophic transfer of MPs. Particle characteristics, particularly small size (<100 µm), irregular morphology, polymer type (notably polyethylene and polystyrene), and chemical aging, emerge as consistent determinants of adverse outcomes. Conversely, survival and population-level effects are often absent under short-term or environmentally realistic exposures, indicating compensatory physiological responses and limitations of standard toxicity endpoints. Overall, this review demonstrates that annelids act not only as sensitive sentinels of plastic contamination but also as active regulators of MP fate and ecological risk in sediment-based ecosystems.

PMID:41512779 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119686

Unveiling nanoplastic release from single-use eyedrop vials: A particle-based approach for identification and quantification - January 9, 2026

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Jan 8;309:119702. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119702. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics have been detected in vitreous samples, providing evidence of ocular health risks associated with direct exposure to micro-nanoplastics (MNPs). However, the primary sources, abundance, morphology and size distribution of these particles remain unclear. Here, we employed pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (Pyr-GC/MS) to verify the release of synthetic polymers from commercial disposable eye-drop containers. Due to small sample volumes, this conventional mass-based analytical method struggled to quantify the MNPs concentration effectively. In contrast, the single particle-based analytical techniques, including surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and scanning electron microscopy, reveal thousands of MNPs released upon opening the container, with 88 % of particles measuring less than 5 μm. Another release mechanism is attributed to pre-existing particles within the container. The detection of oxygenated MNPs further suggests an increased potential for ocular toxicity. This research highlights the feasibility of particle-based methods when it comes for targeting the nanoscale of plastic particles. Furthermore, integration of SERS and SEM identifies a previously uncharacterized direct exposure route of nanoplastics to the human eye via commercial eye drops and emphasizes the importance of single-particle characterization in accurately assessing their implications for ocular health.

PMID:41512778 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119702

Engineered Vibrio natriegens as a living biocatalyst for in-situ biodegradation of microplastics in seawater - January 9, 2026

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jan 8;225:119177. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.119177. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Marine microplastic pollution, particularly from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), presents urgent ecological challenges. Although polyethylene terephthalate hydrolase (PETase) offers a promising avenue, its implementation in saline environments remains limited by host incompatibility and enzyme instability. Here, we present a halophilic whole-cell system that integrates PETase into the fast-growing marine bacterium Vibrio natriegens (Vn). To enhance catalytic robustness and substrate accessibility, we engineered Vn to display PETase on its outer membrane, generating a promising living biocatalyst (Vn-PETase). Under simulated marine conditions (3.5 % NaCl at 30 °C), Vn-PETase demonstrated significantly faster growth (μ = 0.420 h^-1) and higher hydrolytic activity (96.6 % conversion of a model substrate within 6 h) compared with E. coli-based counterparts (μ = 0.018 h^-1 and 39.3 % conversion). Building upon this platform, we developed Vn-FastPETase, which displays an engineered PETase variant with enhanced catalytic performance, resulting in markedly improved PET hydrolysis. Vn-FastPETase achieved efficient in-situ depolymerization of PET micro- and nano-particles to mono-(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET) and terephthalic acid (TPA) during cultivation in artificial seawater. This study establishes Vn as a marine-compatible host for in-situ PET biodegradation and demonstrates a proof-of-concept strategy toward developing living biocatalysts for mitigating plastic pollution in ocean environments.

PMID:41512782 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.119177

Marine litter, microplastic pollution and organic additives assessments in polar areas through an opportunistic cruise ship-based approach - January 9, 2026

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jan 7;225:119216. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119216. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study presents findings from the opportunistic cruise, which performed microplastic and chemical contaminant sampling in surface waters, sediments, and ice in a sector of the western Arctic and the southwestern part of the Antarctic Peninsula. Microplastics were detected in 100 % of the samples. Floating microplastic densities (100-5000 μm) reached up to 314,251 items/km² in Antarctica and 63,593 items/km² in the Arctic. The smallest particles (100-300 μm) dominated in southwestern Antarctic Peninsula (97 %) where the fibers (80 %) and fragments (19 %) were the main components. In the eastern Arctic, the two size classes (100-300 μm and 300-1000 μm) were more evenly distributed (58 % and 40 % respectively) and polymer diversity. Sediment microplastic concentrations were higher in the Arctic (up to 470 items/kg) compared to southwestern Antarctic Peninsula (maximum 399 items/kg). OrganoPhosphate Esters and PhthAlate Esters were also measured for the first time in southwestern Antarctic Peninsula seawater (35.18 ± 18.31 ng/L and 72.68 ± 39.71 ng/L, respectively) and ice (50.44 ± 24.79 ng/L and 16.72 ± 11.46 ng/L, respectively). This study demonstrates the utility of cruise ship-based sampling for monitoring remote regions and it contributes critical baseline data for global microplastic assessments.

PMID:41512786 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119216

Adsorption of heavy metals by microplastics in aquatic environments: mechanism, multi-factor regulation and ecological risks - January 9, 2026

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jan 8;225:119215. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119215. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) can adsorb heavy metals well in water. When these toxic substances interact, the ecological risks will be greatly aggravated, constituting compound pollution. In this review, we summarized how microplastics adsorb heavy metals - such as Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Cu²⁺ - and found the following three points: (1) Polar polymers, such as polyamide (PA), can adsorb Cu²⁺ 2 to 3 times more than non-polar polymers (such as polyethylene (PE)). This is because their surface and amide groups combine with each other to form a complex. This highlights the necessity of distinguishing polymer types in risk assessment protocols. (2) Plastics such as polystyrene (PS) will absorb 40 % to 60 % more Cd²⁺ during aging (such as ultraviolet irradiation). This is mainly because new oxygen-rich groups (such as carboxyl or hydroxyl groups) begin to form on their surfaces. This indicates that current regulations based on virgin plastics may significantly underestimate the transport capacity of MPs in real environments. (3) When microplastics and heavy metals are mixed, their combined toxicity makes aquatic organisms experience oxidative stress twice to twice as much as when exposed to a single pollutant alone. This quantifies the synergistic amplification effect that must be accounted for in ecological safety standards. We also built a framework called "Polymer Type-Environmental Factors-Adsorption Model" and found some gaps we know, such as the differences in adsorption in the mixed state of multiple pollutants and the impact of aging on adsorption. Overall, this review connects mechanistic insights to ecological risks, providing a theoretical basis to formulate more precise plans to control pollution.

PMID:41512790 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119215

Co-occurrence of microplastics and heavy metals in sediments of the Lanzhou section of the Yellow River: Distribution characterizations and comprehensive ecological risk assessment - January 9, 2026

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jan 8;224:119151. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.119151. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals (HMs) are significant pollutants in river ecosystems. Their coexistence can lead to synergistic toxic effects and increase environmental risks. Therefore, a risk assessment was carried out, involving optimization of the two-dimensional comprehensive index (TPI) model for MPs-HMs co-contamination and analysis of their distribution characteristics in sediments from the Yellow River's Lanzhou section. The results showed that the highest pollution levels were observed for Cu and Cd. The abundance of MPs in the sediments ranged from 243.00 ± 9.92-4289.33 ± 215.22 items/kg, with the dominant forms being fragmented, white/translucent, and <100 μm. Additionally, risk assessment revealed substantial ecological threats, evidenced by an elevated shape risk index (SRI) of MPs at 1122.54 and a potential risk index (MRI) of HMs at 241.45. The mean value and risk level of the integrated TPI model were 344.08 ± 14.58 and 6 respectively, confirming severe composite pollution. The results of this study enhance the methodological framework for assessing combined pollutant toxicity and provide critical insights for ecological risk management in urban river systems.

PMID:41512618 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.119151

Development of a digestion method for microplastic quantification in white cheese and detection by micro-Raman imaging - January 9, 2026

Food Res Int. 2026 Feb 1;225:118028. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2025.118028. Epub 2025 Dec 15.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to effectively isolate and identify microplastics (MPs), a potential risk factor for food safety and human health, from white cheese, a complex food matrix rich in fat and protein. In this context, ten different chemical digestion protocols were comparatively evaluated. Although strong acid (HNO₃, H₂SO₄) and alkaline (KOH, NaOH) solutions partially removed the organic matrix, they were deemed inadequate due to their risk of damaging polymer integrity and incompatibility with filtration systems. In contrast, a mild oxidative treatment with 35 % H₂O₂ at 55 ± 2 °C for seven days enabled efficient degradation of the organic structure, improved solution clarity, and allowed smooth sieving and vacuum filtration. MPs isolated from three commercial white cheese samples (C₁, C₂, C₃) treated with Protocol 10 were successfully analyzed using micro-Raman spectroscopy. A total of 50, 48, and 40 MP particles per 100 g were detected in samples C₁, C₂, and C₃, respectively. Polymer identification revealed a total of 11 distinct MP types across all samples (ranging from 3 to 7 per cheese type), with polyethylene, ethylene ethyl acrylate copolymer, polyester, and poly(acrylamide-acrylic acid) being the most prevalent. The findings suggest that packaging materials and environmental factors play a significant role in MP contamination. These results highlight potential consumer exposure to MPs through dairy consumption and emphasize the importance of establishing standardized analytical methods for monitoring microplastic contamination in foods.

PMID:41508451 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodres.2025.118028

Global change factors differ in effect when acting alone and in a multi-factor background - January 9, 2026

Nat Commun. 2026 Jan 9;17(1):425. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-68155-9.

ABSTRACT

The presence of multiple global change factors affects most ecosystems. Urban soils face stressors like heat, drought, road salt, nitrogen deposition, surfactants, and microplastics. Given that combined factors of global change have shown unpredictable effects, we here ask which individual factors have particularly negative effects in multifactorial contexts. We explore this through a subtractive design, comparing single-factor treatments (addition) to treatments where a specific factor is removed (subtraction). The results vary from predominantly negative, positive, to mixed effects. However, removing these factors from a multi-factor context generally improves soil properties and biological processes. Resource related factors enhance microbial activity individually but show no such benefit in multi-factor scenarios. Our findings highlight that the combined effects of factors often differ from their individual impacts. In restoration, priority should be given to mitigating factors with the strongest negative influence in multi-stressor contexts, rather than targeting those with significant isolated effects.

PMID:41513684 | PMC:PMC12796432 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-025-68155-9

Microplastic contamination of donated blood and red cell concentrates - January 9, 2026

Br J Haematol. 2026 Jan 8. doi: 10.1111/bjh.70320. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41508704 | DOI:10.1111/bjh.70320

Nanodevice Approaches for Detecting Micro- and Nanoplastics in Complex Matrices - January 9, 2026

Nanomaterials (Basel). 2025 Dec 31;16(1):55. doi: 10.3390/nano16010055.

ABSTRACT

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are increasingly recognized as pervasive environmental contaminants with profound implications for ecosystems and human health. Their small size, compositional diversity, and occurrence across complex matrices-including water, soil, food, and biological samples-pose substantial analytical challenges. Conventional techniques such as vibrational spectroscopy, chromatographic analysis, and electron microscopy have yielded critical insights into MNP composition, morphology, and distribution; however, these methods often face limitations in sensitivity, throughput, and adaptability to real-world samples. Recent advances in nanotechnology have catalyzed the emergence of nanodevices-encompassing nanosensors, nanopore systems, integrated lab-on-a-chip platforms and nanostructured capture materials-that promise enhanced sensitivity, specificity, and the capacity for real-time, in situ detection. These innovations not only facilitate high-throughput analysis but also provide novel opportunities for integrated characterization of MNPs across diverse matrices. This review synthesizes the current state of nanodevice-based MNP detection, critically examining their principles, performance, and limitations relative to conventional approaches, and outlining the key needs for standardization, matrix-specific adaptation, and regulatory harmonization.

PMID:41511251 | PMC:PMC12787363 | DOI:10.3390/nano16010055

Polystyrene Microplastics Disrupt Vertical Transmission of the Breast Milk Microbiome, Impairing Early-Life Gut Colonization and Immune Development in Offspring - January 9, 2026

FASEB J. 2026 Jan 15;40(1):e71448. doi: 10.1096/fj.202503819R.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics, as a class of emerging contaminants (ECs), have been found to accumulate in mammary tissue, and their potential transgenerational risks to offspring health have garnered widespread attention. Here, we investigated whether maternal microplastic exposure may alter the breast milk microbiome, thereby disrupting early intestinal microbiota colonization in offspring and affecting their immune development. Pregnant and lactating dams were exposed to two concentrations of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs, 10 and 40 mg/L) via drinking water. Our results showed that maternal PS-MPs exposure disrupted early gut microbiota colonization in offspring, manifested as imbalances in both maternal milk microbiota and offspring gut microbiota. Beneficial bacterial abundance decreased (e.g., Ligilactobacillus), while potentially harmful bacteria increased (e.g., Escherichia-Shigella). Concurrently, offspring from the exposed group exhibited excessive weight gain and impaired immune development, characterized by significantly reduced serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, decreased splenic T-cell proportions, and compromised intestinal barrier integrity. Further analysis indicated that these outcomes were associated with alterations in milk microbiome structure and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations. Collectively, this study reveals the potential for maternal exposure to PS-MPs to impair offspring gut microbiota colonization and immune development by reshaping breast milk microbiota, suggesting the potential hazards of PS-MPs to maternal and infant health.

PMID:41511192 | DOI:10.1096/fj.202503819R

Comparative analysis of microplastics in aquatic environments: Matching thresholds, abundance versus mass concentration, and risk assessment - January 9, 2026

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jan 7:127655. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127655. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) pollution assessment faces critical challenges from methodological inconsistencies in detection and risk evaluation frameworks. This study conducts a comparative analysis using water and sediment samples from a karst region in Southwest China to address three key aspects: quantification of MP characterization disparities under differing spectral matching thresholds (0.600 vs. 0.800); comparative assessment of abundance versus mass concentration metrics; and evaluation of five distinct ecological risk assessment methodologies. Results showed that lowering matching threshold significantly increased MP types and abundances, reshaping spatial patterns and polymer rankings and thereby indicating higher risk levels. Crucially, abundance and mass concentration metrics yielded conflicting assessments. Risk assessment comparisons revealed systematically higher risk categorizations by traditional indices: pollution load index, polymer hazard index, and ecological risk index classified > 83.0% of sites as high-risk, whereas ecotoxicity-based methods including risk quotient (RQ) and ecological risk quotient (ERQ) indicated only 25.0% of sites posed high risk. This highlights the comparative advantage of RQ/ERQ frameworks incorporating species sensitivity distributions and probabilistic MP diversity adjustments. Consequently, this study provides a new standardized methodological framework, establishing that the 0.800 matching thresholds, dual metric reporting (abundance and mass), and ecotoxicity-based risk indices are essential for accurate MP pollution characterization and mitigation prioritization globally.

PMID:41513022 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127655

Masses of toxic litter pours from Rhine into North Sea each year, research finds - January 8, 2026

Citizen scientists help in University of Bonn study showing river carries up to 4,700 tonnes of ‘macrolitter’ annually

Thousands of tonnes of litter are pouring into the North Sea via the Rhine every year, poisoning the waters with heavy metals, microplastics and other chemicals, research has found.

This litter can be detrimental to the environment and human health: tyres, for example, contain zinc and other heavy metals that can be toxic to ecosystems in high concentrations.

Biodegradation and disintegration of expanded polystyrene by sphaeromatid isopods Sphaeroma via their gut bacteria - January 8, 2026

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jan 7;225:119207. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.119207. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Wood-boring isopods have been documented inhabiting the plastic floats of expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is extensively utilized in mariculture as buoyant material. However, little is known about their role in the plastic fragmentation and degradation. This report confirmed that globally distributed Sphaeroma gnawed and ingested EPS foam, and digested it via their gut microbiome. After 7 days of exposure, each Sphaeroma consumed 4.4 ± 0.2 mg EPS, ingested 50 microbeads and egested 2.5 ± 0.7 × 10³ microplastics. Analyses using μFTIR, GPC, and GC-MS revealed polystyrene (PS) degradation in the gut of Sphaeroma. High throughput 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that Exiguobacterium spp. and Brevibacterium spp. were associated with PS diets in the gut microbiome of Sphaeroma, suggesting their potential key role in vivo. Further characterizations of PS weight loss, changes in chemical and thermal properties, and identification of metabolic intermediates confirmed that PS can be degraded by five gut bacteria from the above two genera. Antibiotic bioassay confirmed that gut microbes are essential for the EPS depolymerization in Sphaeroma by. All these results demonstrate that the gut microbiome contributes to EPS digestion in the host. Together, these results found marine isopods in coastal negatively influenced the environmental fats of the plastic fate, by fragmenting plastics and generating microplastics, via their PS-degrading gut microbiota.

PMID:41505994 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.119207

Quantitative and qualitative assessment of microplastics contamination in plastic-wrapped candies and estimation of dietary exposure in early childhood - January 8, 2026

Sci Total Environ. 2026 Jan 7;1013:181345. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181345. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic contamination in food products has become an emerging public health concern. However, limited information is available on their presence in foods commonly consumed by young children. Candies, particularly those wrapped in plastic packaging, are commonly eaten by children aged 1-5 years as part of their daily treats. This study investigated the extent of microplastic contamination in plastic-wrapped candies and estimated the daily intake levels of microplastics by children. Twenty branded candy samples were collected from 20 countries across Asia and Africa. The analysis revealed an average concentration of 6.73 ± 3.73 particles/g, with fiber-shaped microplastics dominating (70.13 %), primarily within the 200-500 μm size range (62.23 %), and mostly white or transparent in color. Polymer-specific analysis identified polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the most prevalent polymer (38.21 %; 2.49 ± 1.22 particles/g), typically associated with plastic packaging and other pollution sources. The estimated average daily intake of microplastics for boys and girls across all age groups was 23.04 ± 0.93 and 24.61 ± 0.99 particles/kg bw/day, respectively, representing a potentially significant dietary exposure route. The study reveals widespread and varying microplastic contamination in candies. This highlights the need for safe packaging materials and processing, reducing the contamination of candies with microplastics.

PMID:41506035 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181345

Seasonal variations in the abundance and distribution of small-sized microplastics in Hong Kong's marine waters - January 8, 2026

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jan 7;225:119200. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.119200. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Small-sized microplastics (20-300 μm) in Hong Kong's marine waters were examined using a bulk sampling method. The concentrations of small-sized microplastics varied from 20 to 1265 particles/m³, with an average of 362 ± 294 particles/m³, and these levels are remarkably higher than those of larger microplastics (300-5000 μm) collected by Manta trawling but remain relatively low compared to global reports. The study found higher microplastic abundance during the wet season, although seasonal differences were not statistically significant due to limited data and high sample variability. Notably, the abundance showed weak correlation with rainfall, indicating that local runoff may not be a major factor. Fibers of polyethylene terephthalate were the predominant microplastics, possibly originating from machine-washed apparel, tumble dryers, wear and tear of outdoor textiles, and fabric debris disintegration. However, the precise contribution and their geographical origins remain unclear, underscoring the need for further investigation into the transport pathways and behavior of these particles in the environment.

PMID:41505995 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.119200

Novel simple accurate detection of microplastics based on image of photoluminescent nanoparticle carbon dots via machine learning and deep feature embedding - January 8, 2026

J Environ Manage. 2026 Jan 6;398:128545. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.128545. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics have become pervasive pollutants that pose risks to biodiversity, ecosystem integrity, food safety, and human health. Most existing approaches for microplastic detection still rely heavily on advanced instrumentation, highlighting the need for simple, rapid, and accurate alternatives. In this study, we present a photoluminescence-based approach for quantifying polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics using carbon dots (CDs) as fluorescent probes, coupled with image analysis, machine learning, and deep feature embedding. The green-channel photoluminescence intensity was identified as the most sensitive and robust descriptor, yielding a sensitivity of 3.647 ± 0.156 a.u. mg^-1 L, an excellent coefficient of determination (R² = 0.937), and favorable detection limits (LOD = 0.771 ± 0.030 mg L^-1; LOQ = 2.336 ± 0.099 mg L^-1). Machine learning models using color-intensity features further improved predictive accuracy, achieving R² values of 0.959 and 0.949 for linear regression (LR) and artificial neural network (ANN) models, respectively. SHAP analysis confirmed the dominance of green and grayscale channel intensities in microplastics quantification. Incorporating deep feature embeddings further enhanced performance, attaining excellent prediction (R² = 1.000 for LR; R² = 0.999 for ANN), underscoring the strong correlation between image-derived features and microplastic concentration. This work establishes a simple yet powerful optical-computational framework for microplastic quantification and demonstrates the potential of integrating photoluminescence imaging with artificial intelligence to enable fully automated, end-to-end detection systems.

PMID:41506160 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.128545

Air-sea exchange and coastal transport dynamics of microplastics around a Caribbean Island - January 8, 2026

Waste Manag. 2026 Jan 7;212:115345. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2026.115345. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Air-sea exchange represents a key yet insufficiently quantified pathway for microplastic (MP) transport, particularly in island environments where oceanic exposure and atmospheric forcing interact. In this work, we aimed to quantify the distribution and polymer composition of MP in both the atmosphere and seawater around a Caribbean island while simultaneously evaluating their transport pathways through Lagrangian drift modeling. MP distribution, polymer composition, and transport dynamics were examined through coordinated atmospheric and surface-water sampling, micro-FTIR analysis, chemometric discrimination, and Lagrangian drift modeling (OpenDrift). Polyethylene (PE) dominated airborne MP (34 %), while polyester (PES) prevailed in seawater (54 %), indicating selective partitioning driven by density, morphology, and surface chemistry. Morning airborne concentrations were 37 % higher than afternoon values, consistent with sea-breeze circulation patterns. Seawater MP concentrations increased from 5 MP L^-1 to 35 MP L^-1 toward the continental shelf, a spatial gradient reproduced by drift simulations showing > 40 % nearshore retention within 24 h and rapid northward export via the Yucatán Current. By integrating polymer-specific characterization with physical transport modeling, the present study provides mechanistic insight into how intrinsic material properties and local hydrodynamics jointly determine MP fate in tropical island systems, offering a framework for targeted monitoring and mitigation in coastal environments.

PMID:41506058 | DOI:10.1016/j.wasman.2026.115345

Concerns about the methodology used in the paper "Discovery and analysis of microplastics in human bone marrow" (J Hazard Mater 2024) - January 8, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Dec 22;502:140916. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140916. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41506206 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140916

Irrigation of reclaimed water leads to the accumulation and potential risk of microplastics in saline-alkali soil - January 8, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jan 5;502:141043. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141043. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Due to severe water shortage, reclaimed water irrigation is the primary method for agricultural production in western China, while its contribution to soil microplastics (MPs) pollution remains unclear. This study investigated the distribution and risks of MPs in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), reclaimed water and irrigated soils, and elucidated their relationships. The results showed that, despite the removal efficiency of 87.5 %, many small-sized MPs remained in the reclaimed water. Irrigation of reclaimed water leads to the extensive accumulation of MPs in soils, mainly as 0.05-0.1 mm of polypropylene and polyamide fragments and fibers. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that reclaimed water is the primary source of MPs in the saline-alkali soils, followed by domestic waste and residual agricultural mulch. Risk assessment results showed that the overall pollution load index (PLI) of reclaimed-water soils, domestic-waste soils and farmland soils was 1.74-1.82, and the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) indices were 0, which indicated a generally low ecological risk of MPs in the study area despite their pollution. These findings provided a deep understanding of the interrelationship between reclaimed water reuse and soil MP pollution, which highlights the environmental trade-offs of water reuse practices in arid zones.

PMID:41506200 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141043

Clarification on the Nature and Availability of Dietary Microplastic Intake Data Used in Wang et al. (2025) - January 8, 2026

Neuroepidemiology. 2026 Jan 8:1-5. doi: 10.1159/000550341. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41505394 | DOI:10.1159/000550341

Beyond the surface: Stratification and turnover control microplastic dynamics in a seasonally ice-covered sentinel lake - January 8, 2026

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jan 1;502:140917. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140917. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics are increasingly recognized as emerging contaminants in freshwater ecosystems, yet their vertical and seasonal concentrations remain poorly understood, particularly in seasonally ice-covered lakes. Here we investigated the distribution of microplastics (mp; size detection > 50 µm) in a sentinel lake in south-central, Ontario, Canada, during ice-free (summer) and ice-covered (winter) periods across 15 months (June 2022 to August 2023). Water samples were collected approximately monthly at multiple depths, with snow and ice sampled once at the end of winter. Our findings suggest that vertical stratification and seasonal turnover were key drivers of microplastic accumulation and redistribution. Microplastic concentrations peaked in the hypolimnion during summer stratification (20.8 ± 8.0 mp/L) and in snow and ice at end of winter (22.7 ± 20.2 mp/L) and were lowest following spring melt and turnover (5.21-6.37 mp/L). Consequently, we show that surface sampling underestimates whole-lake lake microplastic concentrations by up to 85 %, especially during periods of stratification or ice cover. Further, we observed substantial interannual variability in particle size, morphology, and polymer composition, with higher concentrations and larger fragments in 2022, compared with 2023, suggesting acute local inputs and reinforcing the need for long-term assessments. Our results demonstrate that seasonal processes and vertical heterogeneity must be considered when assessing microplastic budgets in freshwater systems. This work has important implications for aquatic microplastic assessments, mass balance models, and our understanding of microplastic transport in inland waters, particularly under changing seasonal and climatic conditions.

PMID:41506208 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140917

Barnacles as silent sentinels of microplastic pollution: Evidence from Gujarat coast, India and a global meta-analysis of sessile marine species - January 8, 2026

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jan 7;225:119220. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119220. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are persistent marine pollutants that accumulate in aquatic life and harm ecosystems. This research investigates the suitability of barnacle species as bioindicators of microplastic pollution along coastal regions of Gujarat state, India. Specimens of 8 barnacle species were collected from 13 different sampling sites of Gujarat state, along with sediment and water samples. A total of 484, 491 and 725 MPs were extracted from barnacle, water, and sediment, respectively, with the highest abundance recorded at Shivrajpur. MPs pollution was observed highest in Chthamalus barnesi while lowest in Megabalanus tintinnabulum. MPs abundance varied significantly between study sites and species of barnacles. Fibers was found predominantly with blue, and 1-2 mm sized MPs pollution showed in all metrices. ATR-FTIR identified 7 polymers, mainly polypropylene and polyethylene. Pollution indices revealed severe microplastic pollution at multiple coastal sites. In the global meta-analysis, a total of 80 articles related to MP pollution in sessile organisms published from 2013 to 2024 were used. In different sessile organisms, the sponge Crella affinis showed highest pollution, while the bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis showed lowest pollution. Fiber was the most dominant shape, with 0.5-1 mm sizes and blue, red, and black colours, with polyethylene (PE) as the most common polymer. The MP abundance in barnacles, water and sediment varied according to the anthropogenic activities being carried out at different study sites. Therefore, barnacles serve as excellent bioindicators of microplastic pollution in the coastal areas of Gujarat state, India.

PMID:41505990 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119220

Degradation of microplastics and the plastisphere bacteria in the acidogenic phase of simulated municipal solid waste landfilling - January 8, 2026

Environ Res. 2026 Jan 6;292:123705. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.123705. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Landfills serve as major sources and sinks for microplastics. The initial stage of municipal solid waste landfilling will generate substantial amounts of leachate, which carries a significant quantity of microplastics. However the degradation behavior of different microplastics in waste and leachate, along with the plastisphere microbial communities and associated degrading bacteria remains poorly understood. This study investigated the aging of PE, PS, and PLA microplastics with varying particle sizes in simulated landfill reactors during the acidogenic phase under both anaerobic and semi-aerobic landfill conditions. The composition of plastisphere bacterial communities and key degrading bacteria were also determined. Results indicate that microplastics of different particle sizes and polymer types exhibit varying aging degree under different landfill conditions, with most microplastics aging in the order of PLA > PS > PE. Compared with polymer type, the composition of plastisphere microbial community is influenced more by the colonizing environment, with community assembly primarily driven by stochastic processes. Acinetobacter, Chryseobacterium, Sphingobacterium, Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus were the primary potential degraders of microplastics in the simulated landfill reactor. Additionally, specific microplastic-degrading bacteria were enriched in different plastisphere under different landfill conditions. Correlation analysis revealed that microplastic degradation degree is closely associated with bacterial diversity, Clostridium sensu stricto, and Exiguobacterium abundance. These findings will help to understand the microplastic degradation behavior and degrading bacteria in landfills, providing scientific basis for microplastic pollution prevention and control.

PMID:41506430 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.123705

Effects of polyethylene microplastics and cadmium co-contamination on the soybean-soil system: Integrated metabolic and rhizosphere microbial mechanisms - January 8, 2026

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jan 6;392:127643. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127643. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The coexistence of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals in agricultural soils presents complex and poorly understood ecological risks. While previous studies have examined the individual effects of these pollutants, the interactive mechanisms governing their combined impact on plant-soil systems, particularly through integrated metabolic and microbial pathways remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) and cadmium (Cd) co-exposure on soybean-soil systems. Under moderate Cd exposure (20 mg/kg), specific PE-MPs concentrations (1 % and 5 %) enhanced Cd accumulation in soybean roots, whereas this trend reversed under high Cd levels (50 mg/kg). Co-exposure maintained stable shoot growth through activation of stress-response pathways (β-alanine, porphyrin, and pantothenate metabolism). Rhizosphere microbiome analysis revealed that 5 % and 10 % PE-MPs reduced the abundance of Sphingomonas and Bradyrhizobium in Cd-contaminated soil and suppressed nitrogen-cycling functionality. Integrated metabolite-microbe network analysis identified malonyldaidzin as a potential mediator linking soybean leaf metabolism with rhizobacterial interactions, associated with root Cd accumulation. These findings demonstrate that PE-MPs fundamentally alter Cd behavior through tripartite plant-metabolite-microbe interactions, thereby highlighting the need to incorporate MPs effects into ecological risk assessments of heavy metal contamination in agricultural ecosystems.

PMID:41506609 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127643

Three-Dimensional Settling Dynamics of Environmental Microplastics - January 8, 2026

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Jan 8. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c12960. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Resolving the three-dimensional settling dynamics of microplastic (MP) particles is essential for developing comprehensive models of MP transport in rivers─both vertically within the water column and laterally across the channel. While previous research has largely examined one-dimensional vertical settling velocities, little is known about the lateral drifting, settling paths, and horizontal velocities of MPs. To address this, we investigated the full three-dimensional settling behavior of environmental MPs collected from rivers and ocean water, as well as from estuarine and ocean sediment. Geometric properties of 127 environmental MPs were quantified by a dynamic particle image analyzer, and their settling trajectories were recorded and reconstructed via a multicamera tracking algorithm. This enabled quantification of a particle's horizontal drift, tortuosity, amplitude and settling pattern, as well as vertical and horizontal velocities. Results showed that spherical MPs settled with minimal lateral displacement, whereas elongated particles, such as rod- and blade-shaped MPs, displayed pronounced lateral movements, reaching up to 65 times their equivalent diameter and averaging more than twice that of spheres. These dynamics suggest that elongated MPs may have a greater probability for wider lateral dispersion in rivers, increasing their likelihood for interactions with riverbanks and channel boundaries compared to more spherical shaped MPs.

PMID:41504345 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c12960

The rising tide of plastic pollutants: implications for schizophrenia onset, a mini-review - January 8, 2026

Rev Environ Health. 2026 Jan 9. doi: 10.1515/reveh-2025-0106. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The increasing exposure to manufactured environmental pollutants, especially plastics, is linked to adverse neurological effects. While prenatal exposure to plastics has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism, the role of this exposure in schizophrenia remains under-investigated. This narrative mini-review examines the potential impact of endocrine-disrupting plastics, e.g. bisphenols and phthalates, on schizophrenia onset risk. These chemicals are ubiquitous and pervasive neurotoxicants, implicated in neuroinflammation - a key feature of schizophrenia. Additionally, microplastics have been detected in human brains, raising concerns about their potential long-term impact on neurological health. Despite the growing evidence of plastic-induced neurodevelopmental harm, this issue has been neglected for schizophrenia, with scarce human or valid animal model literature available. Limited studies indicate that plastic chemicals cause behavioural deficits, hormonal dysregulation and altered brain function relevant to schizophrenia. Cumulative exposure to multiple plastic chemicals over the life course necessitates carefully designed approaches. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms by which plastics contribute to schizophrenia risk. Epidemiological research with multi-omic approaches is needed to strengthen regulatory action and inform exposure prevention strategies particularly in high-risk populations. Given the increasing burden of environmental pollutants, urgent attention is required to address their role in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly schizophrenia.

PMID:41505220 | DOI:10.1515/reveh-2025-0106

Macro- and microplastic emissions and marine input flux in the Yangtze River Delta, China, from 1990 to 2020 - January 8, 2026

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jan 7;225:119209. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.119209. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The Yangtze River Delta represents a critical hotspot region for plastic pollution generation, transport, and marine discharge flux within China's coastal waters. To assess the long-term evolution patterns of plastic marine input flux in this region, this study employed a bottom-up emission factor methodology integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial analysis techniques. We developed high-resolution emission inventories for both macroplastics and microplastics, spanning 1990 to 2020, and coupled them with a comprehensive plastic land-to-sea migration probability model for the Yangtze River Delta region. The results demonstrate that the study area generated cumulative plastic emissions totaling 4.21 × 10¹⁰ kg over the 30 years, exhibiting an average annual growth rate of 2.4 %. Macroplastics constituted 97.8 % of total emissions, while microplastics accounted for 2.2 % but demonstrated a substantially higher growth rate of 11.8 %. Plastic emissions exhibited pronounced inter-provincial disparities and urban agglomeration characteristics, with Jiangsu Province registering the highest total emissions (1.57 × 10¹⁰ kg) and Zhejiang Province displaying the most rapid growth rate (2.9 %). The regional average probability of plastic marine input was determined to be 0.5 %, displaying a distinct "coastal high-inland low" gradient distribution pattern. The southeastern coastal areas of Zhejiang Province exhibited the highest marine input probability at 1.2 %. Over the 1990-2020 period, cumulative plastic marine input flux reached 2.13 × 10⁸ kg, with Zhejiang Province contributing the largest proportion (46.9 %). The marine input flux demonstrated an average annual growth rate of 2.5 %. These results provide a scientific basis for targeted plastic pollution control and marine environmental management in the Yangtze River Delta.

PMID:41505987 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.119209

Review: Synergistic effects of environmental pollutants: Multiple stressors driving the transmission of vector-borne diseases and the vicious cycle - January 8, 2026

Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol. 2026 Jan 6:110442. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2025.110442. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This review systematically examines the mechanisms through which multiple environmental pollutants-including microplastics, heavy metals, atmospheric particulates, pesticide residues, water eutrophication, and artificial light at night-synergistically exacerbate the transmission risk of mosquito-borne diseases. A conceptual framework of the "pollution - resistance - transmission" vicious cycle is proposed, illustrating how pollutants not only directly impair mosquito physiology and drive the evolution of insecticide resistance but also systematically enhance pathogen transmission efficiency by reshaping vector-host-environment interactions, altering host behavior, compromising immune function, and extending mosquito activity periods. Interactions among pollutants, such as the role of microplastics as "Trojan horses" that carry other contaminants, further amplify ecological and health risks through combined exposure. The review also highlights species-specific and context-dependent variations in responses, identifies key research bottlenecks, and proposes multi-level intervention strategies integrating technological innovation with systematic governance-encompassing source control, process interruption, and ecological restoration-to provide a scientific basis for harmonizing public health and ecological security.

PMID:41506308 | DOI:10.1016/j.cbpc.2025.110442

The rising tide of plastic pollutants: implications for schizophrenia onset, a mini-review - January 8, 2026

Rev Environ Health. 2026 Jan 9. doi: 10.1515/reveh-2025-0106. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PMID:41505220 | DOI:10.1515/reveh-2025-0106

Dynamics, ecological implications, and mitigation strategies of the ocean plastisphere - January 8, 2026

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2026 Jan 8. doi: 10.1007/s11356-025-37352-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plastic pollution is a growing global environmental concern that has a significant impact on the marine ecosystem. The resistance of plastics to degradation has led to their accumulation in marine environments, disrupting ecological integrity and biological functions. An estimated 9 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean annually. The mean abundance of microplastics (MP) in the ocean is estimated to be 2.76 pieces per cubic meter. This review presents an integrated assessment of the sources, pathways, and environmental dynamics of plastic debris, emphasizing its transformation into MP and nanoplastics (NP) through physical, chemical, and biological processes. It examines the interactions between plastic particles and marine organisms, with a focus on their ingestion, trophic transfer, and potential ecological and physiological implications. Particular emphasis is given to the role of plastic surfaces as substrates for microbial colonization, leading to the formation of complex biofilms collectively termed as plastisphere. The review also outlines major global and regional initiatives aimed at mitigating marine plastic pollution, highlighting ongoing policy efforts, technological interventions, and public awareness campaigns. By integrating interdisciplinary research, this review emphasizes the multifaceted nature of plastic pollution, its interactions across biological and ecological scales, and the need for coordinated global strategies to reduce plastic input, enhance waste management practices, and safeguard marine ecosystem health.

PMID:41507610 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-025-37352-w

Brewing plastics: OCT reveals microplastic release from nylon tea bags in simulated brewed tea infusions - January 8, 2026

Environ Sci Process Impacts. 2026 Jan 8. doi: 10.1039/d5em00644a. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The release of microplastics (MPs) from nylon tea bags poses a critical concern for human exposure; however, their detection and quantification remain challenging especially in beverage matrices, and hence, this study pioneers the use of high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) integrated with an image processing algorithm to rapidly detect and quantify the size and count of the MPs directly in the water extractions simulating tea brewing. The water extractions prepared by simulating tea brewing conditions, hot (100 °C, 1-5 min), cold (2 °C, 1 h), and ambient (30 °C, 1 h), were observed employing OCT imaging and validated through Nile Red (NR) staining and digital microscopy. The nylon tea bags steeped in hot water for 5 minutes released 16 000 to 24 000 LMPs (>30 µm) and SMPs (12-30 µm) per millilitre. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of MPs indicates a higher exposure for children (ranging from 0.201 to 0.349 mm³ kg^-1 day^-1) compared to adults (0.046 to 0.080 mm³ kg^-1 day^-1). In contrast, cold brewing for 1 hour released fewer LMPs but an equal quantity of small MPs (SMPs) compared to hot brewing. This OCT-based approach offers a rapid, versatile platform for the detection and quantification of MPs from diverse packaging materials and provides a powerful tool for comprehensive risk assessment when combined with chemical and toxicological analyses.

PMID:41504735 | DOI:10.1039/d5em00644a

Enhanced crystal violet adsorption from aqueous solutions on ozone-aged polyvinyl chloride microplastics - January 8, 2026

Sci Rep. 2026 Jan 8. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-35218-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC), have become a growing environmental concern due to their persistence in aquatic ecosystems and their capacity to interact with co-occurring pollutants. In this study, the effects of ozonation on the physical and chemical properties of PVC MPs, as well as their capacity to adsorb crystal violet (CV) dye, were systematically investigated. Aging was simulated by exposing PVC MPs to ozone in an aqueous medium at a concentration of 1.4 mg/L for 1 h. The results demonstrate that ozonation induced substantial surface and chemical modifications, including a reduction in chlorine-containing groups and a concurrent increase in oxygenated functional groups such as carbonyl and carboxyl moieties. Mild structural degradation and a decrease in particle size were also observed, along with a marked shift in surface charge, as reflected by a decrease in zeta potential from - 12.3 mV to - 26.7 mV. These transformations significantly altered the adsorption behavior of PVC, leading to an increase in CV removal efficiency from 52.62% (pristine PVC) to 76.55% (aged PVC). The adsorption process followed pseudo-first-order kinetics and was best described by the Langmuir isotherm model, with a maximum adsorption capacity (qₘₐₓ) of 5.55 mg/g. The findings indicate that ozonation, although commonly applied in water and wastewater treatment, may inadvertently enhance the pollutant-binding potential of PVC MPs, thereby intensifying their role as mobile vectors of contaminants in aquatic environments.

PMID:41507337 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-35218-w

Lung inflammation from repeated airway exposure to washing-machine lint microfibers may be linked to phagocytosis dysfunction: Possible effects on mtDNA replication - January 8, 2026

Environ Res. 2026 Jan 6;292:123691. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.123691. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Textiles and clothing are a primary source of microplastic pollution, releasing microfibers into the environment. In this study, lint microfibers in the top-loading washing machine lint filter (TWML) were provided by 10 volunteers and pooled into a single sample. The TWML consisted of irregularly shaped or fibrous particles, including heavy metals and microplastics. We dosed mice via oropharyngeal aspiration with TWML (10, 25, and 50 μg/mouse) for 90 days. The number of WBCs and the proportion of neutrophils in WBCs decreased in male and female mice exposed to the highest dose, respectively, and the proportion of RET in RBCs decreased in both sexes of mice. The total number of pulmonary immune cells increased with dose, accompanying an increase in the proportion of lymphocytes. Pulmonary immune cells aggregated around TWML, and among the inflammatory mediators measured in this study, only CXCL-1 and TGF-β levels increased significantly in the lungs of both sexes of mice. Infiltration of inflammatory cells and hyperplasia of mucous cells in the bronchial epithelium were found in the lung tissues of TWML-treated mice. When incubated at 40 μg/mL, alveolar macrophages were aggregated around the fibrous particles, as was observed in the lungs. The production of cell signaling-related secondary mediators increased significantly in TWML-treated cells. NGS analysis also indicated that the plasma membrane, cell periphery, and cell projections were the most affected cellular components, and that genes involved in protein synthesis and mitochondrial DNA replication were most downregulated in TWML-treated cells. Expression of mitochondrial dynamics- and cellular iron uptake-related proteins was inhibited following exposure to TWML, and those of anti-oxidant response-related proteins were clearly enhanced in the cells. Overall, we conclude that TWML-induced inflammatory lesions may be attributable to frustrated phagocytosis of alveolar macrophages. Additionally, TWML may disrupt cellular function through oxidative stress and damage to mitochondrial DNA replication.

PMID:41506422 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.123691

Leaching of Microplastics Enhanced Through Complex Soil Meso- and Macrofaunal Community Transport - January 7, 2026

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jan 5:127638. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127638. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants in soils that have a negative impact on the survival and reproduction of soil organisms. However, very little is known about soil fauna's role as transport agents of MPs into deeper soil layers. Here, we explored the effects of soil meso- (collembolans) and macrofauna (earthworms) on the distribution of linear low-density polyethylene MPs (LLDPE-MPs) down the soil profile in a mesocosm incubation experiment. Sixty PVC columns (10 cm in diameter x 23 cm in height), filled with agricultural soil, received 250 mg of LLDPE-MPs (300-600 μm) and soil organisms: earthworms belonging to three different ecological groups (epigeic, endogeic and anecic), and collembolans (a fixed mixture of epedaphic, hemiedaphic and euedaphic species), either as monocultures or in combination (all earthworm groupings, epigeic + Collembola, endogeic + Collembola, anecic + Collembola and all earthworm groupings + Collembola). Animal treatments without addition of LLDPE-MPs were also established as controls. Results showed that LLDPE-MPs were consistently leached in the control units after 14 days (66.75 LLDPE-MP particles leached in total), implying that infiltrating water alone can transport LLDPE-MPs down through the soil matrix. However, this downward movement of LLDPE-MPs into the leachate was significantly increased by ∼158% (172.25 LLDPE-MP particles leached) when anecic earthworms were present and increased by ∼172% (181.5 LLDPE-MP particles leached) when the mixture of the three earthworm ecological groupings were present. Leaching of LLDPE-MPs also increased when Collembola were combined with anecic worms and with the three-earthworm combination by ∼225% (217 LLDPE-MP particles leached) and ∼276% (250.75 LLDPE-MP particles leached), respectively (compared to controls). These findings suggest that most prominently anecic burrowing activity and the interactions between macro- and mesofauna enhance the vertical transport of MPs to deeper soil layers and leaching from soil at this limited experimental scale. We suggest that future studies on MP transport in soils include a more complex and representative population of soil organisms to account their collective influence on MP transport, so that predictive modelling for MP transport can faithfully factor in meso- and macrofauna variables.

PMID:41500425 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127638

A Robust Multistep Digestion Method for Microplastics Detection in Human Tissue by MicroRaman Analysis - January 7, 2026

Drug Test Anal. 2026 Jan 7. doi: 10.1002/dta.70024. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The presence of microplastics (MPs) in human tissues has raised growing concerns, necessitating robust protocols for their reliable extraction and analysis. This study systematically evaluated and optimized digestion protocols to efficiently process a variety of human tissues-placenta, lung, kidney, adipose tissue, muscle, spleen, liver, thyroid, and brain-while preserving the integrity of MP particles. Initial assessments employing single-reagent protocols such as nitric acid (HNO₃), proteinase K enzymatic digestion, and Fenton oxidative digestion demonstrated limited effectiveness, due to incomplete tissue breakdown or formation of turbid digestates that hindered filtration. Building upon these results, combined digestion approaches were investigated to improve organic matter removal and facilitate filtration through fine pore-size filters (0.2 μm). The optimized 3-day protocol included an initial oxidative Fenton digestion followed by enzymatic digestion (proteinase K). The final step involved lipid removal through ethanol addition and sonication, resulting in clear digestates amenable to filtration. This protocol efficiently digested complex tissue matrices, reducing filter clogging at 1-μm size pore and preserving various common MP polymers, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyamides (PA6 and PA12). Application of the optimized digestion allowed successful isolation and characterization of MPs using optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The method showed improved reproducibility and reliability over single-reagent protocols, making it suitable for comprehensive MP analysis in human tissues. The application of an efficient and robust protocol for tissue digestion may contribute to advance human exposure assessment and toxicological studies related to MP contamination.

PMID:41500815 | DOI:10.1002/dta.70024

Mechanically Recycled Textiles: A Source of Microplastic Fiber Emissions - January 7, 2026

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Jan 7. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c14973. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Our research found that the shedding of microplastic fibers (MPFs) from textiles is exacerbated by repeated mechanical recycling, raising environmental concerns as the use of recycled fibers increases in industry. This study examined MPF release from fabrics containing 30% mechanically recycled polyester fibers subjected to one, two, or three recycling cycles, compared to primary (virgin) polyester (PES). Shedding was assessed under both simulated wear and laundering conditions using Martindale, ICI Pilling Box, and ISO 4484-1:2023 (microplastic from textile sources) protocols. Laundering tests showed no clear difference in MPF release between primary PES and once-recycled PES (rPES-1; ∼ 1.4-fold). In contrast, fabrics with fibers recycled twice (rPES-2) and three times (rPES-3) released about 4.3-fold and 6.2-fold more MPFs than PES, respectively. Fiber release was different under dry-state abrasion than in laundry tests, highlighting the limitations of current wet-state focused assessments. Progressive fiber fragmentation and increased yarn hairiness suggest cumulative structural degradation with each recycling cycle. These findings underscore the need for standardized dry-state shedding assessments and improved recycling strategies to mitigate MPF emissions. While mechanical recycling remains environmentally preferable to uncontrolled disposal, these findings reveal a trade-off in the form of increased MPF release after multiple recycling cycles, which could be mitigated through improved recycling processes and fabric design. Achieving a balance between textile circularity and environmental sustainability remains a critical challenge for the industry.

PMID:41501601 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c14973

Uncovering the hidden risks of microplastics in the food chain - January 7, 2026

Trends Microbiol. 2026 Jan 6:S0966-842X(25)00366-X. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2025.12.003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics pose hidden risks to the food chain by acting as vehicles for microbial colonization. The plastisphere may facilitate pathogen transfer through seafood, agricultural products, and food processing, raising major concerns for food safety. Standardized methodologies, stronger regulations, and further research are urgently needed to address these emerging risks.

PMID:41500916 | DOI:10.1016/j.tim.2025.12.003

Guidelines for the reporting requirements set by the REACH restriction of synthetic polymer microparticles (microplastics) - December 30, 2025

Entry 78 of Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation, introduced by Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 of 25 September 2023 (commonly known as “the microplastics restriction”), hereafter referred to as “the restriction”1, sets out reporting requirements for certain uses of synthetic polymer microparticles (SPMs) subject to a derogation. The purpose of this document is to help manufacturers, industrial downstream users and suppliers of SPM comply with the annual reporting requirements to ECHA. The reporting is done in a IUCLID format, and the dossier is submitted to ECHA via REACH-IT