Microplastics

Ecotoxicology. 2026 Feb 28;35(4):70. doi: 10.1007/s10646-026-03055-2.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41762286 | DOI:10.1007/s10646-026-03055-2

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Feb 22;506:141575. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141575. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The impacts of microplastics (MPs) are becoming increasingly concerning. Although many ecotoxicological studies have examined potential effects of MPs on organisms, most have tested only a limited range of pristine plastic types, which do not reflect the properties of environmentally conditioned plastics. This limits the extent to which the results can be applied to real-world situations. Additionally, understanding the ecological impact of MPs requires studies that begin at the lower levels of the food web. In freshwater ecosystems, unicellular ciliophora are a key part of these trophic levels. Studying the effects of MPs on this group is essential for understanding their overall impact on the ecosystem. This study aimed to address both issues by examining MP uptake and the impact of environmentally conditioned MPs on the ciliophora Paramecium caudatum. A 72-hour exposure was conducted using six petroleum-based (PB-) and four biodegradable bio-based (BB-) MP types at three concentrations, albeit higher than those found in the environment, along with three types of particle controls. All particles were incubated in ultrapure and freshwater to compare the effects of pristine versus environmentally conditioned MPs. Verification of particle uptake was performed with µ-Raman spectroscopy, confirming particle uptake without the need for fluorescent dyes, except for two control particles. The exposure experiments showed increased reproduction in all treatments with BB-MPs and control particles, except for one, whereas results for PB-MPs were inconsistent. No significant differences were observed between different particle incubation conditions. Our findings indicate that MP effects depend on plastic type, regardless of environmental conditioning, and that uptake by P. caudatum alters the Raman spectra of BB-MPs and PET particles.

PMID:41762458 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141575

Arch Toxicol. 2026 Feb 28. doi: 10.1007/s00204-026-04327-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are becoming ubiquitous environmental pollutants, with increasing evidence of their systemic toxicity. MNPs are increasingly detected in human tissues, including the cardiovascular system, and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease through mitochondrial dysfunction. This review integrates mechanistic insights into how MNPs impair mitochondrial integrity, induce oxidative stress, disrupt calcium signaling, and promote genomic instability in cardiac tissue. MNPs also exacerbate inflammation, cellular senescence, mitophagy dysfunction, and pro-atherosclerotic remodeling. Furthermore, this review examines sex-specific mitochondrial responses and developmental vulnerabilities. Understanding the molecular crosstalk between MNPs exposure and mitochondrial damage may provide a foundation for targeted interventions to mitigate environmental cardiovascular risks.

PMID:41762287 | DOI:10.1007/s00204-026-04327-w

Mar Environ Res. 2026 Feb 23;217:107946. doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107946. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Mangrove ecosystems are among the most productive coastal habitats and serve as key nursery zones for fish eggs and larvae (ichthyoplankton). While seasonal variation in ichthyoplankton has been relatively well studied, the impacts of extreme climate events remain poorly understood. This perspective paper presents a narrative literature review and interpretative synthesis of 80 studies at a global scale on mangrove ichthyoplankton. We identified general ecological patterns and potential effects of climate-driven disturbances on fish eggs and larvae. Four main research themes emerged: seasonal variation (63 studies), human-induced changes in ichthyoplankton dynamics (7 studies), advances in identification through molecular versus morphological approaches (8 studies), and impacts of climate change (2 studies). Seasonal variation dominated the literature, whereas human-induced effects were mostly reported in Malaysian mangroves. Human impacts approaches provided insights into larval resilience to pollution, including microplastics. Only a few studies directly addressed climate extremes. Research on the consequences of extreme climatic extremes in mangrove-ecosystems suggest that, by altering water quality and habitat integrity, these events probably compromise the nursery function of mangroves and affect fisheries and estuarine food webs. Despite their ecological importance, the lack of long-term studies limits understanding of climate extremes on mangrove ichthyoplankton. Future research should include long-term monitoring, predictive modeling, and molecular tools to assess resilience. Strengthening research in this field is essential for designing conservation strategies that maintain mangroves as nurseries and support fisheries and coastal livelihoods under global climate change.

PMID:41762526 | DOI:10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107946

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Feb 26;227:119444. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119444. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Antifouling coatings are essential for controlling biofouling in the shipping industry. To improve fouling control, underwater cleaning is often employed, but this process can alter coating surfaces and release contaminants such as biocides and microplastics. This study investigates the impact of ultrasonic cleaning on an antifouling coating under controlled laboratory conditions. Commercial yacht coating samples were aged under laboratory conditions to form a leached layer and then subjected to ultrasonic cleaning with varying process parameters. Aggressive cleaning (1 cm probe-coating surface distance, 5.4 MPa acoustic pressure) significantly damaged the coating, thereby partially removing the leached layer, increasing surface roughness, and releasing microplastic particles and biocides into seawater. Gentler cleaning (4 cm probe-coating surface distance, 1.5 MPa acoustic pressure) caused no visible damage, yet microplastics and biocides were still released. Depending on cleaning conditions, the copper release ranged from 0.3 to 10 μg/cm², with similar mass amounts detected for released particles. To effectively mitigate environmental contamination, these findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate cleaning parameters and capturing effluents during boat cleaning.

PMID:41762492 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119444

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb 26;312:119934. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119934. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MP) derived from commodity plastics are considered a threat to ecosystems. Bio-based and biodegradable (BB-) plastics are proposed as eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based (PB-) plastics. However, studies on the effects of MP on the model organism Daphnia magna often report a wide range of effects for both PB- and BB-plastics. While different physical and chemical MP properties may contribute, other factors, such as differences in clonal sensitivities, are rarely considered. Additionally, only a few studies included a particle control to differentiate between effects caused by particles themselves and those specifically by MP. In this study, these knowledge gaps are addressed by (1) comparing the effects of PB-MP (PET) and two BB-MP (PBS, PLA) on the life-history and morphology of D. magna, and (2) examining the responses of two D. magna clones to chronic MP exposure (all MP < 20 µm), always including cellulose as a particle control, in a setup with reduced food availability to mimic real environmental scenarios. When comparing PB- to BB-MP, the latter caused similar adverse effects on survival and sublethal life-history traits, while cellulose had no effect or positive effects. We observed a similar concentration-dependent increase in mortality for both clones while data on sublethal parameters were significantly different between the clones. We conclude that particle controls and genetic variability are crucial parameters that should be considered in D. magna experiments and that MP effects need to be investigated under environmentally relevant conditions.

PMID:41762591 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119934

Food Chem. 2026 Feb 25;509:148610. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148610. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) pollution poses increasing environmental and food safety risks, yet the role of hydrodynamics in MPs bioaccumulation and fish physiology is unclear. This study assessed the effects of 5 μm polystyrene MPs (1000 μg/L) on Ctenopharyngodon idella under static conditions and at water velocities of 1, 3, and 5 body lengths per second (BL/s). Fish exposed to high velocity showed highest MPs bioaccumulation (58.1 ± 10.5 × 10³ μg/kg), and histological damage, including fiber degeneration, necrosis, and hemorrhage. Biomarkers indicated oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and disrupted energy metabolism, while endocrine and neurochemical disturbances reflected systemic stress and reduced tissue quality. Factorial ANOVA and structural equation modeling revealed independent and synergistic effects of MPs and hydrodynamics on muscle damage. Machine learning identified ATPase, superoxide dismutase, and cholinesterase as key predictive biomarkers (87.5% accuracy). Collectively, these findings challenge static-exposure paradigms in MPs toxicity studies and demonstrate hydrodynamics drive MPs bioaccumulation and effects, requiring ecological risk assessment inclusion.

PMID:41762579 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148610

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb 27;312:119935. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119935. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Insects are foundational to ecosystem stability, biodiversity, and essential services such as pollination and nutrient cycling. However, global declines in insect biomass highlight the urgent need to characterize emerging ecological stressors. Microplastics (MPs), a pollutant of global concern, have recently been recognized as potential disruptors of terrestrial ecosystems, yet their interactions with insect biology remain poorly resolved. Using a PRISMA-based systematic review, the present study provides the first integrative synthesis of insect-MP dynamics, emphasizing exposure pathways, toxicological mechanisms, and ecological implications. Evidence indicates that MPs not only infiltrate insect habitats through pervasive anthropogenic inputs but are also actively processed by insects, which fragment macroplastics into secondary MPs, which are representing an overlooked amplification pathway of plastic pollution. Accumulation of MPs within insect tissues is increasingly associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruptions in digestion, neural function, and reproduction. Furthermore, MPs serve as vectors for co-contaminants, amplifying composite toxicological risks. By consolidating mechanistic and empirical findings, the present review identifies critical data gaps and proposes directions for developing predictive models and risk assessment frameworks tailored to terrestrial invertebrates. Recognizing insects as both receptors and transformers of MPs reframes current paradigms of pollution fate and effect, advancing the scientific basis for assessing emerging stressors in terrestrial ecosystems.

PMID:41762983 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119935

Plant Physiol Biochem. 2026 Feb 25;232:111172. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111172. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The extensive use and improper disposal of plastics have led to the accumulation of plastic debris in terrestrial ecosystems, where plastics gradually degrade into microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). While MPs are pervasive contaminants, NPs present greater agricultural risks due to their ultra-small size, high surface area, and colloidal stability, which enable them to enter plant tissues and threaten plant health and crop productivity. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This review aims to summarize recent advances in understanding NP uptake, translocation, and physiological impacts on crops, and to evaluate key tracking technologies. We highlight that NPs' behavior in plants is influenced by particle properties, cultivation systems, and plant traits. Fluorescence imaging and isotope labeling are effective for tracking NPs in plant systems. NPs enter plants primarily through root and foliar pathways, interfering with nutrient acquisition, hormone signaling, and oxidative stress responses, thereby affecting plant growth and development. By synthesizing current knowledge on NP-plant interactions, this review provides a timely overview to guide future research toward understanding the environmental fate and ecological risks of NPs in agricultural systems, ultimately supporting the sustainable development of modern agriculture.

PMID:41762811 | DOI:10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111172

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb 27;312:119964. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119964. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The Narmada River is a vital water source for irrigation, drinking, and hydroelectric projects in India. It passes through rural, agricultural, semi urban, and tourist intensive areas, making it vulnerable to anthropogenic pressure. We proposed that the abundance of microplastics (MP) and the diversity of polymers vary across these anthropogenically disturbed regions, with tourist and semi-urban contributing more than rural agriculture regions. To test this, we assessed the upper and middle river basin (in surface water and sediments). Morphological characterisation (shape, size, colour) was performed using a stereomicroscope and particle size analyser, while chemical composition was determined by ATR-FTIR and µFTIR. The average concentration of MPs is 4738 ± 5303 particles/m³ in surface water and 290071 ± 199929 particles/m³ in sediments, respectively. Nineteen distinct polymers including hazardous polymers like polyurethane and poly vinyl chloride were identified revealing complex chemical footprint. In surface water, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate were dominant, whereas in sediments, polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate were more prevalent. Fibers dominated surface water, while fragments dominated sediments. Additives like dibutyl sebacate and ethyl hexyl epoxy soyate were also identified. Polymer hazard index (PHI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) also predicted the risks imposed by the hazardous polymers. Tourist locations with anthropogenic disturbances have a higher MP abundance in surface water, while both semi-urban and tourist locations contribute to MP pollution in sediments. These findings demonstrate that anthropogenic activities strongly influence MP pollution in the Narmada River and highlight the urgent need for region-specific management strategies.

PMID:41762990 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119964

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb 27;312:119919. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119919. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), increasingly prevalent in agricultural soils, represent an overlooked factor influencing the environmental behavior of xenobiotics and their phytotoxic effects. The present work examines interactions between aged polyethylene microplastics (MP PE), herbicide, and antibiotic under controlled hydroponic conditions using Brassica napus L. as a model plant. It highlights how MP PE influence the bioavailability and toxicity of tetracycline, a glyphosate-based ionic liquid with a surfactant cation, and humic acids. Despite the absence of tissue penetration, MP PE adhered to roots and triggered measurable stress responses, including ∼30 % reductions in chlorophylls and > 20 % decreases in carotenoids, along with shifts in antioxidant enzyme activities - catalase (CAT) reduced by 40 %, ascorbate peroxidase (APx) by 70 %, while peroxidase (POx) increased by 20 %. Co-exposure with herbicide or antibiotic intensified these adverse effects. MP PE demonstrated compound-specific sorption capacity, reducing freely dissolved tetracycline and surfactant cation concentrations by ∼20 %, whereas the glyphosate anion showed marginal affinity. MP PE alone did not significantly alter parameters such as proline content or glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity. While individual xenobiotics exhibited clear toxicity, partial mitigation occurred when sorbed onto MP PE, indicating bioavailability-dependent effects. However, this attenuation was not consistent across endpoints, emphasizing the dual role of MPs as environmental stressors and modulators. Integrating sorption data with physiological and biochemical responses, the results provide evidence that aged microplastics reshape plant exposure to agrochemicals. These findings underscore the need to include MPs in risk assessments to accurately evaluate contaminant behavior and crop health in MP-impacted agroecosystems.

PMID:41762984 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119919

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Feb 27;227:119481. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119481. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Complex joint toxicity driven by microplastic (MP)-organic pollutant mixtures in aquatic ecosystems remains poorly captured by conventional models. Herein, a dataset covering 10 types of MPs and 6 organic pollutants was compiled from literature to investigate joint toxicity mechanisms. Employing 5-fold cross-validation, six machine learning models were developed to predict the algal growth inhibition ratio based on MP properties, physicochemical characteristics of organic pollutants, and experimental conditions. The best predictive performance was achieved using the CatBoost model (test-set AUC: 0.935 ± 0.021; F1: 0.832), which outperformed benchmarks. SHAP analysis revealed the significance of experimental conditions (exposure time and concentration), physicochemical properties (hydrophobicity and molecular substructure fingerprints), and their interaction terms (LogP × Time × Conc) on joint toxicity prediction, supporting the cumulative effect principle and quantitative structure-activity relationships. The phenolic groups (SHAP = 0.43) and polycyclic aromatics (FP_58) were identified as key toxic molecular substructures. Notably, a Synergy-Antagonism Index integrating structural similarity, mechanistic pathways, and SHAP weights was proposed to distinguish the joint effects. Results indicated that phenolic hydroxyls, polycyclic aromatics, and amides contributed to significant synergistic effects, whereas hydrophobic aliphatic chains (FP_47, interaction = -0.359) often drove antagonism. Overall, this work offers robust prediction for MP-organic pollutant joint toxicity and provides new insights into high-throughput risk assessment of co-exposures in aquatic environments.

PMID:41763027 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119481

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Feb 27;227:119466. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119466. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), as emerging pollutants, accumulate extensively in aquaculture areas, yet their microbial ecological functions and associated risk mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we collected water, sediment, organic, and MP samples across spring and autumn from a representative aquaculture area in southeastern China. Using high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing, community ecological modeling, functional prediction, and network analysis, we systematically investigated the diversity, assembly mechanisms, and ecological functions of the "plastisphere" bacteria. Results indicated that habitat type was the primary driver of bacterial community structure, while season acted as a secondary factor modulating community composition across different environments. Although MPs shared certain core microbiota with organic, their attached bacterial communities differed markedly from those on water, sediment, and organic. Neutral model analysis revealed extremely low migration rates between MP and organic surfaces (m = 0.011), suggesting that MPs form an independent and dispersal-limited artificial niche. Co-occurrence network analysis further showed that MPs surfaces were dominated by potential plastic degrading bacteria and conditionally pathogenic taxa, whereas organic communities exhibited saprophytic traits. Functional prediction revealed that MPs were significantly enriched in human disease-related and hydrocarbon-degrading functions, maintaining stability across seasons. This study demonstrates that MP surfaces attached bacteria in marine aquaculture areas simultaneously possess pollution remediation potential and public health risk attributes, providing new insights for assessing the ecological effects of MPs and attached microbiota and informing aquaculture management strategies.

PMID:41763032 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119466

Environ Pollut. 2026 Feb 26:127875. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127875. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), as pervasive environmental pollutants, have been documented in various human tissues, yet their presence within ocular structures, particularly the trabecular meshwork (TM), and potential pathophysiological roles remain unexplored. To address this, our study aimed to provide the first quantitative evidence of MP pollution in the human TM and investigate its correlation with intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). We employed a multi-modal analytical strategy, integrating Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) for polymer quantification, Laser Direct Infrared Spectroscopy (LD-IR) for particle characterization, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphological assessment, to examine trabeculectomy samples from 20 POAG participants under stringent contamination control protocols. Our analysis consistently identified MPs in all TM specimens, with Py-GC/MS data revealing polyamide 66 (PA66, median: 62.03 mg/kg), polyvinyl chloride (PVC, 59.4 mg/kg), and polypropylene (PP, 33.65 mg/kg) as the predominant polymers. Furthermore, LD-IR analysis revealed a diverse profile of 14 polymer types and showed that 76.9% of the detected particles were under 50 μm in size, a dimension relevant to TM pore architecture. Most importantly, after adjustment for confounders such as age and medication use, the total MP burden demonstrated strong and significant correlations with both the maximum recorded IOP prior to any treatment (Spearman's ρ = 0.735, P < 0.001) and the preoperative IOP (ρ = 0.797, P < 0.001). Thus, this work establishes the novel finding of MP accumulation in the human TM and links this environmental exposure to elevated IOP in glaucoma, thereby suggesting a previously unrecognized etiological pathway and underscoring the imperative for further investigation into MP-induced trabecular dysfunction and the mitigation of plastic pollution.

PMID:41763516 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127875

Food Chem. 2026 Feb 25;509:148610. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148610. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) pollution poses increasing environmental and food safety risks, yet the role of hydrodynamics in MPs bioaccumulation and fish physiology is unclear. This study assessed the effects of 5 μm polystyrene MPs (1000 μg/L) on Ctenopharyngodon idella under static conditions and at water velocities of 1, 3, and 5 body lengths per second (BL/s). Fish exposed to high velocity showed highest MPs bioaccumulation (58.1 ± 10.5 × 10³ μg/kg), and histological damage, including fiber degeneration, necrosis, and hemorrhage. Biomarkers indicated oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and disrupted energy metabolism, while endocrine and neurochemical disturbances reflected systemic stress and reduced tissue quality. Factorial ANOVA and structural equation modeling revealed independent and synergistic effects of MPs and hydrodynamics on muscle damage. Machine learning identified ATPase, superoxide dismutase, and cholinesterase as key predictive biomarkers (87.5% accuracy). Collectively, these findings challenge static-exposure paradigms in MPs toxicity studies and demonstrate hydrodynamics drive MPs bioaccumulation and effects, requiring ecological risk assessment inclusion.

PMID:41762579 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148610

Ecotoxicology. 2026 Feb 28;35(4):70. doi: 10.1007/s10646-026-03055-2.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41762286 | DOI:10.1007/s10646-026-03055-2

Int J Phytoremediation. 2026 Feb 28:1-12. doi: 10.1080/15226514.2026.2632133. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The widespread contamination of terrestrial ecosystems with micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) poses emerging risks to plant health, food safety, and agroecosystem sustainability. Growing evidence suggests that MNPs interact with plants through multiple exposure pathways, influencing their growth, metabolism, and nutrient dynamics. This review synthesizes current research on the sources of MNPs in agricultural soils, their entry and transport within plants, and their potential impacts on plant primary and secondary metabolism. Particular emphasis is placed on how MNP exposure may alter nutrient allocation, metabolic regulation, and the nutritional quality of edible plant tissues, thereby raising concerns for crop productivity, food security, and human dietary exposure. The review also discusses how soil structural changes, microbial disruption, and contaminant vector effects may indirectly influence plant health and agroecosystem functioning. While current evidence indicates that MNPs could affect plant performance and nutritional outcomes, substantial uncertainties remain due to the predominance of short-term laboratory studies. Key knowledge gaps and future research directions are identified, emphasizing the need for field-scale investigations and integrated risk assessments to better evaluate the long-term implications of MNP contamination in agricultural systems.

PMID:41764046 | DOI:10.1080/15226514.2026.2632133

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb 27;312:119964. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119964. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The Narmada River is a vital water source for irrigation, drinking, and hydroelectric projects in India. It passes through rural, agricultural, semi urban, and tourist intensive areas, making it vulnerable to anthropogenic pressure. We proposed that the abundance of microplastics (MP) and the diversity of polymers vary across these anthropogenically disturbed regions, with tourist and semi-urban contributing more than rural agriculture regions. To test this, we assessed the upper and middle river basin (in surface water and sediments). Morphological characterisation (shape, size, colour) was performed using a stereomicroscope and particle size analyser, while chemical composition was determined by ATR-FTIR and µFTIR. The average concentration of MPs is 4738 ± 5303 particles/m³ in surface water and 290071 ± 199929 particles/m³ in sediments, respectively. Nineteen distinct polymers including hazardous polymers like polyurethane and poly vinyl chloride were identified revealing complex chemical footprint. In surface water, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate were dominant, whereas in sediments, polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate were more prevalent. Fibers dominated surface water, while fragments dominated sediments. Additives like dibutyl sebacate and ethyl hexyl epoxy soyate were also identified. Polymer hazard index (PHI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) also predicted the risks imposed by the hazardous polymers. Tourist locations with anthropogenic disturbances have a higher MP abundance in surface water, while both semi-urban and tourist locations contribute to MP pollution in sediments. These findings demonstrate that anthropogenic activities strongly influence MP pollution in the Narmada River and highlight the urgent need for region-specific management strategies.

PMID:41762990 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119964

Polymers (Basel). 2026 Feb 21;18(4):526. doi: 10.3390/polym18040526.

ABSTRACT

Owing to their small size and surface hydrophobicity, microplastics (MPs) tend to act as vectors for various organic pollutants. However, in contrast to well-studied pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the sorption of benzene-series compounds on MPs has been seldom studied. To investigate the sorption process, the isotherms were determined for the sorption of three benzene-series sorbates by three polymers with different physicochemical properties. The linear sorption isotherms observed for PE indicate that sorbate uptake was dominated by partitioning into the bulk polymer. In contrast, the non-linear isotherms of PP and PVC imply that adsorption onto surfaces was the dominant mechanism. Sorption capacity of m-xylene and ethylbenzene increased in the following order: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) < polyethylene (PE) < polypropylene (PP). This order does not reflect the polarity or the crystallinity of the investigated MPs, suggesting the influence of additional factors (e.g., glass transition temperature, specific surface area) on the sorption of BTEX by MPs. In addition, the particle size and morphology of MPs are also factors affecting sorption capacity. The strong correlation between the sorption coefficients and sorbate hydrophobicity indicates that the hydrophobic interactions played a crucial role. Meanwhile, specific sorbate properties, such as electronic structure and molecular polarizability, are also significant factors that affect the sorption behaviors.

PMID:41754715 | PMC:PMC12944080 | DOI:10.3390/polym18040526

Rev Med Suisse. 2026 Feb 25;22(951):396-399. doi: 10.53738/REVMED.2026.22.951.48299.

ABSTRACT

The production of plastics is steadily increasing and raises major environmental and public health concerns. Those used every day, including in the medical sector, lead to the formation of microplastics (MP). These can then contaminate water, air, soil and our food. Through inhalation or ingestion, MP can enter the bloodstream and reach various organs. The presence of MP has also been demonstrated in the kidneys and urine. In vitro and animal studies suggest potential nephrotoxicity of MP. Patients with kidney diseases may be at increased risk due to higher exposure through medical procedures and reduced urinary elimination. Further studies are needed to clarify this risk.

PMID:41755512 | DOI:10.53738/REVMED.2026.22.951.48299

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2026 Feb 24;2026:3136395. doi: 10.1155/omcl/3136395. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Humans are constantly exposed to environmental microplastic (MP) particles, which can be absorbed through the gut and exert adverse health effects. This study aimed to investigate the harmful effects of environmental polyethylene MPs (PE, 2.6 μm) on differentiated Caco-2 (D-Caco-2) intestinal epithelial cells and to assess the protective potential of Limoncella apple polyphenol extract (LAPE).

METHODS: D-Caco-2 cells were exposed to PE, LAPE, or their combination. Cell viability and lipid peroxidation were evaluated using MTT and TBARS assays, respectively. The organization of F-actin and alkaline phosphatase proteins was evaluated by immunofluorescence, whereas occludin and NF-κB were evaluated by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS: PE reduced D-Caco-2 viability and impaired cell differentiation by increasing lipid peroxidation. In addition, PE destructured F-actin organization and altered the expression of occludin, a tight-junction protein.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that PE increases oxidative stress, triggering epithelial-mesenchymal transition and dedifferentiation in Caco-2 cells. Interestingly, LAPE, owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, counteracted the harmful effects of PE, suggesting its potential as a nutraceutical strategy to prevent MP-induced damage in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

PMID:41757226 | PMC:PMC12932969 | DOI:10.1155/omcl/3136395

J Agric Food Chem. 2026 Feb 27. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c09501. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

As an emerging pollutant, microplastics (MPs) have posed a substantial global environmental threat to agricultural soil health. Pollutant removal and risk control are core concepts in soil remediation. Recent studies have increasingly highlighted the potential of earthworms in enabling the degradation of MPs through various mechanisms, such as physical fragmentation within gizzards, depolymerization via gut microbiota and digestive enzymes, and the activation and maintenance of functional microbes involved in plastic degradation. Additionally, an increasing data set has confirmed that earthworms can mitigate the adverse effects of MPs on soil health. Consequently, earthworm-mediated remediation (vermiremediation) may represent a potential remediation strategy for managing MP pollution in agricultural soil. However, its practical implementation is constrained by multiple obstacles, including the complexity and ecotoxicity of MPs, the techniques for introducing earthworms, and the prevailing field conditions. These restrictions present significant challenges to the successful application of vermiremediation, underscoring the need for further research.

PMID:41757985 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jafc.5c09501

Environ Geochem Health. 2026 Feb 27;48(5):198. doi: 10.1007/s10653-026-03097-9.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic ecosystems has become a significant environmental concern worldwide. This study investigates the presence of MP in the main tributaries of the Morača river (Sitnica, Ribnica and Cijevna), the largest river flowing through the capital of Montenegro, aiming to enhance understanding of the presence, distribution, sources, and transport of MP in the Morača river basin. The present study will be covering the entire Morača river basin, yielding crucial data on MP contamination. The MP concentration in the studied rivers varied between mean values of 28.3 ± 12.2 MP/100 g dry sediment for the Sitnica, 24.9 ± 8.1 MP/100 g dry sediment for the Ribnica, and 27.3 ± 14.1 MP/100 g dry sediment for the Cijevna. The identified MPs were mainly fragments and fibers of blue, clear and red color, 0.5-1 mm in size and mainly composed of PE and PP. The results of the pollution load index indicate that the ecological status of the Morača river basin is subject to slight MP contamination, whereas the polymer hazard index results reveal a pronounced potential for adverse ecological effects. The main contribution of this study is a new insight into MP concentration in rivers and its tributaries, where the tributaries were identified as a potential important source of MP on the Morača river. This study represents a significant step towards a comprehensive understanding of the presence, distribution, sources and transport of MP pollution in the entire Morača river basin in Montenegro. The findings of this study will contribute to the growing body of knowledge about MP pollution in freshwater ecosystems, informing future research and the development of effective mitigation strategies to protect the ecological health and biodiversity of the basins.

PMID:41758243 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-026-03097-9

Gen Dent. 2026 Mar-Apr;74(2):52-56.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles ranging from 1 μm to 5 mm, have become a growing concern with potentially significant implications for human health. Originating from diverse sources, including consumer products, industrial activities, and biomedical supplies, MPs have been detected in water, food, air, and even human tissues. This review focuses on the potential health risks and sources of MPs, particularly those arising from dental products. Dental products such as toothpastes, toothbrushes, dental floss, resin-based composites, denture base materials, and thermoplastic orthodontic appliances contain or generate MPs through degradation and routine use. Human exposure to MPs occurs via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, with evidence suggesting systemic distribution that affects multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems. MPs can cross critical biological barriers, leading to neurotoxicity, hormonal disruption, and potential carcinogenesis. The cumulative plastic waste from dental care contributes to environmental pollution. Emerging solutions such as biodegradable materials and improved waste management strategies show promise but require further investigation. This review underscores the need for continued research on MP exposure to mitigate health risks and environmental impact.

PMID:41758632

Genes (Basel). 2026 Jan 28;17(2):151. doi: 10.3390/genes17020151.

ABSTRACT

The increasing and global distribution of microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) in the environment has led to concern about their potential influence on human health, especially on the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the brain. MPs/NPs could traverse epithelial and endothelial barriers, disrupt the gut microbiota, and perturb the microbiota-gut-brain axis, leading to systemic inflammation and possibly extending neurodegenerative processes. Experimental models now demonstrate that MPs/NPs reprogram nuclear and mitochondrial epigenetics-DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and mitochondrial DNA regulation-in gut, immune, and neural cells with downstream effects on synaptic function, neuronal survival, and protein aggregation. This mechanistic narrative review integrates preclinical and emerging human evidence of how MPs/NPs compromise intestinal barrier integrity, modulate gut microbiota composition, affect the blood-brain barrier, and converge on oxidative stress, neuroinflammatory signaling, and cell death pathways within the central nervous system across key neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, the review offers an integrated model in which environmental exposure to chronic MPs/NPs disrupts the microbiota-gut-brain axis and drives concurrent nuclear and mitochondrial epigenetic remodeling, lowering the threshold for neurodegeneration in susceptible individuals, while outlining candidate mechanistic readouts that require exposure-specific validation in human-relevant models and longitudinal cohorts.

PMID:41751535 | PMC:PMC12940196 | DOI:10.3390/genes17020151

Biol Lett. 2026 Feb 25;22(2):20250577. doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2025.0577.

ABSTRACT

Brown macroalgae like Fucus serratus are key ecosystem engineers in intertidal environments and are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pollution and global change. This study examined how the combined effects of conventional and biosourced microplastic (MP) pellets and thermal stress affect the night-time respiration of F. serratus. Respiration rates were assessed after algae were exposed to a combination of aerial temperature treatments (6 h at 25°C as control or 35°C as a heat stress) and five immersed MP treatments (6 h exposure to control seawater, polypropylene, polypropylene with a biological matrix, polylactic acid or biopolyester solutions; n = 5 per treatment) in darkness. Our results showed a significant increase in respiration following heat stress, independent of MP exposure, suggesting a sustained metabolic stress-repair response and may indicate a cost to carbon balance and long-term tolerance. However, no significant effect of MP or interaction between stressors was detected. These findings suggest short-term resilience of F. serratus to MP exposure under the tested conditions. In an era of global change, further research on the combined and long-term effects of multiple stressors, including MP, on key physiological processes across seasons and species is needed to clarify their ecological consequences for intertidal macroalgal communities.

PMID:41759194 | DOI:10.1098/rsbl.2025.0577

Environ Health. 2026 Feb 27. doi: 10.1186/s12940-026-01282-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants with potential human health implications. Although laboratory models implicate MNPs in oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption, a comprehensive synthesis of direct in vivo human evidence is lacking. We aimed to systematically review studies measuring MNPs in living human subjects and summarise associated health findings.

METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane and Embase through 26 December 2024. Two investigators independently screened and selected original research articles that quantified MNPs in biological samples from living humans. We excluded animal, in vitro, cell-line, and injection-based studies, as well as reports on non-plastic micro- and nanoparticles. Data extraction, performed in duplicate, included study design, participant characteristics, detection methods, polymer types, and reported health outcomes. Methodological quality was appraised using Risk Of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies-of Exposures (ROBINS-E). The primary outcome was the presence and burden of MNPs; secondary outcomes were clinical or biomarker associations. No metaanalysis was performed due to heterogeneity.

RESULTS: From 5 522 records, 25 studies met inclusion. Studies employed pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (n = 9), Raman spectroscopy (n = 8), infrared spectroscopy (n = 7), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (n = 3), often combined with microscopy for MNP detection. Predominant polymers were polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene. In cardiovascular research (5 studies; n = 454), higher thrombus and plasma MNP burdens correlated with inflammatory markers and adverse cardiac events. Reproductive research (seven studies; n = 327) linked semen and tissue MNPs to reduced sperm quality and accumulation in tumor and placental samples. Gastrointestinal research (9 studies; n = 537) associated fecal MNPs with liver enzyme elevations and gut dysbiosis. Respiratory (3 studies; n = 171) and ocular (1 study; n = 49) research detected MNPs in airway fluids and vitreous humor respectively, with links to airway inflammation and increased intraocular pressure. ROBINS-E assessments indicated moderate to high risk of confounding and exposure-measurement bias; consistency across detection modalities was limited.

CONCLUSION: Human in vivo evidence confirms that MNPs accumulate in multiple organ systems and are associated with inflammation and functional impairment. Methodological heterogeneity and bias constrain causal inference. Prospective cohort studies with rigorous exposure assessment and confounder control are needed to advance understanding and guide policy.

PMID:41761215 | DOI:10.1186/s12940-026-01282-y

Environ Int. 2026 Feb 23;209:110165. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110165. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants that pose potential health risks through multiple exposure routes. Although their toxic effects have attracted increasing concern, their multigenerational impacts remain poorly understood. This study investigated the reproductive effects of maternal exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) during gestation and lactation, on male offspring across two generations (F1 and F2) of Sprague-Dawley rats. Results demonstrated that maternal PS-MPs exposure induced significant reproductive toxicity in both F1 and F2 male offspring, manifesting as impaired testicular development with reduced sperm count, and accompanied by increased oxidative stress and DNA damage, as indicated by elevated levels of ROS, 8-OHdG, and γ-H2AX. In the F1 generation, we observed suppressed testosterone synthesis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, characterized by decreased levels of testosterone and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), along with increased GRP78. Interestingly, the F2 generation exhibited a distinct adaptive response, characterized by the upregulation of StAR and Serine arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1), suggesting that modulation of steroidogenesis and RNA splicing may partially counteract the reproductive impairment induced by ancestral exposure. In conclusion, gestational and lactational exposure to PS-MPs induces multigenerational reproductive toxicity in male offspring. However, compensatory mechanisms appear to attenuate these effects in the F2 generation. These findings provide crucial experimental evidence for the comprehensive assessment of multigenerational reproductive risks from microplastic exposure.

PMID:41759278 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110165

Chemosphere. 2026 Feb 26;398:144882. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.144882. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging marine contaminants, yet polymer-specific effects on microalgal physiology and lipid metabolism remain insufficiently understood. This study evaluated the responses of three commercially and ecologically relevant marine microalgae-Nannochloropsis sp., Chaetoceros sp., and Isochrysis sp.-grown in f/2 medium under controlled laboratory conditions and exposed to polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) MPs at 50 and 100 mg/L in 50:50 and 70:30 (PE: PP) ratios. MP morphology and algal-MP interactions were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Growth, pigment content, and total lipids were quantified, and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles were analysed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Elevated MP exposure significantly inhibited growth, with stronger effects under PE-dominant treatments. Nannochloropsis sp. showed the greatest growth reduction (29.36%), followed by Isochrysis sp. (23.58%) and Chaetoceros sp. (15.70%). At 100 mg/L, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents declined across all species. Total lipid content decreased under PE-rich MP exposure, accompanied by marked alterations in fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles. Nannochloropsis sp. exhibited increased proportions of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3), indicating metabolic adjustment to MP-induced stress. In contrast, Chaetoceros sp. showed reduced nervonic (C24:1) and oleic (C18:1) acids, suggesting disruption of long-chain fatty acid biosynthesis, while Isochrysis sp. displayed significant reductions in tricosanoic acid (C23:1) relative to the control. Overall, long-chain fatty acids dominated (55-75%), with MP stress promoting species-dependent elongation and desaturation processes. These findings demonstrate that MP polymer composition critically influences microalgal growth, pigment production, and lipid metabolic pathways, with implications for algal biochemical composition and biofuel-relevant traits. Future studies should examine long-term, environmentally relevant microplastic exposures and underlying mechanisms affecting microalgal physiology and lipid metabolism.

PMID:41759408 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.144882

Chemosphere. 2026 Feb 26;398:144881. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.144881. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study examined the sorption and desorption capacities of both new and environmentally aged expanded polystyrene microplastics regarding phenanthrene, a low-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. The experimental procedures to evaluate sorption and desorption encompassed batch-reactor tests, mechanical stirring, and ultrasonication in aqueous phenanthrene solutions in contact with polymer beads, subsequently analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. The results demonstrated that equilibrium was achieved at 720 min and the new expanded polystyrene followed the Freundlich isotherm model (R² = 0.962). Moreover, sorption parameters such as a nonlinearity index (N < 1) and a Freundlich constant (Kf = 7.425), derived for the new expanded polystyrene, indicate a heterogeneous substrate where sorption capacity increases concomitantly with rising analyte concentrations in the medium. Conversely, the aged polystyrene moderately fit the Dubinin-Radushkevich model (R² = 0.85). These findings, together with the kinetic analysis, indicated that, in both instances, the sorption rate was limited by both partition and pore-filling. Nevertheless, the aged expanded polystyrene absorbed 11% more phenanthrene than the new polystyrene. Furthermore, both new and aged expanded polystyrene demonstrated low phenanthrene desorption percentages, with values of 2 % and 3%, respectively. This low desorption implies that expanded polystyrene could serve as a long-term vector of non-polar organic pollutants in natural environments, which is attributed to desorption hysteresis.

PMID:41759409 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.144881

Antioxidants (Basel). 2026 Jan 30;15(2):179. doi: 10.3390/antiox15020179.

ABSTRACT

Maternal consumption of a high-fructose (HF) diet or exposure to microplastics (MPs) can each independently affect kidney development and increase the risk of hypertension in adult offspring, yet their combined impact remains poorly understood. Dysregulation of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) signaling and alterations in gut microbiota are potential mediators of this programming. Pregnant rats received either standard chow or a 60% HF diet, with half of each group additionally exposed to sulfate-modified MPs (1 mg/L) with a 5 μm diameter throughout pregnancy and lactation. Male offspring were divided into four groups (n = 7-8 per group): control, HF, MP, and HF+MP. Maternal HF or MP exposure raised offspring blood pressure (BP), with additive effects when combined, and MP exposure caused renal injury. MP treatment also suppressed renal H₂S-generating enzymes and reduced H₂S production. Both HF and MP exposures altered gut microbial composition linked to BP regulation and induced metabolic changes in taurine/hypotaurine and sulfur pathways, suggesting impaired H₂S production. These results indicate that maternal HF and MP exposures interfere with H₂S signaling, gut microbiota, and metabolic programming, highlighting the H₂S signaling as a potential target to reduce long-term kidney and cardiometabolic risks.

PMID:41750560 | PMC:PMC12938663 | DOI:10.3390/antiox15020179

Polymers (Basel). 2026 Feb 18;18(4):505. doi: 10.3390/polym18040505.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are an increasingly pervasive pollutant, prompting interest in using them as a waste valorization feedstock in cementitious composites-most commonly as partial replacements for mineral aggregates. This review critically assesses the technical feasibility and implications of this approach based on current experimental and analytical evidence. Across the literature, MPs differ fundamentally from natural aggregates in stiffness, density, and surface chemistry, which weakens particle packing and interfacial bonding. Consequently, MP-aggregate substitution typically reduces workability and compressive strength and degrades durability-related performance, including resistance to chloride ingress, carbonation, and freeze-thaw action, with adverse effects generally increasing at higher replacement levels. While isolated benefits such as reduced unit weight and occasional post-cracking responses have been reported under specific mix designs, untreated MPs usually behave as mechanically inactive inclusions and stress concentrators rather than effective reinforcement. Major uncertainties remain regarding long-term durability and the risk of secondary MP release. Overall, MP-based aggregate replacement should be considered a conditional, application-specific strategy, currently most defensible for non-structural or function-driven applications under carefully defined performance and environmental criteria.

PMID:41754694 | PMC:PMC12944045 | DOI:10.3390/polym18040505

Gen Dent. 2026 Mar-Apr;74(2):52-56.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles ranging from 1 μm to 5 mm, have become a growing concern with potentially significant implications for human health. Originating from diverse sources, including consumer products, industrial activities, and biomedical supplies, MPs have been detected in water, food, air, and even human tissues. This review focuses on the potential health risks and sources of MPs, particularly those arising from dental products. Dental products such as toothpastes, toothbrushes, dental floss, resin-based composites, denture base materials, and thermoplastic orthodontic appliances contain or generate MPs through degradation and routine use. Human exposure to MPs occurs via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, with evidence suggesting systemic distribution that affects multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems. MPs can cross critical biological barriers, leading to neurotoxicity, hormonal disruption, and potential carcinogenesis. The cumulative plastic waste from dental care contributes to environmental pollution. Emerging solutions such as biodegradable materials and improved waste management strategies show promise but require further investigation. This review underscores the need for continued research on MP exposure to mitigate health risks and environmental impact.

PMID:41758632

Microorganisms. 2026 Feb 14;14(2):468. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms14020468.

ABSTRACT

Concerns about microplastic pollution have risen as numerous studies have reported detection of microplastics in foods, including seafood. One emerging concern is the ability of microplastics to vector pathogens that can adhere to biofilms on microplastic surfaces. Here, we investigated whether microplastics can facilitate zoonotic protozoan parasite contamination in shellfish. Oysters were selected for this study because they are commonly eaten raw and can harbor zoonotic protozoan pathogens. Acclimated live oysters were exposed in closed aquaria to Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Toxoplasma (oo)cysts that had been incubated in seawater either as protozoa alone (P treatment) or with preconditioned polyester microfibers (P + M treatment). After overnight exposure, oysters were transferred to clean seawater flow-through aquaria for depuration. Over the experimental period, oysters exposed to both protozoa and microfibers had significantly higher numbers of protozoan pathogens than oysters exposed to protozoa alone. Our study provides experimental evidence that microplastics may facilitate protozoan pathogen contamination in shellfish. These results demonstrate how anthropogenic pollution may have unintended consequences on infectious disease transmission in coastal ecosystems, with potential risk to wildlife populations and human public health.

PMID:41753754 | PMC:PMC12943209 | DOI:10.3390/microorganisms14020468

Molecules. 2026 Feb 10;31(4):613. doi: 10.3390/molecules31040613.

ABSTRACT

As primary degradation products of persistent plastic waste, microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs, <1 μm) have emerged as a critical global environmental concern, with their ubiquitous distribution documented across aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric ecosystems. With annual plastic production exceeding 460 million metric tons, their widespread presence in environmental matrices and biota-from marine organisms to human tissues-poses significant, yet incompletely understood, threats to ecological integrity and public health. This paper systematically reviews the state-of-the-art detection techniques, environmental fate processes, and remediation strategies for MPs and NPs. In terms of detection, we cover microscopy, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, chromatography, and spectroscopy, emphasizing hyphenated techniques (e.g., FT-IR microscopy, Raman spectroscopy) for enhancing sensitivity and specificity. Fate studies reveal that MPs/NPs exhibit long environmental persistence, undergo bioaccumulation and trophic transfer, and can act as carriers for organic pollutants and heavy metals. Removal techniques include physical (membrane filtration, adsorption), chemical (coagulation, advanced oxidation), and biological (biochar immobilization, microbial degradation) approaches, each with distinct advantages and limitations. This review synthesizes current knowledge gaps and provides a scientific framework for developing integrated management strategies to mitigate plastic pollution risks.

PMID:41752390 | PMC:PMC12943563 | DOI:10.3390/molecules31040613

Environ Health. 2026 Feb 27. doi: 10.1186/s12940-026-01282-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants with potential human health implications. Although laboratory models implicate MNPs in oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption, a comprehensive synthesis of direct in vivo human evidence is lacking. We aimed to systematically review studies measuring MNPs in living human subjects and summarise associated health findings.

METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane and Embase through 26 December 2024. Two investigators independently screened and selected original research articles that quantified MNPs in biological samples from living humans. We excluded animal, in vitro, cell-line, and injection-based studies, as well as reports on non-plastic micro- and nanoparticles. Data extraction, performed in duplicate, included study design, participant characteristics, detection methods, polymer types, and reported health outcomes. Methodological quality was appraised using Risk Of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies-of Exposures (ROBINS-E). The primary outcome was the presence and burden of MNPs; secondary outcomes were clinical or biomarker associations. No metaanalysis was performed due to heterogeneity.

RESULTS: From 5 522 records, 25 studies met inclusion. Studies employed pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (n = 9), Raman spectroscopy (n = 8), infrared spectroscopy (n = 7), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (n = 3), often combined with microscopy for MNP detection. Predominant polymers were polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene. In cardiovascular research (5 studies; n = 454), higher thrombus and plasma MNP burdens correlated with inflammatory markers and adverse cardiac events. Reproductive research (seven studies; n = 327) linked semen and tissue MNPs to reduced sperm quality and accumulation in tumor and placental samples. Gastrointestinal research (9 studies; n = 537) associated fecal MNPs with liver enzyme elevations and gut dysbiosis. Respiratory (3 studies; n = 171) and ocular (1 study; n = 49) research detected MNPs in airway fluids and vitreous humor respectively, with links to airway inflammation and increased intraocular pressure. ROBINS-E assessments indicated moderate to high risk of confounding and exposure-measurement bias; consistency across detection modalities was limited.

CONCLUSION: Human in vivo evidence confirms that MNPs accumulate in multiple organ systems and are associated with inflammation and functional impairment. Methodological heterogeneity and bias constrain causal inference. Prospective cohort studies with rigorous exposure assessment and confounder control are needed to advance understanding and guide policy.

PMID:41761215 | DOI:10.1186/s12940-026-01282-y

Foods. 2026 Feb 10;15(4):633. doi: 10.3390/foods15040633.

ABSTRACT

Foodborne microplastics (MPs) are suspected carriers of co-ingested food contaminants, yet their digestive fate remains poorly characterized. This study simulates the role of environmentally aged polylactic acid (PLA) MPs-a common food-contact material-in transporting the antibiotic tetracycline (TC) through the human gastrointestinal tract. K₂S₂O₈-induced aging significantly increased PLA surface porosity, oxygen-containing groups, and hydrophilicity, elevating TC adsorption capacity from 0.54 to 0.95 mg/g. While adsorption kinetics were consistent with pseudo-second-order behavior, mechanistic analysis indicates that aging promotes interactions dominated by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic forces, rather than purely physical deposition. Critically, in vitro digestion models revealed that simulated intestinal fluid significantly enhances TC release (up to 62.7% of adsorbed load) compared to gastric conditions. Sequential gastrointestinal simulation yielded a bioaccessibility of 32.6%, indicating substantial digestive mobilization of MP-bound antibiotics. These findings underscore the potential of aged PLA MPs to act as digestive-stage "Trojan horses" for foodborne antibiotics. Our integrated approach-combining controlled aging, adsorption thermodynamics, and physiologically relevant digestion models-provides a mechanistic screening framework for assessing the bioaccessibility and exposure potential of microplastic-vectored contaminants in food safety contexts.

PMID:41750825 | PMC:PMC12939453 | DOI:10.3390/foods15040633

Environ Pollut. 2026 Feb 25:127885. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127885. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Relatively little is known about the degradation pathways and impacts of plastic litter on the seafloor. In this study, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle fragments (n = 70) have been retrieved from kelp deposits washed up after storm activity and analysed by a range of visual and spectroscopic techniques. Fragments of various colours consisted of either side walls, sometimes containing the cap, or petaloid bases. Clear samples often exhibited oxidative yellowing, and bases were sometimes locally stained or fouled. Stereomicroscopy revealed heterogeneous abrasion, entrapment of silt, and blistering, delamination and thickening of the base, while electron microscopy revealed the formation of microplastic fragments and flakes. Relative to new PET, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry showed evidence of ester bond scission and oxidative degradation, while X-ray fluorescence spectrometry revealed a reduction in the concentration of Sb. Heterogeneous PET degradation appears to be determined by both intrinsic properties of the polymer (including bottle geometry) and environmental factors and results in the generation of microplastics and mobilisation of Sb. Independent studies of PET degradation exposed to UV light suggest lifetimes of 20 to 1200 years, but while residing on the seafloor persistence could be considerably longer.

PMID:41759610 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127885

Nutrients. 2026 Feb 11;18(4):600. doi: 10.3390/nu18040600.

ABSTRACT

A new category of polyphenolic compounds, like flavonoids, phenolic acids, phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, and others, referred to as food nutrients, may counteract the harmful effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) by enhancing cellular stress resilience response and overall human health. These compounds found in functional food help mitigate the cellular damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress caused by MNP exposure, which can contribute to pathological conditions, including diabetes. Importantly, specific food nutrients are able to activate, at the minimum dose, the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) to prevent or block MNP-induced damage. The Nfe2l2 gene encodes the Nrf2 transcription factor, acting as a master regulator of redox homeostasis by inducing antioxidant response element (ARE)-driven resilience genes, which in turn, promote the expression of detoxification enzymes like heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and shield cells from environmental damage and toxicity. Deregulation of the Nfe2l2 gene due to the accumulation of MNP pollutants may exacerbate the inflammatory conditions associated with diabetes and its chronic complications by rendering cells more sensitive to oxidative stress, apoptosis, and pyroptosis. Furthermore, epigenetic modifications influence gene regulation; chromatin remodeling directly impacts DNA accessibility, allowing or limiting transcription factor access to regulate gene expression. This mechanism may also play a pivotal role in the progression of oxidative stress-related diseases, as it modulates the Nrf2 pathway and the expression levels of its target genes. In contrast to the current literature, which has only addressed the pathological mechanisms induced by MNPs, this research explores, for the first time, how food nutrients interacting with the Nfe2l2 gene can combat or reverse the toxic effects of MNPs in cells, tissues, and organs. The goal is to improve health by attenuating MNP toxicity, which is influenced by individual genetic variations and cellular stress resilience.

PMID:41754117 | PMC:PMC12943260 | DOI:10.3390/nu18040600

Vet Sci. 2026 Feb 20;13(2):202. doi: 10.3390/vetsci13020202.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are now common in land and water ecosystems. Their spread is an increasing issue from a One Health perspective. These particles end up in soils, water, air, and farm inputs. This poses direct risks to animal health and indirect risks to people who eat animal-derived food. There are also risks from plastic additives and pesticides migrating with these particles in animal-based food. Scope and Approach: This review summarizes how MPs and NPs move in agroecosystems and livestock production. It covers their main sources, such as agricultural plastics, sludge-amended soils, plastic-lined storage, and environmental fallout. It explains how farm animals are exposed, including through feed, water, soil contact, and inhalation. Evidence is condensed for occurrence in manure, tissues, and animal products. The review also highlights key analysis challenges, especially those limiting the assessment of nanoplastic exposure.

KEY FINDINGS: Field surveys show very different contamination levels in the environment. Agricultural soils range from 0.36 to 42,960 particles/kg. Livestock indicators, like contaminated feed and manure, range from 10² to 10⁵ particles/kg. In free-roaming systems, chicken feces have very high loads, showing trophic transfer in land food chains. A pilot study found plastic particles in pig and cow blood, suggesting some particles cross the gut into the blood. Experimental models link MPs/NPs to oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic disturbance, and potential reproductive toxicity in livestock and poultry.

CONCLUSIONS AND OUTLOOK: Animal-based foods provide a major source of human exposure. MPs and NPs have been observed in milk and poultry products, such as packaged meat and eggs (mean 11.67 ± 3.98 particles/egg). There is still a research gap on raw milk taken directly from the teat and on raw eggs that have not been handled or packaged. This gap makes it hard to identify real contamination sources and control strategies. The review stresses the need for harmonized detection methods (especially for NPs), monitoring from farm to fork, and practical ways to reduce plastic use on farms and minimize contamination during processing, feed handling, and packaging.

PMID:41745996 | PMC:PMC12945294 | DOI:10.3390/vetsci13020202

Physiol Mol Biol Plants. 2026 Feb;32(2):185-204. doi: 10.1007/s12298-025-01677-0. Epub 2025 Oct 30.

ABSTRACT

A sustainable and eco-friendly method for eliminating contaminants from soil and water is called phytoremediation, and it involves using plants. The low bioavailability of contaminants, restricted rates of degradation, and decreased plant tolerance under high pollution stress, however, frequently limit its use. The use of nanomaterials to improve phytoremediation efficiency has become possible thanks to recent developments in nanotechnology. With a focus on the role of different nanomaterials such as metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, graphene-based materials, and nano-bio composites in the remediation of heavy metals, organic pollutants, pesticides, dyes, and microplastics, this review offers a thorough summary of the latest developments in nanomaterial-facilitated phytoremediation. In addition to making pollutants more mobile and soluble, which increases their bioavailability to plants, nanomaterials also improve plant growth, metabolism, and stress tolerance. Additionally, they serve as catalysts to help the plant system's detoxification processes and speed up the breakdown of complicated pollutants. Studies conducted in labs and greenhouses have demonstrated encouraging outcomes when nanomaterials are combined with phytoremediation. Concerns about the long-term stability, bioaccumulation, and environmental toxicity of engineered nanomaterials, however, continue to be major obstacles. This review also emphasizes the significance of field-based validation for real-world applications, green nanomaterial synthesis, and risk assessment. Future studies must concentrate on creating safe, affordable, and sustainable nanomaterials as well as comprehending the molecular interactions between plants, nanomaterials, and pollutants.

PMID:41743278 | PMC:PMC12929779 | DOI:10.1007/s12298-025-01677-0

Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2026 Feb 25:101925. doi: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2026.101925. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plastic pollution is a growing global health threat, with healthcare an underrecognized contributor. Hospitals generate large volumes of single-use plastics from clinical care, pharmaceuticals, and sterile supply chains, accounting for nearly one-quarter of hospital waste. These materials, largely derived from fossil fuels, introduce more than 13,000 chemicals into the environment and frequently degrade into microplastics and nanoplastics that contaminate air, water, soil, and human biological systems. Children are uniquely vulnerable to plastic pollution due to developmental physiology and higher per-kilogram exposures. Pediatric health impacts may occur through micro- and nano-plastics and toxic plastic additives such as phthalates, bisphenols and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Reducing healthcare plastic use and waste offers direct and immediate opportunities to reduce children's exposures. Frontline clinical strategies to address healthcare plastic pollution include sustainability-oriented quality improvement efforts aimed at eliminating unnecessary single-use plastics, transitioning to safer material alternatives, optimizing clinical practice patterns, expanding reuse and reprocessing systems, and advancing regulatory policies that restrict harmful additives. Addressing healthcare plastic pollution is not only an environmental imperative but a critical pediatric health intervention.

PMID:41748343 | DOI:10.1016/j.cppeds.2026.101925

J Xenobiot. 2026 Feb 22;16(1):37. doi: 10.3390/jox16010037.

ABSTRACT

This research aimed to quantify and investigate the morphology of microplastics in skincare and treatment creams related to their chemical composition and the potential risks to human health associated with exposure to microplastics by dermal contact. A total of 21 skincare and treatment cream samples, indicating the target audience (men, women, and children) for each product, and potential diseases were analyzed in terms of the hidden risk of microplastics. To determine the exact number of microplastics to which adults and children are exposed over the course of a year, in-depth research was conducted on the cosmetic care and treatment products used by over 354 respondents from Romania. This study used a free, self-reported questionnaire method, which took into account consumer habits and preferences, as well as any potential medical conditions that could affect exposure. Optical microscopy and micro-FTIR revealed a total of 109 microplastics, with different sizes, colors, and shapes (i.e., fragments and fibers) and various chemical compositions, including mixtures of polymeric and natural structures, as well as 100% synthetic materials, e.g., polyethylene and polyester. The potential health risk of exposure to microplastics in certain cosmetic formulations for adults was assessed by calculating various risk indices, such as the polymer risk index (H), pollution load index (PLI), dermal plastic absorption (DPA), chronic daily dermal exposure (CDDE), risk to human health from dermal absorption (RHHDA), and estimated annual dermal absorption (EADA). These indices were calculated based on the medical conditions and application areas indicated on the labels of the analyzed creams (i.e., skincare and treatment), for both adult and children's categories, using the fingertip unit (FTU) method for estimating the cream amount. The plastic toxicity of the analyzed samples was assessed using the H and PLI indices. The risk of microplastics to human health from dermal exposure was assessed using the DPA, CDDE, RHHDA, and EADA indices, which showed concerning results regarding the presence of these particles in cosmetic formulations.

PMID:41745123 | PMC:PMC12941705 | DOI:10.3390/jox16010037

Biology (Basel). 2026 Feb 9;15(4):300. doi: 10.3390/biology15040300.

ABSTRACT

The increasing presence of abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) on the seafloor is a major source of microplastics (MPs) pollution in coastal ecosystems. This study assessed the concentration, morphology, and chemical composition of MPs in surface sediments collected from Alicante and Benidorm, in the Valencian Community, eastern coast of Spain, Mediterranean Sea. Impacted sites with fishing nets were compared to control sites without nets. Two analytical techniques were used for polymer identification, depending on particle size: micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (µFTIR) and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR). The results showed significantly higher MPs concentrations in sites affected by ALDFG. The findings highlight a clear link between the presence of fishing nets and MPs accumulation in sediments. This underlines the urgent need for mitigation strategies and recovery of discarded fishing gear. This study addresses a gap in the literature regarding MPs contamination on rocky coastal substrates and calls for further research to assess the long-term ecotoxicological impacts on marine ecosystems.

PMID:41744609 | PMC:PMC12938099 | DOI:10.3390/biology15040300

Toxics. 2026 Jan 29;14(2):127. doi: 10.3390/toxics14020127.

ABSTRACT

Soil ecosystems are seriously contaminated by microplastics of varying particle sizes, yet the ecological consequences across a broader size spectrum remain poorly understood. We conducted a 360-day field experiment to examine the effects of seven microplastic size fractions (ranging from 6.5 μm to 1000 μm) on the composition, trophic structure, temporal dynamics, complexity, and stability of soil nematode communities. Results showed that microplastics altered nematode community composition and structure, with impacts clearly dependent on both particle size and exposure time. Microplastics generally reduced the abundance, complexity, and stability of nematode communities, except for the 25 μm and 500 μm particles. Temporal analysis revealed an initial increase in nematode abundance, followed by a long-term decline across most treatments. Structural equation modeling indicated that microplastics regulated nematode diversity and stability through pathways that varied with particle size. We recommend that the environmental risk assessments for soil microplastics incorporate testing across a broad size spectrum and over extended timescales to capture their complex and dynamic impacts.

PMID:41745801 | PMC:PMC12944334 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14020127

Toxics. 2026 Jan 23;14(2):108. doi: 10.3390/toxics14020108.

ABSTRACT

Background: Microplastics (MPs; <5 mm) are pervasive contaminants that can compromise freshwater wetland integrity and wildlife health, yet field evidence from inland systems and non-invasive biomonitoring remains limited. To address this gap, we provide a non-invasive, feces-based baseline for a key wintering waterbird in an inland soda-lake wetland of Türkiye, supported by polymer confirmation. Methods: We evaluated MP occurrence in fecal deposits of the Greylag Goose (Anser anser), a key wintering waterbird at Lake Erçek (Eastern Anatolia, Türkiye), using non-invasive sampling across five periods (October 2024-February 2025). We collected 400 fecal deposits and pooled them into five time-specific composite samples. Accordingly, temporal comparisons are presented descriptively at the composite (period) level rather than as individual-level statistical inference and quantified suspected MPs by type, shape, size, and color; a representative subset (>300 µm; ~20%) was polymer-confirmed by FT-IR, and particle surfaces were examined by SEM-EDX. Results: In total, 959 suspected MP items were recovered, corresponding to an estimated 1.75-2.85 items per fecal deposit (composite-derived; mean 2.40). MP counts peaked in late autumn-early winter (Time 2-Time 3) and declined toward late winter (Time 5). Fibers predominated (37.22%), followed by fragments (30.55%) and pellets (18.77%); the most frequent size class was 100-300 µm (30.25%), and white/transparent particles were most common (38.52%). FT-IR identified polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride, while SEM-EDX indicated weathered polymeric surfaces. Conclusions: These findings provide baseline evidence of MP exposure in an inland wetland waterbird and support feces-based monitoring for comparative assessments.

PMID:41745782 | PMC:PMC12944368 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14020108

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Feb 25;227:119462. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119462. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous ecotoxic contaminants. Assessing their level of contamination and distribution is crucial for identifying pollution sources, understanding their effects on aquatic ecosystems, and planning effective remediation measures. Here, innovative visualization tools have been used for the first time to study patterns in MP contamination in water from littoral coastal zones, marine surface waters and sediment along the northern shorelines of the Oman Sea, stretching from the Pozm Estuary to Gwadar Bay at the Iran-Pakistan border. On average, 42 ± 37 MPs·kg^-1 and 9.4 ± 7.6 MPs·L^-1 were found in the sediment and seawater samples, respectively. The results evidenced that MP pollution tends to float at sea, where the minimum observable size was 50 μm. Fibers and fragments, < 250 μm, were prevalent in water and sediment. The most abundant MPs were composed of polypropylene, with dark colors in both media. Significant differences were found between the MP contamination in the sediment and water, regarding the MP concentration, shapes, and colors, highlighting the uneven distribution of MPs between the media. No significant difference was found regarding MP size distribution in both media. The most contaminated site was at a commercial port in Chabahar Bay, with 155 MPs in sediment and 33 MPs in water. Weathering evidences were recognized on the surface of the particles recovered from both media. MPs presented greater fragmentation in the water, possibly due to increased exposure to weathering agents, including UV radiation from the sun, mechanical forces from waves and tidal currents, or biodegradation. This research is important to perceive, manage, and mitigate MP contamination in the northern coastal ecosystems of the Oman Sea and understand the fate of MPs in the seawater column.

PMID:41747621 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119462

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Feb 25;227:119451. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119451. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics are ubiquitous in aquatic environments and pose a risk of trophic transfer ingestion in the marine food chain. Tropical estuaries, which have high primary productivity, also act as a conduit for anthropogenic pollutants enter to the ocean. We conducted a spatiotemporal survey in the microtidal Kuala Terengganu estuary during the southwest monsoon (May and August) in 2022. In this work, 15 stations across three zones (plume, front, and shelf) were sampled by collecting zooplankton using a submersible pump and filtering through a 60 μm mesh. The zooplankton were taxonomically identified and treated with an alkaline digestion, and the recovered ingested microplastics were subsequently characterized morphologically and chemically using SEM-EDS and FTIR. Microplastics were dominated by fragments (98.6%) and polyamide (PA) (66.7%). The ingestion incidence ranged from 0.002 to 0.032 particles ind.^-1 with no significant differences among stations or sampling events. The frontal region exhibited a higher potential intake of microplastics by zooplankton (10.57-271.23 particles m^-3) during high tide compared to the other regions. This was reflected in the elevated microplastic abundance in the water at the frontal zone, where the abundance ratio was 0.8 to 4.1 times higher than in surrounding areas. Copepods accounted for 83% of microplastic ingestions, with Temora sp. showing the highest species-level incidence (2.0 particles ind.^-1) and Oithona sp. showing the high potential intake of microplastic (96.56 particles m^-3). Overall, these results indicate measurable microplastic bioavailability to estuarine zooplankton in the Kuala Terengganu estuary and highlight the need for continued monitoring of microplastic exposure and potential trophic transfer in tropical estuaries.

PMID:41747620 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119451

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Feb 23;506:141592. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141592. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics are recognized as environmental vectors for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), a role traditionally ascribed to physical mechanisms such as biofilm-enhanced horizontal gene transfer. Here, we uncover a chemistry-driven pathway that fundamentally surpasses the traditional passive vector model. We show that π‑conjugated polystyrene (PS) microplastics serve as powerful chemical hazard amplifyers by specifically concentrating the signaling molecule indole on their surfaces through π-π stacking and electrostatic interactions (binding energy = -128.56 kcal/mol), creating localized interfacial risk hotspots. These hotspots drive the reprogramming of soil microbiomes, as evidenced by distinct transformations in dissolved organic matter (DOM), and promote a cross-kingdom microbial alliance centered on the keystone fungus Pseudeurotium. This fungal hub transmits the amplified indole signal to bacterial degraders, markedly elevating the dissemination risk of clinically relevant ARGs (e.g., sul2). Through an integration of molecular simulations, multi-omics analyses, and causal modeling, our structural equation modeling (SEM) identifies the amplified indole signal as the primary direct driver of ARG abundance (path coefficient β = 0.47)-an effect 23.5 times greater than that of the PS polymer itself. Our findings establish "Chemical Interfacial-Driven Network Engineering (CIDNE)" as a pivotal mechanism, redefining how synthetic materials actively reshape microbial networks and escalate environmental resistome risk through molecular-scale interfacial interactions.

PMID:41747693 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141592

J Environ Manage. 2026 Feb 25;402:129109. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.129109. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Environmental impacts of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems have been extensively studied, limited attention has been given to how their material types affect surface biofilm development and related nutrient cycling. This experimental study involving three types of MPs biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA), non-biodegradable polyethylene (PE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) revealed that the PLA surface bioflims had a higher content of chlorophyll a (Chl a), and there are significant differences in the microbial community structure among the three groups of MPs. The PLA group enriched Niveispirillum and Flavobacterium, which are involved in the nitrogen cycle, and were positively associated with increased microbial diversity and community structural shifts at day 55. In contrast, the PE and PVC groups enriched Sediminibacterium, a genus with pollutant-degradation capabilities. Analysis of nitrogen cycling genes revealed that the PLA group had consistently high levels of the nitrite reductase gene (nirS) while the PVC group showed a significant increase in the copper-containing nitrite reductase gene (nirK) during the mid-stage of the experiment. Functional prediction analysis also revealed that PLA group showed enrichment in energy metabolism pathways such as glycolysis, indicating that surface microbes preferentially utilize sugars as carbon and energy sources. In contrast, the PVC group showed higher reliance on amino acid metabolism, with enriched biosynthesis pathways of L-tryptophan and L-ornithine. The PE group had strong organic pollutant degradation, as surface microbes adapt to hydrophobic conditions by decomposing complex organics. Our results reveal that biodegradable PLA and non-biodegradable PE/PVC exert divergent effects on the development and ecological functions of surface biofilms, highlighting the key role of MP biodegradability in mediating these outcomes.

PMID:41747678 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.129109

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Feb 23;506:141594. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141594. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasively present in agricultural soils, adversely affecting rhizosphere ecology and plant physiology; however, their influence on soil-borne pathogens and crop health remains poorly understood. Here, we systematically investigate the effects of exogenous MPs on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) colonization, virulence and antagonistic network in tomato rhizosphere using hydroponic, soil-based, and in vitro co-culture assays. We found that conventional polyethylene (PE) exacerbated wilt severity by 19 %, whereas biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) reduced it by 14 %. This divergence arose from MP-mediated pathogen colonization patterns: PE adhered to root surfaces and facilitated colonization, whereas PLA leachates generated during degradation suppressed growth. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and in vitro antifungal assays identified two key antifungal pathways: the intermediate L-lactide induced rhizosphere acidification, and the leached plasticizer tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate, which exhibited direct antifungal activity (minimum inhibitory concentration = 50 mg·L^-1; inhibition rate = 15.5 %). Transcriptomic profiling revealed that PE upregulated N transport and metabolism genes in FOL, whereas PLA downregulated the expression of the plant cell wall-degrading enzyme gene FOXG_11947 (log₂ fold change = -3.18), reducing β-1,3-glucanase activity by 75.5 %, and consequently impairing pathogen virulence toward the host roots. Beyond singular interaction with FOL, PLA shifted rhizosphere microbiome toward an antagonistic network, which consequently reduced Fusarium abundance by 1.31 %. Our findings establish a polymer-dependent mechanism by which MPs regulate soil-borne disease and underscore an underappreciated co-exposure threat, providing a scientific basis for sustainable plastic use in agriculture.

PMID:41747696 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141594

Environ Res. 2026 Feb 24;297:124116. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124116. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) pollution has emerged as a critical global environmental challenge. Biochar has emerged as a promising sustainable adsorbent for MPs removal, owing to its abundant raw material sources, high production yield, and recyclability. However, current limitations persist, including poor adsorption performance and ambiguous molecular interaction mechanisms. This study addresses these gaps through controlled pyrolysis of fast-growing balsa and paulownia woods to synthesize hierarchically porous biochar. The optimized biochar exhibited an exceptional adsorption capacity for polystyrene (PS) of 533.33 mg g^-1, driven by multiple intermolecular interactions. Notably, it retained 88.4% of its initial capacity after 30 regeneration cycles. Moreover, the biochar exhibited robust MPs removal across diverse water matrices, low MPs concentrations (1 mg L^-1), and real-plastic particles (plastic bags and tea bags). This work not only advances the rational design of sustainable MPs remediation materials, but also elucidates molecular-level adsorption mechanisms, providing both practical solutions for MPs mitigation and operational guidelines for water treatment facilities.

PMID:41747998 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124116

J Appl Toxicol. 2026 Feb 26. doi: 10.1002/jat.70077. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), a pervasive environmental pollutant, present a significant and growing threat to human health. Metabolomics has emerged as a powerful tool for deciphering pollutant toxicity by sensitively detecting metabolic perturbations. This review outlines metabolomic methodologies and their application in environmental toxicology. Meanwhile, evidence of the multisystem toxic effects of MPs revealed by metabolomics is synthesized, and progress in integrating metabolomic data with multiomics to elucidate underlying mechanisms is summarized. Results indicate that MPs induce systemic toxicity through organ-specific metabolic disruptions. In the intestinal tract, MPs compromise barrier integrity, induce amino acid and lipid metabolic reprogramming, and cause microbial dysbiosis, impacting distal organs via the gut-organ axes. Upon entering the nervous system, they disrupt neurotransmitter metabolism and impair cognitive function. Concurrently, MPs impair reproductive function by altering testicular phospholipid metabolism, reducing sperm quality, and disrupting placental lysine and glucose homeostasis, restricting fetal growth. Furthermore, MPs inhibit central energy metabolism pathways, including glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle across diverse species, resulting in impaired growth and development. Future research should leverage spatial metabolomics, causal validation techniques, and advanced computational algorithms to systematically map MP-induced metabolic disruptions, establish definitive mechanistic links, and reconstruct toxicity networks. Our study provides scientific basis for further clarifying the MP toxicity and identifying molecular targets of metabolic reprogramming to develop interventions that mitigate the health risks of MPs.

PMID:41748133 | DOI:10.1002/jat.70077

Toxics. 2026 Feb 13;14(2):170. doi: 10.3390/toxics14020170.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive contaminants that enter the food chain and cause health issues. However, the size-dependent effects of MPs on lipid metabolism remain inadequately characterized. Using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), we investigated the size-dependent toxicity of polystyrene (PS)-MPs as model contaminants with sizes of 100 nm and 1 μm, respectively. We evaluated multiple phenotypic endpoints, including lifespan, growth (body length and width), locomotion (head thrashes and body bends), reproduction, and intestinal lipofuscin. The expression of representative lipid metabolism-related transcripts was validated by quantitative PCR. Untargeted metabolomics profiling detected 831 differential metabolites (451down-regulated and 380 up-regulated) across both PS particle exposure groups, with over-representation of lipid metabolic pathways. Integration of multi-omics (transcriptomics and metabolomics) highlighted acdh-1, ech-6, hach-1, and sur-5 as core lipid-metabolism genes; RNA interference confirmed that knockdown of these target genes abolished the size-dependent differences in fat accumulation induced by MPs. Notably, it revealed elevated linoleic acid and taurocholic acid, signature metabolites indicative of disrupted lipid turnover by our metabolomic profiling. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that exposure to PS-MPs disrupts lipid homeostasis in C. elegans by perturbing mitochondrial function and key metabolic pathways, which in turn impairs growth, development, feeding, and reproductive capacity. Critically, these disruptive effects exhibit a strong size dependency, with 100 nm PS particles inducing more severe perturbations than the 1 μm particles, and provide novel mechanistic insight into MP-induced metabolic abnormalities, underscoring the importance of considering particle size in assessing the environmental and health risks of MP contamination.

PMID:41745844 | PMC:PMC12945210 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14020170

Aquat Toxicol. 2026 Feb 23;293:107769. doi: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2026.107769. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The excessive use of antibiotics by humans has led to their widespread dissemination in the environment, thereby promoting the emergence and proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in water environments. Microplastics exhibit strong adsorption capacities for various antibiotics and are considered capable of immobilizing them, potentially mitigating their impact on aquatic bacterial communities. However, little is known about whether antibiotics adsorbed by microplastics retain bioavailability and whether they can exert selective pressure on aquatic bacteria. This study investigated the adsorption of tetracycline by microplastics and microplastic biofilms in the landscape water of a university campus, as well as the bioavailability of the adsorbed tetracycline. Results revealed that bacteria inhabiting microplastic biofilms could still utilize tetracycline adsorbed by either microplastics or microplastic biofilms, indicating that the adsorbed tetracycline remains bioavailable. Compared with microplastic-sorbed tetracycline, microplastic biofilm-sorbed tetracycline exhibits a stronger capacity to promote ARG expression. This is because the formation of biofilms enhances the adsorption capacity of microplastics for tetracycline, and bacteria can more easily access tetracycline adsorbed onto biofilms than that embedded in the microplastic surface. Furthermore, tetracycline adsorbed onto microplastics and microplastic biofilms promoted the vertical transfer of ARGs, increased the relative abundance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) within biofilms, and enhanced the tetracycline resistance of microplastic biofilm bacteria. These findings suggest that antibiotics adsorbed by microplastics retain bioavailability and pose a potential risk of facilitating the dissemination of ARGs.

PMID:41747610 | DOI:10.1016/j.aquatox.2026.107769

Toxics. 2026 Feb 8;14(2):158. doi: 10.3390/toxics14020158.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Microplastics and nanoplastics, as pervasive and persistent environmental pollutants, are raising growing concerns regarding their potential risks to reproductive health, particularly pregnancy outcomes. Although the reproductive toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) has been reported, the specific mechanisms underlying their effects on placental development and offspring health following gestational exposure remain unclear.

METHOD: This study aimed to investigate the effects of gestational exposure to PS-NPs of different sizes (50 and 200 nm) and concentrations (1, 3, and 10 mg/mL) on placental function and embryonic development in ICR mice. An exposure model was established via tail vein injection, and samples were collected on embryonic Day 14.5 (E14.5).

RESULTS: the exposed groups tended towards increased embryo weight, embryo length, and embryo head circumference. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that PS-NP exposure significantly downregulated the expression of Ndufa5 (a subunit of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I) and mt-CO1 (a core subunit of complex IV), but upregulated the expression of the genes Cldn1 (tight junction protein) and Erbb3 (receptor tyrosine kinase) in the placenta. Differentially expressed genes were enriched primarily in pathways related to oxidative phosphorylation, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and ErbB signalling.

CONCLUSIONS: These changes collectively led to decreased mitochondrial ATP production, increased oxidative stress in the placenta, and potentially altered placental barrier function and trophoblast cell proliferation signalling. This study reveals a novel mechanism by which PS-NPs disrupt placental development and embryonic growth through impairment of placental energy metabolic homeostasis and key signalling pathways, thus providing crucial experimental evidence for assessing the reproductive and developmental toxicity of nanoplastics.

PMID:41745832 | PMC:PMC12945053 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14020158

Food Chem. 2026 Feb 22;509:148556. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148556. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

MPs contamination in food products, particularly high-value dairy powders, poses emerging health and quality concerns. This study evaluates NIR spectroscopy as a rapid, non-destructive tool for direct detection and quantification of typical MPs (PE, PP, PS, and PET) in camel milk powder. A total of 240 spiked samples (0.01-1.00% w/w) were prepared and analyzed using Fourier-transform NIR spectroscopy. PCA revealed distinct spectral clustering between uncontaminated and MPs spiked samples, with separation driven by NH and CH vibrational bands. PLS-DA models, optimized with GLSW preprocessing, achieved high classification accuracy for both uncontaminated samples (classification error of 0.004) and individual MP types (classification errors from 0.008 to 0.026). PLS models showed strong performance for PP and PS (R²_CV = 0.789 and 0.798, respectively), though accuracy for PE and PET remained moderate. These findings demonstrate that NIR spectroscopy is a viable, high throughput approach for screening MPs contamination in powdered dairy matrices, supporting its potential for routine quality control in premium food products.

PMID:41747555 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148556

Toxics. 2026 Jan 27;14(2):120. doi: 10.3390/toxics14020120.

ABSTRACT

With the increasing detection of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in marine environments and the expanding body of related research, their environmental behavior and ecological effects have become central topics in marine environmental science. This review addresses the growing concern over MNP pollution in the marine realm, encompassing their primary sources, spatial accumulation and distribution, environmental transport and transformation dynamics, and ecotoxicological effects on marine organisms and ecosystems, as well as the ecological risks they pose within key habitats such as seagrass beds and coral reefs. We synthesize evidence on the biological impacts of MNPs, including oxidative stress, tissue accumulation, metabolic disturbances, and immune impairment, as well as the heightened risk of pathogen transmission facilitated by the so-called "Plastisphere". Moreover, we explore the potential implications of MNP exposure on oceanic carbon cycling and net primary productivity. The reviewed literature suggests that MNPs are capable of long-range transport and progressive fragmentation into ultrafine particles, which are readily ingested and retained by a wide array of marine organisms, subsequently inducing toxicological effects and compromising both organismal health and ecological integrity. Such disturbances may undermine critical ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration capacity and food web stability. Finally, based on the current research landscape, we outline future research priorities: improving environmental detection and toxicological evaluation of MNPs, elucidating their long-term effects at the ecosystem scale, and investigating their interactions with co-occurring pollutants under complex, multi-stressor scenarios. These efforts are essential to support science-based assessment and effective management strategies for marine MNP pollution.

PMID:41745794 | PMC:PMC12944654 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14020120

Immunity. 2026 Feb 24:S1074-7613(26)00030-0. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2026.01.009. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), microparticles from plastic degradation, pose a substantial threat to human health. Macrophages, the body's immune sentinels, are unable to break down MPs, suggesting that MP accumulation could impair essential functions, such as removal of apoptotic cells (ACs), termed efferocytosis. We found that polystyrene MP (PS-MP) accumulation disrupted efferocytosis by impairing AC digestion in multiple types of macrophages and Sertoli cells, specialized testes phagocytes, in vitro. PS-MP exposure also suppressed efferocytosis and caused damage in the lungs, liver, and testes in vivo. Mechanistically, PS-MP-loaded efferocytotic macrophages had dysregulated metabolic and phagolysosome processes, including accumulation of methylglyoxal (MGO) and increased MGO glycation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, an enzyme required for AC digestion. Consistently, we found that overexpression of the MGO detoxification glyoxalase-1 rescued PS-MP-induced defects in AC digestion in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, we demonstrate that PS-MPs directly disrupt efferocytosis, which negatively affects the function and health of multiple organs.

PMID:41742421 | PMC:PMC12948039 | DOI:10.1016/j.immuni.2026.01.009

Toxins (Basel). 2026 Feb 9;18(2):87. doi: 10.3390/toxins18020087.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) and microcystins (MCs) frequently occur together in eutrophic environments. However, their interaction in aquatic systems is poorly understood. This study aimed to examine how MP particle size and salinity influence the adsorption behaviour of the cyanotoxin MC-LR onto polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs). Two particle size groups (180-500 µm and 700-1000 µm diameter) were mixed with a microcystin-LR (MC-LR) producing Microcystis aeruginosa lysate in either freshwater (salinity ≤ 0.05 g L^-1) or brackish water (salinity 16.00 g L^-1) and incubated at 25 °C in an orbital shaker for 48 h. MC-LR bound to PS-MPs was extracted and measured using triple quadrupole LC-MS/MS. The MC-LR adsorption rate exhibited a degree of oscillation throughout time, with peak adsorption observed for the smaller-sized PS-MPs at 1.60% in freshwater after 4 h and 4.60% in brackish water after 6 h. For the larger particle size of PS-MPs, peak adsorption occurred after 4 h, reaching 0.1% in freshwater and 1.3% in brackish water. This study provides evidence that PS-MPs have limited potential as vectors of MC-LR in eutrophic freshwater and brackish environments.

PMID:41745753 | PMC:PMC12945270 | DOI:10.3390/toxins18020087

Sci Total Environ. 2026 Feb 25;1021:181606. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181606. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics, as an emerging pollutant ubiquitous in aquatic systems, are commonly detected in wastewater treatment plants. They not only pose risks to human health but also impact nitrogen cycling and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. In recent years, research on the interaction between microplastics and nitrogen has gained considerable attention. However, comprehensive analysis on the overall influence of microplastics on emissions of the potent greenhouse gas N₂O during wastewater treatment are still limited, with knowledge gaps remaining-particularly in elucidating the underlying mechanisms and regulatory processes. This review aims to synthesize and discuss the effects of microplastics on nitrogen cycling and N₂O emissions in wastewater treatment systems. It was summarized current research findings and provided an in-depth examination of the mechanisms by which microplastics affect nitrogen transformation, identifying key enzymes, functional microorganisms, and genes as the main factors influencing these processes. Furthermore, integrated strategies for regulating nitrogen cycling and N₂O emissions were suggested, including physicochemical methods, biochemical approaches, operational parameter adjustment, and the integration of machine learning with modeling simulations. This review offered new insights into the reduction of greenhouse gases in the biological treatment of wastewater containing microplastics, and aims to promote its development in engineering applications.

PMID:41747514 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181606

Gels. 2026 Feb 14;12(2):169. doi: 10.3390/gels12020169.

ABSTRACT

The escalating demand for global fruit logistics underscores the urgency of packaging innovations to reconcile preservation efficiency with environmental sustainability, particularly addressing microplastic pollution from conventional plastics and safety hazards posed by synthetic pH-sensitive pigments. Natural pH-sensitive intelligent edible gel-based packaging, which integrates non-toxic indicators into biopolymer gel matrices, offers a viable solution by visually tracking freshness through colorimetric responses to pH fluctuations during storage and transportation. This review systematically synthesizes recent progress in material design, including the development of edible films and coatings, and evaluates the functional mechanisms of natural pH indicators within these systems. Applications across diverse fruit categories demonstrate their efficacy in delaying ripening, inhibiting microbial growth, and signaling quality degradation via dynamic color shifts. Despite enabling real-time, visual freshness monitoring, challenges in mechanical robustness, water resistance, and scalable manufacturing remain. Future advancements should prioritize the integration of multifunctional systems, such as gas conditioning technologies and bioactive components, to enhance practical performance and align with sustainable food preservation objectives, ultimately reducing food waste and elevating consumer safety standards.

PMID:41745041 | PMC:PMC12940641 | DOI:10.3390/gels12020169

Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2026 Feb 26:1-21. doi: 10.1080/19440049.2026.2628941. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm, have emerged as pervasive environmental contaminants increasingly reported in aquatic systems, air, and soil. Their detection in the human food chain has raised growing concerns regarding potential health risks. Although milk is a widely consumed dietary staple across all age groups, limited research has explored suitable methods for analysing MP contamination in this complex food matrix. In this study, a complementary multi-analytical framework was applied to investigate MP presence and characteristics in milk, integrating optical microscopy for initial screening with FTIR spectroscopy supported by an advanced spectral classification method (squared first-difference Euclidean cosine; SFEC) using the FloPP database, Raman spectroscopy for complementary polymer confirmation, and FESEM-EDX for morphological and elemental characterisation. To demonstrate these methods, milk samples (three commercial brands and one raw farm-sourced; n = 8) were analysed. MPs were detected in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 98 to 269 particles/L, showing diverse characteristics in colour, shape, and size. Polymers identified included PET, PU, PEVA, PE, PP, PC, PLA, rayon, and cotton fibres. These findings illustrate the feasibility of combining conventional spectroscopic techniques with advanced spectral matching to identify MPs reliably in dairy matrices. While the results provide preliminary evidence of MP occurrence in milk, larger-scale studies are needed for comprehensive risk assessment and source-tracking.

PMID:41747160 | DOI:10.1080/19440049.2026.2628941

Environ Health (Wash). 2025 Oct 21;4(2):313-323. doi: 10.1021/envhealth.5c00170. eCollection 2026 Feb 20.

ABSTRACT

Polypropylene (PP) and poly-(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastic products are widely used in diet packaging and may generate microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) during use. However, their effects and mechanisms on causing endocrine system diseases remain unclear. Here, we established a dietary exposure mouse model using micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) and found that MNPs caused a decrease in thyroid function in adolescent mice. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used to reconstruct the intestinal microbiota of mice to reveal the mechanisms of thyroid dysfunction. The abundance of Bacteroides in the intestinal tract significantly changed after FMT. PP-MPs and NPs affected the levels of lysophosphatidylethanolamine and fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids, respectively, which competitively bound to thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) on the thyroid gland, thus affecting the thyroid function. PET-MNPs affected the level of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylglycol sulfate, which regulated the activity of sympathetic nervous system by acting on the thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor and TSHR in mice, thereby interfering with the regulatory function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis on the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones. This study emphasizes the key role of intestinal microbiota-mediated HPT axis in thyroid dysfunction caused by MNP exposure and provides theoretical basis for the prevention of endocrine-related diseases during adolescence caused by MNPs.

PMID:41743795 | PMC:PMC12930315 | DOI:10.1021/envhealth.5c00170

Environ Toxicol Chem. 2026 Feb 26:vgag050. doi: 10.1093/etojnl/vgag050. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics, which are commonly detected in agricultural runoff, often occur in the presence of agricultural pesticides. However, there is limited mechanistic understanding of the fate of these pesticides in relation to the presence of these plastic surfaces. Here, we used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the adsorption mechanisms of four common triazole fungicides-flusilazole, hexaconazole, myclobutanil, and triadimenol-on polystyrene nanoplastics, with and without dissolved natural organic matter. In the absence of organic matter coating, simulated adsorption of the fungicide compounds on the polystyrene surface was driven primarily by van der Waals interactions, which were correlated with the hydrophobicity of the compounds and the polarity of their associated functional groups. Accordingly, flusilazole and hexaconazole exhibited both the highest hydrophobicity, as characterized by octanol-water coefficients and the most favorable interaction energies on the polystyrene nanoplastics in the molecular simulations. Consistent with these theoretical results, subsequent adsorption experiments revealed two-fold higher adsorbed amount of flusilazole on polystyrene plastics, compared to myclobutanil and triadimenol. When the model polystyrene nanoplastics were coated with representative plant-derived organic matter compounds in the molecular simulations, the interaction energy of the fungicides was decreased by 150% due to the hydrophilic nature of the organic matter-plastic interface that was unfavorable to the binding of the fungicides. However, this theoretical prediction was not corroborated by adsorption experiments with a river-isolated dissolved natural organic matter, likely due to insufficient coating or relatively weak interactions of the organic matter components on the PS surface. We highlight the importance of considering the role of natural organic matter of different chemistries in relation to the environmental fate of fungicides with nanoplastics.

PMID:41746304 | DOI:10.1093/etojnl/vgag050

MethodsX. 2026 Feb 15;16:103816. doi: 10.1016/j.mex.2026.103816. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

Seaweed are primary producers and potential vectors of microplastics (MPs) contamination, yet robust extraction methods that digest complex algal matrices while preserving polymer integrity remain limited. A sequential enzymatic-oxidative digestion was optimized for three seaweeds (Fucus vesiculosus, Chondrus crispus and Ulva lactuca). The optimized process involved the initial addition of cellulase (1% w/v, 24 h, 50 °C) followed by H₂O₂ (30% v/v, 48-72 h, 65 °C). Across nine 0.5 g dry-weight sub-replicates (3 per seaweed), 30 MPs were found (6.7 MPs/g⁻¹). The integrity of polymers was assessed for 12 MPs polymers, with acceptable performance being defined as ≥ 90% recovery and spectroscopic (through FTIR analysis) identifiability. Eight polymers met this threshold (90-101%). Four polymers were adversely affected with the long 72 H₂O₂ incubation, namely: cellulose-acetate (53% recovery), polyamide (61%), acrylic (3%) and rayon (2%). Although polymers remained identifiable, sequential digestion produced mass loss and visible changes (e.g. polyamide opacity, cellulose-acetate brittleness), which may increase fragmentation and miss-identification. Therefore, the protocol is suitable for most common MPs, but not for rayon and acrylic, and should be applied cautiously where cellulose-acetate or polyamide are expected.

PMID:41743046 | PMC:PMC12930080 | DOI:10.1016/j.mex.2026.103816

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2026 Feb 26. doi: 10.1007/s11356-026-37520-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) originating from diverse sources considerably contribute to pollution, posing a considerable environmental hazard by invading natural ecosystems, both terrestrial and aquatic, hence undermining soil quality and overall ecosystem health. Despite the detrimental impacts of MPs on ecosystems, there is a lack of research concerning soil MPs in mangrove forests, particularly on Sandwip Island. This study aimed to examine the abundance, characterization, potential dangers, and effects of MPs on soil physicochemical properties. Twenty soil samples have been extracted from the mangrove forest of Sandwip Island, located on the eastern coast of the Bay of Bengal, for the examination of MPs. The abundance of MPs ranges from 610 to 2300 items/kg (mean 1455 ± 845 items/kg). Different forms of MPs have been identified based on their shapes, including fibers (21%), lines (26%), films (17%), and foam (36%). Among the investigated samples, MPs were predominantly white and transparent and ranged in size from 0.5 to 5 mm. By using ATR-FTIR, four polymers were determined, including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyamide (PA), among which PE is predominant, accounting for 46%. The presence of MPs was found to be positively correlated with soil pH, organic carbon, phosphorus (P), and bulk density, and negatively correlated with electrical conductivity (EC), nitrogen (N), potassium (K), sulfur (S), and porosity. Pollution indices (PRI, Igeo, PHI, and PLI) depict an assortment of pollution levels. According to the polymeric hazard index (PHI) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo), the area was identified as hazard grades III and II. However, the pollution load index (PLI) and ecological risk index (PRI) implied pollution and risk level I, respectively. This research provides new insights into the assessment of MP pollution in mangrove soil, highlighting the importance of eco-environmental safety and evaluating susceptibility; policymakers can use these findings to establish effective management and conservation strategies for mangrove ecosystems.

PMID:41748986 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-026-37520-6

Sci Total Environ. 2026 Feb 25;1021:181587. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181587. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

As emerging contaminants, the impact of microplastics (MPs) on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), virulence factors (VFs), and host microbial communities in lakes remains unclear. To address this, we conducted a 28-day incubation experiment using water from Yiquan Lake, employing metagenomic sequencing to investigate the effects of different types of microplastics-polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and a mixture (Mix), each at a concentration of 1 item/L-compared to a raw water control (RAW). Results showed significant enrichment of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes in PE and Mix groups. Genera such as Agrobacterium and Microbacterium increased in PE and PS groups, serving as major hosts of ARGs and VFs. Network analysis revealed positive correlations between Agrobacterium, Escherichia, and ARGs, suggesting horizontal gene transfer may facilitate the spread of resistance and virulence. Two-factor PS formed highly connected yet competitive networks, whereas Mix constructed modular and stable networks. Single-factor PE enhanced microbial connectivity but reduced ARGs connectivity, while Mix increased the modularity of both microbes and ARGs. PE elevated the abundance of ARGs, VFs, and mobile genetic elements, with multidrug resistance and efflux pumps as dominant mechanisms. Additionally, PE downregulated quorum sensing transporter genes while upregulating regulatory factors, significantly promoting RND efflux systems (AcrAB-TolC) to maintain resistome homeostasis. This study highlights the distinct environmental effects of different MPs, underscoring the need to prioritize PE-related risks in aquatic ecosystems. Improved management of plastic waste in and around lakes is recommended to mitigate MP-mediated ARG dissemination and preserve freshwater ecosystem services.

PMID:41747516 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181587

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 25. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c18229. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Long-distance transportation and improper storage unavoidably lead to the leaching, retention, and aging of bottle-sourced poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) microplastics (MPs) in bottled water, posing an exposure risk to public health. Using a zebrafish model, we discovered that chronic exposure (80 days) to thermally aged bottle-derived PET MPs (retained for 7 days at 60 °C) at realistic concentrations (10 and 100 μg/L) caused substantial hepatic histopathological damage and steatosis, whereas pristine PET MPs stored at 25 °C did not. Integrative analyses suggested that thermal aging induced PET fragmentation, surface roughening, and enhancement of bioadhesion, intensifying gut MP retention (maximally 6.524 μg/g tissues), barrier integrity damage, and microbiota dysbiosis. Biochemical analyses, transcriptomics, and blocking experiments validated that intestinal homeostasis disruption stimulated lipopolysaccharide oversecretion and induced intestinal inflammation through activating the LPS/TLR4/NF-kB pathway, which further contributed to systemic and hepatic inflammations, insulin resistance, and de novo lipogenesis, culminating in steatosis. Intervention with Lactobacillus rhamnosus and sodium butyrate reduced MP-driven hepatic steatosis by restoring gut microbiota and barrier functions. Our findings clarified the mechanisms by which thermally aged PET exacerbated progression to steatosis through the gut-liver axis and proposed the intestine-targeted mitigation strategies against hepatic disorders, advocating concerns on long-term exposure risks of bottle-derived MPs under improper storage conditions.

PMID:41738073 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c18229

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 25. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c17994. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Industries like textiles release substantial amounts of microplastics (MPs) into the environment. The Fenton process was identified in this study to enable Fe loading onto MPs in real textile wastewater, which may influence the geochemical cycling of arsenic (As) when entering the environment. Our results show that Fenton treatment can load Fe species onto various MPs with Fe content of 3318.8-4290.9 μg/g. The surface Fe species, primarily existing as amorphous Fe(OH)₃ and FeOOH, are embedded within the surface layer of ∼8 μm and exhibit high stability. The MP-Fe composites exhibited strong adsorption affinity for both As(III) and As(V), with saturated adsorption capacities of 557.2-631.8 μg/g and 304.7-572.8 μg/g, respectively, representing 5.3-26.5-fold enhancement compared to pristine MPs. Synchrotron radiation-based X-ray fluorescence (SRXRF) revealed spatial consistency between Fe and As on the MP-Fe surface (R² = 0.4938-0.8152), confirming that Fe species are critical for As adsorption. For As(III), the adsorption process is accompanied by oxidation, with the oxidation ratio reaching up to 84.1%. Temperature and pH exert a greater influence on PS-Fe and PA-Fe but have a limited effect on PLA, whereas NOM and P(V) affect all MP-Fe samples, which is mainly related to their interaction mechanisms.

PMID:41738438 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c17994

Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2026 Feb 21:aamag081. doi: 10.1093/ajrccm/aamag081. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:41738232 | DOI:10.1093/ajrccm/aamag081

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 25. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c12134. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Emerging anthropogenic pollutants such as artificial sweeteners and microplastics (MPs) widely co-occur in natural environments, yet their combined toxicity, particularly obesogenic effects, is completely unknown. This study investigated the effects of sucralose (SUC) and UV-aged poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) MPs using an in vivo model of Caenorhabditis elegans. Exposure to SUC and/or MPs (1-100 μg/L) induced significant obesity phenotypes, including increased body width and volume alongside elevated lipid accumulation and lipid droplet levels in a concentration-dependent manner. Critically, coexposure produced stronger obesogenic effects than predicted additive values from single exposures, demonstrating a synergistic interaction. Behavioral analyses revealed that coexposure concurrently increased pharyngeal pumping rates but decreased crawling locomotion, with obesogenic parameters positively correlating with feeding activity and negatively with locomotor capacity. Molecular analysis confirmed the corresponding dysregulation of genes governing feeding behavior (mgl-1), energy sensing (aak-2), and lipid metabolism (daf-16, sbp-1), supporting the hyperphagia-hypolocomotion phenotype. Metabolomics analysis demonstrated exposure-specific disruption of nicotinate/nicotinamide metabolism and glutamate-mediated biosynthesis pathways, which collectively accelerated lipid accumulation. These results suggest that MPs can act not merely as obesogens but also synergistically amplify SUC's obesogenic toxicity associated with altered locomotion and metabolism. Our findings highlight the necessity to incorporate cocontaminant interaction assessments into microplastic risk frameworks for addressing underestimated environmental health threats.

PMID:41739734 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c12134

Crop Health. 2026 Feb 25;4(1):4. doi: 10.1007/s44297-026-00066-7.

ABSTRACT

Rapid growth in the nuclear energy sector has led to increased construction of nuclear power plants (NPPs). Although this promotes the generation of alternate sources of "clean" energy that does not harm the environment, potential concerns regarding soil and water pollution with microplastics and multiple rare heavy metals (HMs) used in NPPs usually do not grab the required attention. The group of rare HMs comprises of uranium, cadmium, mercury, cobalt, germanium, and indium, which are known ecological toxins affecting agricultural quality and consumer safety. When expunged as nuclear waste discharges, these rare HMs adsorb to the surface of microplastics and together pollute the adjacent cultivable lands and water sources used for irrigation. Microplastics increase the phyto-availability of the HMs, which mimic micronutrient elements and are actively transported into root cells via calcium, iron, zinc, copper, or other HM transporters. The toxicants are then translocated to aerial biomass and reproductive or storage organs via the symplastic or apoplastic routes. Humans or animals consuming such contaminated crops and vegetables can develop irreversible neurological and physiological disorders, including cancers. Plant growth regulators like abscisic acid, gibberellic acid, and nitric oxide have been found to synchronize the stress-adaptive signaling in crops, although the sensitive genotypes ultimately succumb to oxidative injuries. To abate such ecological and economic loss, remote sensing can be used to avoid contaminated areas or bio(phyto)remediation can be performed to depollute contaminated landscapes and water bodies. Genetically engineered, tolerant crops can also be cultivated directly, with lower yield loss.

PMID:41739391 | PMC:PMC12936335 | DOI:10.1007/s44297-026-00066-7

Innovation (Camb). 2025 Jul 4;7(1):101031. doi: 10.1016/j.xinn.2025.101031. eCollection 2026 Jan 5.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), pervasive environmental pollutants, have infiltrated human tissues, raising global health concerns. This study investigated the distribution and characteristics of MPs across seven major human organs (lungs, heart, liver, spleen, brain, kidneys, and small intestine) using Raman imaging and machine learning. Tissue samples from eight donors were analyzed for MP presence and characteristics. A deep learning-enhanced U-Net model segmented MPs in Raman images, while a random forest classifier was employed to identify organ-specific MP attribution using 120 imaging features. Animal models supported the systemic distribution of MPs. MPs were ubiquitous across all organs examined. The highest MP abundance was observed in the liver (65.28 ± 23.94 particles/g), small intestine (61.06 ± 25.25 particles/g), and kidneys (58.63 ± 16.50 particles/g). Organ-specific variations in MP characteristics were identified: larger particles dominated the lungs (56.80 ± 57.70 μm), while smaller particles (<10 μm) prevailed in the liver and spleen. Distinct polymer compositions and shape profiles were observed for each organ. The random forest classifier achieved 72.73% accuracy in organ-specific MP attribution. MP abundance was linked to organ vascularity. The findings highlight organ-specific risks of MPs and provide a framework for assessing health impacts, thus guiding targeted interventions to mitigate exposure.

PMID:41737325 | PMC:PMC12925939 | DOI:10.1016/j.xinn.2025.101031

J Agric Food Chem. 2026 Feb 25. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c14758. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Polystyrene (PS) is one of the most widely used microplastics (MPs) globally. However, the neurotoxicity mechanisms triggered by polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) have yet to be elucidated. This study explored the damage induced by PS-MPs to the intestinal and central nervous system (CNS) and the potential mechanism. The results showed that PS-MPs exhibited size-dependent bioaccumulation with enhanced barrier penetration at submicron scales (500 nm > 1 μm ≫ 5 μm). Paradoxically, 1 μm PS-MPs demonstrated maximum neuroinflammation despite inferior biodistribution to 500 nm particles. Mechanistically, both sizes induce gut dysbiosis-mediated barrier disruption, elevating circulatory LPS that translocates across compromised BBB. This triggers excessive activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, subsequently inducing a surge in pro-inflammatory cytokines, ultimately leading to synaptic lesions in the hippocampal region. Our findings established smaller PS-MPs (≤1 μm) as latent neurodegeneration risk factors, demanding urgent assessment of chronic exposure consequences.

PMID:41739966 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jafc.5c14758

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Feb 16;506:141520. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141520. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Intensive facility agriculture is increasingly threatened by the co-occurrence of heavy metals (HMs), micro-/nano plastics (MNPs), and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), yet effective strategies for mitigating ternary composite pollution remain limited. Here, a five-year field trail was conducted to evaluate the imparts of different fertilization regimes on the occurrence, interaction, and mitigation of composite pollution in facility agricultural soils, with a particular attention on the co-application of biochar and organic fertilizer. The results showed that conventional fertilization exacerbated the accumulation and synergistic risks of HMs, MNPs, and ARGs, whereas its co-applied with biochar significantly reduced individual pollutant loads and lowered the comprehensive ternary pollution index by 28.0-62.2 %. Variance partitioning and structural equation modeling revealed that microbial community structure played a dominant role in regulating composite pollution, exceeding the contribution of soil physicochemical properties. The biochar-organic fertilizer amendment reshaped microbial community assembly by narrowing ecological niche breadth, enhancing community stability, which primarily drove a targeted enrichment of functional taxa (e.g. Nitrospira, Sphingopyxis, Hydrogenophaga, and Steroidobacter) involved in microplastic degradation and heavy metal immobilization, concurrently suppressing ARGs host populations. Metagenomic analyses indicated a dual-level regulation of microbial carbon metabolism. The treatment enhanced fermentation-driven, energy-efficient carbon conversion pathways in functional microbes responsible for plastic degradation and metal immobilization, while concurrently inhibiting carbon fixation-dependent metabolic functions in ARG-associated hosts, thereby reducing their ecological competitiveness. Overall, this study highlights carbon resource-driven microbial metabolic differentiation as a central mechanism for the synergistic mitigation of complex soil pollution and provides a practical fertilization strategy for sustainable pollution control in protected agricultural systems.

PMID:41740416 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141520

Food Chem. 2026 Feb 18;509:148515. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148515. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Food chemistry's rapid AI adoption (2060 AI articles; 415 in 2025) spans machine learning, logistic regression, random forests, and XGBoost. Yet a skills gap in supervised learning fuels misinterpretation: Models optimize prediction, not true associations, and feature importances lack ground-truth validation. High accuracy does not ensure reliable attributions; importances are model- and data-biased. Using a microplastic-cancer case, we show parametric logistic regression on nonlinear data distorts inference. We propose a standards-based pipeline: Unsupervised structure discovery (e.g., feature agglomeration, highly variable feature selection), nonparametric association tests (spearman with p-values), and explicit stability audits of rankings. This multifaceted approach mitigates label-driven bias, improves robustness, and aligns AI insights with mechanistic understanding, supporting credible risk assessment and safer application of AI in food chemistry.

PMID:41740392 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148515

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb 24;312:119910. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119910. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Co-present mineral colloids affect the transport and distribution of microplastics (MPs) in porous media, however, the transport mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the combined effects of montmorillonite and goethite colloids on the transport/retention behavior of MPs in porous media were investigated. The results show that the type of mineral colloids affects the transport and deposition behavior of MPs in porous media. The coexistence of mineral colloids at an equal ratio promotes MPs transport, while excessively high concentrations of either goethite or montmorillonite colloids inhibit MPs transport. Coexisting mineral colloids promote the transport of MPs in coarse sand media, while play an inhibitory role in medium/fine sand media. Divalent cations reduce MPs fluidity through charge shielding and heteroaggregate formation and the inhibition ability is much higher than that of monovalent cation. Co-present mineral colloids exert an inhibitory effect on MPs transport under acidic and alkaline conditions. The high flow rate promoted the penetration of MPs and induced their deep retention through the fluid drag force. The selective adsorption of coexisting mineral colloids on natural river sand may be a key interface mechanism for regulating transport. These results provide new insights into the theory of colloid-MPs cotransport in groundwater systems.

PMID:41740554 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119910

Talanta. 2026 Feb 21;305:129576. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2026.129576. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), as emerging contaminants, originate from diverse sources and accumulate across various environmental media, posing potential risks to both ecosystems and human health. Optical detection techniques have emerged as a primary and efficient approach for MPs analysis due to their high sensitivity, accuracy, environmental friendliness, efficient, non-destructiveness and high specificity. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in optical methods for MPs detection, with a focus on two major methodological pathways: spectroscopic detection and fluorescence-based detection methods. For spectroscopic methods, the principles, advantages, limitations and practical applications of Raman spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy are discussed specifically. Additionally, the significant contributions of machine learning (ML)-enhanced spectroscopic methods in improving MPs identification accuracy and spectral data processing efficiency were highlighted. For fluorescence-based detection, a comprehensive overview is provided on detection strategies employing fluorescent staining like Nile red (NR) for MPs in diverse environmental settings, as well as recent improvements in novel dyes designed to enhance sensitivity and anti-interference capabilities. The unique advantages of carbon dots (CDs) and carbon nitride materials as fluorescent labels for specific MPs identification and environmental behavior tracing are also critically evaluated. Through Comparing the detection principles, practical performance, strengths and limitations of various methods, theoretical support and methodological guidance are provided for the continual optimization of MPs detection technologies and the precision of environmental monitoring.

PMID:41740539 | DOI:10.1016/j.talanta.2026.129576

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Feb 24;312:119944. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119944. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) occur as heterogeneous mixtures in real‑world environments, making one‑by‑one toxicity testing impractical. This study aims to use predictive models to quickly and effectively evaluate the toxicity of MPs. We explored three model frameworks: a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model based on physicochemical descriptors; a quantitative bioactivity relationship (QBAR) model with biodescriptors screened by metabolomics data; and a quantitative structure-bioactivity relationship (QSBAR) model combining both physicochemical and biodescriptors. Under a simplex centroid design, six machine learning algorithms were trained using data augmentation strategies to predict the cytotoxicity of microplastic mixtures. The results showed that the QBAR-based eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB-qbar) model performed best (R²_tra = 0.9322, R²_test = 0.8923), outperforming the QSAR and the QSBAR frameworks. The three descriptor importance methods consistently identified key biological descriptors helpful for toxicity prediction. Moreover, metabolomics analysis indicated that mixed exposure to MPs may mediate toxic responses by reprogramming cellular energy metabolism pathways. The metabolomics-driven and data-augmented machine learning approach proposed in this study can efficiently predict toxicity and provide mechanistic clues in small sample and complex mixture scenarios, providing a feasible path for environmental exposure risk assessment.

PMID:41740559 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.119944

Environ Res. 2026 Feb 23;297:124090. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124090. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as dynamic microbial interfaces that reshape pathogen ecology, antibiotic resistance evolution, and disease transmission. This review examines how MPs function as reservoirs and vectors for Salmonella enterica, highlighting the plastisphere as a stable biofilm microhabitat that enhances bacterial adhesion, environmental persistence, stress tolerance, and virulence expression. We summarize evidence that MP surfaces especially weathered, hydrophobic polymers, promote dense biofilms that protect Salmonella from desiccation, UV exposure, sanitization, and antimicrobial agents. Within these structured communities, co-localization of Salmonella with antibiotic residues, heavy metals, and diverse microbial taxa accelerates horizontal gene transfer and co-selection of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence determinants. MPs thereby act as mobile genetic "incubators" that disseminate multidrug-resistant Salmonella across soil, aquatic systems, wastewater networks, food production environments, and host microbiomes. These interactions link environmental contamination with zoonotic and foodborne transmission pathways, constituting a critical One Health concern. We identify current methodological gaps and propose research priorities for mechanistic risk assessment, monitoring frameworks, and intervention strategies. Recognizing MPs as active ecological players rather than inert pollutants is essential for mitigating their role in the global spread of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella.

PMID:41740706 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124090

Environ Pollut. 2026 Feb 23:127857. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127857. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics such as tire wear particles and their associated tire-derived chemicals are emerging contaminants in urban surface waters. N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) and its toxic transformation product 6PPD-Quinone (6PPD-Q) are widely detected in roadway runoff but remain difficult to quantify at environmentally relevant concentrations due to their low abundance, matrix interferences, and susceptibility to degradation during sample processing. Here, we developed and validated an online solid-phase extraction high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-HPLC-MS/MS) method for sensitive and robust determination of 6PPD and 6PPD-Q in surface waters. The method provided low detection limits and strong resistance to matrix effects, enabling routine monitoring at trace levels. The method was applied to surface waters from the lower Hillsborough River (Florida, USA) collected across ten sampling events between 2023 and 2024. 6PPD-Q was detected in all samples (0.29-11.60 ng/L; mean 1.82 ± 2.02 ng/L), whereas 6PPD occurred less frequently (ND-1.62 ng L^-1; mean 0.20 ± 0.39 ng/L). Concentrations of 6PPD and 6PPD-Q were strongly correlated (r = 0.66, p < 0.001) and exhibited clear rainfall-driven and seasonal patterns, indicating stormwater-mediated transport and transformation. Observed concentrations were within the lower range of values reported globally for urban surface waters. To our knowledge, this study provides the first dataset of 6PPD and 6PPD-Q in Florida waters. These results demonstrate the utility of online SPE-HPLC-MS/MS for tracking tire-derived contaminants in urbanized watersheds and emphasize the need for continued regional and global monitoring given their environmental persistence and ecotoxicological significance.

PMID:41740707 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127857

Environ Pollut. 2026 Feb 23;396:127874. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127874. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Anthropogenic inputs to the environment-including microplastics and microfibres-are global stressors known to impair multiple facets of organismal biology. However, the effects of these pollutants on sensory structures remain critically understudied. Sensory systems mediate organism-environment interactions, and pollution-derived impairment at these interfaces may cascade through bioprocessing, from information acquisition to behaviour and ultimately fitness. Microfibres, in particular, pose an additional threat, potentially physically obstructing sensory organs and chemically interfering with sensory processes. Using an invertebrate model of sensory biology, Pagurus bernhardus, we tested whether dryer lint-a complex, heterogeneous mix of treated microplastic and cellulose fibres, and other anthropogenic contaminants-acts as a sensory disruptor with ecological consequences. Using a repeated-measures design, we exposed crabs to either microfibres or control seawater and quantified two sensory behaviours (antennular flicking and grooming). We examined the extent of microfibre transfer from contaminated to clean seawater and used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to image ablated antennules and assess structural fouling. Finally, we measured the effects of contaminant exposure on foraging latency, linking microfibre exposure to energy gain and fitness outcomes. Microfibres were transferred between conditions and led to antennular fouling. Exposed individuals increased rates of antennular flicking, but not grooming, and had significantly longer foraging times, consistent with evidence of chemosensory impairment rather than mechanical obstruction. Together, these results demonstrate that microfibres can impair information acquisition and degrade sensory performance. Our findings identify microfibre pollution as a potential source of sensory disruption that may alter energetics and fitness, revealing a previously overlooked mechanism by which global anthropogenic pollutants may reshape ecological interactions and ecosystem functioning.

PMID:41740710 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127874

Sci Total Environ. 2026 Feb 24;1021:181608. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181608. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic contamination of table salt has been widely reported, but most studies focus on environmental sources rather than microplastic release from food-contact materials under routine household use. Here, we demonstrate that commonly available plastic grinder heads themselves can be a significant contributor of microplastics in salt during household use. We tested commercially available salt products from different local retailers (Retailer A, B, and C), each fitted with plastic grinder heads, using a ceramic mortar as the control group. We implemented strict QA/QC measures, performing procedural blanks and calculating the recovery rate for spiked samples. Using optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy, we analysed subsampled particles visually detected on the collection filters and matched their spectra against the Hummel polymer library for identification. The grinder heads from the products were made of either polyethylene terephthalate (PET; Retailers A and B) or polycarbonate (PC; Retailer C), and the majority of microplastic fragments released corresponded to these polymers. Plastic grinder heads released a significant number of microplastic particles per 50 g salt (Retailer A: 1091 ± 239, Retailer B: 2420 ± 1805, Retailer C: 15743 ± 1858 particles, each Retailer n = 3 grinder heads), significantly higher than the procedural blanks results (The number of particles found in the experimental environment was 0, 1, and 0 respectively.). Microplastic particles released during salt grinding were confirmed using O-PTIR spectroscopy, with characteristic particle sizes on the order of several tens of micrometres (mean particle sizes ± standard deviation of 49.6 ± 18.2 μm n = 3 for Retailer A and 55.3 ± 12.7 μm n = 3 for Retailer B). Spectra collected from all particles, along with the associated QA/QC data, are openly available on Zenodo, contributing to transparency and reproducibility in microplastic research. In summary, our findings provide direct evidence that everyday food-contact plastics can introduce microplastics into diets, particularly under conditions of high mechanical stress, such as grinding. This highlights the need to assess the wear resistance of food-contact plastics and consider adopting more durable materials or designs to reduce consumer exposure to microplastics.

PMID:41740354 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181608

Front Toxicol. 2026 Feb 10;8:1718466. doi: 10.3389/ftox.2026.1718466. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Microplastic pollution has emerged as a global environmental crisis with potential adverse consequences on human health. Mixtures of microplastics with fungal particles including mycelial fragments or spores are highly probable exposure scenarios occurring in various occupational settings or in moldy built indoor environments. However, immunotoxic outcomes associated with such exposure remain poorly characterized. Most studies have focused on single-exposure components. Here, we investigated, for the first time, the immunotoxic effects of microplastics mixed with spores or mycelial fragments from Aspergillus fumigatus on human neutrophil-like cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Differentiated HL60 neutrophil-like cells were exposed to 0-100 μg/mL HDPE microplastics mixed with 10⁶ heat-inactivated mycelial fragments or spores for 24 h.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: HDPE combined with fungal fragments induced significant release of IL-6 and IL-8 while the mixtures with fungal spores induced only IL-6 release from the neutrophil-like cells. Most importantly, we observed a trend of decreasing IL-6 levels with increasing doses of HDPE microplastics in mixture with fungal particles, indicating possible dysregulation of the pro-inflammatory response. The tested doses of HDPE microplastics in mixture with fungal particles showed no significant acute effects on the cell viability. Using HEK293-TLR reporter cells, we found no significant activation of TLR2 and TLR4 by HDPE microplastics, fungal particles, or their combination, suggesting that the release of IL-6 and IL-8 is induced through other innate immune-signaling pathways. Taken together, fungal particles as microbial contaminants, seem to be the main drivers of the immune responses triggered by exposure to mixed HDPE microplastics and fungal particles. Among these, fungal mycelial fragments appear to be the most potent compared to fungal spores that are typically monitored for risk assessments.

PMID:41737803 | PMC:PMC12928607 | DOI:10.3389/ftox.2026.1718466

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 24. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.6c00640. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Earthworms act as key ecosystem engineers influencing the distribution of soil microplastics (MPs), however, the residence, transport, and fate of these particles within the drilosphere, particularly within biogenic cast aggregates, remain poorly understood. Here, we combined a field survey of 43 paired soil-cast samples across three agricultural land-use scenarios with complementary laboratory soil column experiments to elucidate earthworm-driven MP dynamics. The field survey revealed ubiquitous in situ MP occurrence and upward fluxes from bulk soils to casts, with transport efficiency modulated by soil clay and organic carbon contents. Laboratory simulations using epigeic and anecic species validated that different ecotypes actively ingest MPs from source soils and deposit them in surface casts. Crucially, both field and laboratory data demonstrated a significant reduction in particle size in casts compared to soil (6.48% and 19.8%, respectively), supporting the potential earthworm effects on MP mechanical attrition. Polymer compositions in casts mirrored those in soils, exhibiting a nonselective and passive ingestion pathway. Beyond physical transport, the formation of field biogenic polymer aggregates facilitated chemical aging of MPs, as evidenced by elevated oxidation indices. This process was likely accelerated by the enrichment of plastic-degrading microbial taxa (e.g., Flavobacterium) within casts, which exhibited up to a 35.6-fold increase in relative abundance. Collectively, these findings highlight the dual role of soil-engineering invertebrates in driving the vertical redistribution and physicochemical degradation of MPs in agricultural systems.

PMID:41736458 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.6c00640

Trends Neurosci. 2026 Feb 24:S0166-2236(26)00007-X. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2026.01.004. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plastic particles can interfere with the nervous system and are increasingly recognised as a global health concern. This review encompasses recent findings on the impact of plastic particles on brain health, including studies in humans, rodents, nematodes, and zebrafish. We discuss how plastics can impact cellular metabolism, affect developmental brain processes, and increase vulnerability to neurodevelopmental disorders and depression. Additionally, we review the potential of plastic particles to interact with the immune system and trigger pathological protein aggregation, enhancing susceptibility to neurodegeneration. Finally, we evaluate knowledge gaps that should be addressed to better understand the long-term impacts of plastic particles on the nervous system and neurological disorders.

PMID:41741261 | DOI:10.1016/j.tins.2026.01.004

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 24. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c16655. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) pollution poses escalating environmental and health risks, yet the molecular mechanisms governing the interactions between environmentally aged microplastics (MPs) and engineered surfaces remain largely unresolved, hindering the rational design of remediation materials. Herein, we quantitatively elucidate the interaction forces between aged polystyrene MPs (PSMPs) and self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-functionalized surfaces at the solid/water interface using colloidal probe atomic force microscopy (AFM), complemented by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) analysis. The results reveal that adhesion forces are strongly influenced by aqueous salinity and pH, with π-π stacking and electrostatic/cation-π interactions likely contributing predominantly on phenyl- and amino-terminated surfaces, respectively. A robust correlation between nanoscale adhesion forces and macroscopic adsorption capabilities is established, enabling predictive understanding of aged MP-surface interactions. Guided by these mechanistic insights, a tannic acid-modified chitosan biomaterial integrating amino and phenyl functionalities is developed, achieving over 92.1% removal efficiency for aged PSMPs across diverse water chemistries at an environmentally relevant initial MP concentration of 1 mg L^-1. This work provides an intermolecular force-driven design paradigm that bridges nanoscale intermolecular interaction mechanisms with macroscopic material performance, offering theoretical and practical guidance for next-generation remediation strategies targeting environmentally aged MPs.

PMID:41732969 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c16655

SAR QSAR Environ Res. 2026 Feb 24:1-21. doi: 10.1080/1062936X.2026.2629397. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Childhood obesity is a severe global epidemic, and emerging evidence suggests environmental pollutants like polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) may disrupt metabolic homoeostasis though mechanistic insights remain limited. This study integrated cross-species transcriptomics (from zebrafish and human adipose datasets), network toxicology, machine learning, and molecular docking to explore this link. We identified 40 overlapping genes between childhood obesity related DEGs and PS-MPs related genes, enriched in lipid metabolic pathways such as cholesterol homoeostasis and insulin signalling. Topological and machine-learning analyses highlighted hub genes, which showed strong diagnostic accuracy. Molecular docking further revealed stable binding (energy < -5.0 kcal/mol) between PS-MPs and key targets (APOB、BUB1、CDC20 and PPARGC1A). Our integrative analysis suggests that PS-MPs may act as an environmental trigger that could disrupt conserved lipid and metabolic homoeostasis by targeting key hub genes (APOB、BUB1、CDC20 and PPARGC1A). These findings provide a novel molecular hypothesis linking PS-MPs exposure to childhood obesity and support precautionary measures.

PMID:41733140 | DOI:10.1080/1062936X.2026.2629397

Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2026 Feb 24:gfag034. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfag034. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plastics are hydrophobic carbon polymers with a half-life of approximately 500 years. The widespread production and environmental accumulation of plastics pose significant toxicity concerns. Humans are routinely exposed to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), which can enter rate the bloodstream and reach various organs, including the kidneys. Here, we review research on nephrotoxic effects of plastics and the underlying mechanisms. The results of several studies of kidneys in mammals and kidney cells from humans suggest that MNPs induce renal toxicity. Although the underlying mechanisms remain to be characterized in detail, the current body of evidence suggests that MNPs promote the production of reactive oxygen species and thus trigger local (renal) and systemic inflammatory responses. These processes enhance cytotoxicity and may drive MNP-induced kidney damage. This toxicity results in histopathological changes in renal tissues (including glomerular and tubular damage and fibrosis) and modifications in key biomarkers of renal function (such as the glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria, and the blood urea nitrogen level). Moreover, MNPs have been shown to induce cardiovascular damage, which may contribute to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) - potentially via the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptors. Notably, the nephrotoxic effects of MNPs appear to be exacerbated by co-exposure to other environmental contaminants and uremic toxins. CKD can impair the kidneys' ability to eliminate MNP. Furthermore, dialyzed patients are substantially exposed to MNPs during dialysis sessions, which potentially compounds their vulnerability. With a view to better understanding the effects of MNPs on renal health and the impact of CKD and dialysis on levels of exposure to plastics, further studies are essential.

PMID:41733440 | DOI:10.1093/ndt/gfag034

Analyst. 2026 Feb 24. doi: 10.1039/d6an00014b. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The toxicity of microplastic pollutants is closely associated with their material, size, and concentration. However, current detection methods are plagued by issues such as high cost, long processing times, and inadequate database coverage. Therefore, this study designed and developed a simple and rapid detection and identification device for microplastics in water, based on the combination of liquid-solid contact electrification and machine learning algorithms. The study shows that the average open-circuit voltage difference among different types of microplastics ranges from 1.6 V to 11.7 V, and the average peak open-circuit voltage difference ranges from 1.7 V to 22.0 V; the Random Forest (RF) model achieved an average recognition accuracy of 95.24%. This work provides a new method for real-time online monitoring of microplastics, which holds significant implications for the environmental monitoring, food safety, medical and health fields.

PMID:41733600 | DOI:10.1039/d6an00014b

Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2026 Feb 24. doi: 10.1007/s43630-026-00868-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics have emerged as persistent environmental pollutants, ubiquitously present in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Their minute size facilitates entry into food webs, where they disrupt physiological functions and trigger oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in living organisms. Furthermore, microplastics act as vectors for toxic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms, intensifying their ecological and health-related hazards. Due to their stable and highly polymerized structure, natural degradation of these materials remains extremely limited. Photocatalysis has gained considerable attention as a sustainable and eco-friendly approach for the degradation of microplastics. This review comprehensively summarizes research progress from 2015 to 2025, focusing on photocatalytic mechanisms, degradation pathways, and efficiency trends, particularly for polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Among various photocatalysts, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and zinc oxide (ZnO) have been most extensively investigated owing to their stability, strong oxidizing potential, and photochemical activity. Under ultraviolet irradiation, these semiconductors generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide anions (·O₂⁻) and hydroxyl radicals (·OH), which initiate oxidative scission of polymer chains, ultimately leading to mineralization into CO₂ and H₂O. Recent advances have concentrated on improving photocatalytic performance through structural and compositional modifications aimed at enhancing visible-light absorption, reducing electron-hole recombination, and increasing surface reactivity. This review provides a detailed overview of these advancements and offers a comparative evaluation of modified TiO₂ and ZnO photocatalysts, emphasizing their potential for efficient and sustainable mitigation of microplastic pollution.

PMID:41733820 | DOI:10.1007/s43630-026-00868-2

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Feb 23;227:119448. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119448. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive and ubiquitous emerging contaminants potentially affecting both the environment and human health. This study investigates the occurrence and spatial distribution of MPs in Biscayne Bay, evaluating the influence of tidal cycles on MP abundance and assessing their potential hazard based on polymer type. Surface water samples were collected using a plankton net trawl method. This study found an average MP abundance of 7.16 ± 1.57 particles/m³, mainly low-density polymers such as Polypropylene (40%) and Polyethylene (24%). Detected MPs were mainly fragments (63.4%) and fibers (21.3%), within a size range of 300-1000 μm. As expected, tidal cycles influence the abundance and distribution of MPs, with the low tide grab samples exhibiting a significantly higher (38.8 ± 10.50 particles/L) MP abundance than the high tide samples (17.2 ± 4.02 particles/L). MP polymer hazard assessment reveals that PVC hazard level is of critical concern, and Miami River (MR) exhibited the highest level (level IV) due to the accumulation of hazardous MPs. Polymer hazard index (H) is negatively correlated with MP abundance (ρ = -0.37, p > 0.05). This study provides baseline data for understanding the occurrence, and distribution of MPs in Biscayne Bay, and the findings underscores the need for targeted and integrated management intervention to address MP pollution.

PMID:41734720 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119448

Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2026 Feb 25. doi: 10.1515/ijamh-2025-0231. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Microplastics have emerged as a growing environmental and public health concern, found in air, water, and food, with potential health impacts including respiratory, digestive, and endocrine disruption. Therefore, the preventive effort needs to be amplified. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three different microplastic education interventions, lecture-based education, peer group education, and infographic distribution, among high school students in DKI Jakarta.

METHODS: A quasi-experimental design was employed involving 334 students from six schools, with pre- and post-intervention assessments of knowledge and attitudes. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Kruskal-Wallis Test, followed by Dunn's post hoc test.

RESULTS: Findings revealed that peer group and infographic interventions significantly improved knowledge scores, with the peer group showing the most substantial gains. However, lecture-based education did not yield significant improvement in knowledge. Attitude changes across all interventions were not statistically significant, although numerical improvements were observed, especially in the peer group. The Kruskal-Wallis test indicated significant differences in knowledge improvement across groups (p=0.0041), and Dunn's test confirmed a statistically significant difference between peer group and lecture-based education.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that interactive and peer-driven educational approaches may be more effective in enhancing students' understanding of microplastic pollution compared to traditional lectures. However, attitude change may require more prolonged or multifaceted interventions that integrate psychosocial and behavioral elements. Given the formative nature of adolescence and their potential as agents of environmental change, incorporating targeted and participatory education into school curricula is essential. These findings underscore the importance of using context-specific, engaging methods for environmental health education, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 and SDG 13.

PMID:41730020 | DOI:10.1515/ijamh-2025-0231

J Appl Toxicol. 2026 Feb 23. doi: 10.1002/jat.70113. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs), widely used in food packaging, are among the most abundantly produced microplastics; however, their adverse effects on male reproductive health remain poorly understood. Irisin, an exercise-induced adipomyokine, plays a regulatory role in adipogenesis and reproductive function. This study investigated the protective effects of irisin and exercise against PE-MPs-induced reproductive toxicity in male SD rats. Eight-week-old rats were divided into six groups: control, exercise (45 min of swimming/day), irisin (100 ng/kg, sc), PE-MPs (2000 μg/mL), PE-MPs + exercise, and PE-MPs + irisin, and treated for 56 days. End-point assessments included body and reproductive organ weights, sperm parameters, male reproductive hormones, serum irisin with lipid profile, adipogenesis markers, blood-testis barrier proteins, and testicular AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. PE-MPs exposure reduced sperm count, motility, and normal morphology, accompanied by increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant levels. Serum irisin, testosterone, and FSH levels were markedly decreased but were restored following irisin administration and exercise. Histopathological analysis revealed testicular degeneration, epididymal damage, and adipocyte hypertrophy after PE-MPs exposure, which were ameliorated by both interventions. PE-MPs upregulated adipogenic markers (PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α) and disrupted BTB proteins (occludin and claudin-11); these effects were mitigated via PGC-1α activation and increased irisin expression. PE-MPs exposure decreased Bcl-2 and increased Bax expression, while irisin and exercise restored apoptotic balance. Furthermore, irisin and exercise attenuated PE-MPs-induced NF-κB-mediated inflammation by activating p-αAMPK and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. In conclusion, irisin and exercise effectively counteract PE-MPs-induced oxidative stress, adipogenesis, and testicular toxicity, highlighting their therapeutic potential in mitigating microplastic-associated male reproductive dysfunction.

PMID:41730260 | DOI:10.1002/jat.70113

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Feb 23. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.6c00220. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Urbanization, characterized by the expansion of impervious surfaces, significantly alters watershed hydrology. During precipitation events, these surfaces generate urban runoff, a hotspot of microplastics (MPs) that pose potential threats to human health and ecosystems. Substantial field surveys have been undertaken to explore the dynamics of MPs in urban runoff within small catchments (typically below 1000 km²). Nevertheless, identifying potential sources of MPs in large regions remains a challenging task. In this study, we provide a polymer-type-specific exploration of MPs in a large metropolitan area located on a piedmont alluvial fan, spanning over 16 000 km². A total of 20 759 MPs (size ranging from 20 to 500 μm), representing 11 polymer types, were identified using laser direct infrared (LDIR) chemical imaging spectroscopy. Different sampling types, including impervious surfaces, roof drainage, and soil slopes across both hilly and plain areas, were included in this study. Multivariate statistical analyses, including partial least squares path modeling, showed that the abundance of MPs was influenced by precipitation characteristics, topography, and degree of rurality. Furthermore, multiple lines of evidence from abundance, polymer type, oxidation, and fouling characteristics suggested contributions from both local mobilization of soil MPs and atmospheric deposition. Results from this study are encouraging for the source identification of MPs in large areas.

PMID:41730324 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.6c00220

Environ Res. 2026 Feb 21;296:124077. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124077. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Marine plastic and microplastic (MP) pollution is widely recognized as an emerging issue that poses significant risks to marine organisms, particularly birds. However, little is known about MP exposure in migratory birds at their wintering grounds. This study, conducted at Swan Lake in Rongcheng city, China, is the first to investigate the occurrence of MPs in feces of migratory Whooper Swans, and assess the associated ecological risks. The mean abundance of MPs in fecal samples was 0.40 ± 0.40 items/g, with an overall detection rate of 76.67%. Fragment-shaped MPs were the predominant form in sediment and fecal samples, primarily composed of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). Conversely, fibrous MPs, predominantly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), were the most abundant type in water. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) revealed that fecal MP composition overlapped with surrounding water and sediment. Our findings suggest that Whooper Swans may function as reliable bioindicators for monitoring environmental MP pollution within their wintering habitats. Evaluations using the Pollution Load Index (PLI), Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) collectively indicated that the overall ecological risk associated with MP abundance to wintering Whooper Swans remains low. Nevertheless, the presence of high-toxicity plastic polymers, such as polyacrylonitrile and polyurethane, were identified in specific regions of the lake. Source attribution analyses revealed that the predominant contributors to MP pollution in Swan Lake are linked to local fishery operations (e.g. linear PP, PE), small-scale runoff inputs (e.g. fibrous PET), and coastal beach tourism activities (e.g. fragmented PP, PE). Taken together, these findings offer essential scientific insights that support the conservation of Whooper Swans and inform the formulation of management strategies aimed at mitigating plastic and MP pollution in the wintering habitats for key migratory birds.

PMID:41730492 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124077

Environ Res. 2026 Feb 21;297:124081. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124081. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The natural attenuation of venlafaxine (VEN) in aquatic ecosystems under environmentally realistic, multi-stressor conditions, including co-occurring polypropylene microplastics (PP MPs), remains insufficiently quantified. This study examined how biological communities and PP MPs influence VEN fate, dissipation kinetics, trophic transfer, and ecological risks using a 60-day trophically structured microcosm containing duckweed, mosquitofish, bitterling, river snails, sediment, and water. VEN (400 ng/mL) was applied under single and combined PP MP (500 items/L) exposures, and dynamics across compartments were quantified alongside ecological indicators, including plant growth, fish behavior, and snail reproduction. In abiotic controls, waterborne VEN declined to 29.0% (220.40 ± 4.43 ng/mL) by day 56, whereas biotic presence accelerated attenuation to 8.7% (35.00 ± 4.91 ng/mL), with further reduction to 7.1% (28.47 ± 1.09 ng/mL) under co-exposure. Sediment served as the primary sink, peaking at 55.20 ± 4.90, 42.56 ± 2.36, and 28.83 ± 1.31 mg/g in blank, VEN + Eco, and PP + VEN + Eco treatments. Duckweed exhibited continuous VEN bioaccumulation (up to 5.57-fold), while fish and snails displayed reverse U-shaped patterns; PP MPs reduced internal VEN residues by 1.3-2.1-fold. PP MPs mainly accumulated in sediment and snails (100-150 μm). Exposure affected duckweed growth and photosynthesis, induced behavioral changes in fish, and caused reproductive inhibition and oxidative stress in snails, although partial recovery occurred under co-exposure. Sediment microbial profiling identified Sphingomonas and RB41 as potential degraders of PP MPs and VEN. Toxicokinetic modeling indicated reduced VEN half-lives in VEN + Eco (12.36 d) and PP + VEN + Eco (10.41 d) relative to Eco alone (16.96 d), suggesting organism-mediated attenuation. Species sensitivity distribution and hazard quotient analyses indicated low ecological risk in biologically active systems. These results demonstrate that trophic interactions and microplastic presence influence VEN distribution and dissipation, highlighting the need to incorporate ecological complexity in pharmaceutical fate and risk assessments.

PMID:41730493 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124081

Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2026 Feb 24. doi: 10.1007/s00210-026-05115-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The escalating severity of global microplastic pollution has triggered significant public health concerns. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a ubiquitous plastic constituent, extensively permeates aquatic systems, food chains, and daily living environments. However, its potential long-term health impacts, particularly its association with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), remain poorly understood. In this study, we adopted an integrative network toxicology approach combined with multi-omics data and machine learning to systematically elucidate the mechanistic relationship between exposure to PET nanoplastics and the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Through comprehensive interrogation of multi-source databases, we identified 20 overlapping targets common to both PET nanoplastic exposure and NAFLD. By employing a comprehensive integrative machine learning framework comprising eleven distinct algorithms, we further identified six core candidate genes: CCL2, GRIA3, JUN, PFKFB3, PIM1, and PPARA. The resulting diagnostic model achieving a maximum Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.94 in the training set and demonstrating generalizability in an independent validation cohort (AUC > 0.6). Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis identified PFKFB3 and PPARA as the most influential predictors. Single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed cell-type-specific expression patterns of these core genes within hepatocytes, macrophages, and endothelial cells, highlighting their pivotal roles in key intercellular communication pathways, such as the chemokine and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) signaling pathways. Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggest that PET-derived oligomers or surface-associated chemical functional groups may form specific interactions with the active sites of core proteins. Given the current scarcity of clinical cohorts in public databases that concurrently incorporate measures of microplastic exposure and transcriptomic profiles, this study employs a computational toxicology framework to elucidate the interaction networks between these factors through systematic bioinformatic analysis. By integrating PET-microplastic-related targets with NAFLD-associated transcriptomic data via exploratory systems toxicology modeling, we identified a potential molecular nexus linking PET exposure to NAFLD pathogenesis. These findings establish a theoretical foundation for future mechanistic investigations into microplastic exposure and its toxicological implications.

PMID:41731169 | DOI:10.1007/s00210-026-05115-0

Mar Environ Res. 2026 Apr;216:107908. doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107908. Epub 2026 Feb 5.

ABSTRACT

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is a key organic sulfur compound in marine food webs and the main precursor of the climate-active gas dimethyl sulfide (DMS), yet its water-column cycling under the joint influence of emerging pollutants remains poorly constrained. A 19-day microcosm experiment was conducted to examine the long-term effects of single and combined exposure to nanoplastics (NPs) and the antibiotic ofloxacin on planktonic microbial communities and DMSP cycling in coastal seawater. Combined exposure induced much stronger inhibitory effects than either single pollutant, markedly weakening the late-phase biomass recovery observed under the antibiotic-only treatment. DMSP dynamics exhibited a biphasic disruption pattern: an initial transient accumulation was followed by persistently low concentrations later in the experiment, coinciding with pronounced declines in microeukaryotic and total biomass. Combined metagenomic and flow cytometric analyses revealed a "functional decoupling" scenario, in which the surviving community displayed elevated relative abundances of DMSP biosynthesis- and degradation-related genes, while the sharp reduction in microeukaryotic biomass and overall community size constrained the maintenance and renewal of the water-column DMSP pool. Co-occurrence network analysis further showed that co-exposure simplified the microbial network from a more distributed, complex structure to a highly centralized one, with fewer nodes and keystone taxa and decreased robustness indices along the pollution gradient. Together, these findings indicate that the co-occurrence of nanoplastics and antibiotics can disturb DMSP-related functions by eroding community structural stability and functional redundancy, providing experimental evidence for the vulnerability of coastal DMSP cycling to mixed-pollutant stress.

PMID:41690221 | DOI:10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107908