Microplastics

Biofouling. 2026 Jul 15:1-19. doi: 10.1080/08927014.2026.2698814. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics in coastal waters provide persistent surfaces for microbial colonization and biofilm formation, supporting complex microbial assemblages known as the plastisphere. This study examines the plastisphere-biofouling nexus through a PRISMA-guided systematic review, bibliometric mapping, narrative-quantitative synthesis, and conceptual evidence integration of studies published between 2015 and 2025. From 1,248 records identified in Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus, 124 primary studies were retained for comparative synthesis. The reviewed evidence shows that microplastics frequently support distinct biofilm-associated microbial communities, although reported patterns vary across polymer type, exposure duration, environmental setting, microbial method, and biofilm measurement approach. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were repeatedly reported among dominant bacterial groups, while opportunistic genera such as Vibrio and Pseudoalteromonas were detected in some plastisphere biofilms. Evidence for polymer-specific microbial diversity, contaminant retention, and environmental-driver effects remains context-dependent. Biofilm-coated microplastics may modify contaminant interactions under specific conditions, but current evidence does not support universal contaminant enhancement, confirmed pathogen transmission, or direct human health risk. This review identifies the plastisphere-biofouling nexus as an emerging ecological interface in coastal waters and highlights the need for standardized, field-relevant, and functionally validated studies.

PMID:42459005 | DOI:10.1080/08927014.2026.2698814

Front Neurosci. 2026 Jul 1;20:1886999. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2026.1886999. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the aggregation of α-synuclein, with increasing evidence implicating environmental factors and neuroimmune dysfunction in its pathogenesis. Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), ubiquitous environmental pollutants generated from plastic degradation, have recently emerged as potential biological stressors capable of entering the human body and accumulating in sensitive tissues, including the brain. Due to their small size, environmental persistence, and capacity to carry toxic additives and environmental contaminants, these particles can induce oxidative stress, impair mitochondrial and lysosomal function, and activate both innate and adaptive immune responses. This review summarizes current evidence linking microplastic exposure to neuroinflammatory processes relevant to PD, with a particular focus on microglial activation, astrocyte reactivity, peripheral immune involvement, and dysfunction of the gut-brain axis. Although a direct causal relationship between MNPs and PD has yet to be established, and direct human epidemiological evidence linking MNP exposure to PD is currently absent, the immunotoxic and neuroinflammatory effects of these particles suggest that they may contribute to disease susceptibility and progression. Elucidating the interactions between MNPs and neuroimmune pathways may help refine current frameworks linking environmental exposure, neuroimmune dysfunction, and PD susceptibility.

PMID:42459360 | PMC:PMC13370565 | DOI:10.3389/fnins.2026.1886999

Molecules. 2026 Jun 25;31(13):2237. doi: 10.3390/molecules31132237.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) pollution in bottled and tap water poses escalating environmental and public health challenges due to MPs' capacity to act as vectors for toxicants and pathogens. This study constitutes the first comprehensive evaluation of MPs in drinking water from Madeira Island, integrating detailed chemical and morphological characterisations alongside human exposure estimations. A total of 22 samples, comprising 10 bottled (four mineral, six flavoured) and 12 tap waters, were analysed via stereomicroscopy and micro-Fourier transform infrared (µ-FTIR) spectroscopy. Of the 428 particles detected, 65 were confirmed MPs, 223 were non-plastics, and 140 were indeterminate. Bottled waters were predominantly contaminated by polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE), whereas tap waters exhibited a notable presence of PE, PP, polyester, and polyamide (PA). MPs predominantly measured under 400 µm and were transparent; fragments were the main form in bottled water, contrasting with fibres dominating tap waters. Concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 6 MPs/L, with flavoured waters exhibiting the highest average levels (2.00 ± 1.83 MPs/L), followed by tap (1.30 ± 0.80 MPs/L) and mineral waters (0.59 ± 0.37 MPs/L). Estimated daily intake (EDI) spanned 0.01-0.19 MPs/kg/day for adults and 0.05-0.68 MPs/kg/day for children, the latter exhibiting a 3.6-fold greater exposure. Although concentrations were lower than those in many global reports, the ubiquity of MPs underscores the critical need for standardised monitoring protocols, enhanced production standards, and rigorous risk assessments addressing chronic low-level human exposure, especially in insular environments.

PMID:42451608 | DOI:10.3390/molecules31132237

Molecules. 2026 Jun 29;31(13):2268. doi: 10.3390/molecules31132268.

ABSTRACT

The widespread environmental presence of microplastics has led to their increasing co-occurrence with pesticides in agricultural soils, which raises concerns about their potential combined effects on pollutant behavior and toxicity. In this study, we investigated the environmental fate of boscalid and its toxicity to earthworms under co-exposure with two types of microplastics. Both polyethylene microplastics (PE) and polylactic acid microplastics (PLA) significantly enhanced boscalid retention in soil and delayed its degradation. Co-exposure impaired intestinal barrier function, promoted boscalid bioaccumulation, and triggered more severe oxidative stress and metabolic disturbances in earthworms. Notably, differences were observed between PE and PLA in their effects on boscalid behavior and earthworm responses. Our study suggests that microplastics may influence the ecological risk of boscalid through potential carrier effects and biological interface interactions and indicates mechanistic differences between conventional and biodegradable microplastics in modulating pesticide toxicity. These findings offer new insights into the environmental risk assessment of combined pollution.

PMID:42451636 | DOI:10.3390/molecules31132268

Environ Toxicol. 2026 Jul 14. doi: 10.1002/tox.70151. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Architectural exterior paints play a crucial role in protecting building materials from aging and corrosion. We obtained pieces that fell from the exterior of a university building and ground them using a miller. Aged paint particles (APPs) contained a high concentration of titanium and showed C-H bonds, indicating the presence of microplastics. APP had negatively charged surfaces and were agglomerated in the vehicles used in this study. When exposed repeatedly to APP via pharyngeal aspiration for 13 weeks, a decrease in platelet count and an increase in total cholesterol level were observed in female mice exposed to APP. The increases in levels of pulmonary inflammatory mediators and the lesion severity following exposure to APP were more remarkable in female mice than in male mice. Extramedullary hematopoiesis was also found in the spleens of female mice but not in male mice exposed to APP. Using MH-S cells derived from murine alveolar macrophages, we also found that cell viability decreased markedly even at the lowest concentration and that nitric oxide production, an intracellular second messenger, increased rapidly at the highest concentration. Meanwhile, ATP production was not notably changed in APP-treated cells. Moreover, the expression of all innate immune-related genes and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system-related genes was downregulated in APP-treated cells compared to the control, and the expression of unfolded protein response genes was lower in the ER but higher in mitochondria. Taken together, we suggest that dysfunction of alveolar macrophages, the primary defenders against inhaled foreign materials, may underlie APP-induced pathological changes. Additionally, we believe that, as a significant source of microplastics and a potential disease-causing ambient pollutant, APP should be removed from the environment under strict control. Considering the biological responses observed in subchronic exposure, we also propose that further study is needed to clarify the health effects of chronic respiratory exposure to different types of APP.

PMID:42452954 | DOI:10.1002/tox.70151

ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci. 2026 Jun 25;9(7):1726-1741. doi: 10.1021/acsptsci.6c00183. eCollection 2026 Jul 10.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) exposure compromises gut barrier integrity, microbial homeostasis, and host immunity to accelerate mucosal dysfunction and disease progression. This necessitates new strategies to address gut MP accumulation concerns. Unlike environmental settings, the gut imposes harsh physiological constraints that restrict conventional plastic biodegradation mechanism feasibility. Spore-forming probiotic (SFP) strains possess intrinsic resilience and diverse plastic degradation metabolic capacities via enzymatic, biosurfactant-mediated, and oxidative pathways; however, their functional deployment is limited by spatial dilution, enzyme instability, and insufficient polymer-microbe contact. This perspective presents SFP-integrated biomaterial platforms as a conceptual framework for enabling controlled gut microbe-MP interactions. Specifically, we discuss how embedding SFPs into engineered microcapsule, hydrogel, and polymer film biomaterials to localize probiotic activity, regulate germination and secretion dynamics, and mediate controlled MP interactions within gut-physiological conditions. We further outline the mechanistic basis of SFP-mediated MP biodegradation and biomaterial design strategies for optimized targeted activity to create future SFP-assisted gut MP therapeutics.

PMID:42453354 | PMC:PMC13366332 | DOI:10.1021/acsptsci.6c00183

Front Pharmacol. 2026 Jun 30;17:1859004. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1859004. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which PET microplastics (PET-MP) influence osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis by integrating network toxicology, machine learning, and in vitro experimental validation.

METHODS: Differential gene expression analysis and WGCNA were applied to multiple OA datasets to identify disease-related targets. PET-MP biological targets were predicted via ChEMBL, SwissTargetPrediction, and PharmMapper. Overlapping targets were screened using machine learning algorithms, and molecular docking was performed to assess binding interactions. In vitro validation including immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blot was conducted in PET-MP-treated chondrocytes.

RESULTS: A total of 452 PET-associated targets were identified, with 12 core PET-MP-OA genes established through intersection analysis. Functional enrichment implicated the NF-κB and IL-17 signaling pathways. Machine learning screening based on feature importance and SHAP values prioritized six hub genes: AKR1A1, INSR, KIF11, MMP1, KCNN4, and TK1. Molecular docking generated predicted AutoDock Vina scores ranging from -3.893 to -7.434 kcal/mol. In vitro experiments validated upregulation of AKR1A1, MMP1, KCNN4, KIF11, and TK1, and downregulation of INSR in chondrocytes, consistent with bioinformatics predictions.

CONCLUSION: PET-MP may promote OA progression by disrupting molecular pathways related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and cartilage degradation. The identified hub genes offer new insights into microplastic toxicology in joint disease and represent potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for PET-MP-induced OA.

PMID:42453583 | PMC:PMC13365120 | DOI:10.3389/fphar.2026.1859004

Exp Ther Med. 2026 Jun 26;32(2):227. doi: 10.3892/etm.2026.13222. eCollection 2026 Aug.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) have become widespread contaminants with notable impacts on reproductive health. MNPs have been found in human specimens, including follicle fluid, causing concerns regarding their negative impact on female fertility. The present review aimed to comprehensively examine the ovarian deleterious impacts of MNPs, and to analyze their toxicological mechanisms, impact on folliculogenesis and oocyte quality, transgenerational effects and influencing factors. Previous evidence suggests that MNPs can trigger oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, disruption of endocrine function, programmed cell death, endoplasmic reticulum stress, membrane structural damage, epigenetic modifications and DNA lesions in the ovary, resulting in impaired folliculogenesis, disrupted steroidogenesis and reduced reproductive capacity. The present review emphasized the impact of the MNP polymer type, size and surface characteristics on ovarian reproductive toxicity, and highlights some knowledge gaps that require attention, providing a reference for deeper understanding and mitigation of MNPs-induced ovarian toxicity.

PMID:42453773 | PMC:PMC13365865 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2026.13222

J Inflamm Res. 2026 Jul 10;19:609110. doi: 10.2147/JIR.S609110. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental pollutants characterized by their widespread distribution. They can enter the human body through multiple routes, including inhalation and dietary intake, accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, and subsequently disrupt intestinal microecological homeostasis, thereby contributing to digestive diseases. Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unclear etiology, has been closely associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis, which is considered one of its central pathogenic mechanisms. This review comprehensively review the fundamental characteristics of MPs and their interactions with the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites. It further elucidates the key mechanisms by which MPs mediate the initiation and progression of UC, with particular emphasis on intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation. Mechanistically, MPs disrupt SCFAs-producing microbial networks and activate epithelial inflammatory pathways, particularly TLR4-NF-κB signaling, thereby amplifying mucosal inflammation in UC. This review is the first to completely connect the regulatory axis of MPs - gut microbiota - metabolites - intestinal barrier - immune inflammation, clarify the core pathological chain of UC induced by MPs, make up for the shortcomings of existing reviews that only conduct single-dimensional analysis and lack integration of complete mechanisms, and provide a new theoretical framework for this field. Additionally, current research limitations are discussed, and future research directions and potential intervention strategies are proposed, aiming to provide novel theoretical insights into the etiology and prevention of UC.

PMID:42454161 | PMC:PMC13367360 | DOI:10.2147/JIR.S609110

Exp Ther Med. 2026 Jun 26;32(2):227. doi: 10.3892/etm.2026.13222. eCollection 2026 Aug.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) have become widespread contaminants with notable impacts on reproductive health. MNPs have been found in human specimens, including follicle fluid, causing concerns regarding their negative impact on female fertility. The present review aimed to comprehensively examine the ovarian deleterious impacts of MNPs, and to analyze their toxicological mechanisms, impact on folliculogenesis and oocyte quality, transgenerational effects and influencing factors. Previous evidence suggests that MNPs can trigger oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, disruption of endocrine function, programmed cell death, endoplasmic reticulum stress, membrane structural damage, epigenetic modifications and DNA lesions in the ovary, resulting in impaired folliculogenesis, disrupted steroidogenesis and reduced reproductive capacity. The present review emphasized the impact of the MNP polymer type, size and surface characteristics on ovarian reproductive toxicity, and highlights some knowledge gaps that require attention, providing a reference for deeper understanding and mitigation of MNPs-induced ovarian toxicity.

PMID:42453773 | PMC:PMC13365865 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2026.13222

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jul 15;233(Pt 1):120096. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120096. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We examined microplastic (MP) distribution in water, sediment, and Mytilaster lineatus at eight sites in the South Caspian Sea, plus a lab ingestion experiment. Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) and Individual Based Accumulation Factor (iBAF) separated environmental exposure from organism effects. Water MPs were highest at Sefidroud, Chamkhaleh, and Sisangan. MPs per individual were greatest at Sisangan and Sefidroud, where mussel biomass and density were highest - consistent with density dependent ingestion in lab. At Chamkhaleh (lower biomass), high water MPs did not yield high MPs per individual. At Amir Abad, MPs/gww peaked where biomass was lowest. A strong negative correlation (ρ = -0.78) between MPs/gww and biomass showed smaller mussels accumulate higher MP per unit weight. The correlation between water MPs and MPs per individual was not significant, modulated by size dependent accumulation. No significant differences among stations in iBAFwater (minimizing body size) suggested similar accumulation across sites. BCFwater exceeded 1 at all stations while BCFsediment remained below 1 at most stations, indicating water as primary uptake pathway. Ingested MPs were mainly 10-100 μm, confirming selective ingestion. The highest biomass at Sisangan and Sefidroud, despite peak water MPs and no mortality in lab at far above field concentrations, suggests MP concentrations are not limiting; physicochemical conditions appear more determinant. Thus, although M. lineatus is a useful sentinel for biological exposure, size dependent accumulation and selective ingestion restrict its ability as an absolute indicator - especially given decline in mussel biomass in southern Caspian Sea. This highlights the need for complementary bioindicators.

PMID:42456352 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120096

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jul 15;233(Pt 1):120134. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120134. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MP) are widespread contaminants in coastal and marine systems. Hainan Province, China's largest tropical island, was the first provincial-level jurisdiction to ban disposable plastics, yet its MP burden and the policy's effect remain poorly quantified. This study examined the distribution, sources and ecological risk of MP in surface water and sediments across industrial-residential, agricultural and aquaculture zones on Hainan Island. A total of 47 samples (31 surface-water, 16 sediment) were collected from 33 sites during the early wet season in July 2024 and characterized by μ-FTIR spectroscopy. MP were detected in all surface-water samples (2419 ± 1840 items m^-3) and in 94% of sediment samples (91 ± 58 items kg^-1 dry weight). Different functional zones exhibited distinct polymer compositions and morphological characteristics, consistent with inputs from domestic discharge, agriculture and aquaculture. Compared with pre-ban datasets, the proportion of polyethylene in the polymer pool decreased, a shift tentatively linked to the 2020 plastic ban. Spearman analysis linked surface-water MP to port throughput, tourism and water-quality variables, and sediment MP to settlement proximity and local economic activity. The compositional contrast between riverine and marine waters in the aquaculture zone indicates that direct sea-based inputs have been underestimated. Combined Pollution Load, Polymer Hazard and Ecological Shape Indices indicated low-to-moderate index-based risk, with hotspots at industrial-port sites dominated by polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane.

PMID:42456356 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120134

Mar Environ Res. 2026 Jul 14;221:108283. doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108283. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Although polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) have been documented to adsorb heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd) in aquatic environments, the effects of their combined ingestion on marine organisms remain scarcely understood. This study evaluated the individual and combined effects of spherical PE-MPs (53-63 μm) and Cd on survival, growth, and bioaccumulation in juvenile shrimps Litopenaeus vannamei exposed via feeding for 21 days. Individual (300 mg kg^-1 PE-MPs and 30 mg kg^-1 Cd) and combined exposures did not affect survival rates. However, the final weight was significantly lower in the combined treatment (3.8 ± 0.1 g) compared to the control (4.3 ± 0.2 g), suggesting that co-exposure to PE-MPs and Cd adversely affected growth. The highest PE-MPs accumulation at 21 days under the combined treatments was observed in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) (981.7 ± 70.8 MP g^-1). Cadmium (Cd) accumulation followed the order hepatopancreas (HP) > GIT > gills (GL) > exoskeleton (EX) > muscle (MU), reaching its highest concentration in the HP of the combined treatment (91.7 ± 1.4 μg g^-1), even higher than in the treatment with Cd alone (80.5 ± 5.6 μg g^-1). Overall, dietary co-exposure to PE-MPs and Cd for 21 days reduced growth and increased the bioaccumulation of both contaminants, suggesting that combined exposure may modify contaminant bioavailability and retention. Further studies are needed to elucidate the metabolic mechanisms associated with this response.

PMID:42456555 | DOI:10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108283

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jul 15;515:142999. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142999. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) undergo aging that alters their surface properties and ecological risks, with photodegradation and microbial colonization as dominant pathways in natural waters. However, traditional infrared indices (e.g., carbonyl index) are inadequate for quantifying aging in oxygen‑containing MPs (e.g., polylactic acid [PLA]) due to spectral interference from inherent functional groups and are further confounded by biofilm signals. To address this, a spectral-decomposition aging index (SDAI) was developed based on multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares decomposition of infrared spectra. SDAI replaces single-peak ratios with full-spectrum decomposition, enabling cross-polymer comparison under complex spectral conditions. Core consistency diagnostics determined the optimal component number (two for photoaging, three for microbial aging), yielding a robust model with > 99.7% explained variance and reproducible SDAI values across replicate measurements (standard deviation ≤ 0.19). SDAI was validated on six aquatic-relevant polymers, including both laboratory-generated spectra (polyvinyl chloride [PVC], polyethylene terephthalate [PET], polycaprolactone [PCL]) and publicly available spectral datasets (polyethylene [PE], polypropylene [PP], PLA). For conventional MPs (PE, PP, PVC), SDAI trends were consistent with traditional indices; for oxygen-containing polymers (PET, PCL, PLA), SDAI captured monotonic aging trajectories where conventional indices limited; in microbially aged samples, SDAI simultaneously resolved aging-related and biofilm-associated signals. Therefore, SDAI provides a robust and transferable framework for comparative MP aging assessment, particularly under complex spectral conditions, while its application to field-weathered samples will require further validation.

PMID:42456585 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142999

Environ Res. 2026 Jul 15:125259. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.125259. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pesticides are typical toxic organic pollutants that can readily associate with microplastics owing to the large specific surface area and lipophilicity of microplastics, leading to more complex ecological risks in aquatic environments. In this work, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was selected as the target pesticide, and HCNT/AgCl@Ag with interface induced nitrogen vacancies was constructed by loading AgCl@Ag onto the surface of hexagonal g-C₃N₄ nanotubes (HCNT) through an in situ photoreduction method. Benefiting from the high specific surface area and the Z-scheme heterojunction, the material exhibited good photocatalytic activity for 2,4-D degradation and high adsorption removal rate for microplastics. The catalyst could be regenerated by dissolving the microplastics adsorbed onto its surface. In addition, mechanistic studies indicate that competition for active sites between 2,4-D and microplastics occurs only at high 2,4-D concentrations, where 2,4-D dominate the catalyst surface and hinder microplastic adsorption. These findings indicate that the mutual effects between 2,4-D and microplastics largely depends on pollutant concentrations, highlighting the importance of pollutant loading in practical water treatment.

PMID:42457112 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.125259

Int J Mol Sci. 2026 Jun 27;27(13):5817. doi: 10.3390/ijms27135817.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics pose a growing threat to marine ecosystems as they can accumulate in aquatic organisms, interfering with essential physiological processes including reproduction. This study analyzed the effects of short-term exposure (48 h) to two concentrations (0.5 and 1 µg/mL) of 5 µm diameter polystyrene microplastic bead particles in female Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels, a bioindicator species of the Mediterranean Sea. Histological analyses revealed progressive oocyte degeneration and the development of hypertrophic PAS-positive mucous cells, indicative of a stress response, in a dose-dependent manner. Changes in hemocyte classes, which are major effectors of bivalve immunity, were evidenced by the May-Grünwald Giemsa reaction. Biochemical data showed that microplastics increased levels of stress proteins, such as HSP70 and p53, and altered the composition of ovarian glycoproteins. Metabolomic analysis based on ¹H NMR spectrometry revealed significant alterations in metabolites involved in energy (glucose, glycogen, and malonate) and amino acid (branched-chain amino acids arginine, glycine, glutamate, histidine, betaine, and choline) metabolism, suggesting impairment to bioenergetic and antioxidant pathways. Overall, these results suggest that even short-term exposure to polystyrene microplastic beads can alter the ovarian function and metabolism of female M. galloprovincialis, highlighting their vulnerability.

PMID:42450090 | DOI:10.3390/ijms27135817

Environ Geochem Health. 2026 Jul 14;48(10):457. doi: 10.1007/s10653-026-03354-x.

ABSTRACT

Marine microplastics raise significant concerns regarding their combined effects with trace metals (TMs). This study evaluated the biological impacts of environmentally derived secondary microplastics combined with TMs on the benthic bivalve Meretrix lyrata. Clams were exposed for 30 days to sediment enriched with weathered polyethylene (SMPs) (1-500 µm) at contents ranging from 0 to 5000 mg/kg. Results demonstrated that SMPs substantially enhanced the bioaccumulation of lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr), with tissue contents peaking at the 500 mg/kg treatment. This TM accumulation triggered profound physiological stress, characterized by a marked induction of antioxidant defenses, specifically catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities, which increased by up to 101% and 89%, respectively. Concurrently, severe neurotoxicity was evidenced by a maximum 33% inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Linear regression revealed a strong negative correlation between AChE inhibition and tissue Pb levels (R² = 0.963, p < 0.005). Furthermore, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) corroborated a cascading mechanistic pathway, demonstrating distinct diametric opposition between the Pb-induced oxidative stress cluster (Pb, CAT, GST) and neuro-behavioral endpoints (AChE, burial rate). Consequently, these biochemical disruptions translated into ecologically relevant behavioral impairments, notably a dose-dependent decline in burrowing capacity and a reduced proportion of fully buried clams (B100). This behavioral failure, potentially indicating sediment-avoidance at extreme SMP dosages, theoretically increases their vulnerability to epibenthic predation and environmental fluctuations. Ultimately, these findings highlight the combined effects of weathered microplastics and associated metals, emphasizing the critical need for integrative, multi-level risk assessments of plastic pollution in benthic ecosystems.

PMID:42446769 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-026-03354-x

Arch Toxicol. 2026 Jul 14. doi: 10.1007/s00204-026-04495-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Marine microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining oceanic ecosystem stability by mediating essential biogeochemical cycles, nutrient cycling and natural attenuation of environmental pollutants through diverse metabolic processes. Owing to their remarkable metabolic diversity, marine bacteria, fungi, and archaea possess the ability to utilize complex organic compounds as carbon and energy sources enabling them to transform and degrade a wide range of contaminants in aquatic environments, making them key agents in marine bioremediation. Among these, the most persistent pollutants threatening the marine ecosystem are the Microplastics (MPs) and hydrocarbons, both of which originate largely from anthropogenic activities including plastic waste accumulation, industrial discharge, petroleum extraction and accidental spills. MPs, are plastic particles of size less than or equal to 5 mm, produced due to the fragmentation of larger plastic debris while hydrocarbons consist of complex mixtures of aliphatic and aromatic compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and BTEX compounds. In marine systems, MPs frequently act as carriers for hydrocarbons and other contaminants, facilitating the formation of specialized microbial biofilms known as the plastisphere. Microbial degradation of these pollutants involves sequential processes including surface colonization, enzymatic depolymerization, biofragmentation, assimilation and mineralization. Several studies have reported the potential of marine bacteria and fungi in the degradation of MPs and HCs through the synthesis of key enzymes such as PETase and MHETase for MPs and laccases, peroxidases for HCs. Recent advances in omics technologies including metagenomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics have significantly improved our understanding of microbial community dynamics, degradation pathways, and functional genes involved in pollutant degradation. Therefore, integration of recent technologies alongside conventional methods could enhance the remediation process. In this review, we have collated the collective role of marine microorganisms in the biodegradation of MPs and hydrocarbons, highlighting their key degradation mechanisms, microbial interactions and the contributions of omics based approaches in advancing marine bioremediation research.

PMID:42446674 | DOI:10.1007/s00204-026-04495-9

Bioresour Technol. 2026 Jul 14:135401. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135401. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Bisphenols (BPA, BPF and BPS) are emerging contaminants with well-documented endocrine-disrupting effects, and their environmental occurrence often coincides with heavy metals and microplastics. In this study, a three-dimensional chitosan/bentonite composite foam (CBF) was fabricated via directional ice-templating and systematically evaluated as a recoverable adsorbent for bisphenols. The CBF exhibited stable adsorption performance, with kinetics following the pseudo-second-order model and isotherms well described by the Langmuir model, achieving moderate maximum capacities of 13.69 to 16.27 mg/g under a monolithic, manually recoverable design. High removal efficiencies were maintained over a wide pH range (2.0-10.0) and under varying ionic strength conditions. Spectroscopic and thermodynamic analyses indicate that bisphenol adsorption is governed by hydrogen bonding, polar interactions, and pore confinement effects, with selectivity among analogues modulated by their analogue-specific interaction pathways with the functional groups of CBF. The positive enthalpy change and increasingly negative Gibbs free energy further support a spontaneous and endothermic adsorption process. Preliminary tests further indicated that the macroporous framework was capable of capturing heavy metal ions (Pb(II), Cd(II)) and physically entrapping representative microplastics (PLA, PS, PE), suggesting potential applicability beyond bisphenols. Within its intended design scope of prioritizing operational simplicity over maximum capacity, CBF offers a monolithic platform with facile manual separation and minimal secondary turbidity. This combination of low-cost raw materials, monolithic recoverability, and multi-class pollutant applicability distinguishes CBF from conventional powdered adsorbents and is relevant to the practical treatment of bisphenol contaminated water under complex matrix conditions.

PMID:42448113 | DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135401

Aquat Toxicol. 2026 Jul 3;298:107921. doi: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2026.107921. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as pervasive contaminants in marine ecosystems, posing escalating ecotoxicological risks across trophic levels. This review highlights the current knowledge on the sources, types, and mechanistic pathways of MPs toxicity by assessing their environmental uptake, trophic transfer, and associated impacts on aquatic organisms and human health. Previous studies collectively demonstrate that integrated field assessments, chemical characterization, and advanced multi-omics methodologies provide a holistic understanding of polymeric particle bioavailability, transport pathways, and cellular interactions across diverse marine species, ranging from primary producers to higher trophic level apex consumers. In this review, modeling and spatial analyses further elucidate the transport processes and distribution patterns of MPs within marine ecosystems. Prior studies have shown that MPs ingestion alters nutrient absorption, enzymatic efficiency, and redox homeostasis in marine organisms, triggering oxidative stress, metabolic disruption, and sub-lethal physiological impairments across multiple trophic levels. Recent evidence reveals that MPs can be translocated through pelagic and benthic food webs and may facilitate the transfer of sorbed contaminants and additives across trophic levels. Reviews of molecular or histopathological data show MPs trigger inflammatory responses, oxidative damage, apoptosis, genotoxicity, and immunity alterations in marine species. Review studies evaluate nanoremediation, biochar amendment, and engineered carbonaceous sorbents as key mitigation strategies against MPs risks. Probabilistic risk assessments underscore substantial human dietary exposure through seafood, policy integration, urging integration of MPs monitoring into global marine health frameworks for proactive intervention. These reviewed insights enhance mechanistic MPs ecotoxicology knowledge, underpinning sustainable strategies and policies for marine biodiversity protection and human well-being security.

PMID:42447545 | DOI:10.1016/j.aquatox.2026.107921

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Jul 14;322:120502. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120502. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics and heavy metal co-contamination exacerbate risks to soil-plant ecosystem, yet remediation mechanisms remain unclear. This study demonstrated polystyrene microplastics reduce soil pH and soil organic (SOM), while increasing redox potential and zeta potential, suppressing urease, alkaline phosphatase, and sucrase activity, causing declines in soil total nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium, inhibiting lettuce growth and increasing Pb and Cd significantly. Applying wood chip and straw biochar reversed soil pH to alkaline condition, enhanced reductivity, increased SOM by 47.68-50.46%, restored enzyme activity by 73.35-242.76%, improved nutrient availability, and significantly reduced Pb and Cd accumulation. Key mechanisms first revealed involve biochar synchronously correcting microplastic-induced soil acidification, organic matter loss, and dispersion through synergistic pH, SOM, and zeta potential adjustments. Biochar alleviated ecological hazards through dual pathways whereby increased SOM activated soil enzymes and phosphorus availability, promoted chlorophyll synthesis, and increased biomass by 23.46-29.23%; while it mitigated plant antioxidant enzyme increases, reduced malondialdehyde and free proline, alleviated membrane damage. Biochar facilitated Pb(II) conversion from exchangeable to organic-bound and residual fractions by enhancing two key factors: pH and SOM, achieving up to 89.04%, thereby reduced stem and leaf Pb accumulation by 25.38-29.45%, yet failed to fully offset Cd activation by microplastics. Wood chip biochar outperformed straw biochar in Pb immobilization and oxidative stress mitigation; both offered limited Cd remediation. This study elucidates the mechanisms by which organic matter hubs and pH govern the regulation of heavy metal speciation, providing a theoretical bases for the targeted remediation of co-contaminated soils.

PMID:42447680 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120502

Anal Chem. 2026 Jul 14. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6c03251. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic pollution, particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC), has raised increasing environmental concern because of its persistence and potential release of hazardous additives. However, selective and rapid detection of PVC microplastics in aqueous environments remains challenging. Herein, a water-soluble aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent probe, BTPA-QM-SO₃, was developed for selective staining and quantitative detection of PVC microplastics. The probe enables direct fluorescence labeling in water without pretreatment and shows a distinct turn-on response toward PVC. An ethanol-assisted washing strategy further improves the selectivity by reducing nonspecific probe adsorption on other microplastics. Combined with fluorescence imaging and image-based analysis, the method exhibits a linear response to PVC microplastics over 200 ∼ 1000 μg/mL with a detection limit of 10.52 μg/mL, and satisfactory recoveries in tap water, lake water, seawater, and industrial wastewater. Fluorescence lifetime and quantum yield measurements reveal enhanced emission efficiency after interaction with PVC, consistent with restricted intramolecular motion and suppressed nonradiative decay of the probe. Mechanistic studies suggest that stronger interfacial interactions between the probe and PVC are responsible for improved fluorescence retention and selectivity. This work provides a simple, water-compatible, and selective fluorescence strategy for PVC microplastic quantification in environmental water samples.

PMID:42446433 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.6c03251

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jul 14;232:120137. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120137. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Evidence of microplastic-ecosystem impacts is growing; however, our capacity to evaluate associated risks to Earth system processes remains limited. Upscaling impacts and risk assessment in the natural environment usually require a careful balance of accuracy and precision accounting for heterogeneity in ecosystem processes. Intermediate steps between controlled experiments and broad-scale prediction are necessary to fully appreciate the magnitude and implications of plasticising the planet. We explored the potential to change critical ecosystem feedback processes and how these effects can propagate across heterogeneous habitats on intertidal flats. Microplastics (>0.0002 g cm^-2) shrank the bioturbation hotspots by 65% at maximum, affecting the landscape of M. stewartensis in regulating the remineralisation across the surveyed sandflat. Behavioural changes in key species can cascade through their functional roles in regulating food resources, thereby amplifying the impacts of microplastics on habitat degradation. This conceptual framework provides a basis for integrating ecosystem feedback into microplastic risk evaluation.

PMID:42447785 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120137

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jul 14;232:120089. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120089. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Seagrass meadows are increasingly recognized as important components of microplastic (MP) dynamics in coastal environments, yet their role as sinks remains debated, particularly in tropical systems dominated by small-bodied species. We investigated how seasonal variability, spatial position, meadow structure, and sediment grain size interact to shape MP accumulation in sediments of a Halodule wrightii meadow in the southwestern Atlantic. Sediment samples were collected across a spatial gradient (outside, edge, and inside the meadow) during dry and rainy seasons, alongside measurements of seagrass structural traits and sediment granulometry. MPs occurred in 85% of samples, with abundance and size varying across seasons and spatial positions. MP abundance was higher outside the meadow and during the dry season, while smaller particles dominated during the rainy season. Seagrass structural traits, particularly leaf length, were positively associated with MP accumulation in meadow sediments, although their effects depended on the interaction between season and spatial position. Blue fibers were the most common MPs, and five plastic polymers were identified. Our results showed that H. wrightii meadows are not uniform sinks for MPs. Instead, MP accumulation appeared to arise from the interaction between spatial gradients and plant structural traits, which jointly influenced accumulation patterns. In this context, adjacent unvegetated areas may function as zones of greater accumulation, while seagrass structure modulates local retention processes. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms governing MP distribution in tropical seagrass meadows and highlight the need to consider interacting environmental and biological drivers when assessing MP fate in coastal environments.

PMID:42447779 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120089

Eur Heart J. 2026 Jul 14:ehag447. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehag447. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the burden of MNPs in coronary blood across the spectrum of coronary artery disease (CAD), and their association with air pollution exposure and inflammation.

METHODS: Cross-sectional study, including 61 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography for suspected CAD, stratified into: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI, n = 19), chronic coronary syndromes (CCS, n = 20), and controls with normal coronary arteries (n = 22). MNPs were quantified in coronary and peripheral blood using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and laser direct infrared spectroscopy. Air pollution exposure data were collected on the day of the invasive procedure (acute exposure) and over the preceding 2 years (chronic exposure).

RESULTS: MNPs were detected significantly more frequently in STEMI patients (84.2%) than in CCS (40%) and controls (31.8%) (P = .002), with higher concentration and greater polymer diversity [median of 3 polymers (interquartile range: 2-4), P < .001]. Polyethylene was the predominant polymer (97%). The same polymers were consistently identified in peripheral and coronary blood samples from individual patients, with the highest concentrations in coronary blood (P < .001). STEMI patients showed higher levels of interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α (P≤.006) and were exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 (P≤.012). MNP detection was more frequent among smokers and patients exposed to PM2.5 > 15 µg/m3 (P = .006), with all patients presenting both factors showing detectable MNPs (P < .001). In multivariable analysis, smoking history emerged as the only independent predictor of MNP presence (odds ratio 5.69, 95% confidence interval 1.33-26.63, P = .023).

CONCLUSIONS: STEMI patients exhibited a greater burden of MNPs in coronary blood than CCS and controls. MNP detection frequently co-occurred with elevated inflammatory biomarkers, greater PM2.5 exposure, and smoking, suggesting a potential association between environmental exposure and CAD.

PMID:42447841 | DOI:10.1093/eurheartj/ehag447

Eur Heart J. 2026 Jul 14:ehag383. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehag383. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:42447840 | DOI:10.1093/eurheartj/ehag383

Bioresour Technol. 2026 Jul 14:135401. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135401. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Bisphenols (BPA, BPF and BPS) are emerging contaminants with well-documented endocrine-disrupting effects, and their environmental occurrence often coincides with heavy metals and microplastics. In this study, a three-dimensional chitosan/bentonite composite foam (CBF) was fabricated via directional ice-templating and systematically evaluated as a recoverable adsorbent for bisphenols. The CBF exhibited stable adsorption performance, with kinetics following the pseudo-second-order model and isotherms well described by the Langmuir model, achieving moderate maximum capacities of 13.69 to 16.27 mg/g under a monolithic, manually recoverable design. High removal efficiencies were maintained over a wide pH range (2.0-10.0) and under varying ionic strength conditions. Spectroscopic and thermodynamic analyses indicate that bisphenol adsorption is governed by hydrogen bonding, polar interactions, and pore confinement effects, with selectivity among analogues modulated by their analogue-specific interaction pathways with the functional groups of CBF. The positive enthalpy change and increasingly negative Gibbs free energy further support a spontaneous and endothermic adsorption process. Preliminary tests further indicated that the macroporous framework was capable of capturing heavy metal ions (Pb(II), Cd(II)) and physically entrapping representative microplastics (PLA, PS, PE), suggesting potential applicability beyond bisphenols. Within its intended design scope of prioritizing operational simplicity over maximum capacity, CBF offers a monolithic platform with facile manual separation and minimal secondary turbidity. This combination of low-cost raw materials, monolithic recoverability, and multi-class pollutant applicability distinguishes CBF from conventional powdered adsorbents and is relevant to the practical treatment of bisphenol contaminated water under complex matrix conditions.

PMID:42448113 | DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135401

Toxicol Lett. 2026 Jul 14:113164. doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2026.113164. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The increasing presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in food and water has raised concerns about their potential effects on gut microbiota. This study provides a comprehensive synthesis through a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the impact of micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) on gut microbiota diversity in rodent experimental models. Following PRISMA guidelines, eligible studies were identified from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, and risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE tool. A quantitative meta-analysis was conducted on three commonly reported α-diversity indices (Chao1, Shannon, Simpson), while β-diversity and taxonomic changes were qualitatively synthesized. MNPs exposure showed no statistically significant effect on α-diversity (g = 0.17,p = 0.259), with substantial heterogeneity across studies. Subgroup analyses confirmed the absence of significant effects across particle size, animal model, polymer type, dose, and exposure duration. β-diversity was consistently and significantly altered in the vast majority of studies, indicating consistent microbial community restructuring. Taxonomic shifts were variable at the phylum level, particularly for Firmicutes and Bacteroidota, while decreases in Lactobacillaceae/Lactobacillus and increases in Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Desulfobacterota were frequently observed. These findings indicate that MNPs primarily reshape microbial composition. The high heterogeneity highlights the need for standardized, environmentally relevant experimental designs to better assess microbiome-related alterations associated with MNPs exposure and their potential implications for host health.

PMID:42448188 | DOI:10.1016/j.toxlet.2026.113164

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jul 14:128743. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128743. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic ingestion has become a concern due to its potential adverse effects on human health. To further explore routes of microplastic exposure, this study investigated the release of microplastics from reusable plastic water bottles with straws designed for toddlers. The study involved prolonged storage of water bottles and mechanical abrasion, simulating the actions of drawing liquid and biting the straw. The release of microplastics was analyzed via laser direct infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy. The characterization results revealed that polypropylene (PP) is the primary material used in plastic bottles, with a minor blend of polyethylene (PE) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) confirmed as the material for the straw. The LDIR results revealed that PP microparticles measuring 20-50 μm were consistently present in water, whereas no PDMS was detected within the analytical size range and the detection capability of the applied methods. The exposure modeling results suggested that the daily polypropylene intake for toddlers aged 3-6 years old would be 1.2 ng/kg/day after 100 sips of water from a PP reusable water bottle, which might be associated with physical stress to the bottles during the experiments. Our findings highlight that toddlers' ingestion of microplastics is not incidental but may occur routinely through everyday practices, such as drinking water from plastic bottles.

PMID:42448265 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128743

Ecol Evol. 2026 Jul 13;16(7):e74006. doi: 10.1002/ece3.74006. eCollection 2026 Jul.

ABSTRACT

Anthropogenic pollutants contribute to insect decline in terrestrial ecosystems. Microplastics (MP), a major pollutant, are already present in all ecosystems and expected to further accumulate. In social insects, negative effects of MP could not only manifest on an individual but also colony level due to cooperative brood care. However, food is transferred differently during cooperative brood care among social Hymenoptera species. Therefore, it can also vary whether particles are passed on with food. Consequently, depending on the strategy of food transfer, the different life stages of a species could be affected by MP to varying degrees. To better assess interspecific differences, we comparatively investigated the fate of polystyrene MP particles during cooperative brood care in colonies of the Japanese carpenter ant (Camponotus japonicus) and the buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris). Here we show that both ant and bumblebee workers ingested MP particles with their food. However, we only found MP particles in the digestive system of bumblebee workers and larvae, but not in ant larvae and only occasionally in workers. This is likely due to the infrabuccal pocket (IBP), only present in the ants, that effectively prevents the transfer of particulate matter within colonies during cooperative brood care. In contrast, the unobstructed transfer of MP from bumblebee workers to larvae may entail negative effects on larvae or carry-over effects during development. Thus, negative colony-level effects of MP particles on social Hymenoptera may be exacerbated in those species that lack an IBP.

PMID:42445297 | PMC:PMC13364403 | DOI:10.1002/ece3.74006

Front Plant Sci. 2026 Jun 29;17:1829340. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2026.1829340. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics (ATs) frequently co-occur in agricultural soils, but their combined impacts on soil-plant systems and potential remediation options remain unclear. This 60-day pot experiment tested whether maize biochar (20 t ha^-1) can alleviate the effects of polyethylene (PE, 10 g kg^-1) and oxytetracycline (OTC, 50 mg kg^-1) on soil properties, antioxidant enzyme activities, and A. tricolor growth. Co-exposure to PE and OTC significantly reduced soil nutrient availability, suppressed root development by 23%, and decreased aboveground biomass by 45% relative to the control, while pollutant treatments enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, indicating induced oxidative stress rather than improved defense alone. Biochar application increased soil pH, cation exchange capacity, and nitrogen availability (NO₃ ^--N and NH₄ ⁺-N by 22% and 19%, respectively), and partially mitigated contaminant-induced declines in photosynthesis, root traits, and biomass. Consistent with the CO₂ measurements, biochar alone elevated short-term soil CO₂ emissions by 49% and 27% at 30 and 60 days, respectively, whereas PE+OTC reduced CO₂ fluxes by 55% and 29%, with biochar partly offsetting this suppression rather than uniformly lowering CO₂. These findings suggest that corn straw biochar can alleviate phytotoxic effects of PE-OTC co-contamination and support crop production by improving soil nutrient status and moderating oxidative stress responses, while simultaneously altering soil carbon dynamics. From an applied perspective, biochar shows promise for managing co-contaminated vegetable soils, but future work should resolve underlying mechanisms especially pollutant bioavailability, microbial processes, and antibiotic resistance genes to guide safe, field-scale implementation.

PMID:42445679 | PMC:PMC13357139 | DOI:10.3389/fpls.2026.1829340

Water Environ Res. 2026 Jul;98(7):e70492. doi: 10.1002/wer.70492.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a global problem recently, and a wide range of aquatic biota are exposed to MPs in their natural habitat, leading to severe environmental risks. There are reports on ecologically safe threshold limit of MPs based on toxicity data; however, no report is available specifically for South Asian freshwater aquatic species until now. The present study attempted to enumerate the ecologically safe limits of MPs in inland aquatic ecosystems of South Asian countries (India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan) based on species sensitivity. All benthic invertebrates demonstrated comparatively lower relative tolerance (T_rel) to MPs than the standard species. Fish species exhibited a wide standardized sensitivity (z = 3.71 to -0.35), followed by benthos (1.5 to -0.50), zooplankton (1.31 to -1.06), and phytoplankton (1 to -1). Species sensitivity distribution (SSD) curve estimated predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) for phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic animals, and fish as 0.012, 10.65, 1.38 × 10^-6, and 0.002 mg L^-1 with T. telescopium as the most sensitive species. The overall calculated PNEC based on the fifth-percentile hazardous concentration (HC₅) was 6.85 × 10^-6 mg L^-1. The study explored an ecotoxicological safety benchmark of MPs exposure to freshwater biota of South Asian countries, highlighting the need for more comprehensive MPs exposure studies with special reference to chemical types and size of MPs, robust and uniform methodology, and a wide range of aquatic species in the South Asian context.

PMID:42446047 | PMC:PMC13366557 | DOI:10.1002/wer.70492

Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Jul 14. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.6c00169. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Coastal microplastic pollution is seeing increased concerns, yet the multifunctional response of microbial mats at the sediment-seawater-atmosphere multiphase interface to various microplastics remains poorly understood, especially incorporating long-term tidal regimes. This study utilized a simulation platform coupling 180 tidal cycles to investigate differential impacts of nondegradable (polyethylene, PE) and degradable (polylactic acid, PLA) microplastics on coastal microbial mats. PE at 50 mg/kg impaired microbial mat species richness and evenness, significantly inhibiting nitrate reductase (-37.5%) and urease (-31.7%) activities by remolding protein conformation compactness and inducing molecular aggregation. Tidal fluctuations enriched metabolic signatures associated with signal transduction and sulfur metabolism, potentially compensating for disorders in environmental perception, energy supply, and nitrogen transformation of mat microbiota upon PE exposure. Unlike PE, PLA disabled phosphatase (17.7-23.0%) and catalase (15.0-18.5%) activities in a dose-dependent manner through directly binding to molecular active sites. Tidal rhythms promoted PLA-mediated microbe migration (contribution rate >73%) and niche narrowing (specialists +10.2%). By unbiasedly reprogramming metabolic strategy toward amino acid biosynthesis as an alternative energy pathway, while disturbing organic phosphorus mineralization (-43.2%) and redox homeostasis (-19.4%), tidal fluctuations ultimately exacerbated multifunctionality compromise in PLA-exposed microbial mats. Our findings highlight the need to consistently incorporate dynamic environmental contexts when assessing coastal microplastic ecological risks.

PMID:42448472 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.6c00169

Transl Cancer Res. 2026 Jun 30;15(6):509. doi: 10.21037/tcr-2026-0915. Epub 2026 Jun 22.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics and nanoplastics are emerging contaminants widely detected in water, soil, air, food, and a range of human biological samples. Their potential implications for cancer biology have recently attracted growing interest at the interface of environmental health, toxicology, and oncology. Available evidence suggests that micro- and nanoplastic exposure may be associated with several solid tumors and certain hematological malignancies, and may influence tumor-related processes through oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, DNA damage and repair dysregulation, microbiota disturbance, metabolic reprogramming, and alterations in the immune microenvironment. However, the current evidence base remains limited and heterogeneous, relying predominantly on in vitro experiments, animal studies, and small-scale analyses of human tissues or biospecimens. Direct evidence supporting an independent causal role in human tumor initiation and progression is still insufficient. Interpretation is further complicated by major discrepancies between engineered particles commonly used in laboratory studies and environmentally relevant particles encountered in real-world exposure settings, which are typically aged, heterogeneous, and associated with adsorbed chemicals and co-contaminants. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on environmental occurrence and human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics, critically examine their reported associations with different tumor types, synthesize the principal mechanistic pathways implicated in cancer-related effects, and discuss the major methodological limitations and translational barriers in this field. Overall, current evidence supports a cautious model in which micro- and nanoplastics may modify, rather than independently cause, tumor biology by linking cellular stress and inflammatory-immune, microbial, and metabolic alterations to tumor initiation, progression, metastatic potential, treatment resistance, and outcome-related associations.

PMID:42445411 | PMC:PMC13357093 | DOI:10.21037/tcr-2026-0915

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jul 14:128778. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128778. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous contaminants in terrestrial ecosystems, yet the environmental drivers governing their accumulation and composition in soils remain poorly understood. Here we present a multi-country survey of agricultural soils from farming systems using plastic mulch film across a global climatic gradient to investigate drivers of MP enrichment and polymer composition. To account for inter-laboratory analytical variability, MP abundances were analysed using robust Z-transformed enrichment values. Linear mixed-effects modelling showed that soil physical properties and climate were the primary regulators of relative MP enrichment, with soil properties explaining more variation than agricultural and plastic management practices. Higher precipitation was associated with lower MP enrichment, whereas higher temperatures were linked to increased enrichment, suggesting climate-driven modulation of MP production and accumulation processes. Polymer composition exhibited strong geographic variability but only weak vertical structuring within the upper 30 cm soil profile. Site-level heterogeneity frequently exceeded depth-related variation, indicating that localised inputs and soil processes dominate polymer distributions. However, while environmental surveys provide valuable insights into contamination patterns, comparisons across regions remain challenging and require improved standardisation of spectroscopic workflows and reference libraries, and the inclusion of environmentally weathered polymer spectra. Consequently, polymer identifications in environmental MP datasets should be interpreted cautiously and viewed as indicative rather than definitive. Our findings emphasise that environmental MP datasets are shaped by both natural heterogeneity and analytical uncertainty, and that improvements of analytical standardisation and environmental sampling frameworks are required to generate reliable, comparable global datasets capable of supporting environmental risk assessments and policy development.

PMID:42448270 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128778

Chemosphere. 2026 Jul 14;410:145034. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145034. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Crumb rubber from recycled tires is widely applied in recreational surfaces, where it leaches complex mixtures of chemicals. While tire-wear particles have been linked to aquatic toxicity, impacts of recreational crumb-rubber leachates remain underexplored across ecosystems. We generated leachate under conditions designed to approximate runoff from synthetic turf after rainfall. Suspect screening via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) identified five putative plasticizers-diethyl phthalate (DEP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), dioctyl phthalate (DOP), di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and dibutyl sebacate (DBS), with DEP also detected in control pond water, underscoring the ubiquity of phthalates in environmental baselines. In freshwater planaria, survivorship, regeneration length, and eyespot spacing were unaffected, but swimming speed after regeneration was reduced by ∼59%. Preconditioned planaria also reached final body lengths ∼15% greater than controls, suggesting altered growth despite intact regeneration. In earthworms, leachate exposure did not impair survival, stress tolerance, or soil displacement, but individuals gained ∼77% more mass than controls, a result consistent with possible hormesis, changes in food availability, or true tolerance without measurable cost. In marine assays, dinoflagellate populations declined by 41% (low dose) and 60% (high dose) compared to controls, with no difference between doses, indicating threshold-level toxicity. Together, these findings show that crumb-rubber leachate can suppress primary producers and impair freshwater invertebrate performance, while earthworms may experience either compensatory growth or no adverse effects. The detection of multiple phthalates and emerging plasticizers underscores the risks of treating recreational crumb rubber as environmentally benign. Our results support recent EU restrictions on intentionally added microplastics and highlight the need for comparable action to protect ecosystems and human health.

PMID:42447661 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145034

Environ Toxicol Chem. 2026 Jul 13:vgag185. doi: 10.1093/etojnl/vgag185. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) bioaccumulation and biomagnification in marine food webs remains poorly understood, specifically trophic transfer from primary consumers to higher trophic levels. Although MP transfer has been studied in various organisms including fish, crustaceans, and gelatinous zooplankton, most existing research relies on short-term laboratory studies or simple field investigations lacking data on seasonal variations. This study fills that gap by tracking MP ingestion and transfer over time, across spatial gradients, and among developmental stages in Matagorda Bay, Texas. Field-collected samples of the copepod Acartia tonsa and the jellyfish Stomolophus meleagris were examined and laboratory exposures to assess MP body burden, survival, and morphological effects were conducted. Seasonal differences in MP concentrations and ingestion patterns were observed, with higher MP burdens correlating with rainfall and runoff. Laboratory exposures revealed increased MP accumulation in both copepods and jellyfish, along with a significant reduction in jellyfish bell diameter over time. The findings revealed notable trends in seasonal variation, species-specific MP uptake, and potential sublethal impacts on zooplankton and gelatinous predators. This study advances overall understanding of MP trophic dynamics in estuarine food webs and verifies the need for temporally resolved multi-trophic assessments. The findings contribute to and necessitate further long-term, multi-trophic monitoring to inform mitigation strategies for MP contamination in coastal ecosystems.

PMID:42439509 | DOI:10.1093/etojnl/vgag185

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2026 Jul 13. doi: 10.1007/s11356-026-38028-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are a promising tool for microplastics (MPs) pollution research, with applications in aging, degradation, digestion, adsorption, and desorption processes. Therefore, this review aimed to identify the main applications of AOPs and the findings from MPs studies. The systematic literature review was conducted using the Web of Science database, which retrieved 388 articles between 1990 and November 2nd, 2025. After screening and eligibility analysis, 84 articles were deemed eligible for inclusion in the final review. Fenton agents, H₂O₂, and their combinations were predominant in studies on MPs aging, degradation, and digestion, accounting for approximately 89.2% of the studies. Persulfate was the most effective oxidizing agent for aging, rapidly causing morphological and chemical modifications, including surface cracks averaging 206 nm. In contrast, degradation of highly resistant MPs requires more robust technologies to achieve 95.9% degradation in a hydrothermal process with lower energy consumption. In digestion protocols, NaClO achieved 88-92.1% organic matter removal while causing less damage to MPs. However, recovery rates revealed challenges with PVC and PET particles (24 - 93%), varying substantially with the type of matrix, polymer, and oxidant. The AOPs can also modify the surface of MPs, increasing the number of functional groups and altering their interactions with pollutants. Overall, this review demonstrates that although AOPs are promising strategies for the reviewed application areas, significant challenges remain regarding process optimization, energy efficiency, and large-scale environmental applications.

PMID:42440054 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-026-38028-9

J Chem Phys. 2026 Jul 14;165(2):021102. doi: 10.1063/5.0340959.

ABSTRACT

Microsecond atomistic-scale molecular dynamics simulations were performed to compare the size-dependent adsorption stability of different pesticides on nanoplastic (NP) particles. Spherical particles of atactic polystyrene with diameters of 1.7-5.0 nm, representing NP particles in the final stage of polymer waste degradation, were considered. The results showed stable adsorption at 5 nm NP particle, while the desorption frequency of the least stable 3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid (DCVA) pollutant increases exponentially with decreasing nanoparticle diameter as indicate 1 μs simulations. The binding energy of pesticides to the smallest considered NP particle increases as cypermethrin < PCB-169 < DDT < alpha-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl alcohol (PBA) < DCVA, with only one desorption event observed for cypermethrin. For the 5.0 nm NP particle, however, this order changed, and no desorption occurred during 1 μs simulations, even for the least stable molecules (PBA and DCVA). This underscores the key role of NP size during microplastic degradation in the stability of pollutant adsorption.

PMID:42439496 | DOI:10.1063/5.0340959

Folia Microbiol (Praha). 2026 Jul 13. doi: 10.1007/s12223-026-01545-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial resistance poses a critical and escalating threat to global health, with horizontal gene transfer serving as a primary driver of resistance dissemination among microbial communities across diverse ecological niches. The three classical horizontal gene transfer mechanisms, including transformation, transduction, and conjugation, are complemented by supplementary routes involving outer membrane vesicles, gene transfer agents, and nanotubes. Both internal and external drivers synergistically influence horizontal gene transfer. Factors influencing the within-host microbiome include gut metabolites, antibiotic exposure, temperature fluctuations, and microplastic ingestion, while external environmental drivers such as antibiotic residues, heavy metals, agrochemicals, and micro/nano-plastics similarly enhance the mobility of antimicrobial resistance genes. The main mechanisms contributing to increased antimicrobial resistance gene transfer include elevated oxidative stress markers, altered membrane permeability, and stimulation of conjugation-related gene expression. The synergistic effects of these biotic and abiotic pressures have accelerated the co-selection of antimicrobial resistance genes and mobile genetic elements, intensifying the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance in both clinical and environmental reservoirs. Novel mitigation strategies such as conjugation inhibitors, bacteriophage-based interventions, and biochar amendments show promise in curbing horizontal gene transfer-mediated antimicrobial resistance; however, these approaches still lack insight into the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying horizontal gene transfer and often act non-specifically against different pathogens. Moreover, strategies utilizing biochar remain time-consuming and require further optimization. Overall, understanding the mechanistic interplay between environmental stressors and genetic exchange pathways is essential for developing sustainable interventions to counteract antimicrobial resistance. This review highlights the pressing need for integrated surveillance and ecological risk assessment to effectively manage the environmental aspects of antimicrobial resistance.

PMID:42440204 | DOI:10.1007/s12223-026-01545-8

Curr Diab Rep. 2026 Jul 13;26(1):21. doi: 10.1007/s11892-026-01635-4.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Diabetes care is characterized by the widespread use of plastics. With plastic-associated endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) implicated in diabetes pathogenesis, this review examines how medical plastics relate to diabetes and related disorders and proposes interventions to improve the situation.

RECENT FINDINGS: Plastic-associated EDCs and micro-/nanoplastics (MNPs) are linked to metabolic dysfunction. Medical care exposes patients to these agents; however, the precise contribution of diabetes care to these exposures and their associated adverse health effects remains poorly defined. Diabetes care is an increasingly important contributor to plastic pollution and climate change, yet inadequate systems exist to mitigate its environmental impact. Plastic-associated EDCs and MNPs remain an underappreciated metabolic health threat. Mitigating the deleterious impacts of plastics on human and planetary health requires concerted actions from manufacturers, scientists, policymakers, professional organizations, healthcare providers, and patients. Doing so has the potential to improve metabolic health and promote health equity.

PMID:42440155 | PMC:PMC13364795 | DOI:10.1007/s11892-026-01635-4

J Environ Manage. 2026 Jul 13;414:130459. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.130459. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants ubiquitously present in the environment, yet their rapid quantification in complex matrices such as soils and biosolids remains challenging because of spectral interference from organic matter (OM). This study investigates, for the first time, how high OM contents influence the spectral detectability and machine-learning-based quantification of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polystyrene (PS) polymers (at 0-8% v/v) in soils and biosolids. Pre-processed NIR spectra were analysed using partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) to identify MP- and OM-related wavelength regions via variable importance in projection (VIP), which were subsequently used as inputs for four regression algorithms (PLS, support vector machines, random forest and custom neural network). In soils with low OM (0.78-1.23%), HDPE and PS produced polymer-specific absorption features and were predicted with excellent accuracy (up to R² = 0.96 and residual prediction deviation, RPD = 5.19), using a relatively small set of VIP-selected wavelengths. In biosolids with very high OM (64-72%), polymer bands were partially masked, and VIP scores shifted towards OM-dominated regions. However, prediction performance remained robust, especially for HDPE with neural network model (R² = 0.98, RPD = 6.41). Overall, although the OM strongly influenced the spectral regions driving model predictions and partially reduced discrimination among MP concentration levels, it does not prevent accurate quantification of MPs when appropriate variable selection and machine-learning strategies were applied. These findings demonstrate that NIR spectroscopy coupled with targeted variable selection and advanced regression can provide robust, non-destructive estimation of MP contamination in OM-poor soils and OM-rich biosolids, highlighting key spectral features to prioritise in future studies targeting natural organic-rich samples with low-MP concentration.

PMID:42442260 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.130459

Curr Diab Rep. 2026 Jul 13;26(1):21. doi: 10.1007/s11892-026-01635-4.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Diabetes care is characterized by the widespread use of plastics. With plastic-associated endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) implicated in diabetes pathogenesis, this review examines how medical plastics relate to diabetes and related disorders and proposes interventions to improve the situation.

RECENT FINDINGS: Plastic-associated EDCs and micro-/nanoplastics (MNPs) are linked to metabolic dysfunction. Medical care exposes patients to these agents; however, the precise contribution of diabetes care to these exposures and their associated adverse health effects remains poorly defined. Diabetes care is an increasingly important contributor to plastic pollution and climate change, yet inadequate systems exist to mitigate its environmental impact. Plastic-associated EDCs and MNPs remain an underappreciated metabolic health threat. Mitigating the deleterious impacts of plastics on human and planetary health requires concerted actions from manufacturers, scientists, policymakers, professional organizations, healthcare providers, and patients. Doing so has the potential to improve metabolic health and promote health equity.

PMID:42440155 | PMC:PMC13364795 | DOI:10.1007/s11892-026-01635-4

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jul 13;232:120116. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120116. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula are unique subterranean ecosystems that host stigobiontic fauna, yet contamination of groundwater organisms remains poorly understood. Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants widely documented in aquatic environments, but data on their occurrence in groundwater fauna are scarce. This study provides baseline information on the presence and characteristics of MPs in the stigobiontic isopod Creaseriella anops (Isopoda: Cirolanidae), collected via scuba diving at a depth of 30 m in the Xelactún cenote (Kinchil, Yucatán, México). Organisms were chemically digested, and the residues were vacuum-filtered and analyzed under a stereomicroscope. Suspected MPs were quantified and categorized by shape and color, and polymer composition was determined using μFTIR spectroscopy. Only fibers were detected, with a mean abundance of 12.29 ± 3.65 MPs g^-1 w.w., predominantly transparent (75.64%). Identified polymers included polyester (20%), polyethylene (7%), rayon (7%), and polypropylene (2%). Given the ecological fragility, high endemism, and importance of cenotes as a regional water source, the relatively high MP concentrations observed highlight the need for further research using C. anops as a model species to assess groundwater contamination.

PMID:42442291 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120116

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Jul 13;322:120498. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120498. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics represent escalating emerging contaminants in global agricultural soils, posing substantial threats to crop health and ecosystem functionality worldwide. However, a comprehensive understanding of their joint toxicity and the underlying rhizosphere mechanisms under co-contamination remains elusive, leaving a critical knowledge gap. This study conducted a pot experiment using the globally cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea) exposed to polystyrene (PS) or polylactic acid (PLA) MPs (0.25 and 2% w/w) and oxytetracycline (OTC, 10 mg·kg⁻¹), integrating metagenomic sequencing and untargeted metabolomics to elucidate root-zone microecological responses. High-concentration co-exposures significantly suppressed peanut shoot biomass, and OTC was identified as the primary contributor to reduced leaf catalase activity (CAT) (p < 0.01). Metagenomic profiling revealed that co-exposure significantly reshaped the rhizosphere microbiota (R² = 0.939, p = 0.001), enriching Pseudomonadota while inhibiting Actinobacteriota. Untargeted metabolomics detected 3789 metabolites, revealing that co-exposure significantly regulated the accumulation of defensive flavonoids (taxifolin and daidzin) and stress-responsive steroids (ponasterone A). Particularly, the combined exposure of PLA MPs and OTC induced the most severe metabolic disruption in the rhizosphere, generating 374 differential metabolites compared to the PLA-alone treatment. Procrustes analysis confirmed a tight coupling between microbial communities and metabolomes (M² = 0.619, p = 0.004). Network analysis further identified key regulatory nodes (Nocardioides and taxifolin) that bridge the associations between the rhizosphere microenvironment and plant growth traits. This study demonstrates that microbial shifts and metabolic adjustments are essential in mediating plant responses to multi-pollutant stress, providing crucial theoretical and mechanistic insights for global agricultural environmental risk assessment under co-contamination scenarios.

PMID:42442278 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120498

Bioconjug Chem. 2026 Jul 13. doi: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.6c00242. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Although DNA-functionalized hydrogels have been widely explored for sensing, controlled release, and smart materials, the potential for strong, noncovalent recognition between DNA and hydrated polymer networks remains largely unexplored. Here, we report the selection of DNA aptamers that specifically bind agarose hydrogels. Using a structured DNA library and agarose beads as the target, a dominant guanine-rich sequence, Agar-1, emerged after 11 rounds of selection. Quantitative PCR and fluorescence assays confirmed that the enriched sequences bind agarose substantially more strongly than a random DNA library. Truncation yielded a 42-nucleotide aptamer that retained binding activity, whereas further truncation that preserved only the guanine-rich region abolished binding, indicating a strict structural requirement. Notably, binding required Mg²⁺ and was inhibited by K⁺, suggesting a non-G-quadruplex recognition mechanism. In contrast to previously reported C/T-rich sequences that bind microplastics, the G-rich agarose aptamers highlight the versatility of DNA-polymer interactions and demonstrate how simple changes in sequence composition can drive recognition of distinct materials. These findings establish the feasibility of evolving aptamers against hydrogels and provide a foundation for engineering programmable DNA-hydrogel interfaces for biosensing, responsive materials, and controlled-release applications.

PMID:42442370 | DOI:10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.6c00242

Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc. 2026 Jul 4;363(Pt 2):128372. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2026.128372. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The extensive utilization of plastic mulch films results in the accumulation of microplastics in agricultural soils, thereby posing significant environmental and agricultural risks. This study investigated the semi-quantitative detection of residual fragments of mulch films in paddy soils by ATR-IR. The polyethylene (PE) film fragments in paddy soils were identified. Characteristic IR absorption bands at 1463, 1473, 2847, and 2912 cm^-1 were considered as reliable indicators for the identification. In addition, clean soil samples (before mulching) were mixed with different abundances of PE microplastics to establish calibration curves. Calibration curves achieved the lowest RMSE of 0.16 wt.% and the highest R² of 0.98. Based on (1463 + 1473)/997 cm^-1, the low error (p ≥ 0.05) of the ratios indicated relatively high accuracy. It also demonstrated that PE microplastic content in the humid paddy field was higher than that in the dry paddy field. The higher moisture in humid paddy soils hence hold more residual microplastics. This research provided valuable insights for improving the management of agricultural plastic mulch in paddy systems.

PMID:42442309 | DOI:10.1016/j.saa.2026.128372

Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2026 Jul 13:105097. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2026.105097. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics are recognised as terrestrial pollutants, but their sublethal effects on soil fauna remain poorly understood. We examined biochemical responses to three environmentally relevant microplastic types in two Collembola species, Folsomia candida and Sinella curviseta. Juveniles were exposed for 28 days in standardised soil to 0-10,000mgkg^-1 of polystyrene-HBCD, car tyre abrasion or a starch-based bioplastic blend. Analysed biomarker responses included acetylcholinesterase, carboxylesterase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase activities; glutathione, reactive oxygen species and carbohydrate concentrations. Multivariate analysis showed that Species explained 84% of biomarker variation, whereas Type and Concentration had weak but significant effects. Car tyre particles induced the strongest glutathione S-transferase, glutathione, and reactive oxygen species responses in both species. Polystyrene-HBCD stimulated detoxification responses, while the starch blend caused weaker changes. Concentration effects were significant but non-linear and species-specific. These findings demonstrate species- and polymer-specific responses and support multivariate biomarkers as indicators of stress in soil invertebrates.

PMID:42442628 | DOI:10.1016/j.etap.2026.105097

Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol. 2026 Jul 13:110622. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2026.110622. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The widespread use of agricultural films has resulted in the pervasive accumulation of microplastics (MPs) and phthalates (PAEs) in soil, posing significant ecological toxicity risks to soil organisms. In this study, we investigated the toxic responses of Eisenia fetida following single and combined exposure to polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) and dibutyl phthalate (DiBP), covering survival, growth inhibition, oxidative stress, stress-related gene transcription, and histopathology. At the early exposure phase, co-stimulation by PE-MPs and DiBP markedly inhibited core antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), while triggering sharp compensatory elevation of glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity. Such antioxidant imbalance triggered early lipid peroxidation and cell membrane injury, evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. Although partial recovery of antioxidant enzyme activity was observed at day 28, obvious oxidative DNA damage was detected. This DNA injury disturbed genomic homeostasis, as reflected by significantly upregulated transcription of calreticulin (CRT) and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), alongside suppressed expression of translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP). Two-way ANOVA verified prominent interactive effects between PE-MPs and DiBP at the gene transcription level, with synergistic and antagonistic effects alternating under different concentration combinations. At the tissue level, the combined exposure eventually induced severe pathological lesions in the epidermis, muscle layers and intestinal wall, accompanied by obvious body weight loss in earthworms. Collectively, these results provide mechanistic insights into the interactive toxic effects of coexisting PE-MPs and DiBP, and offer fundamental data to support ecological risk evaluation of mixed microplastic-plasticizer pollution in farmland soils.

PMID:42442648 | DOI:10.1016/j.cbpc.2026.110622

Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol. 2026 Jul 13:110615. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2026.110615. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a global aquatic environmental issue, yet its long-term toxic effects on aquatic organisms remain poorly understood. In this study, grass carps (Ctenopharyngodon idella) were subjected to thirty weeks dietary exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) to systematically evaluate the effects on histology, immune signaling, and intestinal microbiota. Histopathological examination revealed that PS-MPs exposure induced focal necrosis, increased melanomacrophage centers, and sinusoidal congestion in the spleen, while the intestine exhibited villus fusion, disordered arrangement, epithelial edema, and lymphocyte infiltration. Transcriptomic analysis further identified 2975 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the spleen. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs were significantly associated with cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Toll-like receptor, RIG-I-like receptor, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways. Notably, the MAPK-associated gene mapkapk3 was significantly upregulated, whereas the immune-regulatory receptor gene IL20RA was downregulated, suggesting disruption of immune homeostasis and remodeling of innate immune signaling. Gut microbiota analysis revealed marked dysbiosis characterized by increased relative abundances of Fusobacteriota (57%) and Proteobacteria (35%), accompanied by pronounced reductions in Bacteroidota and Firmicutes. All alpha diversity indices (Chao1, Ace, Shannon, Simpson) were significantly decreased, and beta diversity analyses (PCA, PCoA, NMDS) demonstrated clear separation between groups. The opportunistic pathogen Aeromonas veronii was significantly enriched and identified as a key biomarker in the PS-MPs group. Collectively, long-term PS-MPs exposure induced structural tissue damage, altered immune-related transcriptional profiles involving mapkapk3 and IL20RA, and promoted gut microbial dysbiosis with enrichment of opportunistic pathogens, thereby potentially increasing host susceptibility to environmental stressors. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the ecological health risks posed by chronic MP exposure in freshwater fish.

PMID:42442652 | DOI:10.1016/j.cbpc.2026.110615

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jul 13:128764. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128764. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Coastal wetlands are globally important nitrogen sinks that mitigate eutrophication via microbial denitrification and anammox. However, the impact of microplastic (MP) pollution on nitrogen transformation pathways remains poorly understood. Here, we conducted a field-based mesocosm experiment across high, middle, and low tidal marshes, exposing sediments to environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1-1.0% w/w) of four common polymers (PE, PP, PS, and PET). We revealed highly significant three-way interactions among tidal elevation, polymer type, and concentration, demonstrating strong context-dependency. Rather than acting as generic stressors, MPs functioned as pathway-selective modulators, fundamentally shifting nitrate fate from gaseous removal (N₂ via denitrification/anammox) toward ammonium retention (NH₄⁺ via DNRA). Random Forest modeling indicated that polymer type exhibited higher predictive importance than concentration. Notably, in the low marsh, intermediate MP concentrations (0.5%) triggered a non-linear threshold response, elevating DNRA contributions from ∼10% to 65-70% of total nitrate reduction. Concurrently, nitrogen removal multifunctionality declined significantly under PS and PP treatments at concentrations of 0.5-1.0%, particularly in the middle marsh. These findings identify PS and PP as priority polymers for mitigation and underscore the necessity of incorporating polymer-specific characteristics into environmental policies to safeguard the nitrogen buffering capacity of coastal wetlands.

PMID:42442687 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128764

Sci Rep. 2026 Jul 13. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-60980-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The ocean sunfish (Mola mola, Linnaeus 1758) is a rare, pelagic, cosmopolitan species of negligible commercial interest and subject to unintended bycatch. It is a little-known species, and strandings are rare; we benefited from the stranding of an adult female to conduct a multidisciplinary investigation (toxicology, parasitology, microbiology, pathology) that evaluated multiple findings. Trace element concentrations (in fish tissues and parasites), organic compounds, and microplastics were analyzed. Trace elements were present at low levels in the animal's tissues and at higher concentrations in the parasites (i.e., Zn: 0.056 mg/kg in liver, 0.074 mg/kg in muscle, and 0.322 mg/kg in cestodes). The unexpected detection of pyrethroids was one of the most significant toxicological findings. Microbiological analyses and histological investigations did not yield significant findings correlated to the cause of death. A severe parasitic infection was otherwise detected in the intestine (over 3000 adult cestodes). Morphologic and molecular analyses of helminths identified cestodes belonging to the Triaenophoridae family, and adult trematodes of the family Accacoeliidae. The severe gastrointestinal parasitic burden observed might have plausibly contributed to a state of general weakening. It may have exerted a subtractive effect on essential elements, which ultimately might have contributed to the animal's defedation.

PMID:42443368 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-60980-2

Nanomaterials (Basel). 2026 Jul 2;16(13):818. doi: 10.3390/nano16130818.

ABSTRACT

Polystyrene (PS), particularly expanded polystyrene (EPS), is an environmentally significant commodity polymer that contributes substantially to secondary microplastic and nanoplastic pollution through environmental weathering and fragmentation. During aging, PS undergoes nano-scale physicochemical transformations, including chain scission, surface oxidation, and the formation of oxygen-containing functional groups, which profoundly influence its environmental fate, microbial colonization, and biodegradation behavior. Conventional remediation technologies remain energy-intensive and often fail to achieve complete mineralization, highlighting the need for sustainable and integrated remediation strategies. Recent studies have demonstrated that diverse microorganisms, including Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Bacillus, and Exiguobacterium, can colonize PS surfaces and initiate oxidative depolymerization through extracellular biofilm formation and oxidative enzymes such as styrene monooxygenase, laccases, and peroxidases. In parallel, insect-based systems, particularly Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas morio, provide unique biological platforms in which gut microbiota facilitate partial PS degradation and mineralization through synergistic host-microbe interactions. This review critically integrates recent advances in nano-scale PS transformation, microbial colonization, oxidative enzymatic pathways, insect gut-mediated biodegradation, and advanced analytical techniques used to characterize degradation processes. Emphasis is placed on nano-bio interactions and emerging nanotechnology-enabled remediation strategies, including engineered microbial consortia, biofilm-based bioreactors, and nanomaterial-assisted treatment systems. Finally, current limitations and future research priorities are discussed, including degradation kinetics, byproduct toxicity, standardized evaluation methods, and the integration of biological and nanomaterial-based approaches for scalable PS microplastic remediation.

PMID:42439756 | PMC:PMC13363000 | DOI:10.3390/nano16130818

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Jul 13;198(8):838. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15688-1.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic contamination in aquatic ecosystems has emerged as a major environmental concern due to its potential impact on marine organisms and human health. The present study investigates the abundance, characteristics, and polymer composition of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of six commercially important fish and crustacean species collected from the Kochi region, India. A total of 30 specimens representing Macrobrachium idella, Portunus pelagicus, Chrysochir aureus, Etroplus maculatus, Parambassis dayi, and Glossogobius giuris were analysed. Microplastics were extracted using alkaline digestion followed by density separation and vacuum filtration. Identification and characterization were performed using microscopic analysis and Raman spectroscopy. A total of 2201 microplastic particles were detected across all samples, indicating widespread contamination. Among the species studied, Etroplus maculatus exhibited the highest microplastic abundance, while Glossogobius giuris showed the lowest. The majority of particles belonged to the size range of 0-100 µm, indicating a dominance of smaller fragments. The findings highlight the significant presence of microplastics in commercially consumed aquatic species, raising concerns regarding trophic transfer and potential human exposure. This study provides preliminary region-specific information on microplastic contamination in commercially important fish and crustacean species from Kochi, India. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and expanded geographic coverage are required to better understand contamination patterns and associated ecological risks.

PMID:42437858 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15688-1

Adv Mater. 2026 Jul 11:e74031. doi: 10.1002/adma.74031. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The pervasive accumulation of nondegradable plastic waste, particularly microplastics, represents a critical environmental crisis demanding advanced recycling strategies. Here, we introduce a fully green, photo-driven process for polystyrene (PS) upcycling, enabled by a synergistic thermal-focusing and space-confined catalysis. Using earth-abundant MoO_3-x, it can efficiently absorb sunlight to generate localized heat, dynamically melting adjacent PS and spontaneously forming a core-shell MoO_3-x@PS structure. Critically, the intrinsically low thermal conductivity of PS creates a self-forming insulating layer, which traps thermal energy at the catalyst-polymer interface. This self-focusing thermal localization effect sustains a microscopic high-temperature reaction zone under ambient conditions, dramatically enhancing energy efficiency. The concentrated heat cleaves inert C─C bonds, while photogenerated charge carriers facilitate selective oxidative degradation. Consequently, we achieve 75.0% PS conversion with 70.5% combined yield of valuable products, predominantly benzoic acid crystals that spontaneously separate post-reaction. Operating without solvents or external heating, our strategy transforms waste PS into valuable chemicals using only sunlight. This work establishes a new paradigm for solid-state photothermal upcycling, leveraging interfacial thermal localization to enable a truly sustainable light-to-chemicals circular path.

PMID:42436638 | DOI:10.1002/adma.74031

Microplast nanoplast. 2026;6(1):50. doi: 10.1186/s43591-026-00200-w. Epub 2026 May 19.

ABSTRACT

Our daily and continuous exposure to airborne micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) together with the limited information on their potential hazards, warrants the need for more information on MNP-toxicity. In this study, we investigated the effects of diverse size ranges of amorphous MNPs from environmentally relevant polymers, on Air-Liquid-Interface (ALI)-cultured Normal Human Bronchial Epithelial cells (NHBEs) by analyzing immunological response parameters 24 h after exposure. In addition, we have used this setup to compare the responses of NHBEs to MNPs using nebulization or quasi-ALI (small droplet) exposure. NHBEs responded differently to exposures of polyamide (PA) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles at nominal doses between 0.003 and 0.100 µg/cm². PA particles < 1 μm (but not those > 1 μm) induced dose-dependent cell death, increased IL-8 secretion and decreased MCP-1 secretion. PVC particles (< 1 μm and 1-5 μm) induced cell death at lower concentrations than PA particles. Also, an increased IL-8 secretion and decreased MCP-1 secretion was observed for PVC particles in all size fractions (< 1 μm, 1-5 μm and 5-10 μm). Comparison of nebulization versus quasi-ALI exposure indicated differences related to the exposure method, but further experimental assessment is needed for definite conclusions and to ensure that the obtained data is relevant for toxicological effects occurring in humans. Our results indicate that PA and PVC particles increase IL-8 secretion and, PA only, decreases MCP-1 secretion. It needs to be established whether these effects on cytokines also indicate an activation of immune cells.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43591-026-00200-w.

PMID:42433394 | PMC:PMC13350118 | DOI:10.1186/s43591-026-00200-w

Nutr Metab Insights. 2026 Jul 8;19:11786388261460288. doi: 10.1177/11786388261460288. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are increasingly detected in human tissues, prompting concern about potential biological effects. Yet, for most outcomes, the literature remains dominated by detection studies and preclinical toxicology, with limited human dose-response data.

METHODS: We conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed literature (2000-2025), prioritizing human biomonitoring and tissue-detection studies, observational health-outcome studies, and mechanistic evidence that plausibly links exposure to cardiometabolic, reproductive, and neuroinflammatory pathways. Certainty of evidence was appraised using GRADE principles where applicable and explicitly separated from mechanistic plausibility.

RESULTS: MPs/NPs have been reported in blood, lung, placenta, atherosclerotic plaques, brain, liver, and testicular tissue. The most clinically salient human outcome signal to date is an association between plaque microplastics and subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events in an observational cohort (hazard ratio 4.53, 95% CI 2.00-10.27). However, polymer quantification approaches vary (particle counts vs polymer mass), contamination control is method-dependent, and inter-study comparability remains limited.

CONCLUSION: The current evidence base supports aggressive exposure reduction as the most defensible "first-line" strategy. Nutritional approaches (dietary fiber, gut-barrier support, and microbiome modulation) are best framed as adjunctive, mechanistically plausible risk-mitigation strategies rather than proven methods to remove plastics from the body. Well-designed human trials and standardized analytical protocols are needed before clinical "detoxification" claims can be justified.

PMID:42434047 | PMC:PMC13351226 | DOI:10.1177/11786388261460288

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2026 Jun 26;17:1873239. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2026.1873239. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Plastics, particularly microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), are widespread contaminants in aquatic ecosystems that affect key physiological processes related to feeding, digestion, metabolism, and growth in aquatic ectotherms, particularly fish. Increasing evidence indicates that plastic exposure disrupts energy balance by reducing food intake through false satiety, gastrointestinal obstruction, and behavioral alterations, while also impairing digestive efficiency, nutrient absorption, and metabolic regulation. MPs and NPs can interfere with endocrine signaling pathways involved in appetite regulation. They may also disrupt the thyroid axis, a key regulator of metabolism and energy expenditure, and the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor axis, which controls somatic growth and nutrient partitioning. These endocrine disturbances are often accompanied by oxidative stress, impaired hepatic function and gastrointestinal integrity, ultimately affecting growth performance, energy allocation, and overall fitness. While these effects are best documented in fish, amphibians show similar but less well-characterized responses, whereas evidence in reptiles remains limited and largely observational. The impacts of plastics are further modulated by environmental conditions associated with climate change. Factors such as temperature and salinity can influence the uptake, bioavailability, and toxicity of MPs and NPs, often exacerbating their effects on feeding behavior, metabolic performance, and endocrine function. In addition, climate-driven processes -including warming, extreme weather events, and changes in ocean circulation - can alter the breakdown, transport, and distribution of plastics, potentially increasing exposure risks. However, high heterogeneity in experimental protocols, such as differences in plastic characteristics, exposure concentrations and durations, species, and life stages, limits direct comparison across studies. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the effects of plastic exposure on feeding, digestion, metabolism, and growth in aquatic ectotherms, with a particular focus on fish, while integrating available evidence from amphibians and reptiles. It also highlights underlying mechanisms and the influence of environmental conditions, with implications for fish health, aquaculture productivity, and ecosystem functioning in increasingly polluted aquatic environments.

PMID:42434309 | PMC:PMC13349886 | DOI:10.3389/fendo.2026.1873239

J Toxicol. 2026 Jul 10;2026:5139238. doi: 10.1155/jt/5139238. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) contamination in human biological systems has become a global health concern. However, the selection of the most suitable matrix for biomonitoring remains an open area of investigation. This study evaluates three biological matrices-urine, sputum, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF)-for their suitability in MP detection and monitoring. Using data collated from a recent observational study (30 patients) and peer-reviewed literature, we assessed detection sensitivity, polymer diversity, sample availability, and practical feasibility via a multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework inspired by the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Results showed that sputum exhibited the highest median MP concentration (9.4 particles/mL) and BALF showed the greatest polymer diversity (6 polymer types), while urine showed the lowest levels (2.7 particles/mL). The composite MCDA scores ranked urine highest (26/35) for population studies due to its noninvasiveness and reproducibility, followed by sputum (25/35) for respiratory exposure assessment and BALF (21/35) for deep-lung mechanistic studies. We conclude that a matrix-specific strategy is essential for advancing human MP biomonitoring.

PMID:42434613 | PMC:PMC13351611 | DOI:10.1155/jt/5139238

Water Environ Res. 2026 Jul;98(7):e70487. doi: 10.1002/wer.70487.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to develop and evaluate a microalgae-based phytoremediation strategy for microplastic (MP) removal from surface waters, whereas enabling biofuel production within a circular-economy framework, using the Ergene River Basin (Türkiye) as a case study. The novelty of this study lies in coupling MP retention, microalgal stress-induced lipid accumulation, and biodiesel-quality improvement within a single treatment-valorization pathway using a real contaminated river-water matrix. It is hypothesized that microalgae can simultaneously remove MPs and produce value-added biomass. The Ergene River Basin was selected because it is one of Türkiye's most industrially impacted river systems, receiving pollution pressure from textile, chemical, urban, and agricultural activities. Seasonal and spatial MP pollution was analyzed in surface-water samples collected from 10 high-risk locations between September 2023 and August 2024. These high-risk locations were identified based on their proximity to organized industrial zones, upstream-downstream discharge gradients, agricultural and urban inputs, and known pollution pressure along the river continuum. MP pollution was evaluated using particle quantification, morphological classification, and polymer identification via microscopy and FTIR confirmation. Interaction experiments were performed using Spirulina platensis. The experimental design included comparisons between MP-containing river water and control media, as well as photoperiod optimization. Microalgal growth, lipid accumulation, and MP removal efficiency were evaluated using standard analytical techniques. MP concentrations showed strong seasonal variation, reaching up to 320 particles L^-1 in winter. After microalgal treatment, MP levels decreased by approximately 90%, with higher removal efficiency observed for polyolefins (PP, PE, and HDPE) and fiber-type MPs. Optimal growth occurred under continuous illumination (24 h, 12 W). Although biomass productivity was lower in river water, lipid content increased significantly (52.26% vs. 27.55% in control), resulting in a 1.63-fold increase in lipid productivity. Biodiesel properties met EN 14214 standards. The findings demonstrated that microalgae-based systems can provide dual benefits by effectively removing MPs from surface waters while simultaneously producing high-value biofuels. This integrated approach offers a scalable, locally applicable solution aligned with circular-economy principles and sustainable water-management strategies.

PMID:42433172 | PMC:PMC13355101 | DOI:10.1002/wer.70487

Mol Biol Rep. 2026 Jul 11;53(1):1153. doi: 10.1007/s11033-026-12361-1.

ABSTRACT

It has been observed that researchers from the biological field are emphasising more on Microplastics (MPs), a rising contaminant, which is documented for brain toxicity in brain physiology, raising our interest to review the impact of MPs on zebrafish (Danio rerio) neurotoxicity. Several pathways of neurotoxic effects of MPs on zebrafish are consolidated in this review. In contrast, MPs, which can accumulate in the zebrafish brain, exhibit unique neurotoxic mechanisms, including physical damage to neuronal structures, interference with synaptic transmission, and the leaching of chemical additives. MPs may exert further neurotoxic effects. Emerging evidence suggests that MPs can result in altered behaviour, including anxiety-like responses and impaired social interactions, and stimulate varied neurotoxic pathways. Moreover, decreased activity of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in fish exposed to MPs highlights its link to neurotoxic outcomes. Further, reactive oxygen species (ROS) inflammation and an increase in apoptosis occur in the brain of zebrafish due to MPs accumulation. Our review underscores the pressing need for understanding the implications of this environmental contaminant on the brain physiology of zebrafish at the molecular level, especially considering the possible effects it could have on human health via the food chain.

PMID:42435099 | DOI:10.1007/s11033-026-12361-1

Water Res. 2026 Jul 2;305:126399. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.126399. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics and antibiotics frequently co-occur in wastewater treatment systems, yet their combined effect on sulfur-driven bioprocesses and the subsequent post-stress recovery remains poorly resolved. In this study, the long-term response of a sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) sludge system treating sulfamethoxazole (SMX)-laden wastewater to polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs; 100 - 800 particles/L) was investigated by combining parallel continuous-flow reactors, batch physiological assays, and metagenomic analysis. PE MPs exerted a concentration-dependent but function-differentiated inhibition, in which SMX removal was more sensitive than chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and sulfate reduction. At 800 particles/L, SMX removal declined from 37.1 ± 4.1% to 30.5 ± 5.2%, accompanied by elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS; 138.2 ± 4.0%), increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage (122.0 ± 7.1% of the control), weakened antioxidant capacity, and a higher dead-cell fraction (29.7 ± 2.0%). Metagenomic analysis further revealed suppression of central carbon metabolism, dissimilatory sulfate reduction, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant defense, indicating that PE MPs disrupted redox homeostasis and thereby constrained energy supply, sulfur-related electron transfer, membrane maintenance, and stress-response capacity. Notably, after PE MPs withdrawal, SMX removal recovered to 37.8 ± 4.0%, and ROS declined to 107.8 ± 2.8% despite continued SMX loading, together with partial restoration of sulfur-related functional potential. These findings support a reversible, redox-mediated metabolic suppression model rather than irreversible functional collapse, providing an engineering basis for the stable application and functional resilience evaluation of sulfur-driven biotechnologies under fluctuating microplastic exposure, while highlighting the need for future enzyme-level verification of ROS-dependent causal mechanisms.

PMID:42435590 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2026.126399

Aquat Toxicol. 2026 Jul 6;298:107928. doi: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2026.107928. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics are ubiquitous in aquatic environments; however, information on their multigenerational effects remains limited, particularly for environmentally relevant polymers such as polypropylene (PP). In this study, we evaluated the biological effects of PP microplastics through a multigenerational exposure experiment using medaka (Oryzias latipes), a model species for ecotoxicological assessment. Endpoints directly related to population sustainability, including embryonic development, growth, reproduction, and sexual differentiation, were examined across generations. PP particles, predominantly within the 100-200 μm size range, were consistently detected in the digestive tracts of exposed fish at multiple developmental stages, confirming continuous ingestion. Despite this, no significant effects were observed on fecundity, fertilization rate, hatching success, growth, or sexual differentiation across generations. These findings suggest that continuous multigenerational exposure to PP particles of the tested size range does not adversely affect the evaluated life-history traits associated with population maintenance. To contextualize these findings, environmental concentrations of microplastics in Suruga Bay were quantified using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). PP was detected at selected sites, with concentrations up to 6.69 μg/L, whereas other polymers, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), were more widely distributed and exhibited higher concentrations. The spatial variability of PP suggests localized contamination sources rather than uniform distribution. Taken together, these results suggest that PP microplastics, predominantly within the 100-200 μm size range, did not result in measurable adverse effects on the evaluated developmental and reproductive endpoints in medaka under the tested conditions. This study provides new insights into the ecological risks of microplastics by integrating multigenerational toxicity data with quantitative environmental exposure assessment.

PMID:42435722 | DOI:10.1016/j.aquatox.2026.107928

Adv Sci (Weinh). 2026 Jul 11:e76398. doi: 10.1002/advs.76398. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Coacervate droplets formed via liquid-liquid phase separation offer unique opportunities as microreactors and delivery vehicles due to their ability to selectively concentrate biomolecules and support biochemical reactions. However, their passive nature severely restricts precise spatial and temporal control, posing barriers to practical implementation. Here, we report magneto-coacervate droplets constructed from gelatin, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA), and superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles. These magneto-coacervate droplets exhibit reversible sol-gel transitions controlled by temperature and pH, tunable surface charge properties for electrostatically driven molecular enrichment, and precise three-dimensional manipulation under external magnetic fields. These magneto-coacervate droplets can serve as multifunctional platforms, greatly increasing the practical use of phase-separated microreactors in environmental remediation, biochemical processing, and targeted biomedical interventions. Demonstrated applications include efficient capture and recycling of microplastic pollutants, magnetically enhanced catalytic enzyme cascades with reaction rates 2-3 times higher than those of conventional methods, and targeted vascular embolization through controlled in situ gelation.

PMID:42435754 | PMC:PMC13355930 | DOI:10.1002/advs.76398

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jul 11;406:128763. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128763. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The co-occurrence of micro/nanoplastics and antibiotics in aquatic environments presents complex ecological risks. This study investigated how polystyrene micro/nanoplastics (PS-MNPs) of different sizes (50 nm, 500 nm, and 5 μm) modulate the toxicity of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) in the eukaryotic model Paramecium tetraurelia by integrating phenotypic, physiological, fluorescence imaging, and transcriptomic analyses. Fluorescence imaging showed that combined exposure increased membrane permeability and enhanced cell-associated or retained PS-MNP fluorescence in washed cells in a size-dependent manner. Compared with TCH alone, co-exposure with 50 nm and 500 nm PS-MNPs intensified growth inhibition, reactive oxygen species accumulation, antioxidant enzyme imbalance, and morphological impairment, with the 50 nm group showing pronounced cellular shrinkage and the 500 nm group exhibiting the strongest population decline. Transcriptomic profiles further showed particle-size-dependent molecular response patterns. Co-exposure with 50 nm and 500 nm PS-MNPs involved changes in energy-related metabolism, lipid metabolism, transport-related pathways, protein processing, antioxidant responses, and DNA repair-related processes, with the 500 nm group showing a more prominent redox- and lipid-metabolic profile. In contrast, 5 μm microplastics attenuated TCH-induced population inhibition under the present exposure conditions, suggesting a distinct size-dependent co-exposure response. Overall, these findings suggest that PS-MNPs can act as size-dependent modulators of antibiotic ecotoxicity, highlighting the need to consider particle size and interaction-dependent responses in ecological risk assessment of antibiotic-plastic co-contamination.

PMID:42435955 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128763

Environ Pollut. 2026 Jul 11:128758. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128758. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics' (MPs) capacity to sorb antibiotics in soil ecosystems poses emerging risks, yet their combined toxic effects on soil fauna remain poorly understood. Consequently, we examined the gut toxicity and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) of polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) and the macrolide antibiotic roxithromycin (ROX) in Eisenia fetida. Overall, although co-exposure suppressed gut barrier gene expression (occludin and ZO-1), it did not worsen bacterial translocation (LPS and LBP) relative to single exposures, which is associated with the significant upregulation of antibacterial defense indicators (TLR and CCF), potentially enhancing bacterial clearance. Additionally, PS-MPs mediated the reduction of ROX bioaccumulation by 34.78%, which contributed to the antagonistic interactions observed across multiple indicators, including attenuated deterministic assembly of gut microbiota and ARGs under co-exposure. Beyond enriching resistant Actinobacteria (e.g., Streptomyces and Actinophytocola), ROX also enriched plastisphere-associated pathogenic taxa Escherichia and Enterococcus, as did PS-MPs. These taxa were closely implicated in gut barrier dysfunction and exhibited the strongest correlations with gut ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) profiles, particularly macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB) resistance genes (mphA-01, oleC) and MGEs (intI-1(clinic), tnpA-02). Though co-exposure did not increase gut ARGs and MGEs abundance, the enrichment of gut-dominant MLSB resistance genes and MGEs extended to earthworm body tissue, notably driven by PS-MPs, while ROX increased intI-1 (clinic), the strongest contributor to overall variation. PLS-PM revealed that tissue ARGs and MGEs enrichment was associated with gut bacterial translocation driven by dysbiosis-induced activation of LPS-TLR signaling pathways, raising concerns about ARGs dissemination through earthworm-derived traditional medicine and food chains.

PMID:42435958 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128758

Sci Rep. 2026 Jul 11. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-62174-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognised as chemically active interfaces that influence the environmental fate, transport, and persistence of coexisting contaminants. However, the molecular mechanisms governing antibiotic adsorption on environmentally transformed microplastics remain poorly understood. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to investigate the adsorption behaviour of the third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic cefixime on polyethylene (PE) microplastics, explicitly considering the effect of polymer aggregation and environmental aging. Pristine single-chain PE exhibited weak and reversible cefixime adsorption dominated by van der Waals interactions, resulting in high molecular mobility and frequent desorption events. In contrast, polymer aggregation substantially enhanced antibiotic retention by creating confined inter-chain domains that amplify cooperative dispersion interactions and reduced solvent competition at the polymer-water surface. Environmental aging further strengthened adsorption through the introduction of oxygen-containing functional groups capable of electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding with polar moieties of cefixime. These structural and chemical modifications collectively reduced molecular fluctuations, promoted the formation of stable binding sites, suppressed molecular diffusion, and significantly increased interaction energies. The findings demonstrate that environmental transformation of polyethylene microplastics enhance molecular adsorption of cefixime on polyethylene, with potential implications for contaminant transport, persistence, and ecological exposure in aquatic systems. The results provide mechanistic insight into the role of polymer ageing and aggregation in antibiotic adsorption and contribute to the understanding of antibiotic microplastic interactions.

PMID:42436288 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-62174-2

Water Environ Res. 2026 Jul;98(7):e70487. doi: 10.1002/wer.70487.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to develop and evaluate a microalgae-based phytoremediation strategy for microplastic (MP) removal from surface waters, whereas enabling biofuel production within a circular-economy framework, using the Ergene River Basin (Türkiye) as a case study. The novelty of this study lies in coupling MP retention, microalgal stress-induced lipid accumulation, and biodiesel-quality improvement within a single treatment-valorization pathway using a real contaminated river-water matrix. It is hypothesized that microalgae can simultaneously remove MPs and produce value-added biomass. The Ergene River Basin was selected because it is one of Türkiye's most industrially impacted river systems, receiving pollution pressure from textile, chemical, urban, and agricultural activities. Seasonal and spatial MP pollution was analyzed in surface-water samples collected from 10 high-risk locations between September 2023 and August 2024. These high-risk locations were identified based on their proximity to organized industrial zones, upstream-downstream discharge gradients, agricultural and urban inputs, and known pollution pressure along the river continuum. MP pollution was evaluated using particle quantification, morphological classification, and polymer identification via microscopy and FTIR confirmation. Interaction experiments were performed using Spirulina platensis. The experimental design included comparisons between MP-containing river water and control media, as well as photoperiod optimization. Microalgal growth, lipid accumulation, and MP removal efficiency were evaluated using standard analytical techniques. MP concentrations showed strong seasonal variation, reaching up to 320 particles L^-1 in winter. After microalgal treatment, MP levels decreased by approximately 90%, with higher removal efficiency observed for polyolefins (PP, PE, and HDPE) and fiber-type MPs. Optimal growth occurred under continuous illumination (24 h, 12 W). Although biomass productivity was lower in river water, lipid content increased significantly (52.26% vs. 27.55% in control), resulting in a 1.63-fold increase in lipid productivity. Biodiesel properties met EN 14214 standards. The findings demonstrated that microalgae-based systems can provide dual benefits by effectively removing MPs from surface waters while simultaneously producing high-value biofuels. This integrated approach offers a scalable, locally applicable solution aligned with circular-economy principles and sustainable water-management strategies.

PMID:42433172 | PMC:PMC13355101 | DOI:10.1002/wer.70487

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2026 Jun 26;17:1873239. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2026.1873239. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Plastics, particularly microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), are widespread contaminants in aquatic ecosystems that affect key physiological processes related to feeding, digestion, metabolism, and growth in aquatic ectotherms, particularly fish. Increasing evidence indicates that plastic exposure disrupts energy balance by reducing food intake through false satiety, gastrointestinal obstruction, and behavioral alterations, while also impairing digestive efficiency, nutrient absorption, and metabolic regulation. MPs and NPs can interfere with endocrine signaling pathways involved in appetite regulation. They may also disrupt the thyroid axis, a key regulator of metabolism and energy expenditure, and the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor axis, which controls somatic growth and nutrient partitioning. These endocrine disturbances are often accompanied by oxidative stress, impaired hepatic function and gastrointestinal integrity, ultimately affecting growth performance, energy allocation, and overall fitness. While these effects are best documented in fish, amphibians show similar but less well-characterized responses, whereas evidence in reptiles remains limited and largely observational. The impacts of plastics are further modulated by environmental conditions associated with climate change. Factors such as temperature and salinity can influence the uptake, bioavailability, and toxicity of MPs and NPs, often exacerbating their effects on feeding behavior, metabolic performance, and endocrine function. In addition, climate-driven processes -including warming, extreme weather events, and changes in ocean circulation - can alter the breakdown, transport, and distribution of plastics, potentially increasing exposure risks. However, high heterogeneity in experimental protocols, such as differences in plastic characteristics, exposure concentrations and durations, species, and life stages, limits direct comparison across studies. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the effects of plastic exposure on feeding, digestion, metabolism, and growth in aquatic ectotherms, with a particular focus on fish, while integrating available evidence from amphibians and reptiles. It also highlights underlying mechanisms and the influence of environmental conditions, with implications for fish health, aquaculture productivity, and ecosystem functioning in increasingly polluted aquatic environments.

PMID:42434309 | PMC:PMC13349886 | DOI:10.3389/fendo.2026.1873239

Chemosphere. 2026 Jul 11;410:145029. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145029. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Suspended atmospheric microplastics (SAMPs) may function as mobile carriers of airborne contaminants, yet their heavy metal and trace element associations in tropical urban environments remain poorly characterized. We investigated heavy metal and trace element association with SAMPs collected from six cities across Metro Manila, Philippines, using SEM-EDX surface analysis (78 particles: 26 fibers, 29 films, 23 fragments) and ICP-MS bulk quantification of pooled fiber SAMPs across three sampling months. SEM-EDX revealed morphotype-dependent elemental patterns: fragments carried the highest diversity (Zn, Ba, Ca, Si), fibers were selectively enriched in Fe (9.33 wt%) and Ni (4.75 wt%), and films uniquely accumulated Mo, Nb, and Ti. ICP-MS of the three monthly fiber pools (n = 3 temporal observations, without analytical replicates) indicated Zn and Cu among the dominant associated metals, with total loading increasing 22-fold from March (320 μg/g) through April (1096 μg/g) to June (7168 μg/g). Because these pools included co-collected glass-fiber filter material, reported concentrations represent upper-bound estimates, and filter-derived elements (notably Fe, Al, Si) are interpreted with caution and de-emphasized accordingly. We hypothesize that the progressive dry-season metal enrichment reflects the convergence of intensified emissions, loss of wet-deposition scavenging, and cumulative weathering-driven growth of surface sorption sites during the pre-monsoon period. Priority toxic metals Pb, Cr, and Hg were consistently detected, suggesting SAMPs may function as vectors for toxic metals in tropical urban air. A proxy screening-level inhalation assessment indicated that hazard quotients and incremental lifetime cancer risks for all SAMP-associated metals remained below regulatory thresholds of concern even under upper-bound assumptions (Cr(VI) ILCR ≤2.0 × 10^-8; hazard index ≪ 1), indicating that the inhalation risk from currently observed SAMP-bound metals is negligible while underscoring the need for size-resolved exposure assessment as particles fragment toward the respirable range.

PMID:42435491 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145029

Environ Toxicol. 2026 Jul 10. doi: 10.1002/tox.70160. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Secondary microplastics (MPs) from single-use consumer products are rapidly becoming one of the most persistent and widespread pollutants of our time. Freshwater systems act as early sinks for MPs where fragmentation and additive leaching expose aquatic life to a broad spectrum of toxic compounds. This study examined the effects of cryomilled MPs from red and green consumer plastic cups, which exhibited a heterogeneous size distribution dominated by particles between 25 and 50 μm, with most particles measuring < 75 μm, on fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) larvae (< 48 h old) exposed to 0.01-10 mg/L for 96 h. All doses significantly reduced catalase (CAT) activity by 80%-90% and ATP by 35%-50%. At the highest dose, glutathione (GSH) was reduced (77% red MPs; 35% green MPs) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity increased (300% red MPs; 195% green MPs). There were also increases in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (58% red MPs; 195% green MPs) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (79% green MPs). Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) were elevated by 64%, 53%, and 228% with red MPs and 118%, 75%, and 223% with green MPs respectively. Red MPs induced stronger oxidative effects, while green MPs produced distinct antioxidant and endocrine responses, highlighting composition-dependent toxicity. Collectively, these results suggest that consumer MPs produce oxidative and endocrine stress but in different mechanisms, emphasizing the need to evaluate real-world plastics in freshwater ecotoxicology.

PMID:42432463 | DOI:10.1002/tox.70160

Crit Rev Toxicol. 2026 Jul 10:1-25. doi: 10.1080/10408444.2026.2686292. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) increasingly co-occur across aquatic, terrestrial, and biological systems, yet their combined toxicological behavior remains poorly resolved. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 47 controlled experimental studies encompassing aquatic organisms, soil invertebrates, and mammalian models. Using standardized mean differences (Hedges' g) under a random-effects REML framework, supported by subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and bias diagnostics, we quantitatively compared biological responses induced by MPs, PFAS, and their co-exposure. PFAS produced the strongest and most consistent toxic effects across systems (g = 4.71; 95% CI: 2.32-7.09), with pronounced impacts on oxidative balance, hepatic function, immune regulation, and reproductive performance. MPs also induced widespread biological stress, though with lower and more variable intensity (g = 2.19; 95% CI: -0.29-4.66), affecting oxidative, reproductive, and inflammatory pathways. Notably, co-exposure to MPs and PFAS frequently resulted in attenuated or antagonistic responses rather than additive toxicity (g = -2.98; 95% CI: -8.89-2.93), suggesting that PFAS adsorption onto MP surfaces can reduce bioavailability and tissue uptake. However, synergistic effects emerged under specific conditions, particularly at high PFAS concentrations, with small or weathered particles and prolonged exposure durations. Dose response relationships were evident across exposure categories, with aquatic species displaying the greatest sensitivity. Overall, these findings demonstrate that mixture toxicity is context-dependent and cannot be inferred from single-compound data alone. This study provides a quantitative foundation for advancing mixture-aware environmental risk assessment and regulatory frameworks.

PMID:42429663 | DOI:10.1080/10408444.2026.2686292

Mol Biol Rep. 2026 Jul 10;53(1):1130. doi: 10.1007/s11033-026-12318-4.

ABSTRACT

Macrophages are central to host immunity and tissue homeostasis, exhibiting remarkable functional plasticity across a continuum of states-ranging from pro-inflammatory (M1-like) to anti-inflammatory and tissue-reparative (M2-like) phenotypes. Environmental exposures can induce persistent epigenetic changes that shape macrophage responses well beyond the acute phase, a phenomenon now recognized as trained immunity. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on how diverse components of the exposome-including diet, air pollution, agricultural chemicals, heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), alcohol, smoking, the gut microbiome, maternal diet, and psychosocial stress-remodel the macrophage epigenome. We examine the underlying epigenetic mechanisms, namely DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, and discuss their impact on macrophage polarization, cytokine production, and trained immunity induction. Special emphasis is placed on the distinction between bona fide trained immunity and transient inflammatory skewing, the limitations of the classical M1/M2 framework, and the identification of "epigenetic vulnerability nodes" at which multiple environmental signals converge on a small set of chromatin-modifying enzymes and transcription factors. We also highlight critical knowledge gaps, including the lack of data for emerging contaminants such as micro- and nanoplastics, the uncertain reversibility of exposure-induced epigenetic marks, and the challenge of demonstrating transgenerational inheritance in humans. By connecting molecular mechanisms with broader public health implications, this review provides a critical framework for understanding environmentally driven immune dysregulation and outlines future research directions, including mixture toxicology, single-cell multi-omics, and the integration of epigenetic endpoints into chemical risk assessment.

PMID:42430007 | DOI:10.1007/s11033-026-12318-4

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2026 Jul 10:e0071926. doi: 10.1128/aem.00719-26. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic fibers (MPFs) are widespread pollutants in freshwater systems, providing artificial surfaces that facilitate microbial attachment and the potential spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). We compared bacterial colonization on natural cotton fibers with that on synthetic MPFs (Kevlar, acrylonitrile, polyester, and nylon) incubated in river and lake water. Bacterial biomass and community composition were analyzed using epifluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and 16S rRNA sequencing, while the presence and relative abundance of key ARGs (blaNDM-1, blaKPC, and blaOXA-48) were quantified using qPCR. Cotton fibers developed substantially higher biofilm loads than any synthetic MPF, supporting dense and taxonomically diverse microbial communities. In contrast, synthetic MPFs supported lower levels of bacterial colonization but exhibited significantly higher levels of ARG enrichment, with blaOXA-48 showing the highest relative abundance. Several taxa, including Fluviicola, Sphingobium, Nitrospira, Schlesneria, and TRA3-20 (Burkholderiaceae), harbored ARGs across all synthetic MPF types. Overall, the findings highlight a clear difference in biofilm quantity and ARG prevalence, with cotton accumulating the most biofilm but having the lowest ARG burden, whereas synthetic MPFs supported ARG-associated bacteria despite lower colonization. These results suggest that synthetic MPFs may play a disproportionately large role in the environmental dissemination of antibiotic resistance due to their mobility and affinity for ARG-harboring microbial communities in freshwater ecosystems.

IMPORTANCE: Microplastic fibers (MPFs) are widespread in freshwater systems but remain underexplored as reservoirs and vectors of antibiotic resistance. This study reveals that synthetic MPFs serve as enriched niches for bacteria harboring relevant antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), in contrast to natural fibers like cotton. By combining high-resolution microscopy, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and quantitative PCR, we demonstrate that MPFs selectively support ARG-bearing taxa, including Fluviicola and Sphingobium, across multiple fiber types. These findings suggest that MPFs in aquatic environments may facilitate horizontal gene transfer and contribute to the environmental dissemination of antibiotic resistance. Understanding microbial colonization patterns on MPFs is critical for assessing the ecological and public health risks posed by microplastic pollution.

PMID:42429760 | DOI:10.1128/aem.00719-26

J Mater Chem B. 2026 Jul 10. doi: 10.1039/d6tb01195k. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The increasing threat of healthcare-associated infections and mosquito-borne diseases demands new materials that combine antimicrobial protection, insect repellency, and biocompatibility. Here, we convert Stellera chamaejasme L. (SC), an ecologically harmful invasive weed, into a multifunctional biocomposite (SCZrB/WPU) by integrating SC root fibers, bamboo waste, zirconium phosphate (ZrP), and waterborne polyurethane (WPU). The resulting material exhibits >99.99% antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus and E. coli, and >89.5% repellency against Aedes albopictus. It releases only 0.14 mg L^-1 formaldehyde, well below the most stringent indoor air quality standards. The biocomposite is fully biodegradable in soil (69.1% mass retention after 60 days) with no microplastic residues. Moreover, the composite fiberboard showed excellent water resistance, UV stability, and flame retardancy. With a flexural strength of 30.22 MPa, it can serve as a sturdy yet decomposable support in temporary medical facilities and infection-control barriers for public health applications. This work transforms an ecological liability into a sustainable material for public health and environmental barrier applications, offering a circular solution for low-resource settings where both infection and vector control are critical.

PMID:42429685 | DOI:10.1039/d6tb01195k

Crit Rev Toxicol. 2026 Jul 10:1-25. doi: 10.1080/10408444.2026.2686292. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) increasingly co-occur across aquatic, terrestrial, and biological systems, yet their combined toxicological behavior remains poorly resolved. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 47 controlled experimental studies encompassing aquatic organisms, soil invertebrates, and mammalian models. Using standardized mean differences (Hedges' g) under a random-effects REML framework, supported by subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and bias diagnostics, we quantitatively compared biological responses induced by MPs, PFAS, and their co-exposure. PFAS produced the strongest and most consistent toxic effects across systems (g = 4.71; 95% CI: 2.32-7.09), with pronounced impacts on oxidative balance, hepatic function, immune regulation, and reproductive performance. MPs also induced widespread biological stress, though with lower and more variable intensity (g = 2.19; 95% CI: -0.29-4.66), affecting oxidative, reproductive, and inflammatory pathways. Notably, co-exposure to MPs and PFAS frequently resulted in attenuated or antagonistic responses rather than additive toxicity (g = -2.98; 95% CI: -8.89-2.93), suggesting that PFAS adsorption onto MP surfaces can reduce bioavailability and tissue uptake. However, synergistic effects emerged under specific conditions, particularly at high PFAS concentrations, with small or weathered particles and prolonged exposure durations. Dose response relationships were evident across exposure categories, with aquatic species displaying the greatest sensitivity. Overall, these findings demonstrate that mixture toxicity is context-dependent and cannot be inferred from single-compound data alone. This study provides a quantitative foundation for advancing mixture-aware environmental risk assessment and regulatory frameworks.

PMID:42429663 | DOI:10.1080/10408444.2026.2686292

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2026 Jul 10:e0017426. doi: 10.1128/aem.00174-26. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Polyethylene (PE) is the most produced synthetic polymer and, consequently, a major source of microplastic waste accumulating globally. Exposure to photo- and thermo-oxidative conditions in the environment can promote PE degradation into carbonyl-containing compounds, hydrocarbons, and low-molecular-weight PE (LMWPE). In both marine and freshwater ecosystems, fish, including Atlantic salmon, can ingest PE and its derivatives, creating opportunities for interactions with their gut microbes. Here, we investigated the capacity of a bacterial isolate from the salmon gut, Rhodococcus sp002259485 strain ASF-10, to grow on an LMWPE model substrate for partially depolymerized and oxidized PE. Comparative genomic analyses showed that ASF-10 has a smaller genome than other Rhodococcus species yet retains conserved functions, including those related to utilization of medium- and long-chain hydrocarbons. In-depth characterization of the substrate following growth with ASF-10 confirmed depletion of alkanes and 2-ketones deriving from LMWPE, whereas the polymeric component remained unchanged. Proteomic analysis identified multiple enzymes likely involved in the degradation of LMWPE derivatives, including an alkane 1-monooxygenase and cytochrome P450 hydroxylases, as well as proteins for the production of biofilm and a surfactant that may enhance accessibility to the substrate. The bacterium was detected as metabolically active in a metatranscriptomic data set derived from freshwater-reared salmon. Collectively, our findings advance the understanding of the ecology and enzymatic mechanisms underlying the utilization of medium- to long-chain alkanes and oxidized variants thereof, that resemble molecules that can occur from abiotic PE degradation, by a fish gut-associated microbe. This metabolic capacity could be harnessed to develop sustainable strategies for bioremediation of LMWPE derivatives.IMPORTANCEThe widespread presence of plastics in marine and freshwater environments has raised concerns due to their toxicity when ingested by fish. Microbial mechanisms driving the breakdown of microplastic components, such as low-molecular-weight polyethylene (LMWPE) and derivatives, in gut systems remain poorly understood. This study reveals how a bacterium isolated from the gut of salmon, Rhodococcus sp002259485 strain ASF-10, metabolizes alkanes and oxidized variants thereof that can result from abiotic PE decomposition. We identified key enzymes that are potentially involved in this process, as well as in the production of biofilm and surfactants that may facilitate access to the substrate. Besides extending the knowledge of the enzymatic basis for the degradation of PE derivatives in gut-associated microbes from aquatic organisms, our results provide a framework that couples advanced compositional characterization of the substrate with omics techniques, offering valuable insight to support future studies aimed at unequivocally identifying microbes and their enzymes implicated in the transformation of PE derivatives.

PMID:42429761 | DOI:10.1128/aem.00174-26

ACS Nano. 2026 Jul 10. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.6c03667. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The rhizobium-legume symbiosis plays a vital role in the global nitrogen cycle. Although microplastics have been shown to affect this symbiotic system, the accumulation and impacts of nanoplastics (NPs) in rhizobia and their root nodules remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the interactive effects of NPs of different sizes on symbiotic nitrogen fixation. This study demonstrated that polystyrene (PS) NPs exhibited a significant size difference effect on rhizobia and their symbiotic nitrogen-fixing association with soybean (Glycine max). We found that both rhizobia and soybean nodules efficiently internalized PS NPs, with differently sized NPs showing mutual enhancement during the cellular uptake of rhizobia. 100 mg/kg of 20 nm PS NPs severely disrupted the symbiotic nitrogen fixation, reducing nitrogenase activity by 51.3% in single exposures and 28.6% in combined exposure to 200 nm PS NPs. This observed disruption caused by 20 nm PS NPs was associated with suppressed nodule formation (26.0% reduction in number, 50.4% decrease in fresh biomass), diminished leghemoglobin content (64.9% reduction), impaired nutrient acquisition (26.5% decrease in nodule Mo content), reduced rhizobia infection efficiency, impaired plant growth, and modified expression of nodulation- and nitrogen-fixation-related genes. These findings revealed that small-sized PS NPs posed a substantial threat to the rhizobium-legume symbiosis, underscoring the ecological risks of NP pollution in agricultural systems.

PMID:42430548 | DOI:10.1021/acsnano.6c03667

Mol Biol Rep. 2026 Jul 10;53(1):1130. doi: 10.1007/s11033-026-12318-4.

ABSTRACT

Macrophages are central to host immunity and tissue homeostasis, exhibiting remarkable functional plasticity across a continuum of states-ranging from pro-inflammatory (M1-like) to anti-inflammatory and tissue-reparative (M2-like) phenotypes. Environmental exposures can induce persistent epigenetic changes that shape macrophage responses well beyond the acute phase, a phenomenon now recognized as trained immunity. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on how diverse components of the exposome-including diet, air pollution, agricultural chemicals, heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), alcohol, smoking, the gut microbiome, maternal diet, and psychosocial stress-remodel the macrophage epigenome. We examine the underlying epigenetic mechanisms, namely DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, and discuss their impact on macrophage polarization, cytokine production, and trained immunity induction. Special emphasis is placed on the distinction between bona fide trained immunity and transient inflammatory skewing, the limitations of the classical M1/M2 framework, and the identification of "epigenetic vulnerability nodes" at which multiple environmental signals converge on a small set of chromatin-modifying enzymes and transcription factors. We also highlight critical knowledge gaps, including the lack of data for emerging contaminants such as micro- and nanoplastics, the uncertain reversibility of exposure-induced epigenetic marks, and the challenge of demonstrating transgenerational inheritance in humans. By connecting molecular mechanisms with broader public health implications, this review provides a critical framework for understanding environmentally driven immune dysregulation and outlines future research directions, including mixture toxicology, single-cell multi-omics, and the integration of epigenetic endpoints into chemical risk assessment.

PMID:42430007 | DOI:10.1007/s11033-026-12318-4

Front Public Health. 2026 Jun 25;14:1857921. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1857921. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies among men worldwide, with higher reported incidence in many high-income countries. Environmental factors are receiving increasing attention as potential contributors to cancer development. Microplastics, which are found in air, water, food, and personal care items, are one possible risk factor.

METHODOLOGY: Data from 22 nations were investigated to examine whether an association exists between exposure to microplastics and the rate of prostate cancer. Data on exposure were combined from several sources, such as stool particles, breathed air, drinking water, seafood intake, and personal care products. Statistical and machine learning methods, such as K-means clustering, principal component analysis, and random forest modeling, were applied to find the most important exposure variables linked to cancer risk.

RESULTS: Stool microplastic concentrations and heavy metal burden showed the strongest model-based associations with prostate cancer incidence. Countries with higher external exposure indicators did not consistently show higher reported prostate cancer incidence. This pattern suggests that external exposure metrics alone may be insufficient to explain country-level variation. Internal retention and tissue-response pathways remain plausible hypotheses, but they require direct validation using individual-level and tissue-based data.

DISCUSSION: The findings support the need to integrate exposure pathways, biomonitoring indicators, and biological-response markers when studying microplastic-related cancer risk. However, this study was limited by its ecological design, cross-sectional structure, and small sample size of 22 countries. Therefore, the results should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating rather than causal. Further longitudinal and individual-level studies are required to validate these associations.

PMID:42428925 | PMC:PMC13347956 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2026.1857921

Environ Toxicol. 2026 Jul 10. doi: 10.1002/tox.70160. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Secondary microplastics (MPs) from single-use consumer products are rapidly becoming one of the most persistent and widespread pollutants of our time. Freshwater systems act as early sinks for MPs where fragmentation and additive leaching expose aquatic life to a broad spectrum of toxic compounds. This study examined the effects of cryomilled MPs from red and green consumer plastic cups, which exhibited a heterogeneous size distribution dominated by particles between 25 and 50 μm, with most particles measuring < 75 μm, on fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) larvae (< 48 h old) exposed to 0.01-10 mg/L for 96 h. All doses significantly reduced catalase (CAT) activity by 80%-90% and ATP by 35%-50%. At the highest dose, glutathione (GSH) was reduced (77% red MPs; 35% green MPs) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity increased (300% red MPs; 195% green MPs). There were also increases in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (58% red MPs; 195% green MPs) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (79% green MPs). Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) were elevated by 64%, 53%, and 228% with red MPs and 118%, 75%, and 223% with green MPs respectively. Red MPs induced stronger oxidative effects, while green MPs produced distinct antioxidant and endocrine responses, highlighting composition-dependent toxicity. Collectively, these results suggest that consumer MPs produce oxidative and endocrine stress but in different mechanisms, emphasizing the need to evaluate real-world plastics in freshwater ecotoxicology.

PMID:42432463 | DOI:10.1002/tox.70160

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jul 8;514:142918. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142918. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) pollution in coastal river-estuary systems is governed by the combined effects of terrestrial inputs, in-channel deposition, and tidal resuspension; however, the coupled influence of diffuse land-use sources, localized point discharges, and marine forcing on land-sea MP transport remains insufficiently resolved. This study develops an integrated land-sediment-water analytical framework to quantify how land-use patterns and engineered point sources jointly regulate sedimentary MP accumulation and how tidal fluctuations remobilize benthic MPs into the water column. Land-use spatial analysis was combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple linear regression (MLR) to distinguish diffuse non-point inputs from localized point-source contributions. A distance-decay-based composite exposure index was constructed to integrate multiple upstream discharges into a spatially weighted metric. The final combined PCA-MLR model incorporating land-use gradients and the point-source exposure index explained 71.9% of the spatial variation in sedimentary MPs (R² = 0.719, adjusted R² = 0.649, p = 0.0013). Sedimentary MP concentrations were positively associated with both anthropogenic land-use gradients and point-source intensity. In contrast, riverine MPs showed negligible correlation with surrounding land-use variables but were significantly predicted by sedimentary MP levels (R² = 0.503, p < 0.005), indicating that estuarine sediments act as long-term sinks for terrestrial MPs while simultaneously serving as secondary sources through tide-driven resuspension. These findings identify sediment-water coupling as a critical exposure pathway and provide quantitative support for risk-informed MP management in transitional coastal environments.

PMID:42430916 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142918

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jul 10;232:120003. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Ships of opportunity provide a platform to assess marine pollution without dedicated field campaigns, offering a cost-effective means to expand monitoring coverage. In this study, a microplastic sampling module was integrated into an existing FerryBox system on a commercial ferry (M/S Color Fantasy) operating between Oslo (Norway) and Kiel (Germany). This setup enabled routine acquisition of samples in the Skagerrak and Kattegat areas. Between 2019 and 2022, 39 subsurface samples were collected using an underway pump-based FerryBox module and a filter cascade targeting particles larger than 100 μm, with an average of 7500 L of water filtered. Observed levels of microplastics ranged from not detected to 3.38 items/m³ (average 1.24 items/m³). No correlations were observed between seasonality, environmental parameters and microplastic concentration, indicating that while baseline levels were established, hotspots or environmental drivers could not be identified within this dataset. The study shows how methodological choices - such as spatial coverage, sampled volume, filter mesh size, and laboratory processing protocols - influenced reported concentrations and data comparability. Despite these limitations, resulting concentrations were within the same order of magnitude as other subsurface pump-based investigations, supporting the reliability of the approach. The FerryBox proved versatile and affordable, demonstrating its potential for integration into monitoring programmes. To maximise value of such databases, future efforts should prioritise methodological harmonisation and validation, as inconsistent sampling and analytical protocols currently limit cross-study comparability and hinder detection of broader regional trends. Addressing these issues will ensure datasets are fit-for-purpose and support robust regional and international comparisons.

PMID:42431125 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120003

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jul 10;232:120105. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120105. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Marine microplastic pollution has become a global ecological and environmental issue. Under ultraviolet radiation in natural environments, microplastics gradually age, resulting in an increased surface area and an enhanced capacity to adsorb pathogenic Vibrio spp. from the water. This poses a serious threat to the survival of marine bivalves. However, the mechanism by which this combined stress affects bivalve adaptability by disrupting metabolic homeostasis remains unclear. Using the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) as a model organism, this study exposed oysters to a mixture of different concentrations of polypropylene microplastics (PPMPs) and two Vibrio spp. (Vs, Vp) for 30 days. Through an integrated analysis of histopathology, mitochondrial dynamics, and energy storage indicators, this study elucidated the mechanisms of combined exposure to microplastics and pathogenic Vibrio spp. across subcellular, tissue, and individual levels. The results showed that combined exposure to microplastics and pathogenic Vibrio spp. caused severe damage to the gill and digestive gland tissues of oysters, obstructed their energy metabolism, and reduced their Clearance rate. In response to the toxic effects of combined exposure, oysters adjusted their energy allocation, which led to a reduction in gamete production, thereby potentially compromising population reproduction. This study provides new insights into the practical toxic effects arising from the combined pollution of microplastics and Vibrio spp.

PMID:42431126 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120105

Bioresour Technol. 2026 Jul 10;460:135264. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135264. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plastic pollution has become a pressing global crisis, with annual production exceeding 400 million tonnes and microplastics pervading all ecosystems, driving the development of biodegradable plastics (BDPs) as a sustainable alternative. However, BDPs' degradation depends on material properties and environmental conditions, creating a significant gap between theoretical expectations and practical outcomes. This review systematically analyzes BDPs' degradation behaviors and underlying mechanisms across key environmental compartments, including soil, freshwater, marine environments, aerobic composting, and anaerobic digestion, elucidating the synergistic effects of intrinsic characteristics and extrinsic environmental factors. A quantitative framework based on the normalized daily degradation potential index is established, demonstrating that BDPs degrade 20-35 times faster in natural environments and 10-160 times faster in engineered systems than conventional plastics, while exhibiting 30-50% lower life-cycle carbon footprints. This review delineates polymer-specific degradation potential: PHA exhibits the highest degradation rates across all scenarios, PLA achieves higher degradation potential in engineered systems than in natural environments, and PBAT exhibits moderate degradation in soil but carries a high risk of microplastic formation. Critical risks associated with BDPs' degradation include accelerated microplastic formation, dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes, and leaching of toxic additives. Based on the delineated Scenario-Specific degradation characteristics and efficiencies, a suite of scenario-tailored management strategies is proposed, including real-world monitoring of BDPs, development of targeted standards, optimization of scenario-aligned circular waste management, research and development of customized BDPs formulations, and investigation of incomplete degradation residues. These strategies collectively bridge theory-practice gaps to support the sustainable application of BDPs in mitigating plastic pollution.

PMID:42431419 | DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135264

Front Pharmacol. 2026 Jun 25;17:1820042. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1820042. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Microplastic (MP) contamination is an emerging environmental threat with potential adverse effects on oxidative stress, immune function, and inflammatory homeostasis. This study investigated the oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory, and immunotoxic effects of polystyrene microplastics (PMPs) and evaluated the protective role of the nutraceutical taurine (TN) in male Swiss mice following 60 days of oral exposure.

METHODS: Mice were assigned to four groups: control, PMPs (10 mg/kg b.wt.), TN-treated (200 mg/kg b.wt.), and PMPs + TN. Hematological parameters and serum immune markers, including immunoglobulins G and M (IgG and IgM), complement component 3 (C3), and nitric oxide (NO), were assessed. Splenic tissue was analyzed for oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD); pro-inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB); apoptotic markers, including caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2); and immune-regulatory genes, including cluster of differentiation 4 and 8 (CD4 and CD8). Histopathology (hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining) and immunohistochemistry for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and caspase-3 were performed to evaluate structural alterations and inflammatory/apoptotic signaling in the spleen.

RESULTS: PMPs exposure induced significant hematological disturbances, systemic inflammation, immune alterations, and elevated NO levels. In splenic tissue, PMPs caused oxidative stress and inflammation, evidenced by increased MDA, and TNF-α levels and reduced CAT and SOD activities. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed structural splenic damage with enhanced Caspase-3 and COX-2 expression, indicating elevated apoptosis and inflammatory signaling. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB, and Caspase-3, and CD8, wheras BCL-2 and CD4 were significantly downregulated. Taurine supplementation effectively mitigated PMPs-induced effects by restoring hematological, alleviating immune alterations, enhancing antioxidant defenses, reducing inflammatory and apoptotic markers, and improving gene expression profiles.

CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated that TN exerts protective effects against PMPs-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and immune-related alterations in splenic tissue. TN partially attenuated PMPs-induced immunotoxic and histopathological changes in this experimental mouse model, although further mechanistic, dose-response, and functional immune studies are required to confirm its potential therapeutic or nutraceutical applications against PMPs -induced toxicity.

PMID:42428514 | PMC:PMC13345884 | DOI:10.3389/fphar.2026.1820042

ACS Omega. 2026 Jun 23;11(26):38642-38651. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.6c01354. eCollection 2026 Jul 7.

ABSTRACT

Wide-field mid-infrared photothermal (MIP) imaging offers rapid label-free chemical contrast for biomedical and polymer analysis. Its field of view (FOV) depends on the mid-infrared pump power of infrared lasers. Here, a wide-field MIP microscope is presented using up to 150 nJ pulse energies of a free-electron laser (FEL) as the pump source to achieve a larger FOV compared to a quantum cascade laser (QCL) excitation with typically 1 nJ pulses. Both implementations use counter-propagating beam paths with a microsecond pulsed 450 nm LED as the probe source and a CMOS camera that records images using a virtual lock-in detection scheme. FEL's higher pulse power expands the FOV by approximately a factor of 20, enabling submicron-resolution wide-field MIP imaging of polystyrene beads, single cells, and a murine brain tissue section. QCL systems with less intense pump pulses achieve only 45 μm FOV for samples including polystyrene beads, Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected fixed tissue sections, and laryngeal cancer cryosections. IR spectra are reconstructed by tuning FEL and QCL wavelengths and collecting a series of wide-field images. We discuss current challenges and further improvements to implement high-power mid-IR pump lasers and shorter pulse probe sources for wide-field MIP imaging with even larger FOVs in the context of biomedical diagnostics and microplastic screening.

PMID:42428865 | PMC:PMC13347647 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.6c01354

Nat Commun. 2026 Jul 10. doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-75415-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Radiotherapy is standard-of-care treatment for intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, resistance remains widespread. Microplastics are detectable in various tumors and may disrupt immune responses, but evidence regarding the role of microplastics in radiotherapy is scarce. Here we show that various types of microplastics are detectable in 52 of the 72 HCC samples we examine, but only polyvinyl chloride (PVC) impairs radiotherapy efficacy. Mechanistically, irradiation enhances histone lactylation, which promotes transcription of HMG-CoA reductase in HCC cells, thereby facilitating cholesterol synthesis and reinforcing CD8⁺ T cell stemness. PVC alters cholesterol localization and affects CD8⁺ T cell differentiation, which results in the maintenance of an immunologically cold tumor immune microenvironment. A high-cholesterol diet restores CD8⁺ T-cell stemness and improves therapeutic response to radiotherapy in PVC-infiltrated HCC. Targeting cholesterol metabolism may represent a potential combinatorial strategy to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy in PVC-infiltrated HCC.

PMID:42431878 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-026-75415-9

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jul 10;514:142917. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142917. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The pervasive presence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environmental and food samples poses growing threats to ecological safety and public health, underscoring an urgent demand for robust and sensitive analytical techniques. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) offers a promising alternative, but simultaneously achieving high sensitivity, enrichment efficiency, and reproducibility remains challenging. To address this, a rationally designed SERS substrate that integrates plasmonic Au nanoparticles with MOFs/Cu₂O p-n and Schottky heterojunction composites (AuNPs-MOFs/Cu₂O). Specifically, NH₂-MIL-101(Fe,Co) enabled efficient MPs enrichment and charge-transfer promotion, AuNPs generated localized electromagnetic hotspots, and Cu₂O facilitated photogenerated electron transport, collectively enhancing both electromagnetic and chemical SERS contributions. Benefiting from these synergistic effects, sensitive and reliable detection of MPs with different sizes (100 nm, 1, 10, and 50 μm) and polymer types (PP, PS, PET, PE, PVC, and PA) was achieved. The method exhibited wide linear ranges (r² > 0.9791), low detection limits (0.119-120.1 mg L^-1), satisfactory recoveries (77.0-95.7%), and good reproducibility (RSD < 14.3%). Robust anti-interference performance was maintained under varying pH conditions and in the presence of common interferents (recoveries > 70%), and successful application was demonstrated in real samples, including beer, cola, tea, river water, and tap water. Moreover, coupling with a portable Raman spectrometer enabled rapid on-site analysis. This work provides a simple, reliable, and portable SERS strategy for monitoring MPs in complex environmental and food matrices.

PMID:42430915 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142917

Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2026 Jul;25(4):e70564. doi: 10.1111/1541-4337.70564.

ABSTRACT

Due to widespread environmental presence and growing detection in food systems, microplastics (MPs), which are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, along with nanoplastics with size <1 µm, collectively referred to as micro and nanoplastics (MNPs), have become a growing global concern. Previous exposure studies undermined the true burden of plastic contamination, owing to the limited analytical detection range that resulted in the omission of nanoscale fractions and a potential underestimation of related toxicological risks. Recent studies have reported that approximately 90% of plastic particles detected in bottled water are MNPs. Food packaging materials are a crucial but frequently disregarded source of MP contamination among the various exposure pathways. During handling, processing, and storage, packaging plastics can release MPs into food, which has a direct impact on consumer health and food safety. Measurable concentrations of MPs with variable contamination profiles have been found in packaged beverages, dairy products, meat, snacks, and ready-to-eat foods, as per recent case studies. Despite ongoing methodological issues with size resolution, polymer discrimination, and sample standardization, various analytical techniques have been used for detection and characterization of MPs. The necessity of reducing MPs' presence in food systems is highlighted by their toxicological effects, which include possible bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and microbiota imbalance. Reducing exposure risks requires the implementation of preventive measures like better manufacturing techniques, sustainable packaging substitutes, and regulatory actions. The sources, migration, analytical techniques, health effects, and preventative measures of MPs in food packaging are summarized in this review. It also highlights research gaps and obstacles in developing sustainable and safe food packaging.

PMID:42422984 | DOI:10.1111/1541-4337.70564

Environ Geochem Health. 2026 Jul 9;48(10):442. doi: 10.1007/s10653-026-03333-2.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) pollution has emerged as a significant global concern. Research on the sources, distribution, and ecological risks of MPs in the lakes of the Tibetan Plateau remains relatively scarce, thereby hindering efforts to clarify the current status and transport patterns of MPs in these aquatic systems. In this study, we extracted the surface water of Lake Gahai, a representative permanent freshwater lake located on the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, to analyze the abundance, size distribution, and polymer types of microplastics, and quantitatively assess ecological risks using the pollution risk index (H), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (PRI). Results indicate that the abundance of microplastics (MPs) in the surface water of Lake Gahai varied from 3.33 to 82.00 items/L, with an average abundance of 30.07 ± 24.70 items/L. The majority of MPs were found within the size range of 20-50 μm, constituting over 64.42% of the total. A total of 35 polymer types were identified, predominantly including polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polylactic acid (PLA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), acrylate polymers, and polyvinyl alcohol. The ecological risk assessment revealed that the pollution load index (PLI) of the lake's surface water was low, while both the hazard quotient (H) and the pollution risk index (PRI) reached the highest severity level. These findings enhance the understanding of the sources and ecological risks associated with MPs in the aquatic environment of the Tibetan Plateau and provide valuable data and theoretical support for future research on MPs pollution.

PMID:42423810 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-026-03333-2

Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2026 Jul;25(4):e70564. doi: 10.1111/1541-4337.70564.

ABSTRACT

Due to widespread environmental presence and growing detection in food systems, microplastics (MPs), which are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, along with nanoplastics with size <1 µm, collectively referred to as micro and nanoplastics (MNPs), have become a growing global concern. Previous exposure studies undermined the true burden of plastic contamination, owing to the limited analytical detection range that resulted in the omission of nanoscale fractions and a potential underestimation of related toxicological risks. Recent studies have reported that approximately 90% of plastic particles detected in bottled water are MNPs. Food packaging materials are a crucial but frequently disregarded source of MP contamination among the various exposure pathways. During handling, processing, and storage, packaging plastics can release MPs into food, which has a direct impact on consumer health and food safety. Measurable concentrations of MPs with variable contamination profiles have been found in packaged beverages, dairy products, meat, snacks, and ready-to-eat foods, as per recent case studies. Despite ongoing methodological issues with size resolution, polymer discrimination, and sample standardization, various analytical techniques have been used for detection and characterization of MPs. The necessity of reducing MPs' presence in food systems is highlighted by their toxicological effects, which include possible bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and microbiota imbalance. Reducing exposure risks requires the implementation of preventive measures like better manufacturing techniques, sustainable packaging substitutes, and regulatory actions. The sources, migration, analytical techniques, health effects, and preventative measures of MPs in food packaging are summarized in this review. It also highlights research gaps and obstacles in developing sustainable and safe food packaging.

PMID:42422984 | DOI:10.1111/1541-4337.70564

PLoS One. 2026 Jul 9;21(7):e0353457. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0353457. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Plastic pollution is becoming a serious problem in freshwater ecosystems, impacting the livelihoods of people who rely on inland fisheries. Although plastic waste is widely discussed around the world, limited research has explored how local fishery stakeholders perceive pollution, particularly in Southern Africa. As such, using semi-structured interviews, the current study assessed the awareness, concerns, and solution perspectives of three different stakeholder groups, i.e., commercial fishers (CF), recreational fishers (RF), and fishmongers (FM) around Nandoni Dam, a subtropical reservoir in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Thirty participants, i.e., 10 per stakeholder, were interviewed, and our results showed that 96.7% of all stakeholders were aware of plastic pollution, yet 86.7% had limited understanding of microplastics. Perceptions of the impacts of plastic pollution varied across groups, with visitors (CF = 60%; RF = 60%; FM = 66.7%) and local residents (CF = 20%; RF = 20%; FM = 11.1%) being linked as a source of plastic pollution around Nandoni Dam. Willingness to participate in reducing plastic pollution was high across stakeholders (CF = 90%; RF = 90%; FM = 70%), with the majority emphasising the need for local municipal involvement and community engagement during clean-up activities and awareness initiatives. These findings highlight the need for targeted environmental education, and enhanced community-municipal collaboration to improve awareness and support collective action against plastic pollution in inland fisheries. Strengthening these actions could promote sustainable fisheries management, protect inland waters, and improve the well-being of the people who rely on these waters for food, income, and daily activities.

PMID:42424389 | PMC:PMC13349089 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0353457

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Jul 9;232:120099. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120099. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) contamination and its transfer within marine food webs are major environmental issues, especially for commercially important fish species. This study integrated stable isotope measurements (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) with microplastic assessment in the gastrointestinal tracts of three pelagic fish species-Selar crumenophthalmus, Rastrelliger kanagurta, and Thunnus tonggol-from the Sea of Oman, where such comprehensive studies are limited. Stable isotope analysis revealed no significant differences in δ¹⁵N among species, indicating similar relative trophic positions, while significant variation in δ¹³C suggested differences in carbon-source utilization and habitat use. Microplastics (<5 mm) were detected in all species, with occurrence rates ranging from 53.3% to 76.7%, and were mostly composed of small fibers, particularly blue fibers. No clear relationship was observed between microplastic abundance or particle size and relative trophic position within the limited trophic range represented by the studied assemblage. Instead, microplastic ingestion patterns appeared to be primarily influenced by environmental exposure and species-specific ecological traits, including feeding behavior and habitat use. Differences in carbon source utilization and isotopic niche characteristics suggest that ecological niche and habitat-related factors may play a more important role in shaping microplastic exposure than trophic position alone. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of integrating trophic ecology with environmental drivers to better understand microplastic distribution in marine ecosystems. This study provides baseline information for the Sea of Oman and contributes to a broader understanding of the ecological processes influencing microplastic exposure in pelagic food webs.

PMID:42424786 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120099

Sci Rep. 2026 Jul 9. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-61437-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the abundance, characteristics, and potential ecological risks of microplastics in three commercially important fish species (Clarias gariepinus, Oreochromis niloticus, and Labeobarbus spp.) in Lake Tana, Ethiopia. Given the increasing anthropogenic pollution from surrounding urban activities and agricultural runoff, evaluating microplastic ingestion in aquatic biota is critical. Thirty-six fish (n = 12 per species) were collected, and their gastrointestinal tracts were analyzed using stereomicroscopy and an infrared spectrometer. Microplastics were detected in 69.5% of the total samples. The ingestion rates varied significantly among the species, with the omnivorous C. gariepinus showing the highest average contamination (4.92 ± 2.68 microplastics per fish), followed by the phytoplanktivorous O. niloticus (2.17 ± 1.99 microplastics per fish), and the herbivorous Labeobarbus spp.(0.17 ± 0.39 microplastics per fish). Fibers (61.8%) and fragments (36.0%) were the dominant shapes, while red (38.2%) and blue (29.2%) were the most frequently observed colors. Polymer analysis identified polyethylene (55%), polypropylene (27%), and polyethylene terephthalate (18%) as the primary types. The severe contamination observed in C. gariepinus and O. niloticus highlights significant ecological risks and potential human health implications. Targeted interventions, such as improved urban waste management and agricultural runoff control, are urgently needed to mitigate microplastic pollution in the Lake Tana ecosystem.

PMID:42426193 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-61437-2

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2026 Jul 9;117(2):26. doi: 10.1007/s00128-026-04304-0.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants posing ecological and physiological threats to aquatic organisms. This study investigates the organ-specific distribution and morphological characteristics of MPs in Tor putitora (Golden Mahseer) collected from Bhimtal Lake, Ladhiya River (Chalthi), and Pancheshwar (confluence of the Kali and Saryu rivers) in Uttarakhand, India, from November 2024 to April 2025. Thirty specimens from each site were analyzed for MP contamination in the gill, gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and muscle tissues using digestion with KOH and microscopic identification. Particle identification was based on visual and morphological criteria, and polymer confirmation by FTIR or Raman spectroscopy was not performed. Functional groups were categorized by morphology, color, and size. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) exhibited the highest MP abundance (mean ± SD = 5.53 ± 4.26 items/individual), followed by gills (3.50 ± 2.58) and muscle (0.08 ± 0.02). Fibers were the dominant morphology (49.6%), followed by fragments (27.9%) and pellets (22.5%). Black and blue particles accounted for over 74.4% of all MPs, while most particles (71.3%) were ≤ 500 µm. Significant variation ([Formula: see text]) among organs suggests that both respiratory and dietary exposure routes are involved. The predominance of fibers and small-sized MPs suggests possible influence from textile, domestic, and fishing-related activities. These findings highlight the need for organ-level assessments in comprehending the bioaccumulation of MPs in Himalayan freshwater fish.

PMID:42426236 | DOI:10.1007/s00128-026-04304-0

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Jul 8;514:142955. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142955. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Nanoplastics (NPs) have been confirmed to act as carrier for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in natural aquatic environments, yet the mechanisms of their combined toxicity and intergenerational effects remain unclear. Here, Caenorhabditis elegans were exposed to NPs (10-200 μg/L), PFAS (0.001-1 μM), and their combined scenario at environmentally relevant concentrations. Results showed that NPs co-exposure increased the perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) burden retained in washed nematode by 37.0-98.6% and 81.5-305%, respectively, compared with the corresponding PFAS-only exposure groups. Co-exposure of NPs and PFAS suppressed head swings of nematode by 27.1-29.9%, and decreased egg production by 11.9-21.9%, with reproductive impairment persisting into the F2 generation. NPs co-exposure altered offspring-associated PFAS residue profiles, with detectable PFOA and PFOS residues in F1 and F2 but not in F3. These data indicate early-generation residue carryover rather than confirmed tissue transfer or maternal sequestration Transcriptomic analysis suggested that PFOA exposure was associated with changes in phospholipid metabolism and PI3K-AKT-neuroendocrine axis, whereas PFOS exposure was associated with altered ABC transporter expression and lysosome-autophagy-related responses. Given that environmental factors can influence NPs-PFAS interactions and bioavailability, we further examined the modulating effects of pH, ionic strength, fulvic acid, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Acidic conditions (pH = 6) increased NPs adsorption of PFAS by 86.8-92.5%, exacerbating PFAS induced growth inhibition, whereas EPS (5 mg/L) alleviated PFAS toxicity. These findings highlighted the need for integrated risk assessments of NPs and PFAS in natural environments.

PMID:42424957 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142955

Cell Stress Chaperones. 2026 Jul 8:100195. doi: 10.1016/j.cstres.2026.100195. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitously detected in aquatic ecosystems and represent a growing environmental concern due to their persistence, accumulative toxicity, and ability to cross biological barriers, posing substantial risks to fish species. Although numerous studies have investigated the toxicity of MPs in fish, there is limited data on the potential toxic effects of MP exposure at the cellular level. In this study, we aimed to compare the cellular toxicity of polystyrene MPs of different shapes and sizes in fin and muscle cells derived from marine (red sea bream: PMF) and freshwater (fathead minnow: FHM) fish. Our results showed that exposure to MPs of various shapes and sizes did not cause significant changes in cell viability in either cell line. No significant differences were observed, although exposure to spherical MPs(1 μm) induced a decrease in cell viability at relatively high concentrations. The cellular uptake of MPs was observed following exposure to spherical MPs (0.2 and 1 μm), with internalization occurring at 6hours for 1 μm and 24hours for 0.2 μm of incubation. Internalization efficiency was higher for 1 μm MPs than for 0.2 μm MPs. Exposure to spherical MPs (0.2 and 1 μm) induced alterations in intracellular ROS levels and triggered the up-regulation of the NRF2 gene, a transcription factor involved in the stress response. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL1-β, was increased by exposure to spherical MPs (0.2 and 1 μm). In addition, this exposure changed the transcriptional responses of immune defense-related genes. Overall, our results suggest that acute exposure to spherical MPs (0.2 and 1 μm) may be related to the disruption of the immune defense system through continuous inflammation at the cellular level in fish, although it does not directly affect cell viability.

PMID:42419479 | DOI:10.1016/j.cstres.2026.100195

Environ Res. 2026 Jul 8;306(Pt 2):125189. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.125189. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as contaminants of increasing concern in water and wastewater treatment systems because of their persistence, mobility, and potential risks to ecosystems and human health. This review critically examines two major technological routes for MP control: separation-based removal, including coagulation, filtration, membrane separation, and adsorption, and degradation-based transformation, including advanced oxidation processes and biological degradation. Under optimized conditions, separation technologies can achieve over 95% retention, while degradation technologies can induce polymer-chain scission, surface oxidation, and mass loss. This review reveals a fundamental distinction between these two routes. Separation-based technologies mainly transfer MPs from the aqueous phase to flocs, sludge, membrane retentates, or spent adsorbents, thereby concentrating particles rather than destroying the polymer structure. In contrast, biodegradation and transformation technologies aim to transform polymer chains into lower-molecular-weight products, but complete mineralization is rarely achieved under realistic treatment conditions. Incomplete degradation may generate oligomers, organic acids, aldehydes, ketones, and released additives, whose environmental fate and ecotoxicity remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, the commonly reported removal rate is insufficient for evaluating the actual environmental benefit of MP treatment, as it may represent phase transfer rather than risk elimination, or partial transformation rather than complete degradation. Overall, this review concludes that meaningful evaluation of MP treatment requires a shift from single-parameter efficiency metrics to mass-balance-based and toxicity-informed frameworks that account for the fate of both separation residues and degradation products. Future research should move beyond single efficiency metrics and establish integrated assessment frameworks based on mass balance, life cycle analysis, product identification, toxicity evolution, and residual management. Coupling efficient separation with controlled deep degradation offers a promising direction for advancing MP treatment from efficient interception towards verifiable risk reduction and sustainable control.

PMID:42419618 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.125189