Microplastics

Front Microbiol. 2026 Sep 30;17:1954352. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2026.1954352. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics are ubiquitous in livestock settings and raise increasing concern, yet studies on their effects on poultry intestinal health and gut microbiota, particularly in native Chinese breeds, are still scarce. Chahua chicken No. 2 were exposed to drinking water with 0, 0.05, 0.1, or 0.5 mg/d polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs). At 0.5 mg/d, PS-MPs significantly reduced body weight, average daily gain, and feed intake at 42 and 120 days, while increasing feed conversion ratio and decreasing carcass traits (semi-eviscerated yield, eviscerated yield, breast and thigh muscle weights) at 42 days (p < 0.05). This dose also increased the microplastic-associated fluorescence signal in jejunum and ileum, reduced villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio, and deepened crypts. It downregulated genes associated with intestinal barrier integrity (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1), upregulated inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, MIP-1β), and suppressed genes involved in glucose (SLC5A1 and SLC2A2), lipid (SLC27A4, APOA1, APOB, MTTP, CD36, FABP2), and amino acid (SLC15A1, SLC7A1, SLC7A9, SLC3A1, SLC6A19) transport (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed that 0.5 mg/d PS-MPs exposure induced intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in Chahua chicken No. 2, characterized by an increased abundance of norank_o_Clostridia_UCG_014, Mediterraneibacter, Olsenella, and Faecalitalea (p < 0.05). Overall, these findings indicate that PS-MP exposure is associated with alterations in growth performance, intestinal morphology, barrier-related gene expression, inflammatory responses, nutrient transporter expression, and gut microbiota in Chahua chicken No. 2.

PMID:42876829 | PMC:PMC13661584 | DOI:10.3389/fmicb.2026.1954352

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2026 Oct 15. doi: 10.1021/acsami.6c13403. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Micro and nanoplastics (MNPs), along with oil spills (OSs), have emerged as among the most pervasive contaminants in the environment, posing significant threats to the aquatic ecosystem and human health. In this work, we employ a strategy using microbots to target large-scale remediation of such pollutants in water resources. In particular, this study explores the transformation of diatomaceous earth (DE) into functional microscale robots, namely, kieselguhrbots, for an efficient water purification. By combining DE with Fe3O4 nanoparticles, we enhance the surface activity, porosity, and catalytic properties of the composite material. The surface modification with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) improves the ability of kieselguhrbots to target hydrophobic pollutants. The high surface area, enhancement of hydrophobicity, and oleophilic nature of the bots provide a promising, scalable, and environmentally friendly solution for such a complex water decontamination. These bots help in effective removal of the MNPs and OSs from the contaminated water resources. The natural abundance of the materials used for the synthesis of the bots promises a frugal large-scale production and mitigation of MNPs and OSs with the help of the proposed methodology in the near future. Further, the enhanced catalytic activity of such kieselguhrbots has been utilized for fuel cell application. In a way, this study suggests that the proposed multipurpose bots are not only capable of mitigating the widespread impact of environmental MNPs and OSs but can also be employed for energy harvesting applications, generating H2 and O2 gases from H2O2 and HCOOH to power a fuel cell.

PMID:42872345 | DOI:10.1021/acsami.6c13403

Anesthesiology. 2026 Oct 12. doi: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000006347. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:42874056 | DOI:10.1097/ALN.0000000000006347

J Environ Manage. 2026 Oct 14;419:131139. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131139. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The widespread application of agricultural films has resulted in the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in soils, creating a coexistence with pesticides like atrazine. This study investigates the environmentally relevant interactions between field-aged polyethylene agricultural films (FAPE), virgin polyethylene (VPE), and soil in regulating atrazine adsorption. SEM-EDS and Raman analyses revealed that field aging significantly alters MP properties, introducing roughness, cracks, and oxygen-containing functional groups. Batch experiments demonstrated that the addition of MPs (1 wt%) to black soil enhances the overall adsorption capacity for atrazine, with FAPE exhibiting a higher affinity than VPE. Kinetic and isotherm modeling indicated that adsorption is a multi-step process controlled by intra-particle diffusion and surface heterogeneity. Density functional theory and interaction region indicator analyses further suggested that oxidation-induced functional groups on FAPE facilitate additional intermolecular interactions, including possible hydrogen bonding, beyond the van der Waals interactions dominating VPE. Particle size, MP dosage, and aging degree collectively influenced atrazine partitioning between soil and MPs, highlighting the importance of MP characteristics in regulating pesticide fate. These findings demonstrate that environmental aging substantially alters the adsorption behavior of agricultural-film-derived MPs and should be considered when evaluating the environmental fate and ecological risks of pesticides in agricultural soils.

PMID:42874261 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131139

Chemosphere. 2026 Oct 14;413:145121. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145121. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Airborne microplastics (MPs) have emerged as environmental pollutants that can co-occur with hazardous contaminants; however, evidence of heavy-metal associations with atmospheric MPs remains limited. This study investigated the abundance, characteristics, metal loadings, and health risks of airborne MPs in Metro Manila, Philippines. Air samples were collected from classroom, laboratory, dining room, office, living room, and store environments, followed by polymer identification via μFTIR and metal quantification using ICP-MS. MP concentrations ranged from 0.074 to 0.595 MP/m³ indoors (mean: 0.297 ± 0.20 MP/m³) and from 0.057 to 0.262 MP/m³ outdoors (mean: 0.173 ± 0.07 MP/m³), with no statistically significant difference. Fibers dominated the MP assemblage (52.38%), followed by fragments and films. PP, PET, and PE were the most prevalent polymers. Heavy metal concentrations ranged from 0.35 to 27521.66 mg/kg indoors and from 0.11 to 30556 mg/kg outdoors, with notable contributions from Zn, Cu, Ba, Pb, and Ag. These showed site-specific variations associated with room function and anthropogenic activity, with elevated Cu and Zn in high-activity indoor spaces. Pollution indices (PLI, MPI) indicated moderate pollution levels, while the ecological risk index indicated moderate ecological risk. Spearman analysis showed strong positive correlations between MPI-HM and As, Fe, and Zn (r = 0.70, p < 0.05), while PCA and HCA differentiated sampling sites by metal- and MP-related profiles. Inhalation risk assessment indicated low-to-moderate non-carcinogenic risk; however, the co-occurrence of toxic metals with respirable MPs highlights the occurrence of hazardous substances within the recovered airborne MP fraction. This study provides one of the first assessments of heavy metals associated with airborne MPs in indoor-outdoor urban environments.

PMID:42874438 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145121

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Oct 14;234(Pt 1):120464. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120464. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are emerging contaminants increasingly detected in coastal ecosystems, but quantitative information on PS-MP-associated immunotoxicity in tropical benthic asteroids of the Bay of Bengal remains limited. This study hypothesised that exposure to experimental PS-MP concentrations, which exceed typical environmental concentrations, would disrupt immune regulation and redox homeostasis in the tropical sea star Astropecten euryacanthus. Adult specimens were exposed to PS-MPs (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/L) for 7 and 14 days under controlled laboratory conditions to assess immunophysiological and oxidative stress responses. PS-MP exposure increased total coelomocyte abundance, indicating an activated cellular immune response. Flow cytometry revealed a reduction in G1-gated blast-like cells from 8.87% to 2.84% and an increase in G3-gated petaloid cells from 8.88% to 20.15% at 1 mg/L, indicating marked changes in coelomocyte population distribution. Oxidative imbalance was evident from increased superoxide anion production and intracellular reactive oxygen species, particularly in G1-gated coelomocytes. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities declined, whereas glutathione-S-transferase activity increased, suggesting differential regulation of antioxidant and detoxification pathways. The integrated biomarker response (IBR/n) provided a descriptive representation of the combined biomarker responses and demonstrated concentration- and exposure-duration-dependent variation in the overall biomarker profile. Future studies should evaluate chronic responses to lower, environmentally relevant PS-MP concentrations, particularly because the concentrations examined in the present study represent acute dose exposure scenarios relative to field concentrations. Collectively, These findings suggest the biomonitoring potential of A. euryacanthus for evaluating microplastic-associated environmental risks in tropical benthic habitats of coastal ecosystem.

PMID:42874541 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120464

NanoImpact. 2026 Oct 14:100648. doi: 10.1016/j.impact.2026.100648. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Although the adsorption of pharmaceuticals by microplastics (MPLs) may reduce environmental contaminant concentrations, their effects on bioavailability and biological toxicity following ingestion remain poorly studied. To mimic environmentally relevant exposure, environmentally relevant polypropylene microplastics (PP-MPLs) derived from post-consumer plastic products (real-life) were used as carriers for the pharmaceuticals paracetamol (PCM) and ciprofloxacin (CFX), using Drosophila larvae in vivo model. Free PCM and CFX were tested at concentrations equivalent to their respective adsorption loadings on PP-MPLs (0.03% and 0.02% w/w, respectively), enabling direct comparison under environmentally realistic conditions. PP-MPLs, with or without adsorbed pharmaceuticals, retained their irregular morphology and heterogeneous size distribution, representing an environmentally relevant mixture of micro- and nanoscale particles. Following oral exposure, PP-MPLs, either alone or carrying adsorbed pharmaceuticals, sequentially traversed the intestinal barrier penetrating the peritrophic membrane, accumulating within enterocytes, and ultimately reaching hemolymph. Particle exposure induced extensive enterocyte vacuolation, significantly increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and triggered targeted gene-expression changes involving antioxidant, immune, detoxification, and stress-response pathways, while genes associated with digestive function were consistently deregulated. Despite elevated oxidative stress, PP-MPLs did not alter mitochondrial membrane potential. In contrast, free PCM induced significant mitochondrial depolarization without increasing ROS, whereas this effect was abolished following adsorption onto PP-MPLs, potentially due to reduced bioavailability. Moreover, pharmaceutical-loaded PP-MPLs did not elicit additive molecular toxicity compared with PP-MPLs alone.

PMID:42874708 | DOI:10.1016/j.impact.2026.100648

Kidney Res Clin Pract. 2026 Oct 15. doi: 10.23876/j.krcp.25.473. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:42875369 | DOI:10.23876/j.krcp.25.473

Nature. 2026 Oct;658(8136):650-657. doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-11141-y. Epub 2026 Oct 14.

ABSTRACT

Plastics have become an integral part of our modern society, largely because they are generally regarded as chemically inert under normal circumstances. However, plastics fragmented into microplastics (less than 5 mm in size) have recently raised significant public concerns, and have been detected widely across ecosystems and human tissues with increasing environmental and health risks^1-5. Here we show that commodity microplastics exhibit intrinsic physicochemical activity in water, manifested by the spontaneous generation of reactive oxygen species that increases with interfacial hydrophobicity and strongly correlates with interfacial electrostatics. Ab initio calculations support these observations and reveal that hydroxide oxidation becomes energetically more favourable at increasingly hydrophobic microplastic-water interfaces through the combined effects of partial solvation and electrostatics. These interfacial properties and the resulting oxidative chemistry have direct implications for biomolecular adsorption, protein aggregation, and even cellular damage. Together, our findings challenge the prevailing paradigm of plastic inertness, identify a possibly overlooked mechanism for the detrimental effects of microplastics on health and the environment, and contribute to a fundamental understanding of the structure-activity relationship of interfacial water, which may inform the design of safer and more sustainable plastic materials.

PMID:42875572 | DOI:10.1038/s41586-026-11141-y

ACS ES T Water. 2026 Sep 15;6(10):6435-6444. doi: 10.1021/acsestwater.6c00609. eCollection 2026 Oct 9.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in riverine environments worldwide, but arid river systems, characterized by large seasonal variations in discharge, remain understudied. Using a peristaltic pump, we collected samples for MP surface concentration analysis along the Truckee River in the western United States. Samples were collected using a 100 μm filter during fall 2022 and spring 2023 across 6 and 8 sites, respectively. The samples were analyzed with microscope-enabled Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, and the resulting MP concentrations were compared to land use and river discharge. MP concentrations were higher in spring (mean 3.7 MP/L) than in fall (mean 0.4 MP/L), coinciding with an increase in river discharge. Statistical analyses revealed significant seasonal differences in polymer composition because of increased concentrations of poly-(ethylene terephthalate), polyethylene, and rubber in spring. These patterns likely reflect increased spring discharge mobilizing MPs from the surrounding landscape and riverbed sediments. These findings underscore the complexity of MP sources and transport and highlight the importance of seasonal sampling across discharge and land-use types. Additionally, polypropylene, poly-(ethylene terephthalate), and polyethylene were the dominant polymer types overall, demonstrating that reducing single-use plastic in the Truckee River Basin is important for protecting the river's water quality.

PMID:42872164 | PMC:PMC13660395 | DOI:10.1021/acsestwater.6c00609

J Mater Chem B. 2026 Oct 14. doi: 10.1039/d6tb01482h. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a serious environmental issue due to the rapid rise in plastic production and persistence of plastics in ecosystems. The inevitable exposure to MPs and reports of the presence of MPs in several tissues in our bodies are concerning amidst growing chronic illnesses. However, the precise effects of MPs on human health remain poorly understood, contributing to public apprehension in the absence of definitive mitigation strategies. Currently, in vitro two-dimensional models (2D) and in vivo animal models are used to study the adverse effects of MPs on human health. While these models have provided some insights, they suffer from various limitations such as short-term exposure, unrealistic high dosages and irrelevance to human physiology. Near-physiological in vitro models, such as organ-on-a-chip (OoC) platforms, built from three-dimensional (3D) structures with dynamic microfluidic flow, mechanical stimulation, and multicellular co-culture environments can enable the study of MP transport, cellular interactions, and organ-level toxicity more accurately. This review highlights the core concepts of MPs and NPs with respect to toxicological studies at the cellular and organ levels, the analytical challenges for detection in biological materials and their clinical interpretation. We discuss the various models developed so far and their limitations associated with human physiology and clinical impact. We explain the design considerations and principles for developing appropriate OoC models to study the effects of dose, duration and exposure pathways of MPs on human health. OoC models are promising systems that can accurately identify the impact of MPs on human health, aid in identifying the mechanisms of toxicity and serve as key platforms for testing and validating therapeutic interventions. Precise evaluation of the health effects of MPs with a mechanistic understanding is imperative for healthcare management and measured public communication.

PMID:42870577 | DOI:10.1039/d6tb01482h

Biodegradation. 2026 Oct 14;37(6):164. doi: 10.1007/s10532-026-10388-6.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging environment pollutant that widely distributed across various environmental matrices and pose significant risks to marine biota, invertebrates and humans. Industrial wastewater sample was collected from the Urkura industrial area, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India to evaluate the presence as well as biodegradation of microplastics. Microplastics were extracted and characterized for size, shape and colour using stereo and fluorescence microscopy, while polymer composition was identified using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy (RS). The analysis revealed (PE) as the predominant polymer, mainly occurring in fibre and fragment forms. Other polymers including polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were also identified. Quantitative analysis revealed a mean concentration of 64±1 particles/L (64000 particles/m³). The microplastics exhibited different colors including blue, black, red, violet, brown, grey, green, orange, and transparent, with particle sizes from 50 µm to 5000 µm. A novel bacterial strain, Bacillus paralicheniformis strain PWDS (NR_137421.1), was isolated from soil sample obtained from a plastic dumping area located in Raipur. Biodegradation was carried out for 30 days and process parameters such as pH, temperature, inoculum volume and shaking speed were optimized. The bacterial strain showed a maximum degradation efficiency of about 8.4±0.4%. The study highlights presence of microplastics in wastewater and the efficiency of microbial approaches for effective microplastic bioremediation and environmental sustainability.

PMID:42875677 | DOI:10.1007/s10532-026-10388-6

Front Immunol. 2026 Sep 28;17:1953398. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1953398. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics have become a pervasive component of the atmosphere and of indoor and occupational air, and the human respiratory tract is now recognized as a major and largely unavoidable route of exposure. Polystyrene, one of the most abundant commodity plastics, is a dominant model and real-world airborne microplastic, and mounting evidence links inhaled polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) to a spectrum of pulmonary injuries that increasingly implicate fibrogenesis. This review synthesizes the current mechanistic understanding of how PS-MPs may contribute to pulmonary fibrosis, drawing primarily on preclinical experimental evidence. We first outline the sources, physicochemical determinants and respiratory deposition behavior of airborne PS-MPs, and summarize the human, epidemiological and experimental evidence for pulmonary accumulation and harm. On the basis of converging but heterogeneous evidence we propose, as a working model rather than a validated cascade, that these upstream disruptions converge on a shared profibrotic signaling hub - coupled Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling - that orchestrates epithelial-mesenchymal transition, myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix remodeling, with epigenetic and ncRNA programs stabilizing the fibrotic phenotype. Because the elements of this model rest on different levels of evidence, we grade each of them explicitly as direct PS-MP pulmonary evidence, evidence extrapolated from other particles or toxicants, or canonical fibrosis biology. No study has yet tested the complete cascade, or the causal ordering of its modules, within a single PS-MPs inhalation model. Finally, we appraise candidate therapeutic strategies, including antioxidant and ferroptosis directed approaches and repurposing of approved antifibrotics. Meanwhile, we delineate the methodological limitations including nonphysiological doses, pristi5ne monodisperse particles and short exposure windows, that must be resolved before human respiratory risk can be quantified.

PMID:42866440 | PMC:PMC13656253 | DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2026.1953398

Opt Lett. 2026 Jul 1;51(13):3797-3800. doi: 10.1364/OL.606856.

ABSTRACT

The widespread pollution of water environments by microplastics (MPs) is a critical global issue. The identification of MPs remains challenging, primarily due to their limited texture and color information. To address this issue, this Letter proposes a learning-based approach that incorporates what we believe to be a novel geometric polarization characterization of MPs with quantum neural networks (QNNs). Our method comprises three stages. First, we establish a novel Polarization Angle-Weighted Geometric (PAWG) feature derived from the geometric relationship of polarization information. Second, a novel polarization-driven quantum convolutional network (PQCNet) is designed based on pure variational quantum circuits. Finally, the PAWG features are fed into the PQCNet to train an effective variational quantum classifier for intelligent identification of MPs. Experimental results show that the proposed method yields an average accuracy of approximately 95% across three MP types (i.e., PP, LDPE, and HDPE) in water. Further, the model with only 0.0023 M parameters enables rapid inference with an average prediction time of 11.3 ms per sample. Such a success rate and computational efficiency indicate that our method can be used to rapidly identify MPs.

PMID:42868500 | DOI:10.1364/OL.606856

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Oct 13;325:120917. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120917. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study examined the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and toxic elements in small freshwater lakes and ponds on islands in the Froan archipelago, Central Norway, evaluating marine plastic as a local contributor to environmental contamination. MP polymers and concentrations, along with toxic elements (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn), were analyzed across freshwater, sediment, marine macroplastics, and adjacent soils across 12 waterbodies on seven islands, using Py-GC/MS (MPs) and ICP-MS (toxic elements). Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene were the predominant MP polymers, indicating secondary fragmentation. In freshwater, Cd and Zn reached Class V (very bad) status under Environmental Quality Standards, with concentrations up to 4.7 µg L⁻¹ and 260 µg L⁻¹, respectively. Marine macroplastics harbored extreme contaminant burdens from both legacy production additives and environmental adsorption, including Cd up to 415 µg g⁻¹ dw, Pb up to 800 µg g⁻¹ dw, Cr up to 186 µg g⁻¹ dw, and Zn up to 407 µg g⁻¹ dw. There were significant positive correlations for Zn concentrations in plastics, water, and sediments, alongside elevated element levels in shoreline soils (<0.3 m). This strongly indicates that plastic litter acts as a dynamic source and vector transferring toxic elements across compartments, accelerated by acidic conditions (pH < 7) triggering metal desorption. Notably, pollution levels differed greatly, even between ponds on the same island (e.g., a 270-fold difference in water Cd), highlighting the role of local topography on litter retention. These findings underline the role of marine plastic in amplifying contaminant burdens in coastal ecosystems.

PMID:42868709 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120917

Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc. 2026 Oct 6;367(Pt 1):128946. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2026.128946. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Environmental contamination by microplastic particles has become a globally recognized issue, attracting increasing scientific and regulatory attention. In this study, a rapid and efficient method for detecting microplastics was developed using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) combined with highly active substrates, enabling real-time monitoring and fast analysis. Gold nanostars (Au NSs) with sharp multi-branched structures were controllably synthesized using chloroauric acid (HAuCl₄), silver nitrate (AgNO₃), and ascorbic acid (AA). Their formation was achieved by regulating the anisotropic growth of gold via the underpotential deposition (UPD) of silver ions. The resulting Au NS colloid was then uniformly deposited onto a PVDF membrane through vacuum filtration, producing an Au NSs-PVDF substrate capable of both enriching and enhancing the SERS signal of microplastic particles. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations using a trimer model of Au NSs confirmed that the observed Raman signal enhancement originates from abundant electromagnetic "hot spots" generated by the sharp branches and the high specific surface area of the nanostars. SERS measurements demonstrated that rapid analysis of both single-component and binary mixtures of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyamide (PA) microplastics in aqueous environments can be completed within 10 min. Furthermore, the minimum detectable concentrations for single-component PET, PS, PE, and PA in lake water were 0.2 g·L^-1, 0.4 g·L^-1, 0.4 g·L^-1, and 0.4 g·L^-1 respectively, representing a significant improvement in detection efficiency.

PMID:42868756 | DOI:10.1016/j.saa.2026.128946

J Environ Manage. 2026 Oct 13;419:131114. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131114. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Marine microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a serious concern, in which submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is an overlooked yet potentially significant pathway for land-based MPs entering the ocean. This study examined the occurrence, correlated factors, and SGD-derived flux of MPs in the groundwater of a representative coastal city in China. MPs were widely detected in groundwater at relatively low levels, with an average abundance of 2.4 ± 1.0 n/L, and exhibited distinct physicochemical characteristics. Fibers represented the most abundant morphological types, while transparent and black particles were the predominant colors. Over half of the MPs were less than 500 μm in size. MPs occurrence was primarily governed by hydrological season (dry > wet), functional zone (estuarine > transitional > urban), and well type (open > covered), reflecting the combined effects of dilution, pollution sources, land use, and input pathways. Based on a radium isotope (²²⁶Ra) mass-balance model, the total SGD flux was estimated at 4.0 × 10⁷ m³/d, of which the freshwater component constituted 3.3 × 10⁶ m³/d. We conservatively estimated that fresh SGD carried (2.6 ± 0.4) × 10¹² microplastic particles (2.6 ± 0.5 tons) into coastal waters annually, accounting for approximately 11.3% ± 6.0% of the total riverine MPs flux into Xiamen Bay. These findings confirm that SGD constitutes a non-negligible pathway for land-based microplastics, highlighting the necessity of incorporating groundwater transport into coastal plastic pollution assessment and management strategies.

PMID:42868812 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131114

J Environ Manage. 2026 Oct 13;419:131160. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131160. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Despite the well-established role of rivers as the primary pathway for microplastics from land to sea, the effect of seasonal hydrological signals on riverine microplastic loads is still a matter of considerable controversy. This study conducted four seasonal sampling campaigns (rainy and dry seasons) over two consecutive hydrological years to clarify the spatiotemporal patterns and key drivers of microplastic occurrence in rivers from an interannual perspective. Across both hydrological years, microplastic abundance was consistently higher during the dry season (49.13 and 51.45 n/m³) than during the rainy season (36.38 and 29.70 n/m³), a pattern primarily driven by the dilution effect of elevated river discharge. Urban point sources were identified as the dominant contributors to microplastic pollution, generating persistent contamination hotspots. Interestingly, we observed a pronounced spatial decoupling between abundance hotspots (W9 and W15) and flux hotspots (W11 and W15). Since microplastic flux is less sensitive to dilution, flux-based assessments more accurately reflect the in-situ pollutant loads and ecological risks than abundance-based ones. Additionally, we have established a linear relationship between microplastic flux and river discharge, offering a valuable tool for extrapolating results from short-term baseline studies to long-term flux dynamics. Collectively, these findings provide a scientific basis for developing long-term monitoring and mitigation strategies for microplastics at the catchment scale.

PMID:42868822 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131160

Environ Res. 2026 Oct 13:125818. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.125818. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants of increasing concern in marine ecosystems due to their widespread occurrence and ability to adsorb and transport hazardous chemicals such as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). PFOS is a persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) with high environmental stability, bioaccumulative potential, and well-documented toxicity to aquatic organisms. However, the combined effects of MPs and PFOS on marine invertebrates remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the individual and combined effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of MPs (50 mg kg^-1 sediment) and PFOS (0.1, 0.5, and 1 μg kg^-1 sediment) on the coelomic fluid of the benthic polychaete Hediste diversicolor after 7 days of sediment exposure. The MPs consisted of particles <30 μm composed of PVC, PET, PS, HDPE, LDPE, and PE with heterogeneous morphologies. PFOS accumulated in the coelomic fluid in a dose-dependent manner, with higher concentrations observed under co-exposure, suggesting that the presence of MPs may influence PFOS bioavailability and uptake. This increased accumulation was accompanied by pronounced cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, including lysosomal membrane destabilization, increased micronucleus frequency, and DNA fragmentation. Co-exposure also upregulated the pro-apoptotic genes p53, Bax, and Casp-3, while downregulating the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2, indicating activation of apoptotic pathways. Overall, the effects of combined exposure varied according to the endpoint and PFOS concentration, with co-exposure producing greater responses for some endpoints but not consistently across all treatments. These findings highlight the increased hazard posed by the co-occurrence of MPs and PFOS and emphasize the need to consider contaminant mixtures in marine environmental risk assessment.

PMID:42869366 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.125818

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Oct 14;198(11):1188. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-16027-0.

ABSTRACT

Agricultural application of treated sewage sludge supports nutrient and organic matter recovery but can also transfer emerging contaminants retained in or associated with sludge during wastewater treatment to soil. This review evaluates microplastics (MPs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and pharmaceutical residues across their sources, sludge association, treatment response, agricultural loading, environmental fate, exposure pathways, potential effects, and regulation. Evidence identified through targeted searches of the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus was integrated using a structured narrative review and comparative qualitative synthesis. These groups share a sludge-to-soil pathway but exhibit fundamentally different environmental profiles. MPs are retained mainly through physical association with solids and remain environmentally relevant through persistence, fragmentation, and size-dependent redistribution. PFAS behavior reflects compound-specific partitioning, the high persistence of many perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), precursor transformation, and the greater mobility of many shorter-chain PFAAs under some soil conditions. Pharmaceutical residues show compound-specific variation in sorption, degradation, transformation, mobility, biological activity, and plant uptake. Conventional sludge treatments often redistribute contaminants or modify measured profiles without establishing destructive removal. High-temperature thermal processes may achieve greater destruction of some contaminants under suitable operating conditions, but transformation-aware whole-process mass balances remain necessary. Existing European Union and US sludge frameworks remain centered largely on conventional pollutants, although PFAS-related assessment and management are developing. The comparison demonstrates that occurrence alone does not establish risk and that a single uniform monitoring or management framework is inadequate. Class-specific monitoring, treatment evaluation, and long-term field evidence are needed to support environmentally defensible land application.

PMID:42870115 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-16027-0

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Oct 14;198(11):1188. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-16027-0.

ABSTRACT

Agricultural application of treated sewage sludge supports nutrient and organic matter recovery but can also transfer emerging contaminants retained in or associated with sludge during wastewater treatment to soil. This review evaluates microplastics (MPs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and pharmaceutical residues across their sources, sludge association, treatment response, agricultural loading, environmental fate, exposure pathways, potential effects, and regulation. Evidence identified through targeted searches of the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus was integrated using a structured narrative review and comparative qualitative synthesis. These groups share a sludge-to-soil pathway but exhibit fundamentally different environmental profiles. MPs are retained mainly through physical association with solids and remain environmentally relevant through persistence, fragmentation, and size-dependent redistribution. PFAS behavior reflects compound-specific partitioning, the high persistence of many perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), precursor transformation, and the greater mobility of many shorter-chain PFAAs under some soil conditions. Pharmaceutical residues show compound-specific variation in sorption, degradation, transformation, mobility, biological activity, and plant uptake. Conventional sludge treatments often redistribute contaminants or modify measured profiles without establishing destructive removal. High-temperature thermal processes may achieve greater destruction of some contaminants under suitable operating conditions, but transformation-aware whole-process mass balances remain necessary. Existing European Union and US sludge frameworks remain centered largely on conventional pollutants, although PFAS-related assessment and management are developing. The comparison demonstrates that occurrence alone does not establish risk and that a single uniform monitoring or management framework is inadequate. Class-specific monitoring, treatment evaluation, and long-term field evidence are needed to support environmentally defensible land application.

PMID:42870115 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-16027-0

Environ Toxicol Chem. 2026 Oct 12:vgag273. doi: 10.1093/etojnl/vgag273. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) dumpsite in Brahmapuram, Kerala, India, experienced a massive fire incident that burned continuously for 12 days, releasing hazardous smoke and toxic emissions into the nearby areas. The ecological impact, particularly on the terrestrial toxicity of the legacy site resulting from the fire incident, was not thoroughly investigated. The study focuses on the physicochemical properties of MSW soil collected after the fire incident and its effects on Perionyx excavatus and plants using Ecotoxicological tests. The results showed the presence of microplastics such as linear low-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate in the MSW soil. The observation of metals like Ni, Co, Zn, Cr, Pb, and Hg in the legacy waste soil indicates the presence of contamination from both waste dumping and industrial sources. The highest bioaccumulation in earthworms from the MSW soil was Hg. No mortality of earthworms was observed in the acute toxicity test. In the chronic toxicity test, a higher number of cocoons and juveniles was observed in MSW soil. The histopathological analysis showed increased mucus secretion in the epidermal layer after 14 days, mild hyperplasia and fusion of villi in the intestinal epithelium after 28 days of exposure to MSW soil. The plant growth test with the MSW soil showed a significant increase in the root length of the pea, presumably due to the high nutrient content of the soil outweighing the effects of contaminants. Although there were no toxic effects observed in earthworms and plants exposed to the MSW dumpsite soil based on the acute/chronic toxicity studies, use of soil for agricultural/infrastructure purposes should be undertaken with caution, considering the bioaccumulation of contaminants in earthworms and possible leachates to plant parts.

PMID:42865018 | DOI:10.1093/etojnl/vgag273

Environ Res. 2026 Oct 13:125818. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.125818. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants of increasing concern in marine ecosystems due to their widespread occurrence and ability to adsorb and transport hazardous chemicals such as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). PFOS is a persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) with high environmental stability, bioaccumulative potential, and well-documented toxicity to aquatic organisms. However, the combined effects of MPs and PFOS on marine invertebrates remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the individual and combined effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of MPs (50 mg kg^-1 sediment) and PFOS (0.1, 0.5, and 1 μg kg^-1 sediment) on the coelomic fluid of the benthic polychaete Hediste diversicolor after 7 days of sediment exposure. The MPs consisted of particles <30 μm composed of PVC, PET, PS, HDPE, LDPE, and PE with heterogeneous morphologies. PFOS accumulated in the coelomic fluid in a dose-dependent manner, with higher concentrations observed under co-exposure, suggesting that the presence of MPs may influence PFOS bioavailability and uptake. This increased accumulation was accompanied by pronounced cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, including lysosomal membrane destabilization, increased micronucleus frequency, and DNA fragmentation. Co-exposure also upregulated the pro-apoptotic genes p53, Bax, and Casp-3, while downregulating the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2, indicating activation of apoptotic pathways. Overall, the effects of combined exposure varied according to the endpoint and PFOS concentration, with co-exposure producing greater responses for some endpoints but not consistently across all treatments. These findings highlight the increased hazard posed by the co-occurrence of MPs and PFOS and emphasize the need to consider contaminant mixtures in marine environmental risk assessment.

PMID:42869366 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.125818

PLoS One. 2026 Oct 12;21(10):e0358340. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0358340. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous contaminants increasingly detected in aquatic environments and wastewater systems, raising concerns regarding ecosystem and human health. Hospital wastewater has been identified as a source of MPs entering municipal systems; however, data on their occurrence, characteristics, and associated risks remain limited. This study aimed to characterize MP contamination in hospital wastewater and assess the associated environmental and health risks.

METHODS: Wastewater samples were collected from the influent and effluent of a hospital wastewater treatment plant in northern Iran. MPs were isolated using stainless-steel sieving followed by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) digestion. Abundance, morphology, and size distribution were determined through microscopic examination, and chemical composition was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Hazard Index (HI) were calculated to evaluate contamination levels and associated risks.

RESULTS: The analysis showed mean MP concentrations of 21.13 ± 12.8 particles L-1 in the influent and 1.45 ± 0.89 particles L-1 in the effluent, reflecting a removal efficiency of 93.13%. Morphologically, fibrous particles predominated (92-96%), with black as the most common color and sizes below 250 µm being the most prevalent. Identified polymer compositions included polyamide (PA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyurethane (PU). Based on the calculated indices, the hospital wastewater reached a PLI of 1.86 and an HI of 1416.45, which corresponds to hazard level IV, primarily attributed to the high hazard score of PVC (5001) due to its carcinogenic monomer and additive leaching.

CONCLUSIONS: Hospital wastewater is a significant source of MPs, particularly hazardous polymers such as PVC and PU. These findings highlight the need for targeted mitigation strategies, including advanced treatment processes and reduced use of toxic polymers in healthcare settings, to minimize MP discharge and protect environmental and public health.

PMID:42862864 | PMC:PMC13657284 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0358340

World J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2026 Oct 12;42(10):604. doi: 10.1007/s11274-026-05322-0.

ABSTRACT

Plastic pollution is among this century's defining environmental problems, and aquatic systems carry a disproportionate share. As polymers fragment into microplastics and nanoplastics they disperse through rivers, lakes and oceans, harming organisms and entering food webs. Algae have attracted growing attention as a biological complement to physical and chemical clean-up. This review synthesises peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2026 on interactions between plastics and freshwater and marine algae. We examine eukaryotic microalgae from freshwater (Chlorella, Scenedesmus, Coccomyxa, Uronema) and marine systems (Navicula, Phaeodactylum, Skeletonema, Dunaliella); cyanobacteria (Phormidium, Oscillatoria, Anabaena, Nostoc, Arthrospira), treated separately as prokaryotes; and the macroalga Sargassum. Reported outcomes range widely from a few percent of low-density polyethylene surface-altered by cyanobacteria, to roughly a quarter of mixed-polymer film attributed to Coccomyxa, and up to ~ 27% of high-density polyethylene by a freshwater epiplastic consortium, along with many studies that document surface colonisation, hetero-aggregation and physiological stress rather than complete breakdown. We explain the mechanisms involved: extracellular enzymes proposed to cleave polymer chains, the extracellular polymeric substances that anchor cells to plastic, reactive-oxygen-driven oxidation and the staged formation of the plastisphere. The supporting evidence is graded from gene prediction to demonstration by a purified enzyme. Most outcomes prove to be physical capture or surface modification, and no study reviewed demonstrates mineralisation. We assess engineered diatoms and green algae expressing bacterial PET hydrolases and identify what field application would require: synthetic consortia, omics-based enzyme mining, photobioreactor integration, machine-learning-guided enzyme design, and standardised protocols focused on mineralisation.

PMID:42862464 | DOI:10.1007/s11274-026-05322-0

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Oct 10;518:143810. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143810. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Rainfall runoff is one of the key drivers of microplastic transport from sources to sinks, but the dynamic changes of microplastics remain insufficiently quantified. This study systematically investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics in a typical agricultural watershed from April to December 2025 through soil sampling and monthly water monitoring, combined with high-frequency monitoring of 13 rainfall events to quantify the impact of rainfall on microplastic transport. Results showed that soil microplastic abundance was higher near residential areas. The water microplastic abundance in the downstream was higher than that in the upstream, and elevated concentrations in ponds may serve as both sinks and export sources of microplastics. The mean of event mean concentrations (EMC_MP) during rainfall events was significantly higher than that of baseflow, representing a 1.9-fold increase (p < 0.05). The predominance of counter-clockwise hysteresis (62% of events) supported the hypothesis that microplastic transport may be influenced by proximal supply limitation and distal-source delayed delivery as hydrological connectivity increases. Microplastic load was significantly correlated with most of the hydrological variables examined. Load-discharge model estimated that the 23.2% of rainfall time contributed 54.1% of the annual load, highlighting the necessity of incorporating high-frequency rainfall event monitoring into watershed microplastic load assessment frameworks.

PMID:42863147 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143810

Mar Environ Res. 2026 Oct 12;222:108455. doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108455. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most abundant plastic pollutants in marine environments. However, compared with other polymers, research on PET microplastics (MPs)-particularly their impact on benthic organisms in sediment environments-remains relatively scarce. In this study, we exposed Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) to PET MPs in fragments and fibers of five sizes at concentrations of 0.8, 8, and 80 mg/kg dry weight (dw) of sediment for 21 days using a water-sediment exposure system. Mortality in Manila clams exposed to PET MPs remained unchanged, and each MP group accumulated in the digestive glands and gills. Chronic exposure to PET MPs increased reactive oxygen species production and SOD, IL-1β, and CASP8 levels in the gill and digestive gland tissues of clams. Integrated biomarker response analysis showed stronger correlations for fragments than for fibers, and for larger than smaller sizes, in both gill and digestive gland tissues. Furthermore, omics analysis confirmed a strong response in inflammation-related factors to fragment MPs, suggesting that PET MPs induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular responses that lead to digestive and secretory dysfunction, which may cause morphological and metabolic changes in clams and ultimately adversely affect their health and survival. This study contributes to our understanding of the toxic mechanisms of PET MPs, focusing on their size and shape, and ultimately raises awareness of their harmful effects in the environment.

PMID:42863255 | DOI:10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108455

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Oct 12;233(Pt 3):120442. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120442. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To elucidate the spatiotemporal evolution of microplastic particle size distributions and their controlling mechanisms in estuarine-coastal regions, this study conducted continuous monitoring in Tianjin coastal waters from 2021 to 2025. By coupling microplastic abundance and particle size analysis with Weibull distribution fitting to extract the rate parameter λ and shape parameter α, the impacts of sedimentation, fragmentation, and riverine input were investigated. The results showed a significant decline in both λ and α at all sites during 2021-2022, coinciding with extreme rainfall (978.4 mm) in Tianjin in 2021, indicating a pronounced riverine input pulse. After 2022, sites exhibited regional differentiation: northern nearshore sites showed sustained concurrent declines in λ and α (continuous input dominance); central sites exhibited stable low-level fluctuations (input-sedimentation balance); and certain sites displayed transient concurrent increases (episodic sedimentation dominance). Spatially, the multi-year mean λ increased with water depth, reflecting preferential settling of large particles. Notably, the concurrent decline in λ and α was accompanied by decreasing abundance at most sites, indicating that input particles became larger while total input flux decreased. This pattern may reflect the initial effectiveness of regional plastic control measures. This study demonstrates that the λ-α dual-parameter combination can effectively distinguish physical processes controlling microplastic size distributions, providing a new diagnostic tool for source identification and process attribution of microplastics in coastal waters.

PMID:42863261 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120442

Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 2026 Oct 12;91(3):24. doi: 10.1007/s00244-026-01226-0.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the presence of microplastics (MP) in drainage channels that carry stormwater and greywater runoffs from areas surrounding the industrial sites on Viti Levu, Fiji's main island. Water samples were collected, digested with hydrogen peroxide, separated by density separation and filtered through an aluminum oxide Anodisc membrane filter (0.2 μm pore size) for particle recovery. The filter membranes were observed under a microscope for the presence, size and morphology of MP. 93.4% of particles ≥ 100 μm were confirmed as MP by ATR-FTIR. Across all sampling locations, an average MP concentration of 2.23 ± 0.78 MP L⁻¹ was observed, with the highest MP abundance (3.08 MP L^{- 1}) at Site 5 and the lowest (1.26 MP L^{- 1}) at Site 2. Fragments accounted for the largest number of MP (48.08%), followed by fibers (47.83%) and films (4.09%). Most of the MP (52.30%) were smaller than 500 μm. Polyethylene (PE, 46.29%) and polystyrene (PS, 33.76%) were the most prevalent polymers, reflecting their extensive use in packaging materials. These findings highlight the substantial role of industrial activities in MP contamination of the marine ecosystems. In Fiji, PS has been completely banned as a single use plastic, while PE is restricted under certain conditions. It is important to extend this ban to include PE and PS packaging materials to accelerate the elimination of these plastics from Fiji's environment.

PMID:42862332 | DOI:10.1007/s00244-026-01226-0

Environ Res. 2026 Oct 12:125901. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.125901. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The widespread use of biodegradable plastic mulch films and organic manure in agriculture has led to the accumulation of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs), heavy metals, and antibiotics in soil. In this study, three food waste-derived soil amendments, including digestion liquid (DL), digested food waste (DFW), and DFW-derived biochar (DFW-BC), were evaluated for their ability to mitigate co-pollution of Pb, sulfamethazine (SM2), and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in soil containing poly(butylene succinate) microplastics (PBS-MPs). All amendments enhanced SM2 dissipation, and DFW and DFW-BC facilitated the transformation of acid-soluble Pb into less mobile fractions, whereas DL exhibited a more modest effect on Pb immobilization. Regarding ARGs, DL amendment reduced the relative abundances of intl1 and sul1 by 21.6% and 35.0%, respectively. DFW amendment achieved reductions of 77.6% for intl1 and 57.1% for sul2, while DFW-BC amendment reduced them by 17.8% and 28.6%, respectively. Correlation network analysis suggested that Bacillaceae was identified as a potential host of sul1 and intl1, whereas sul2 potential hosts mainly belonged to the phylum Proteobacteria. Mechanistically, these amendments primarily drove changes in the soil bacterial community by increasing soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) and total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) contents, while reducing water-soluble SM2 concentration, thereby suppressing the proliferation of potential ARGs hosts such as Bacillaceae and mitigating soil ARGs contamination. This study demonstrates that food waste-derived amendments, as value-added reutilization resources, offer a promising strategy for the remediation of soils co-contaminated with BMPs and multiple pollutants.

PMID:42863739 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.125901

Neurotoxicology. 2026 Oct 12;117:103588. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2026.103588. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) (MNPs) have been linked to various health risks, but their presence in the human brain and association with Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related pathological proteins remain poorly understood. In this study, superior temporal gyrus tissues of 16 northeast Chinese postmortem donors were analyzed via pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and laser direct infrared spectroscopy (LDIR) to characterize MNPs, while AD-related pathological proteins Aβ and p-tau levels in the hippocampus were detected by immunohistochemical staining and quantified by H-score. Py-GC/MS quantification revealed polymers corresponding to polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP) in all samples, with PE as the dominant type (63.3% of total polymers concentrations). The overall mean concentration of these four polymers was 105.70 μg/g ranging from 24.69 μg/g to 184.77 μg/g. LDIR of four selected samples further identified 17 additional types of MPs besides the aforementioned four; additionally, 80.8% of MPs had diameters smaller than 60 μm, and 84.7% were spherical and irregular in shape. Exploratory multiple linear regression suggested positive associations of PE and PS with Aβ levels. This study provided evidence of plastic polymers in fresh human brain tissue and established a preliminary association between polymers burden and AD-related pathological proteins, might provide a valuable basis for future studies investigating the association between MNPs and AD.

PMID:42863610 | DOI:10.1016/j.neuro.2026.103588

Food Res Int. 2026 Nov 30;244:120587. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2026.120587. Epub 2026 Aug 29.

ABSTRACT

While global microplastic (MPs) pollution threatens aquatic ecosystems and food safety, the widespread presence of MP sin marine fish and the associated health risks have raised significant concerns. This study aims to detect/characterize the presence of MP in whiting (Merlangius merlangus) fish caught in different regions of the Black Sea over two years on a seasonal basis, to determine the toxicity potential in fish (biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical), fillet quality (protein oxidation), and the effects on potential MPs intake levels in humans during 2 years. MPs were detected across all sampling regions, seasons, and examined tissues, although their occurrence and abundance varied according to year, season, and region, with relatively higher MP burdens observed in samples from the Western and Eastern Black Sea. Year-to-year analysis of polymer composition showed that polyethylene (PE) was the dominant polymer, increasing from 38.7% in the first year to 48.6% in the second year. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was the second most frequent polymer, increasing from 22.6% to 27.0% between the first and second years, respectively. Higher tissue MPs burdens coincided with changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and elevated levels of MDA, MPO, IL-6, TNF-α, 8-OHdG, and Caspase-3 in some sampling groups, although the magnitude of these responses varied among tissues, seasons, and sampling regions. However, because this was an observational field study, these co-occurring patterns should not be interpreted as evidence of a direct causal effect of MPs.Biochemical and molecular biomarker analyses conducted in multiple target tissues (gills, liver, muscle, and the digestive system) revealed significant tissue-specific and seasonal changes. Stronger physiological stress responses were observed in some seasons and sampling regions with relatively higher tissue MPs burdens.Significant upward trends were observed in the markers evaluated. In particular, winter samples from the first year revealed severe tissue-level inflammation, with TNF-α reaching 267 ng/L in muscles and 491.8 ng/L in the digestive system, accompanied by marked lipid peroxidation (MDA up to 10.3 μmol/mL in muscles); which demonstrates that environmental stress factors triggered coordinated toxicological pathways in these target systems. Histomap mapping and immunohistochemistry data revealed findings consistent with biochemical analysis results. During the meat quality assessment phase, changes in SS and SH bonds in protein oxidation data, increases in carbonyl content and lactic acid levels, and decreases in muscle glycogen levels and pH were observed (p < 0.05). When the potential MPs intake level for people consuming whiting (Merlangius merlangus) fish is evaluated on a daily basis, the effects of season, and year are taken into account. Based on the food safety evaluation, average domestic consumers (Scenario A) were estimated to have an annual MPs exposure between 0.0000 and 0.0958 items/year, whereas intake for high-level consumers in the 90th percentile (Scenario C) peaked at 0.3327 items/year. Even though formal regulatory limits or toxicological thresholds for MPs have not yet been established, these calculated ingestion rates offer an essential foundation for assessing seafood safety. Our findings indicate that while growth characteristics in whiting fish show strong biological consistency, MP presence varies significantly depending on the year and season, with MP load being higher in some regions. Furthermore, the higher MPs accumulation observed in larger individuals suggests a possible influence of body size and cumulative environmental exposure on MP burden.

PMID:42859041 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodres.2026.120587

J Environ Qual. 2026 Sep-Oct;55(5):e70276. doi: 10.1002/jeq2.70276.

ABSTRACT

Coastal development has led to a reframing of shoreline protection best management practices (BMPs), which use geotextiles for erosion control and shoreline stabilization. One risk of geotextile use in dynamic coastal environments is degradation into microplastics. This preliminary study quantified microplastic release from such degradation. Two common BMP geotextiles, black silt fence and green mesh geomat, were exposed to simulated estuarine conditions in mesocosms that included wave action as well as ambient ultraviolet radiation and temperatures. Water from the mesocosms was sampled, sieved, and analyzed through a combined approach of visual counting and laser direct infrared (LDIR) analysis. Visual counts revealed elevated synthetic particles in both treatments, with black particle concentrations 8.8x higher in the black silt fence treatment and green particle concentrations 5.1x higher in the green mesh geomat treatment. LDIR verification indicated elevated polypropylene concentrations from first exposure "wash-off" (5600 particles m^-2 day^-1 for the black silt fence and 20,000 particles m^-2 day^-1 year for the green mesh geomat). Shedding rates generally increased after the second sampling to a maximum rate of 140 and 230 particles m^-2 day^-1 for the green mesh geomat and black silt fence, respectively, at 48 days. Results indicate these geotextiles will release microplastics for far longer time scales than was monitored in this project, suggesting a need for a reassessment of current BMP materials and their management to better mitigate microplastic pollution in coastal environments.

PMID:42855868 | PMC:PMC13653067 | DOI:10.1002/jeq2.70276

Water Environ Res. 2026 Oct;98(10):e70625. doi: 10.1002/wer.70625.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are no longer only a waste-management issue. They have taken on a new dimension, beginning with production processes and continuing with their fate and consequences in the environment and have been shaped by public health. This study examined the interaction between the different stages of the MP value chain (production, distribution, consumption, waste and wastewater management, environment, and public health) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within a comprehensive and quantitative framework. Within this context, the expert opinion-based Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), involving 12 experts, and bibliometric findings obtained from the Scopus database were integrated. The bibliometric analysis included 17,518 publications published between 2020 and 2025. The AHP results showed that Climate Action (SDG-13) and Life Below Water (SDG-14) were absolutely dominant throughout the MP value chain, with weighted values of 0.343 and 0.348, respectively. In the production phase, Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG-12) was at a strategically focal point with a weighted value of 0.149. Bibliometric findings confirmed a 597.7% increase in the annual number of publications between 2020 and 2025. Based on the results of the bibliometric analyses, the literature focused largely on the effects of MPs on human health-Good Health and Well-Being (SDG-3 = 29.03%). This reflects an important science-policy gap in that research has focused mostly on possible ecological hazards arising from MPs, whereas policymakers have addressed structural drivers of pollution at source and control of the process. The results also showed that MP pollution must be addressed not only through "end-of-pipe" approaches but also through value chain-focused strategies, such as ecodesign and the circular economy. In this regard, the present study offers a comprehensive, data-driven, and applicable framework of decision support for MP management.

PMID:42855960 | DOI:10.1002/wer.70625

Water Environ Res. 2026 Oct;98(10):e70625. doi: 10.1002/wer.70625.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are no longer only a waste-management issue. They have taken on a new dimension, beginning with production processes and continuing with their fate and consequences in the environment and have been shaped by public health. This study examined the interaction between the different stages of the MP value chain (production, distribution, consumption, waste and wastewater management, environment, and public health) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within a comprehensive and quantitative framework. Within this context, the expert opinion-based Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), involving 12 experts, and bibliometric findings obtained from the Scopus database were integrated. The bibliometric analysis included 17,518 publications published between 2020 and 2025. The AHP results showed that Climate Action (SDG-13) and Life Below Water (SDG-14) were absolutely dominant throughout the MP value chain, with weighted values of 0.343 and 0.348, respectively. In the production phase, Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG-12) was at a strategically focal point with a weighted value of 0.149. Bibliometric findings confirmed a 597.7% increase in the annual number of publications between 2020 and 2025. Based on the results of the bibliometric analyses, the literature focused largely on the effects of MPs on human health-Good Health and Well-Being (SDG-3 = 29.03%). This reflects an important science-policy gap in that research has focused mostly on possible ecological hazards arising from MPs, whereas policymakers have addressed structural drivers of pollution at source and control of the process. The results also showed that MP pollution must be addressed not only through "end-of-pipe" approaches but also through value chain-focused strategies, such as ecodesign and the circular economy. In this regard, the present study offers a comprehensive, data-driven, and applicable framework of decision support for MP management.

PMID:42855960 | DOI:10.1002/wer.70625

Work Health. 2026;2(3):17. doi: 10.53941/wah.2026.100017. Epub 2026 Jul 31.

ABSTRACT

Climate change, toxic pollution, and social inequities are converging to create new risks for workers and communities, particularly in the Global South. Yet occupational and environmental health research and policy still tend to address these stressors in isolation, not considering their interactions. To synthesize the main messages of the COP30 side event, "Amazon and Heat: Community-First Climate-Environment-Health Action from the Amazon Basin to Africa and Europe", presented in the context of the LIMA2025 Conference on Occupational Medicine, and to propose a framework for integrated climate-environment-health action in work and community settings. This conference report and policy perspective are based on a narrative synthesis of presentations and discussions delivered during the COP30 side event and subsequently presented at LIMA2025 by researchers, Indigenous leaders, occupational health practitioners and civil society organizations from the Amazon Basin, Africa and Europe. Contributions were grouped into thematic domains: (1) climate and toxic exposures in the Amazon; (2) work and heat in African and Southern European settings; and (3) cross-cutting challenges and policy opportunities. The analysis followed a qualitative thematic approach. Across regions, participants described intersecting exposures to heat, toxic chemicals, air pollution, deforestation and psychosocial stress, disproportionately affecting workers, Indigenous peoples, traditional populations, pregnant women and children. Evidence from cohort studies, intervention projects, and remote-sensing analyses highlighted: (i) elevated mercury exposure and increasing microplastics and diesel contamination in Amazonian communities, alongside climate-sensitive food-system vulnerabilities; (ii) growing heat-related health risks among children and pregnant women in African cities; and (iii) dehydration, kidney dysfunction, and cardiometabolic risks among agricultural and construction workers in Southern Europe. Cross-cutting themes included exposure mixtures, inequities in access to care and justice, persistent data gaps, and the need for locally owned technologies, capacity building, and sustainable solutions. The side event catalyzed the development of an Amazon Climate-Environment-Health Consortium and a shared policy agenda. Integrated, equity-focused action on heat, toxic exposures, and work is essential for a just climate transition.

PMID:42857798 | PMC:PMC13652508 | DOI:10.53941/wah.2026.100017

Environ Pollut. 2026 Oct 10;411(Pt A):129281. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129281. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

MICRO: and nano-plastics (MNPs) are emerging environmental pollutants, yet the influence of surface functionalization on their hepatotoxicity remains poorly understood. In this study, zebrafish liver (ZFL) cells were exposed plain and surface-functionalized polystyrene microplastics (1 μm) and nanoplastics (50 nm) to assess their effects on cell viability, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipidomic responses, and gene expression. As a complementary analysis, UV-treated particles were evaluated on cell viability and ROS production. While most treatments did not impair cellular viability or trigger extensive transcriptional responses, UV photodegradation produced only transient changes in ROS levels, with minor increases relative to controls. MP-NH₂ caused a marked accumulation of cholesterol esters, accompanied by reduced microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (mtp) transcript abundance, suggesting perturbation of sterol metabolism. In contrast, plain nanoplastics selectively increased ether-linked phosphatidylcholines, suggesting altered membrane organization. Overall, these findings indicate that size-related particle attributes and surface chemistry, particularly aminated MPs and plain NPs, are associated with distinct lipidomic responses in ZFL cells, and highlight lipidomics as a sensitive approach for detecting early biochemical perturbations following MNP exposure.

PMID:42858762 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129281

Environ Manage. 2026 Oct 10;76(10):337. doi: 10.1007/s00267-026-02596-w.

ABSTRACT

Due to their widespread distribution, persistence, and potential to release additives and adsorb environmental pollutants, microplastics pose complex risks to ecosystems and human health. Bioindicators can reflect microplastic pollution levels in specific environments, as well as reveal microplastic bioavailability, food chain transfer potential, and associated ecological risks, thereby providing key evidence for early warning systems and ecological health impact assessments. However, current biomonitoring studies have not yet provided a comprehensive synthesis of bioindicator distribution, monitoring matrix selection, intrinsic physiological traits, and extrinsic environmental influences. This review systematically analyzes these key aspects, with the following major findings: current research is unevenly distributed (primarily concentrated in Europe, Asia, and water environment; indicator species include fish and bivalves; and the biological substrate is mainly the digestive tract). By integrating factors including monitoring duration, quantitative accuracy, and ethical constraints, we established a research-objective-oriented decision tree for sample matrix selection. Further demonstrates that the correlation between biological traits and microplastic burden is species- and metric-dependent, and highlights the urgent need to establish a multi-indicator integrated assessment system and a novel toxicological framework.

PMID:42859234 | DOI:10.1007/s00267-026-02596-w

Mar Environ Res. 2026 Oct 2;222:108441. doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108441. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) released from aquaculture infrastructure represent a growing source of pollution in coastal environments, yet their fate in the presence of periphytic diatoms remains underexplored. This study investigates how the periphytic diatom Cylindrotheca closterium interacts with polyethylene (PE) MPs of two size classes (10-20 μm and 100-200 μm) under controlled laboratory conditions. Using 36-day time-series experiments, we examined cell attachment, aggregate formation, and sinking dynamics. C. closterium rapidly reached high biomass (>1.50 × 10⁶ cells mL^-1) and formed visible aggregates as early as day 11. Aggregation pathways differed by MP size: small particles became embedded within branched internal matrices, whereas large particles developed into dense, spherical flocs with external coatings of diatom cells. Large MPs served as nucleation cores, enabling higher MP incorporation per aggregate (mean 1.68-2.44 MPs) and generating attachment ratios exceeding 8.00 × 10³ cells per particle in some treatments. Aggregate areas surpassed 1.7 × 10⁵ μm² in large-PE groups, and sinking velocities reached up to 3.70 mm s^-1. Aggregate formation and downward transport occurred across all treatments, with distinct morphologies and performance depending on particle size and concentration. These results suggest that C. closterium promotes a robust pathway for MP aggregation and sedimentation through surface-mediated attachment rather than extensive extracellular matrix production. The size-dependent structural strategies highlight functional plasticity in capturing and retaining MPs. Overall, this study underscores the significant role of periphytic diatoms in regulating the environmental fate of aquaculture-derived MPs, providing new insight into biologically mediated removal processes in coastal ecosystems.

PMID:42854297 | DOI:10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108441

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Oct 8;517:143859. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143859. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a major environmental issue due to its potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. After more than 20 years of research and over 7000 publications, sufficient knowledge is now available to support the first ecological risk assessments. In this context, risk indices have emerged as tools for evaluating environmental quality and MP contamination. This review analyzed 361 studies investigating MP pollution and risk assessment indices, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and future development needs. Since the first publication in 2018, research activity has grown exponentially. Initially dominated by studies from Asia, the topic has recently expanded into a global research field. Most studies have been published in high-impact journals, reflecting the importance of risk indices in MP monitoring and assessment. However, this growth has led to the proliferation of numerous and highly similar indices (31 metrics proposed), sometimes applied with methodological inconsistencies, creating confusion among researchers and practitioners. The most widely used are the Pollution Load Index (PLI), the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), and the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI), mainly applied to water samples, with 73.9% of studies used in combination. Overall, MP indices can be classified into three groups: those based on MP abundance, those focusing on a single MP characteristic, and multidimensional indices integrating multiple traits, such as size, shape, and polymer type. We conclude that multidimensional approaches should be prioritized, supported by a shared assessment framework and the consistent application of existing indices rather than the continued development of new overlapping metrics.

PMID:42854481 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143859

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Oct 7;517:143856. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143856. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The accumulation of PFASs in sediments is influenced by both dry-wet alternation (ADW) patterns and microplastic (MP) pollution, yet their combined effects on PFAS fate in water-sediment systems remain unclear. In this study, we investigated PFAS accumulation in sediments under three ADW patterns (1ADW, 2ADW, 3ADW) and continuous submergence (CS), combined with or without polypropylene (PP) MPs (1% w/w). The results showed that, relative to CS, ADW generally inhibited the accumulation of PFOA & substitutes, whereas its effect on PFOS & substitutes was pattern-dependent, with 3ADW even showing elevated accumulation. For individual compounds, HFPO-TA and PFHxS varied most across ADW treatments; Gen-X and PFBS least. MPs presence altered this trend: MPs promoted PFAS accumulation under ADW (with the highest increment of 44.68 μg/kg for PFOS & substitutes under 1ADW), but exhibited inhibition (for PFOA & substitutes) or weak (for PFOS & substitutes) effects under CS, indicating that the direction of MP-mediated regulation is highly dependent on hydrological conditions. Based on sediment physicochemical property differences and multiple linear regression (MLR) model results, compared to CS, ADW primarily inhibited PFAS accumulation by disrupting sediment flocculent structures and altering the role of DOM, whereas MPs presence enhanced PFAS retention by intensifying surface fragmentation, modulating key parameters (e.g., Zeta potential, BIX, and DOC), and serving as an additional sorption phase, thereby altering the original inhibition pattern imposed by ADW.

PMID:42854486 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143856

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Oct 7;517:143852. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143852. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Urban stormwater runoff is an important pathway for microplastics entering aquatic environments, while conventional bioretention media have limited interfacial capture capacity for hydrophobic microplastics (MPs). To construct a medium with a superhydrophobic surface and enhanced MP capture ability, this study fabricated a superhydrophobic medium, HDA@COF-LZU1@PDA@Zeolite, through polydopamine anchoring, in situ growth of COF-LZU1, and hexadecylamine hydrophobic modification. Its structural composition, wetting stability, MP removal performance, and interfacial interaction mechanism were systematically investigated. The results showed that the modified material achieved a WCA of 160° and retained superhydrophobicity under saline, acidic/alkaline, and mechanical abrasion conditions. Compared with pristine zeolite, the modified medium increased PP, PE, and PET removal from 3.27%, 5.63%, and 6.89-83.06%, 96.52%, and 99.16%, respectively. Kinetic data were best described by the PSO model, while the Langmuir model provided the best fit to the isotherm data, with capture capacity tending toward saturation at higher MP concentrations. The material also maintained effective MP removal at lower initial concentrations and under different ionic conditions. AFM, XDLVO, DFT calculations, and AIMD simulations were further used to explain the origin of the different capture behaviors from the perspectives of interfacial mechanics and molecular interactions. The differentiated capture behavior was associated with hydrophobic interactions, van der Waals interactions, local polar interactions, and possible π-π interactions. Among them, PET exhibited the highest capture efficiency, possibly due to additional contributions from its benzene rings and ester groups to interfacial interactions with the COF-LZU1 framework. This study suggests the differentiated capture mechanism of different MPs by the superhydrophobic COF-zeolite medium and provides guidance for the interfacial design of media in bioretention systems.

PMID:42854488 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143852

Water Res. 2026 Oct 2;308(Pt C):127046. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.127046. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Investigating the spatial distribution and seasonal variations of riverine microplastics (MPs) is vital to aquatic ecological research. Mass suspended sediment within the Yellow River introduces severe background noise, which impedes conventional deep learning models from accurately extracting fine edge features of microplastics. Based on water samples collected from the Zhengzhou reach of the Yellow River, this study systematically evaluates a matrix of 24 hybrid encoder-decoder segmentation architectures covering six backbones (ResNet and ResNeXt series) and four decoders (FPN, DeepLabV3+, UNet, UNet++). The objective is to identify the optimal single model configuration (including network depth, topological layout, and feature fusion strategy) capable of accurately extracting fine edge features of microplastics under severe sediment interference.. Beyond standard segmentation metrics, three dedicated indices including Counting Error (CE), Background Complexity (BC) and 95% Hausdorff Distance (HD95) are proposed to quantify the anti-noise robustness of each model. Grad-CAM visualization is adopted to interpret model spatial feature activation and target focus patterns, and micro-Fourier transform infrared (μ-FTIR) spectroscopy is utilized to cross-validate segmentation outputs. The ResNeXt-101 + UNet++ hybrid network delivers optimal performance. Equipped with grouped convolution and nested dense skip connections, this architecture bridges the information gap between shallow spatial details and deep semantic features, achieving a precision of 0.9534, a recall of 0.9991 and a mean absolute counting error (MAE) of 0.242. Microplastic abundances predicted by the model show excellent consistency with μ-FTIR measurements, addressing the common disconnection between image segmentation and spectroscopic identification in existing studies. This work develops an accurate intelligent pipeline for microplastic detection and quantification, facilitating routine surveillance and ecological risk assessment within the Yellow River Basin, while providing a methodological framework that warrants further validation in other sediment-laden aquatic environments.

PMID:42854648 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2026.127046

Environ Res. 2026 Oct 9;309(Pt 2):125879. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.125879. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), defined as particles with a diameter <5 mm, are increasingly recognized as important global environmental stressors due to their ubiquity and harmful effects on organisms. Although most studies have investigated the direct biological effects of MPs, their role in the spread of pathogens and antibiotic resistance remains less explored. Thanks to their hydrophobic surfaces, MPs act as substrates for microbial colonization, giving rise to the plastisphere-a microenvironment that hosts opportunistic and clinically relevant bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Vibrio spp., and Aeromonas spp., some of which are multidrug-resistant. The plastisphere has emerged as a hotspot for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), promoting horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and contributing to the environmental spread of resistance. Human exposure to MPs is widespread, as MPs have been detected in water, food, and air. Once ingested or inhaled, they can accumulate in tissues, cross biological barriers, and cause gastrointestinal irritation, dysbiosis of the microbiota, endocrine disruptions, oxidative stress, and immunotoxicity. MPs carrying biofilms containing resistant bacteria and ARGs represent a direct route of exposure for the introduction of resistance factors into the human body, increasing the risk of untreatable infections. Despite growing evidence, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the role of MPs in the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and associated health risks. To date, no legislation specifically considers MPs as vectors of pathogens and ARGs. This review aims to clarify the concept of the plastisphere, its implications for AMR, and the urgent need for interdisciplinary approaches to address this emerging global threat.

PMID:42854809 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.125879

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Oct 7;517:143856. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143856. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The accumulation of PFASs in sediments is influenced by both dry-wet alternation (ADW) patterns and microplastic (MP) pollution, yet their combined effects on PFAS fate in water-sediment systems remain unclear. In this study, we investigated PFAS accumulation in sediments under three ADW patterns (1ADW, 2ADW, 3ADW) and continuous submergence (CS), combined with or without polypropylene (PP) MPs (1% w/w). The results showed that, relative to CS, ADW generally inhibited the accumulation of PFOA & substitutes, whereas its effect on PFOS & substitutes was pattern-dependent, with 3ADW even showing elevated accumulation. For individual compounds, HFPO-TA and PFHxS varied most across ADW treatments; Gen-X and PFBS least. MPs presence altered this trend: MPs promoted PFAS accumulation under ADW (with the highest increment of 44.68 μg/kg for PFOS & substitutes under 1ADW), but exhibited inhibition (for PFOA & substitutes) or weak (for PFOS & substitutes) effects under CS, indicating that the direction of MP-mediated regulation is highly dependent on hydrological conditions. Based on sediment physicochemical property differences and multiple linear regression (MLR) model results, compared to CS, ADW primarily inhibited PFAS accumulation by disrupting sediment flocculent structures and altering the role of DOM, whereas MPs presence enhanced PFAS retention by intensifying surface fragmentation, modulating key parameters (e.g., Zeta potential, BIX, and DOC), and serving as an additional sorption phase, thereby altering the original inhibition pattern imposed by ADW.

PMID:42854486 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143856

Ecotoxicology. 2026 Oct 9;35(9):183. doi: 10.1007/s10646-026-03146-0.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are known to carry toxic compounds in aquatic ecosystems, but information about the Nile River remains scattered. This review consolidates the current knowledge of MPs and related toxic substances in the Nile River, with a focus on bioaccumulation, transfer through the food chain, and dangers to aquatic life and human consumers. A systematic search of five databases from 2010 to 2026 identified 50 relevant studies. MPs, mainly polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene fibres, were found in Nile water (2.24 to 3.76 particles/L), sediments (up to 520 particles/kg), and organisms, with more than 75% of the fish sampled from the Nile River in Cairo containing MPs. Seasonal variations resulted in higher concentrations during summer. Experiments have demonstrated the uptake of MPs and their role in transporting heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), antibiotics, and plastic additives, increasing ecotoxicological risks. Aquatic organisms exhibit toxic effects such as oxidative stress, immune suppression, slowed growth, and reproductive problems. Although data on human health are limited, MPs and their toxic cargo have been linked worldwide to tissue buildup, inflammation, and gene damage, raising concerns for people relying on the Nile River. Despite these findings, knowledge gaps remain, especially regarding trophic transfer, biomagnification, and some health outcomes in Nile populations. This review emphasizes the need for standardized monitoring, better waste management, and targeted cleanup efforts. To our knowledge, this is the first review to specifically focus on MP-related toxicants in the Nile River, paving the way for future research in ecology and public health.

PMID:42853337 | DOI:10.1007/s10646-026-03146-0

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Oct 9;198(11):1173. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15985-9.

ABSTRACT

We evaluate how meteorological and environmental variables relate to stream microplastic concentrations using regression-based models. Forty-nine water column samples were collected bimonthly over an annual cycle (September 2024-September 2025) from a stream in southeastern Pennsylvania, USA. Microplastic particles were isolated and quantified by light microscopy, and polymer types were characterized using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results from three separate multiple linear regression models (stepwise selection, LASSO, and elastic net) demonstrate high variability in microplastic counts, including pronounced seasonal variability (mean = 7.6 particles L⁻¹, n = 49, 1σ = 4.9 particles L⁻¹). All regression approaches identified colder temperatures and stronger wind gusts as important predictors of elevated microplastic concentrations. Repeated tenfold cross-validation indicated that models incorporating these variables explained approximately 80% of the variability in microplastic concentrations within this relatively small dataset (n = 49), highlighting their importance as the dominant environmental controls on microplastic abundance in Plum Run. When scaled by riparian area, the wind-sensitive component of the stream plastic flux is consistent with physically plausible atmospheric deposition rates. These results provide an indirect inference that environmental factors enhance transport of microplastics into waterways. Qualitative data from EDS and FTIR spectra indicate that polyester fibers comprise the majority of microplastic pollution in Plum Run. From this, we infer that increased laundering and shedding of synthetic clothing during winter may be a primary driver of higher pollution in winter months.

PMID:42853504 | PMC:PMC13652910 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15985-9

Cardiovasc Toxicol. 2026 Oct 9;26(11):126. doi: 10.1007/s12012-026-10203-x.

ABSTRACT

Polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs), the most globally abundant plastic polymer, accumulate in rodent tissues following experimental exposure and have been implicated in multi-organ biochemical disruption. Whether mitochondrial bioenergetic failure and redox collapse represent a convergent, organ-transcendent mechanism of PE-MP toxicity has not been quantitatively established. We conducted a PRISMA 2020-guided systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis, searching four electronic databases for controlled rodent studies reporting oxidative phosphorylation enzyme activities and redox markers following PE-MP exposure. Risk of bias was evaluated with SYRCLE, and evidence certainty was graded using a preclinical adaptation of GRADE. Thirteen studies (160 experimental arms, seven organ systems) met inclusion criteria; four studies across five organs supplied quantitative TCA cycle and electron transport chain data for the primary analysis, while the remaining nine contributed redox biomarker data. PE-MPs produced large, significant suppression of all four TCA cycle enzymes (CS: g = -2.69 to -3.82; p ≤ 0.009) and electron transport chain Complexes I, III, and IV (g = -3.08 to -3.70; p < 0.0001); Complex II showed non-significant, organ-specific adaptive upregulation. Pro-oxidant markers MDA and NO rose significantly, with NO showing near-perfect cross-organ homogeneity (I² = 4.5%). Antioxidants GSH, SOD, and CAT were markedly depleted (g = -2.48, -2.93, -3.86; p < 0.0001). After mandatory GRADE/OHAT downgrades for unclear allocation concealment and single-group data dominance, certainty was Low for ten outcomes and Very Low for six. PE-MPs elicits the potency of being a mitochondrial toxicant via coherent tripartite axis throttling of TCA cycle, electron-leak amplification of the electron transport chain, and peroxynitrite-driven antioxidant exhaustion converging across renal, cardiac, pulmonary, neural, and gonadal tissues, with cardiac and cardiopulmonary mitochondrial injury emerging as a particularly consequential. These findings establish the mitochondrial-redox axis as a defining biochemical fingerprint of PE-MP multi-organ toxicity and provide mechanistic grounding for microplastic-associated cardiovascular risk.

PMID:42853351 | DOI:10.1007/s12012-026-10203-x

Environ Res. 2026 Oct 9;309(Pt 2):125879. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.125879. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), defined as particles with a diameter <5 mm, are increasingly recognized as important global environmental stressors due to their ubiquity and harmful effects on organisms. Although most studies have investigated the direct biological effects of MPs, their role in the spread of pathogens and antibiotic resistance remains less explored. Thanks to their hydrophobic surfaces, MPs act as substrates for microbial colonization, giving rise to the plastisphere-a microenvironment that hosts opportunistic and clinically relevant bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Vibrio spp., and Aeromonas spp., some of which are multidrug-resistant. The plastisphere has emerged as a hotspot for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), promoting horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and contributing to the environmental spread of resistance. Human exposure to MPs is widespread, as MPs have been detected in water, food, and air. Once ingested or inhaled, they can accumulate in tissues, cross biological barriers, and cause gastrointestinal irritation, dysbiosis of the microbiota, endocrine disruptions, oxidative stress, and immunotoxicity. MPs carrying biofilms containing resistant bacteria and ARGs represent a direct route of exposure for the introduction of resistance factors into the human body, increasing the risk of untreatable infections. Despite growing evidence, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the role of MPs in the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and associated health risks. To date, no legislation specifically considers MPs as vectors of pathogens and ARGs. This review aims to clarify the concept of the plastisphere, its implications for AMR, and the urgent need for interdisciplinary approaches to address this emerging global threat.

PMID:42854809 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.125879

Cureus. 2026 Oct 8;18(10):r251. doi: 10.7759/cureus.r251. eCollection 2026 Oct.

ABSTRACT

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.100295.].

PMID:42852441 | PMC:PMC13649166 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.r251

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2026 Oct 8:e3065392. doi: 10.1002/anie.3065392. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) are recognized as emerging environmental pollutants. However, their potential role in degrading pollutants under hydrodynamic conditions after environmental aging is frequently overlooked. In this study, three common MPs including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) were investigated for their ability to enhance atrazine (ATZ) degradation after UV aging and under ultrasonic hydrodynamic treatment. Our findings demonstrate that environmental aging significantly boosts the piezoelectric catalytic activity of MPs, consequently accelerating pollutant degradation. UV-aged polypropylene (PP-8) exhibited the highest performance, achieving a piezoelectric catalytic degradation rate constant (k ═ 0.246 min^-1), which is 22.36-fold higher than that of pristine PP (k ═ 0.011 min^-1). Mechanistic studies revealed that polar carbonyl (C ═ O) functional groups formed during aging play a pivotal role for improving the piezoelectric properties of MPs. This enhancement promotes hydroxyl radicals (·OH) generation from water molecules, which drives pollutant degradation. Furthermore, this effect was found to be general as it was consistently observed in systems using MPs aged by different environmental processes (high temperature, mechanical wear, and Fenton oxidation) and exposed to various hydrodynamic conditions (oscillation and cavitation). This study provides new insights into the self-purification mechanisms of organic pollutants in natural environments.

PMID:42850744 | DOI:10.1002/anie.3065392

ACS Omega. 2026 Sep 22;11(39):59990-60003. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.6c07338. eCollection 2026 Oct 6.

ABSTRACT

Formazan-based assays like MTT and XTT are widely accepted and routinely employed colorimetric methods for assessing cell viability and metabolic activity in vitro. However, there is evidence that these assays are frequently subject to interference by nano- and micro-particles through various mechanisms including adsorption, abiotic reduction, and optical interference. Formazan-based assays have previously been shown to be unsuitable for applications using carbon nanotubes, metal nano- and micro-particles, and zeolite microparticles, among others. This study examines the effect of fluorescent polystyrene (PS) beads in sizes from 200 nm to 2 μm and poly-(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) beads in sizes of 1 μm and 2 μm on the accuracy of MTT and XTT cell viability assays. Our results indicate that both PS and PMMA beads cause significant interference at sizes of 1 and 2 μm due to their attenuation spectra overlapping with the measurement wavelengths of the assays. These artifacts introduce uncertainty into viability measurements as the scattering-induced attenuation of the beads masquerades as formazan absorbance, resulting in both artificially inflated and deflated metabolic activity metrics depending on particle size and assay type. The interference of smaller 200 nm particles can be effectively corrected for by washing the plate prior to analysis. We suggest that thorough washes of the plates and additional cell-free control tests are necessary before using these assays when working with microplastics.

PMID:42852345 | PMC:PMC13648086 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.6c07338

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2026 Oct 5;98(suppl 2):e20260070. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202620260070. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the impact of microplastics (PET) on soil properties and the development of chives under controlled laboratory conditions. Microplastics were added to the soil at concentrations below 0.05% w/w to examine their effects on soil chemistry, including pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and essential nutrients. The chives plants were measured (length), including both the aerial parts and the root system. The root region of the plants was examined with the aid of a binocular microscope. The results show that microplastics influenced some soil characteristics, such as a reduction in pH, CEC, and essential nutrients, like phosphorus and calcium. On the other hand, the effect of microplastics on the growth of chives was minimal, with no significant differences observed between the plants grown in soils with and without microplastics (control sample). These results suggest that low concentrations of PET microplastics do not have adverse effects on soil, as well as the development of chives, even when present near the plant root system. Thus, we conclude that chives remain visibly attractive for human consumption, even in the presence of the plastic particles, despite their effects on human health are still not fully understood.

PMID:42848668 | DOI:10.1590/0001-3765202620260070

PLoS One. 2026 Oct 8;21(10):e0358424. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0358424. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

The accumulation of plastics and heavy metals (HMs) in the environment has become a significant global concern due to their persistence, ubiquity, and potential ecological impacts. Atmospheric micro- and nanoplastics (MP, NP) are capable of undergoing long-range transport and can be deposited onto plant shoots through precipitation, thereby exposing aerial plant tissues to these particulate contaminants. In this study, the effects of varying concentrations of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) (0, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg L-1), applied via foliar spraying, and cadmium (Cd) (0 and 5 mg L-1) were evaluated on the growth parameters and chemical composition of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) grown under hydroponic conditions. The experiment was carried out over three exposure durations-2, 4, and 6 weeks-designated as t1, t2, and t3, respectively. Fifteen-day-old seedlings were transplanted into hydroponic containers and sampled at the end of each exposure period. The results demonstrated that PSNPs had a significant impact on plant growth and biomass accumulation. At t3, exposure to 200 mg L-1 of PSNPs resulted in an 83.33% and 87.34% increase in the dry weight of shoots and roots, respectively, compared to the control. However, this positive trend reversed at higher concentrations; at 400 mg L-1, shoot and root dry weights decreased by 49.87% and 27.87%, respectively, relative to the 200 mg L-1 treatment. Cd concentration in the shoot at t3 increased by 72.28% at 50 mg L-1 PSNPs compared to the control but declined by 31.32% at 400 mg L-1. The Cd translocation factor (TF) from root to shoot rose sharply with increasing PSNPs concentrations, reaching a peak increase of 194% at 400 mg L-1 at t3. Additionally, TF values exhibited a positive correlation with plant age, suggesting enhanced TF in older plants. These results highlight the potential risk of PSNPs in Cd-contaminated environments, where they may modify Cd uptake, distribution and root-to-shoot translocation in spinach plants. By facilitating Cd transfer to shoots, particularly under prolonged exposure, PSNPs could increase the likelihood of Cd accumulation in edible tissues. This interaction raises concerns regarding the safety of leafy vegetables grown in agricultural systems co-contaminated with MPs/NPs and HMs.

PMID:42848815 | PMC:PMC13649017 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0358424

Chemosphere. 2026 Oct 8;413:145119. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145119. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plastic fragmentation represents a risk for ecosystems. Hummingbirds (Trochilidae) are nectarivorous birds restricted to the Americas, where they fulfill critical ecosystem roles as pollinators. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of meso- and microplastics (MMPs) in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of three hummingbird species from the floodplain of the Middle Paraná River (Argentina). Necropsies were conducted to extract the stomach and intestine, which were chemically digested. All particles were counted and classified by morphology, size and color, while a representative sub-sample of fibers (n = 32) and all fragments and films were selected for FTIR characterization. A total of 237 particles were visually identified and grouped by morphology into 228 microfibers, 5 mesofibers, 3 fragments and 1 film. Size fractions between 0.063 and 2 mm accounted for 82.28% of the total of particles. Of the 36 particles chemically characterized by FTIR, 14 were confirmed as synthetic plastic polymers. Two fragments were identified as polyurethane, one as polyamide, and the only film as polyamide, while polyester (n = 6, 19%) and polypropylene (n = 4, 12%) were identified in fibers. The remaining 22 particles, all fibers, were identified as cellulose of uncertain origin (69% of the analyzed fibers). Abundance ranged from 8 to 36 particles/bird. No statistically significant differences were detected among the three species (n_Cl = 5, n_Hf = 2, n_Hc = 4). Multiple potential ingestion routes for MMPs in nectarivorous birds were proposed, including potentially contaminated nectar, pollen, water, and insect prey. These findings highlight a potential exposure concern for hummingbirds that requires further investigation.

PMID:42849290 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.145119

Talanta. 2026 Oct 5;313(Pt A):130739. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2026.130739. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics are a ubiquitous environmental contaminant that can be found virtually every habitat and water source around the world. Therefore, there is great interest in developing efficient and reliable methodologies for the identification and enumeration of microplastics from environmental media. Laser direct infrared spectroscopy (LDIR) utilizes the fingerprint region of infrared (IR) spectra to make identification of plastics and other materials during analysis. However, only pristine spectra of plastics are currently used in the identification process. It has been well documented that the IR spectra of plastics changes considerably upon photochemical weathering, bringing into question whether databases may lead to misidentification of certain polymer types. To test if weathering influences identification of microplastics by LDIR, nine different plastics were irradiated to simulate weathering from 3 to 13 years in the sun. The physical and chemical changes of the plastic were measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) respectively. The weathered polymers were analyzed by LDIR-transflectance spectroscopy and resulting spectra were loaded into the LDIR matching database. This updated database was used to analyze samples from a local wastewater treatment plant with and without the inclusion of weathered spectra. This manuscript shows the inclusion of weathered transflectance spectra into the LDIR matching database can increase polymer identifications by 9.6 - 10.2% in wastewater samples on average. It also reveals that not all polymers are increased in identification uniformly, as PC and PA show the most sizeable increased spectral matches. However, most polymers tested were able to show increased medium and high-quality matches of weathered polymers using this approach.

PMID:42849312 | DOI:10.1016/j.talanta.2026.130739

Environ Pollut. 2026 Oct 8;411(Pt A):129274. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129274. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) in aquaculture systems in Bangladesh threaten ecosystem health and food safety. This study examined MPs in surface sediments and farmed fish from 25 aquaculture ponds in Trishal Upazila, Mymensingh. Most sites were moderately to highly polluted, with a pollution load index (PLI) ranging from 1.0 to 4.5, while mean sediment MPs concentrations were 11.04 ± 3.75 particles kg^-1. For fish, a total of 90 MPs were detected, with a mean abundance of 0.60 ± 1.16 MPs fish^-1. Demersal fish (52%) demonstrated the greatest ingestion rates, followed by benthopelagic (35%) and pelagic species (13%). The major polymers detected were PE and PP, showing ubiquitous plastic origins in aquaculture and household activities. Frequency of occurrence (FO%) ranging from 16% to 40% revealed uneven fish species MPs ingestion rate. Fulton's condition factor (K: 0.35-2.27) varied among species, with lower values observed in Catla catla and Pangasius pangasius, which also showed relatively higher MPs ingestion. Higher bioconcentration (BCF) values in Cirrhinus cirrhosus, Cyprinus carpio and Pangasius pangasius indicating MPs magnification through the food chain. Overall, the widespread ingestion of MP by cultured fish highlights their potential ecological impacts within Bangladesh's aquaculture systems and underscores the urgent need for targeted monitoring and sustainable management strategies to mitigate MP contamination.

PMID:42849694 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129274

Reprod Toxicol. 2026 Oct 8;146:109375. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2026.109375. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants linked to reproductive and developmental health. Plastic particles or polymeric residues have been detected in human blood, placenta, meconium, breast milk, fetal appendages, and umbilical venous blood, indicating maternal-fetal interface exposure during pregnancy. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a placental syndrome in which the fetus fails to achieve its growth potential, and impaired placental vascular, transport, endocrine, immune, and metabolic functions contribute to its pathogenesis. Experiments with polystyrene or polyethylene particles report fetal growth impairment, altered placental hemodynamics, defective trophoblast differentiation, mitochondrial and endoplasmic-reticulum stress, disrupted cholesterol and nicotinamide metabolism, lipid remodeling, and ferroptosis-associated injury. This targeted narrative review synthesizes human biomonitoring, animal, ex vivo, and omics evidence, with emphasis on placental fatty-acid uptake and oxidation, cholesterol trafficking, glycerophospholipid remodeling, nicotinamide/NAD⁺ homeostasis, oxidative lipid injury, and ferroptosis. Current evidence supports a plausible framework in which MNP exposure contributes to placental lipid metabolic dysregulation and thereby increases vulnerability to fetal growth impairment. However, human causal evidence remains insufficient, and the term MNPs should not obscure important differences between microplastics and nanoplastics in particle size, tissue penetration, detectability, and biological activity. Major uncertainties include contamination control, polymer and particle heterogeneity, environmental dose translation, gestational timing, co-exposure to additives and pollutants, and inconsistent FGR phenotyping. Prospective pregnancy cohorts and human-relevant placental models integrating validated particle detection, fetal growth trajectories, spatial and single-cell omics, metabolic-flux analysis, and rescue experiments are required to determine whether placental lipid dysregulation is a causal mediator of MNP-associated fetal growth restriction.

PMID:42849766 | DOI:10.1016/j.reprotox.2026.109375

Reprod Toxicol. 2026 Oct 8;146:109375. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2026.109375. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants linked to reproductive and developmental health. Plastic particles or polymeric residues have been detected in human blood, placenta, meconium, breast milk, fetal appendages, and umbilical venous blood, indicating maternal-fetal interface exposure during pregnancy. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a placental syndrome in which the fetus fails to achieve its growth potential, and impaired placental vascular, transport, endocrine, immune, and metabolic functions contribute to its pathogenesis. Experiments with polystyrene or polyethylene particles report fetal growth impairment, altered placental hemodynamics, defective trophoblast differentiation, mitochondrial and endoplasmic-reticulum stress, disrupted cholesterol and nicotinamide metabolism, lipid remodeling, and ferroptosis-associated injury. This targeted narrative review synthesizes human biomonitoring, animal, ex vivo, and omics evidence, with emphasis on placental fatty-acid uptake and oxidation, cholesterol trafficking, glycerophospholipid remodeling, nicotinamide/NAD⁺ homeostasis, oxidative lipid injury, and ferroptosis. Current evidence supports a plausible framework in which MNP exposure contributes to placental lipid metabolic dysregulation and thereby increases vulnerability to fetal growth impairment. However, human causal evidence remains insufficient, and the term MNPs should not obscure important differences between microplastics and nanoplastics in particle size, tissue penetration, detectability, and biological activity. Major uncertainties include contamination control, polymer and particle heterogeneity, environmental dose translation, gestational timing, co-exposure to additives and pollutants, and inconsistent FGR phenotyping. Prospective pregnancy cohorts and human-relevant placental models integrating validated particle detection, fetal growth trajectories, spatial and single-cell omics, metabolic-flux analysis, and rescue experiments are required to determine whether placental lipid dysregulation is a causal mediator of MNP-associated fetal growth restriction.

PMID:42849766 | DOI:10.1016/j.reprotox.2026.109375

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Oct 9;198(11):1166. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15983-x.

ABSTRACT

As an emerging environmental pollutant, the potential toxic effects of microplastics have become a topic of global concern. To address the issues with traditional detection methods- such as cumbersome operations, time-consuming processes, and reliance on human expertise-this study proposes an improved model based on YOLOv11n, named YOLO-CSM, for the efficient detection and classification of microplastics. First, partial multiscale convolutional modules (CSP-P) are introduced into the backbone and neck networks. By utilizing multiscale convolutional kernels and a cross-stage feature fusion mechanism, the model's ability to extract fine-grained features and detect minute objects is enhanced. Second, an SKFP module based on shared and dilated convolutions is designed to expand the receptive field and improve multiscale feature representation capabilities. Finally, the MSR module in the detection head dynamically adjusts feature weights via an adaptive average pooling layer and combines this with fully connected layers to strengthen cross-scale feature fusion, thereby improving the model's ability to recognize targets in complex backgrounds. Experimental results show that the improved model achieves mAP50 and mAP50-95 values of 92.06% and 44.08%, respectively. The complete model required 8.7 GFLOPs and achieved an inference speed of 143.85 FPS, indicating that it retained real-time detection capability despite the increase in computational complexity. Its overall performance surpasses that of the baseline YOLOv11n and other mainstream models, providing an efficient and reliable visual method for microplastic detection.

PMID:42850463 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15983-x

Toxicol Mech Methods. 2026 Oct 8:1-16. doi: 10.1080/15376516.2026.2741367. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Micro- and nanoplastics are pervasive environmental contaminants, yet direct in vivo evidence linking mixed-route exposure to leukocyte-endothelium interactions remains limited. Here, we investigated the effects of 28-day dual-route polystyrene exposure (oral microplastics and inhalational nanoplastics) in a sex-stratified murine model. Using intravital microscopy of mesenteric post-capillary venules, we quantified leukocyte rolling, stationary events and firm adhesion under physiological flow. Exposure increased leukocyte-endothelium interactions across the trafficking cascade compared with controls. Sex-stratified values are reported descriptively and are exploratory. Peripheral blood analysis showed higher total leukocyte counts and lymphocyte proportions in exposed animals. Fluorescence screening, restricted to the microplastic emission channel, revealed particle-associated signals on gastrointestinal tract, lung and brain surfaces. These organs exhibited biochemical and histopathological alterations, including increased lung malondialdehyde, reduced brain glutathione and structural injury in ileum, lung and brain tissues. Behavioral testing indicated impaired recognition and spatial working-memory-related performance, while anxiety-like behavior remained unaltered. These findings show that dual-route polystyrene exposure increases leukocyte-endothelium interactions in vivo, accompanied by organ-specific biochemical, structural and behavioral alterations. Because oral microplastics and inhaled nanoplastics were administered together and no single-route or single-size control group was included, the design does not allow the contribution of one route or one size class to be separated from the other. Endothelial activation, leukocyte activation, adhesion molecules and inflammatory mediators were not measured, so the increased interactions are reported here as an association and not as a demonstrated mechanism. This work supports leukocyte-endothelium interactions as a plausible physiological component contributing to the systemic response to micro- and nanoplastic exposure, highlighting the need for further studies of leukocyte and endothelial activation, inflammatory signaling and barrier dysfunction.

PMID:42847488 | DOI:10.1080/15376516.2026.2741367

Front Public Health. 2026 Sep 23;14:1918334. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1918334. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria associated with food systems is commonly attributed to antimicrobial use in clinical medicine and animal production, yet food-production and processing environments are also exposed to metals, biocides, pesticides, pharmaceutical residues, microplastics, sewage, and industrial effluents. These pressures can influence bacterial survival, biofilm persistence, antimicrobial susceptibility, and the maintenance or transfer of resistance determinants across soil, water, animals, crops, processing environments, markets, and households. This Perspective considers environmental pollutants as modifiers of AMR risk rather than sufficient evidence of causation or clinically relevant human transmission. Public-health concern is greatest where four elements converge: selective pollutant pressure, viable pathogens or clinically relevant colonizing or opportunistic organisms, mobile or expressed resistance determinants, and a credible human exposure pathway. This convergence model complements established One Health surveillance frameworks by explicitly linking environmental chemistry and pollutant mixtures with viability, resistance phenotype, mobile-element context, exposure, source attribution, and intervention evaluation. Evidence from antibiotic residues, metals, pesticides, biocides, microplastics, wastewater, genomic surveillance, and source-attribution studies indicates that biological plausibility alone is insufficient to establish human health risk. A pathway-based interpretation can distinguish environmental AMR signals from those supported by stronger evidence of food-system exposure and clinical relevance, while identifying surveillance and intervention priorities that can be tested across settings.

PMID:42846149 | PMC:PMC13642269 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2026.1918334

Mol Nutr Food Res. 2026 Oct;70(19):e70623. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.70623.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP; MPs) and nanoplastic (NP; NPs) pollution poses a growing threat to global health. Their small size and large surface area facilitate ingestion, accumulation, and interactions with biological systems, leading to toxicity through oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death. These effects may occur directly or through the release of adsorbed pollutants and plastic additives. Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene; RV), a natural polyphenol found in grapes, berries, and peanuts, has attracted interest as a potential protective agent because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its proposed protective effects against MP/NP toxicity involve modulation of key cellular signaling pathways, particularly nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). RV may activate Nrf2 by disrupting its interaction with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), thereby enhancing antioxidant defenses, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, and reducing reactive oxygen species-mediated damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Concurrently, RV may suppress NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses. However, current evidence is limited to a small number of preclinical studies, with no human studies available. These mechanisms remain largely hypothetical and require validation using standardized MP/NP exposure models.

PMID:42844955 | DOI:10.1002/mnfr.70623

Funct Plant Biol. 2026 Oct 23;53(10):FP26210. doi: 10.1071/FP26210.

ABSTRACT

This study examined short-term responses of barley to polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics in a controlled 60-day greenhouse rhizobox experiment with three replicates per treatment. Microplastics were applied at 0, 2, and 4% of dry soil mass, corresponding to high experimental loadings of 20,000 and 40,000 mg kg-1, respectively. Bulk and rhizosphere soils were evaluated separately using enzyme zymography, nutrient analysis, amplicon sequencing, microbial network analysis, Mantel tests, and structural equation modeling. Higher polyethylene exposure and both polyvinyl chloride treatments reduced superoxide dismutase activity by 16.27-39.12%, increased peroxidase activity by 33.09-67.07%, and reduced net photosynthetic rate by 18.02-24.79%. Microplastic treatments also altered the availability of ammonium, nitrate, and Olsen phosphorus and reorganized the spatial distribution of extracellular enzyme activity. Selected β-1,4-glucosidase, β-1,4-xylosidase, and 4-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase hotspots increased, whereas phosphatase hotspots declined across all microplastic treatments. Changes were also detected in bacterial and fungal diversity and microbial network organization, with lower bacterial network complexity and greater fungal network complexity in the rhizosphere. Structural equation modeling explained approximately 60% of the variation in net photosynthetic rate, with barley antioxidant enzyme responses and soil hydrolytic activity showing the strongest negative associations. These results provide short-term evidence that high microplastic loadings can modify interconnected plant and rhizosphere processes under controlled greenhouse conditions. Given the limited replication, short experimental duration, and high exposure levels, these responses should not be interpreted as evidence of field-level causality. Field experiments using environmentally realistic concentrations and longer exposure periods are required to determine their agricultural relevance.

PMID:42845004 | DOI:10.1071/FP26210

World J Mens Health. 2026 Aug 26. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.260019. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Environmental contamination by polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) has emerged as a growing concern due to their potential adverse effects on human health. Although PS-NPs have been reported to accumulate in penile tissue, their effects on penile endothelial integrity and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PS-NPs on penile endothelial injury and to explore the potential molecular mechanisms involved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vivo and in vitro exposure models were established using mixed PS-NPs composed of three particle sizes (25, 50, and 100 nm) in equal proportions. Male mice were exposed to PS-NPs, and penile tissues were evaluated by histological and molecular analyses. In vitro, rat corpus cavernosum endothelial cells (RCCECs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with PS-NPs to assess cell viability, proliferation, transcriptomic alterations, and tight junction-related protein expression.

RESULTS: PS-NPs exposure induced marked structural abnormalities in endothelial cells of the mouse penile vasculature, accompanied by reduced expression of proliferation markers and increased fibrosis in penile tissue. In vitro, PS-NPs significantly decreased RCCEC viability and proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Transcriptomic analyses revealed enrichment of differentially expressed genes in cell adhesion-related pathways in both mouse penile tissue and RCCECs. Notably, the expression of the tight junction protein Claudin-1 (CLDN1) was significantly downregulated in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, CLDN1 knockdown reduced endothelial cell viability, whereas CLDN1 overexpression increased endothelial cell viability in both HUVECs and RCCECs.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that PS-NPs exposure induces penile endothelial injury and fibrosis, potentially through disruption of cell adhesion and tight junction integrity mediated by CLDN1 downregulation, providing mechanistic insight into the potential risks of PS-NPs exposure to male sexual health.

PMID:42845164 | DOI:10.5534/wjmh.260019

Tissue Cell. 2026 Oct 6;104(Pt 3):104026. doi: 10.1016/j.tice.2026.104026. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the nephrotoxic effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms associated with oxidative stress, transcriptional dysregulation of mitochondrial homeostasis, inflammation, apoptosis, and renal bioaccumulation.

METHODS: Experimental animals were exposed to increasing concentrations of PS-MPs. Renal accumulation of PS-MPs was confirmed by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Renal function biomarkers, oxidative stress parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, inflammatory and apoptotic markers, mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, and mitophagy regulators were assessed using biochemical and molecular analyses. Histopathological examination of renal tissue was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was conducted to evaluate relationships among all measured parameters.

RESULTS: Py-GC/MS detected characteristic PS-derived pyrolysis products only in the 10, 20, and 40 µg/kg groups, with estimated signals increasing in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting dose-dependent renal accumulation of PS-derived material. PS-MP exposure induced significant renal dysfunction, evidenced by elevated creatinine, urea, uric acid, and urea/creatinine ratio. Oxidative stress was markedly increased, as demonstrated by elevated TBARS levels and depletion of GSH and antioxidant enzymes (GPx, GR, GST, SOD, and CAT). Histopathological examination revealed progressive glomerular congestion, tubular degeneration, epithelial desquamation, fibrosis, and inflammatory infiltration. In parallel, NF-κB and caspase-3 levels were significantly elevated, indicating enhanced inflammatory and apoptotic responses. Moreover, PS-MPs were associated with coordinated transcriptional dysregulation of mitochondrial homeostasis-related genes, characterized by suppression of PGC-1α, TFAM, MFN2, OPA1, and PINK1 expression, accompanied by increased DRP1 levels. PCA further demonstrated distinct separation between control and exposed groups, strongly associating PS-MP exposure with oxidative stress, transcriptional dysregulation of mitochondrial homeostasis-related genes, inflammation, apoptosis, and renal injury.

CONCLUSION: PS-MPs induce marked nephrotoxicity, accompanied by oxidative stress, coordinated transcriptional dysregulation of mitochondrial homeostasis-related genes, inflammatory activation, and apoptosis. These findings identify the kidney as a major target organ for microplastic accumulation and toxicity and provide valuable mechanistic insights into PS-MP-induced renal injury.

PMID:42843001 | DOI:10.1016/j.tice.2026.104026

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2026 Sep 30;839:154678. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2026.154678. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Environmental microplastic exposure has been increasingly implicated in cervical carcinogenesis, yet the underlying biological mechanisms of microplastic-associated disease progression remain largely unexplored. Therefore, this study combined transcriptomic analysis, chemical-gene interaction data, machine learning, and molecular docking to investigate the molecular impact of microplastics exposure associated with disease progression. Transcriptomic data from GEO database was retrieved and differential expression analysis was performed, yielding a consensus core of 330 common genes across disease conditions. Microplastic candidates including Polystyrene, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Nylon 612, Polymethyl Methacrylate, and Polyvinyl Chloride were selected based on established in vitro and in vivo evidence of carcinogenic potential in cervical tissues. Cross-referencing with chemical-gene interaction data identified 15 candidate genes linked to microplastic exposure and cervical cancer. The combinatorial feature selection across all 15-gene combinations (n = 32,570) using Support Vector Machine and Multinomial Logistic Regression algorithms yielded an optimized 5-gene diagnostic signature (FN1, HTR4, KIF14, PTP4A3, SLC7A2) for multiclass classification of Normal, CIN, and Cervical Cancer samples. The optimized SVM model achieved multiclass AUC values of 0.937, 0.889, and 0.925 for the Normal, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and Cancer classes, respectively, with further validation in independent GSE27678 validation cohort, demonstrating its robustness and generalizability. Molecular docking using AutoDock Vina demonstrated that polystyrene exhibited the highest binding affinities across all five target proteins, with peak scores of -6.681 kcal/mol, with KIF14. Collectively, these findings highlight potential molecular interactions between microplastics, particularly polystyrene, and key genes involved in cervical cancer progression. Thus, the proposed five-gene provides a promising framework for multiclass diagnosis and future studies of microplastics-associated carcinogenesis.

PMID:42843039 | DOI:10.1016/j.bbrc.2026.154678

Environ Pollut. 2026 Oct 7;411(Pt A):129298. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129298. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) generated from plastic degradation in municipal solid waste landfills pose a persistent threat to subsurface soils and groundwater, yet their vertical distribution and migration mechanisms in deep soils remain poorly understood. We established nine soil and five groundwater sampling locations across an informal landfill site. Soil cores were collected at ∼1 m intervals to 6 m depth to analyze MP distribution and ecological risks. The results indicate pronounced MP abundance in both deep soils and groundwater, with average abundances of 57,740 ± 42,355 particles/kg dry weight and 55 ± 51 particles/L, respectively. The dominant polymers in soil were polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyethylene (PE), accounting for 60.14% and 22.58%, respectively. In contrast, groundwater was primarily characterized by PE and polypropylene (PP), with PE representing the highest proportion at 58.82%. MP abundance in soils decreased significantly with increasing depth, indicating attenuation during vertical migration. Notably, distinct polymer-specific migration behaviors were observed: PTFE was preferentially retained in shallow soils, whereas PE exhibited greater vertical mobility and became relatively enriched in deeper soils and groundwater. Ecological risk assessment revealed that although the abundance of MPs was observed to decrease significantly in depth, the potential ecological risk index remained relatively stable across soil depths due to the increasing proportion of mobile polymers such as PE and HDPE in deeper layers. This indicates that risk assessments based solely on abundance may systematically underestimate the MP threat in deep subsurface environments. This work elucidates that polymer-specific migration is a key mechanism controlling the subsurface transport and fate of MPs from landfills, providing a scientific basis for developing polymer-informed risk management strategies.

PMID:42843547 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129298

Int J Impot Res. 2026 Oct 7. doi: 10.1038/s41443-026-01374-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are ubiquitous environmental contaminants and have been reported in human blood, placenta, semen, testis, ovarian follicular fluid, and penile tissue. This narrative review examines evidence relevant to reproductive and sexual health, with emphasis on endocrine signaling, oxidative stress, inflammation, and possible multigenerational effects. Human studies currently demonstrate tissue detection and, in cross-sectional semen studies, associations with selected semen parameters; they do not establish causation. In rodents, fish, invertebrates, and in vitro systems, MP exposure has been associated with impaired spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, ovarian granulosa-cell injury, altered oocyte maturation, placental dysfunction, and reduced erectile function. Evidence concerning pregnancy outcomes and assisted reproductive technology (ART) remains predominantly experimental or hypothetical. The available literature therefore supports biological plausibility and the need for standardized exposure assessment and longitudinal human studies, but not firm clinical risk estimates or causal conclusions.

PMID:42844337 | DOI:10.1038/s41443-026-01374-w

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Oct 7;198(11):1155. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15998-4.

ABSTRACT

Atmospheric microplastics (MPs) have emerged as ubiquitous environmental pollutants of global concern, with potential risks to ecosystems and human health. This review synthesizes 161 peer‑reviewed articles published between 2021 and 2025, providing a critical assessment of sampling and detection methodologies, physicochemical characteristics, spatiotemporal distribution patterns, human exposure pathways, and health risks. Research indicates that MPs primarily originate from textile fiber release, plastic degradation, and industrial emissions, with fibers and fragments as dominant morphologies and polymer compositions showing distinct regional variations. Distribution patterns differ markedly between indoor and outdoor environments, coastal and inland areas, and dry and wet seasons, regulated by climate, human activities, and land use types. Human exposure occurs mainly via inhalation and dermal contact, with particles < 10 μm readily penetrating respiratory barriers. Notably, this review reveals a systematic discrepancy of 1-2 orders of magnitude between active and passive sampling results, demonstrates that indoor and outdoor concentrations are significantly influenced by ventilation conditions, localized point sources, and environmental parameters, and elucidates the molecular mechanisms of key signaling pathways including oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Current research still faces limitations in method standardization, detection of small‑sized (nanoscale) particles, and understanding long‑term exposure toxicological mechanisms. Future efforts should focus on advancing cross‑regional, multi‑media collaborative monitoring, developing highly sensitive detection technologies, investigating transport, transformation, and health hazard mechanisms, and establishing health risk‑based exposure limit standards to provide scientific support for targeted pollution prevention and control.

PMID:42844460 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15998-4

Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Oct 8;198(11):1158. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15994-8.

ABSTRACT

Ramsar wetlands, globally recognized for their ecological, hydrological, and socio-economic significance, are increasingly threatened by microplastic (MP) contamination. Despite mounting evidence of MPs in freshwater and coastal environments, no global synthesis has focused on MP contamination in Ramsar-designated wetlands. This study presents the first systematic global review of MP contamination in Ramsar wetlands by compiling peer-reviewed studies (April 2012-May 2025). This review addresses MP sources, transport pathways, contamination levels in surface water, sediment, and biota especially in threatened species, ecosystem impacts, and mitigation efforts. Key findings from quartile analysis and descriptive statistics reveal that MPs are ubiquitous across Ramsar wetland compartments, with spatial patterns showing higher contamination in Asia, North and South America, and lower levels in Europe and Australia. Certain countries' Ramsar wetlands consistently emerged as hotspots across all three environmental compartments, surface water, sediments, and biota, including Ecuador, China, India, and Ghana. Temporal trends indicate rising MP loads over the past decade, and seasonal peaks linked to runoff in some regions. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common polymers (> 80%), with fibres and fragments as the predominant morphotypes. Sediments generally harboured the highest MP concentrations, while biota exhibited variable uptake. These results underscore an urgent need for standardized monitoring methods and more geographically balanced research, especially in under-studied regions such as Africa and South America, to enable robust global comparisons. We recommend prioritizing plastic source reduction, enhancing international collaboration, and integrating MP pollution control into wetland conservation policies to safeguard the ecological integrity of Ramsar wetlands.

PMID:42844519 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15994-8

Lab Chip. 2026 Oct 7. doi: 10.1039/d6lc00433d. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Co-culturing cells with mismatched densities, where one cell type adheres to surfaces while the other floats, represents a fundamental challenge in cell biology. This is particularly evident in studying macrophage-adipocyte interactions, where macrophages must engage and clear the apoptotic adipocytes, a process critical to understanding chronic inflammation in obesity and metabolic disease. The density disparity between macrophages, which sink and adhere to culture surfaces, and adipocytes, which float due to their lipid content, has prevented conventional co-culture approaches from achieving sustained cell-cell contact. To address this challenge, we developed a microfluidic system that confines adipocyte-derived lipid droplets in close proximity to macrophages. This platform features recessed micro-traps within the upper surface of a microfluidic chamber that trap buoyant objects while allowing media exchange and delivery of reagents for live-cell and immunofluorescence imaging. Time lapse imaging revealed that the dynamic process of macrophages-dead corpse interactions, showing that individual macrophages cannot engulf entire corpses but instead mechanically deform them. Furthermore, the platform reproduces the Crown-Like Structure (CLS), which is a unique configuration of multiple macrophages enveloping a single dead adipocyte. Long-term culture revealed that CLS effectively clear lipids compared to partial macrophage engagement, providing insights that were previously unattainable with standard histological approaches. Beyond the macrophage-lipid interaction, this platform has potential for studying interactions between adherent cells and buoyant targets, such as microplastics, opening new avenues for research where density mismatch poses a major barrier.

PMID:42841853 | DOI:10.1039/d6lc00433d

Front Public Health. 2026 Sep 22;14:1860620. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1860620. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Resin-based dental composites are the most widely placed direct restorative materials globally. Yet, their organic matrix and complex filler system render them a potential source of biologically active compounds. Residual monomers, including Bisphenol A-glycidyl dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), are released into the oral environment through incomplete polymerization, material degradation, and wear, and may subsequently reach systemic circulation. Composite matrix breakdown additionally generates micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs), representing a distinct emerging exposure pathway. This review synthesizes clinical and translational evidence on the oral-systemic toxicological implications of resin-based composite materials, with emphasis on biomonitoring data, mechanistic pathways, and relevant risk signals.

METHODS: A structured search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between January 1990 and September 2025. Eligible studies reported biomonitoring outcomes (saliva, blood, urine, breast milk, cord blood, or placenta), toxicokinetic profiles, or systemic and generalized hypersensitivity reactions attributable to resin-based restorative materials. Studies on dental amalgam and non-dental polymer exposures were excluded. Data were synthesized narratively in accordance with SANRA principles.

RESULTS: Released monomers exert concentration-dependent cytotoxic, genotoxic, and immunomodulatory effects, primarily through glutathione depletion, reactive oxygen species generation, and apoptosis induction. Local adverse effects, including gingival inflammation, pulp cytotoxicity, and allergic contact stomatitis, are well-documented in vitro and in clinical case reports. Systemically, BPA and its derivatives have been detected in saliva, urine, blood, breast milk, cord blood, and placenta following dental procedures, raising concerns regarding endocrine-disrupting potential, particularly in children and pregnant women. Dental personnel constitute a distinct occupational risk group through dermal monomer exposure. Composite resins also release MNPs through wear and degradation, with preliminary data suggesting inflammatory and genotoxic potential, though clinical significance remains to be established.

CONCLUSION: Resin composites pose a measurable, if generally low-level, toxicological risk through monomer elution and, increasingly, MNP release. Adequate operative technique substantially reduces patient exposure. Vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and dental personnel, warrant particular attention. Standardized biomonitoring protocols, updated regulatory thresholds, and dedicated in vivo studies are needed to characterize the long-term oral-systemic health implications of these ubiquitous materials.

PMID:42840843 | PMC:PMC13639877 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2026.1860620

Front Public Health. 2026 Sep 22;14:1860620. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1860620. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Resin-based dental composites are the most widely placed direct restorative materials globally. Yet, their organic matrix and complex filler system render them a potential source of biologically active compounds. Residual monomers, including Bisphenol A-glycidyl dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), are released into the oral environment through incomplete polymerization, material degradation, and wear, and may subsequently reach systemic circulation. Composite matrix breakdown additionally generates micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs), representing a distinct emerging exposure pathway. This review synthesizes clinical and translational evidence on the oral-systemic toxicological implications of resin-based composite materials, with emphasis on biomonitoring data, mechanistic pathways, and relevant risk signals.

METHODS: A structured search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between January 1990 and September 2025. Eligible studies reported biomonitoring outcomes (saliva, blood, urine, breast milk, cord blood, or placenta), toxicokinetic profiles, or systemic and generalized hypersensitivity reactions attributable to resin-based restorative materials. Studies on dental amalgam and non-dental polymer exposures were excluded. Data were synthesized narratively in accordance with SANRA principles.

RESULTS: Released monomers exert concentration-dependent cytotoxic, genotoxic, and immunomodulatory effects, primarily through glutathione depletion, reactive oxygen species generation, and apoptosis induction. Local adverse effects, including gingival inflammation, pulp cytotoxicity, and allergic contact stomatitis, are well-documented in vitro and in clinical case reports. Systemically, BPA and its derivatives have been detected in saliva, urine, blood, breast milk, cord blood, and placenta following dental procedures, raising concerns regarding endocrine-disrupting potential, particularly in children and pregnant women. Dental personnel constitute a distinct occupational risk group through dermal monomer exposure. Composite resins also release MNPs through wear and degradation, with preliminary data suggesting inflammatory and genotoxic potential, though clinical significance remains to be established.

CONCLUSION: Resin composites pose a measurable, if generally low-level, toxicological risk through monomer elution and, increasingly, MNP release. Adequate operative technique substantially reduces patient exposure. Vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and dental personnel, warrant particular attention. Standardized biomonitoring protocols, updated regulatory thresholds, and dedicated in vivo studies are needed to characterize the long-term oral-systemic health implications of these ubiquitous materials.

PMID:42840843 | PMC:PMC13639877 | DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2026.1860620

J Asthma Allergy. 2026 Oct 2;19:625708. doi: 10.2147/JAA.S625708. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of food allergy (FA) in industrialized regions cannot be fully explained by traditional hygiene and biodiversity frameworks, suggesting the involvement of new environmental triggers. Microplastics (MPs), which are dietary contaminants now consistently found in human biological samples, have been proposed as a potential threat to gut-immune balance. However, direct evidence for this link in humans is still lacking.

MAIN BODY: This commentary critically examines and advances the "Plasticene Paradigm", which hypothesizes that dietary MP exposure disrupts the beneficial relationship between the host and its microbiota, thereby promoting the development of FA through microbiota-dependent mechanisms. The central mechanism proposed involves MP-induced dysbiosis, characterized by a reduction in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) -producing bacteria. This reduction subsequently impairs the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), disrupts the balance between Th2 and Treg cells, and compromises the integrity of the intestinal barrier. While studies involving fecal microbiota transplantation in animal models offer causal evidence under experimental conditions, this evidence primarily comes from studies using supraphysiological doses of pristine polymers (mg/kg/day range). These doses exceed mass-based estimates of human daily intake (μg/kg/day range) by several orders of magnitude, although direct quantitative comparison is complicated by the use of heterogeneous exposure metrics (mass-based vs particle-count-based) across different estimation approaches. This significant difference in dosage fundamentally limits the applicability of these findings to human exposure levels found in the environment. We identify four obstacles to translating these findings: dose relevance, exposure complexity, challenges in model extrapolation, and analytical constraints. These barriers currently prevent drawing definitive conclusions about human risk.

CONCLUSION: The current evidence, which is predominantly preclinical, is constrained by issues of dose relevance, exposure complexity, and gaps in model extrapolation, with human data largely showing only associations. We propose a three-pronged research agenda: (I) establishing prospective birth cohorts with specific biomonitoring for polymers; (II) conducting mechanistic studies using environmentally relevant MP mixtures in FA models; and (III) developing microbiome-targeted interventions as needed. This framework aims to transform the Plasticene Paradigm from a hypothesis-driven mechanistic narrative into one supported by a stronger evidence base. This evidence may ultimately inform public health policy, food safety regulations, and precise prevention strategies for FA in an era of widespread plastic contamination.

PMID:42840760 | PMC:PMC13640986 | DOI:10.2147/JAA.S625708

Int J Dent. 2026 Oct 5;2026:6506257. doi: 10.1155/ijod/6506257. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To analyze the global scientific production on microplastics in dentistry by evaluating publication performance, impact indicators, collaboration networks, thematic evolution, and core publication sources.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scientometric study was conducted based on publications indexed in the Scopus database. Publications indexed between January 1, 2020 and January 17, 2026, were retrieved in accordance with the Reporting and Measurement Items for Bibliometric or Scientometric Studies in Health Sciences (RAMIBS) guideline. We examined various document types written in all languages; records were exported from Scopus in CSV format and analyzed using SciVal for bibliometric indicators. We also analyzed the records that were exported from Scopus in CSV format and analyzed using SciVal (Elsevier) and R version 4.5.2 in RStudio with the bibliometrix package for data cleaning, normalization, and bibliometric analyses. Variables examined included author, affiliation, country, scholarly output, citations, views, journal quartiles, distribution of themes according to Bradford's law, collaborative networks, thematic factor analysis, and the temporal evolution of the themes studied.

RESULTS: The analysis identified 75 publications from 45 sources with an average citation per article of 10.7 citations per article. These publications had an average age of 2.6 years, were written by 317 authors, and demonstrated a total rate of 21.3% in terms of the number of international collaborations. There was a predominance of original articles (42) and review articles (28) among these publications, which were published in core journals following the distribution of publications according to the Bradford law of distribution. The authors operated in relatively sparse collaboration networks with little local collaboration with other authors, while at the same time international collaboration showed a relatively dispersed network, with India occupying a prominent position based on country-level collaboration indicators. Thematic analysis identified co-occurring themes linking microplastics, dentistry, environmental pollution, and carbon footprint.

CONCLUSION: Research on micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in dentistry is an emerging and interdisciplinary field with relatively limited international collaboration.

PMID:42840446 | PMC:PMC13639236 | DOI:10.1155/ijod/6506257

Front Toxicol. 2026 Sep 22;8:1947679. doi: 10.3389/ftox.2026.1947679. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics are increasingly recognized as pervasive contaminants in remote mountain freshwater ecosystems, yet evidence from high-altitude regions remains limited. This study investigated microplastics occurrence and characteristics in surface water, sediments, and fish from the Braldu-Shigar-Skardu freshwater system in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan. Samples were collected from remote headwaters, tributaries, main river channels, and the Satpara Lake-Dam system. Fish originated from wild populations, farming facilities, and local markets to provide a broader assessment of microplastic exposure. Matrix-specific extraction protocols were applied, followed by stereomicroscope sorting and polymer identification by µFT-IR spectroscopy. Microplastics were detected in nearly all sites and matrices, with concentrations ranging from 1 to 17 MPs L^-1 in water, 55-537 MPs kg^-1 in sediments, and 1-11 MPs individual^-1 in fish gastrointestinal tracts. Notably, highest frequency of microplastics occurrence was measured in farmed individuals (78%-83%), suggesting that aquaculture-related practices may represent an additional source of microplastics. Wild fish showed the lowest occurrence (25%), whereas those obtained from local markets revealed intermediate values (62%), indicating variable exposure across different pathways. Surface waters were dominated by small fragments and polypropylene, indicative of recent inputs and origin from fragmentation. Sediments showed a broader size distribution, and greater polymer diversity, consistent with their role as long-term sinks. The highest polymer diversity was highlighted in fish, indicating multiple exposure pathways. Spatial patterns did not show a geographical downstream increase, but rather a patchy distribution shaped by local anthropogenic input, hydrological connectivity, and depositional dynamics. Glacier-fed rivers primarily act as transport corridors, whereas low-energy environments such as Satpara Lake function as sinks promoting microplastics accumulation. Overall, the study provides the first integrated multi-compartment baseline for microplastics in Gilgit-Baltistan and supports future monitoring and management actions for these high altitude critical freshwater resources.

PMID:42840458 | PMC:PMC13639269 | DOI:10.3389/ftox.2026.1947679

J Environ Manage. 2026 Oct 1;418:131057. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131057. Epub 2026 Oct 6.

ABSTRACT

Pharmaceuticals, microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and endocrine-disrupting compounds are increasingly discharged in treated wastewater, are not effectively removed by conventional secondary treatment, and have important implications for the environment and human health. Advanced tertiary treatment is needed for safe reuse of urban non-potable water, but the choice among competing technologies is a complex decision involving technical, economic, environmental and regulatory considerations, as well as uncertainty and reluctance in expert evaluations. To address this issue, this research uses a decision support system based on Probabilistic T-Spherical Hesitant Fuzzy Numbers (Pt-SHFNs) that represents probabilistic uncertainty, ambiguity and expert hesitance consistently. A hybrid method is used to find criteria weights. The hybrid method combines the Level-Based Weight Assessment (LBWA) technique and changes of empirical data. This allows the subjective preferences of experts and objective evidence to be simultaneously considered. Then the alternatives are ranked using Comprehensive Distance Based Ranking (COBRA) technique. The results show that in the practical case of seven tertiary treatment systems, the effectiveness of removal of emerging pollutants (0.2319) and capital expenditures (0.1713) are the most influential factors. The most efficient systems are hybrid membrane-advanced oxidation process systems (0.0338) followed by ozonation-biofiltration (0.0203) and nanofiltration membranes (-0.0022). The stability analysis and comparison studies with other MCDM techniques increase the dependability and consistency of the obtained rankings. The proposed technique provides an explicit and uncertainty-aware basis for ranking tertiary alternatives to treatment and could assist wastewater utilities and regulators in integrating technical decisions with sustainability and water reuse objectives.

PMID:42837953 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131057

Am J Med. 2026 Oct 6:S0002-9343(26)00734-5. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2026.09.049. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants now detected throughout the human cardiovascular system, including atherosclerotic plaques, coronary and carotid arteries, cardiac tissue, peripheral blood, and vascular thrombi. Against the backdrop of cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounting for approximately 17-20 million deaths annually, MNPs have emerged as a candidate modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. In the landmark prospective cohort by Marfella and colleagues (N Engl J Med 2024), MNP-laden carotid plaques conferred a 4.53-fold increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). MNPs were also detected in 80% of human thrombi from patients with myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Experimental studies link MNPs to cardiovascular toxicity through oxidative stress, NF-κB-mediated inflammation, endothelial senescence and dysfunction, macrophage foam cell formation, and Wnt/β-catenin-mediated cardiac fibrosis. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence linking MNPs to coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, heart failure, and thrombosis, and evaluates clinical and public health implications. Standardized detection protocols, large-scale prospective studies, and regulatory action are urgently warranted.

PMID:42838186 | DOI:10.1016/j.amjmed.2026.09.049

Environ Res. 2026 Oct 6;309(Pt 2):125871. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.125871. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) contamination is widely documented, yet comparisons among monitoring studies remain constrained by inconsistent units, analytical size cutoffs, and incomplete reporting of particle characteristics. This study introduces PlastiWatch as a screening-level hazard-prioritization framework, not a formal ecological risk model. It combines eight dimensions of MP contamination into a 0-100 score: particle size distribution (weight 3), concentration (weight 4), shape composition (weight 2), density classes (weight 1), hazardous chemical adsorption (weight 3), colour distribution (weight 1), degradation state (weight 2), and polymer identity (weight 4). The ordinal factors and weights express evidence-informed priorities; they are not probabilities, effect thresholds, or linear dose-response coefficients. The proof-of-concept used one selected site from each of seven published studies: four sites in India, two in Egypt, and one in China, spanning rivers, an alpine stream, a tidal distributary, coastal surface water, and a lake. Reported concentrations ranged from 1.53 to 98 particles/L. PlastiWatch scores ranged from 40 to 54, with six sites in the provisional moderate level and one in the high level. Despite heterogeneous reporting, PlastiWatch generated scores for all seven sites using four to six available parameters per site while transparently identifying recurrent data gaps, particularly for density, degradation state, and chemical adsorption. The application therefore demonstrates the operability of a partially observed framework rather than validation of all eight parameters or the upper score range. PlastiWatch supports transparent screening, identification of data gaps, and prioritization of confirmatory monitoring. Ecological risk conclusions require harmonized exposure data, dose metrics, and independent effect-based validation.

PMID:42838205 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.125871

J Adv Res. 2026 Oct 6:S2090-1232(26)00770-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jare.2026.10.009. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), collectively referred to as micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), are pervasive environmental contaminants. In this review, MPs are defined as solid polymer-containing particles from 1 μm to 5 mm, whereas NPs range from 1 nm to < 1 μm. They originate from plastic degradation and the direct release of particles from industrial and consumer products. Human exposure occurs primarily through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact and may also occur through maternal-fetal transfer and medical materials. MNPs have been detected in human tissues and biological fluids, raising concerns about potential health effects; however, detection alone does not establish disease causation.

AIM OF REVIEW: This review summarizes current knowledge on the sources, characteristics, exposure pathways, detection methods, and biological effects of MNPs. It critically integrates experimental, epidemiological, and analytical evidence to evaluate potential health risks and identify key knowledge gaps. Where evidence permits, MPs and NPs are discussed separately, and human observations are distinguished from in vitro and animal findings.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW: Experimental evidence suggests that MNP exposure may affect multiple biological systems through oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic disturbance, and immune dysregulation. Adverse effects have been reported across multiple organ systems in experimental studies, whereas human epidemiological evidence remains limited and insufficient to establish causality. NPs may exhibit greater cellular uptake and biological-barrier translocation than larger MPs, depending on particle properties and biological context. Heterogeneity in particle characteristics, exposure scenarios, and analytical methods complicates cross-study comparisons and risk evaluation. Many mechanistic studies also use pristine model particles and exposure doses that may not reflect real-world conditions. Standardized detection and exposure assessment, environmentally relevant models, and well-designed human studies are therefore needed to clarify the long-term health implications of chronic low-dose MNP exposure and support future risk assessment.

PMID:42838251 | DOI:10.1016/j.jare.2026.10.009

Environ Pollut. 2026 Oct 6:129283. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129283. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The increasing microplastics (MPs)/nanoplastics (NPs) pollution in the ocean has ecotoxicological effects on marine organisms, affecting their ecological function related to the sulfur cycle. Ciliated protozoa play an important role in dimethyl sulfide (DMS) emission in the microbial food chain. DMS is a negative greenhouse gas associated with the global climate. However, fewer studies were done on the influences of MPs or NPs on DMS and its related dimethyl sulfur compounds production caused by ciliates feeding. Here, we have investigated the ecotoxicological effects of 5 μm and 50 nm polystyrene (PS), alone and in combination with lead (Pb) on ciliates Euplotes vannus, and their impacts on DMS, dissolved and particulate dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP_d,p), and dissolved and particulate dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO_d,p) production. Our study indicated that MPs/NPs and Pb exposure slowed the growth rate of E. vannus, reduced its abundance and biomass, increased superoxide anion (O₂·^‒) generation rate, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, decreased glutathione (GSH) content. The co-exposure to NPs and Pb exerted a synergistic effect on the O₂·^‒ generation rate and GSH content. In addition, exposure to MPs/NPs and Pb alone reduced the ingestion rate of ciliates, leading to inhibited production of DMS and DMSO_d. These findings enhance our understanding of the ecotoxicological impacts of MPs/NPs and Pb, both alone and in combination, on protozoa and their importance on dimethyl sulfur compounds cycling.

PMID:42838326 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129283

J Environ Manage. 2026 Oct 1;418:131057. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131057. Epub 2026 Oct 6.

ABSTRACT

Pharmaceuticals, microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and endocrine-disrupting compounds are increasingly discharged in treated wastewater, are not effectively removed by conventional secondary treatment, and have important implications for the environment and human health. Advanced tertiary treatment is needed for safe reuse of urban non-potable water, but the choice among competing technologies is a complex decision involving technical, economic, environmental and regulatory considerations, as well as uncertainty and reluctance in expert evaluations. To address this issue, this research uses a decision support system based on Probabilistic T-Spherical Hesitant Fuzzy Numbers (Pt-SHFNs) that represents probabilistic uncertainty, ambiguity and expert hesitance consistently. A hybrid method is used to find criteria weights. The hybrid method combines the Level-Based Weight Assessment (LBWA) technique and changes of empirical data. This allows the subjective preferences of experts and objective evidence to be simultaneously considered. Then the alternatives are ranked using Comprehensive Distance Based Ranking (COBRA) technique. The results show that in the practical case of seven tertiary treatment systems, the effectiveness of removal of emerging pollutants (0.2319) and capital expenditures (0.1713) are the most influential factors. The most efficient systems are hybrid membrane-advanced oxidation process systems (0.0338) followed by ozonation-biofiltration (0.0203) and nanofiltration membranes (-0.0022). The stability analysis and comparison studies with other MCDM techniques increase the dependability and consistency of the obtained rankings. The proposed technique provides an explicit and uncertainty-aware basis for ranking tertiary alternatives to treatment and could assist wastewater utilities and regulators in integrating technical decisions with sustainability and water reuse objectives.

PMID:42837953 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131057

J Environ Manage. 2026 Oct 1;418:131057. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131057. Epub 2026 Oct 6.

ABSTRACT

Pharmaceuticals, microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and endocrine-disrupting compounds are increasingly discharged in treated wastewater, are not effectively removed by conventional secondary treatment, and have important implications for the environment and human health. Advanced tertiary treatment is needed for safe reuse of urban non-potable water, but the choice among competing technologies is a complex decision involving technical, economic, environmental and regulatory considerations, as well as uncertainty and reluctance in expert evaluations. To address this issue, this research uses a decision support system based on Probabilistic T-Spherical Hesitant Fuzzy Numbers (Pt-SHFNs) that represents probabilistic uncertainty, ambiguity and expert hesitance consistently. A hybrid method is used to find criteria weights. The hybrid method combines the Level-Based Weight Assessment (LBWA) technique and changes of empirical data. This allows the subjective preferences of experts and objective evidence to be simultaneously considered. Then the alternatives are ranked using Comprehensive Distance Based Ranking (COBRA) technique. The results show that in the practical case of seven tertiary treatment systems, the effectiveness of removal of emerging pollutants (0.2319) and capital expenditures (0.1713) are the most influential factors. The most efficient systems are hybrid membrane-advanced oxidation process systems (0.0338) followed by ozonation-biofiltration (0.0203) and nanofiltration membranes (-0.0022). The stability analysis and comparison studies with other MCDM techniques increase the dependability and consistency of the obtained rankings. The proposed technique provides an explicit and uncertainty-aware basis for ranking tertiary alternatives to treatment and could assist wastewater utilities and regulators in integrating technical decisions with sustainability and water reuse objectives.

PMID:42837953 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.131057

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Sep 29;517:143788. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143788. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) in indoor environments are a significant source of phthalate ester (PAEs) release, posing potential health risks. This study investigated PAEs release kinetics from polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) in indoor air, and from four common MPs (polyamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and polylactic acid) at multiple aging stages (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days) in simulated lung fluids (ALF and GS) through simulation experiments. Results demonstrated that light, temperature, and aging degree significantly influence PAEs release. Aging altered surface properties (increased specific surface area and hydrophilicity), causing non-monotonic release trends of PAEs. Both light exposure and elevated temperature significantly promoted PAEs release (p < 0.05), with kinetics following a pseudo-second-order model, governed by surface desorption and intraparticle diffusion. PAEs release was significantly higher in ALF than in GS (p < 0.05). Aged MPs exhibited elevated relative concentrations of ·OH and ·O₂⁻ in lung fluids, indicating a potential oxidative burden. This study elucidates the dynamic release behavior of additives during aging of microplastics, and highlights the dynamic aging process of MPs as well as the potential health impacts.

PMID:42837928 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143788

Water Res. 2026 Oct 3;308(Pt C):127068. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.127068. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) act as vectors for disseminating antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) across ecosystems, posing potential threats to environmental and public health. Seagrass meadows serve as vital ecotones between land and sea, where MPs pollution is widely recognized. However, plastisphere resistome (plastiome) in this ecosystem and its modulation by native phyllosphere and rhizosphere microbiomes remain poorly understood. Herein, MPs were in-situ exposed to seagrass meadows to investigate differences in resistome profiles of phyllosphere-associated (SL-MPs) vs. rhizosphere-associated plastisphere (SR-MPs). The potential health risk was evaluated by profiling ARGs, virulence factor genes (VFGs)-associated pathogenicity and mobile genetic elements (MGEs)-mediated motility. Results showed that SL‑MPs harbored more abundant putative pathogens, ARGs and VFGs than SR-MPs. Specifically, SL-MPs were dominated by WHO critical-priority pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and enriched ARGs conferring multidrug resistance. Additionally, SL‑MPs exhibited greater potential health risks and more abundant high-risk ARGs (e.g., bacA and floR). These traits appeared to be primarily associated with the dense biofilms, high cell motility, pronounced reactive oxygen species response, DNA recombination and distinct membrane features of plastisphere beneath leaf canopy. Since phyllosphere-associated plastisphere can be readily dispersed by waves to other coastal ecosystems, it is necessary to integrate ecological connectivity into "One Health" frameworks.

PMID:42837827 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2026.127068

Front Microbiol. 2026 Sep 21;17:1881786. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2026.1881786. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous dietary contaminants, yet practical strategies to reduce gastrointestinal exposure remain limited. We evaluated whether Qi601, a heat-inactivated Limosilactobacillus fermentum biofilm-derived postbiotic, could sequester fluorescent 100-nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) and reduce their interaction with Caco-2 intestinal epithelial monolayers using sequential simulated digestion, protection, post-exposure rescue, and transfer assays. Consistent with particle sequestration, Qi601 produced approximately 92% depletion of free PSNP-associated fluorescence from the supernatant during sequential digestion. In protection assays, Qi601 reduced surface-associated and intracellular PSNP fluorescence by 65% and 67%, respectively, at 5 h, and by 41% and 33% at 24 h. In monolayers previously exposed to PSNPs for 24 h, Qi601 reduced surface-associated and intracellular PSNP fluorescence by 77% and 43%, respectively. Transfer of PSNP fluorescence from Qi601-PSNP agglomerates to Caco-2 cells remained ≤ 0.057%. Atomic force, scanning electron, and confocal microscopy demonstrated close physical association between Qi601 and PSNPs with predominantly extracellular localization of Qi601-associated PSNPs. In a qualitative human proof-of-concept chewing-gum experiment, microscopy of saliva showed heterogeneous, Nile Red-positive polymers within or closely associated with Qi601 agglomerates. Laser direct infrared (LDIR) chemical imaging showed that the number of rubber-class particles from the gum-plus-Qi601 saliva sample was 43% lower than from the gum-only sample (2,562 versus 4,529 particles; hit quality index ≥ 0.70); after procedural-control subtraction, the background-adjusted rubber particle count was approximately 91% lower (185 versus 2,152 particles; hit quality index ≥ 0.70). These findings establish proof of concept for postbiotic-mediated sequestration of dietary MNPs and support a model in which Qi601 limits their epithelial association and intracellular burden. To our knowledge, this represents the first human in vivo proof-of-concept study directly demonstrating physical association between an administered intervention designed to capture microplastics and microplastic particles. Further studies should define the molecular basis of Qi601-MNP interactions, characterize their gastrointestinal fate, and validate these findings in larger studies.

PMID:42835107 | PMC:PMC13635293 | DOI:10.3389/fmicb.2026.1881786

Front Mol Neurosci. 2026 Sep 21;19:1964213. doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2026.1964213. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

HSPA5 is a member of the HSP70 family of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and functions as a chaperone protein within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). It plays a role in maintaining ER homeostasis, assists in correct protein folding, and triggers the unfolded protein response. Environmental toxins-such as heavy metals, microplastics (MPs), and air pollutants-can cause cellular damage. These toxins can trigger ER stress, resulting in the buildup of proteins that are misfolded or not properly folded, which in turn upregulates HSPA5 expression. Moderate activation of HSPA5 serves as a protective mechanism aimed at restoring protein homeostasis and promoting cell survival; however, sustained and severe ER stress may cause HSPA5 to malfunction, ultimately leading to the activation of the apoptotic pathway and resulting in cell death. Furthermore, HSPA5-mediated mechanisms are closely associated with the prodromal initiation and subsequent escalation of neurodegenerative syndromes. This article focuses on the role of HSPA5 in environmental toxin-induced neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative diseases, with the aim of investigating changes in HSPA5 expression and its regulatory functions in neurotoxicity, thereby providing new strategies for the study of environment-related neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID:42835830 | PMC:PMC13635845 | DOI:10.3389/fnmol.2026.1964213

ISME J. 2026 Oct 6:wrag258. doi: 10.1093/ismejo/wrag258. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The growing prevalence of microplastics (MPs) in agroecosystem has raised significant concerns regarding their ability in facilitating the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Biodegradable and nondegradable MPs exhibited inherently different degradation rates, resulting in divergent carbon bioavailability that might trigger distinct microbial response and ARG profiles. Here, by integrating multi-omics (metagenomics, virome and metatranscriptomics) with experimental validation, we explored how microbial responses to MPs impacted ARG dissemination in a long-term field experiment. We showed that both biodegradable and nondegradable MPs significantly increased ARG abundance and transcriptional activity, differing in the drive mechanisms. Biodegradable MPs triggered bacterial oxidative stress and SOS response, increasing mobile genetic elements abundance and horizontal gene transfer of ARGs. Accordingly, increasing proportion of lysogenic phages and intensified phage-host interactions might promote ARG transduction through lysogenic conversion. In contrast, nondegradable MPs increased recalcitrant carbon, which enriched bacteria harboring genes for complex compound degradation. ARG-carrying bacteria within these taxa gained fitness advantages, facilitating their enrichment and ARG proliferation. Concurrently, phages infecting ARG-carrying bacteria encoded more auxiliary metabolic genes in complex carbohydrate metabolism, thereby enhancing host competitiveness and promoting ARG spread. In vitro validation experiments confirmed that lysogenic phages facilitated transduction of ARGs under biodegradable MPs, while phage-encoded auxiliary metabolic genes conferred growth advantages on ARG-carrying bacteria utilizing recalcitrant carbon source, consistent with conditions induced by nondegradable MPs. Our findings clarify how phages differentially impacted ARG profiles under biodegradable and nondegradable MPs, underscoring the importance of considering phage-mediated processes in assessing the risks of MPs and ARG dissemination.

PMID:42836481 | DOI:10.1093/ismejo/wrag258

Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 2026 Oct 13:1-12. doi: 10.1080/14779072.2026.2745395. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) are emerging environmental contaminants widely detected in food, drinking water, and human biological tissues. As human exposure continues to increase, accumulating evidence suggests that these particles may represent an emerging cardiovascular risk factor by inducing oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, lipid dysregulation, and other mechanisms that promote atherosclerosis.

AREAS COVERED: This review examines the association between MPs/NPs and atherosclerosis, with emphasis on dietary exposure as a major route of human contamination. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases up to May 2026, focusing on experimental, epidemiological, and mechanistic evidence regarding the cardiovascular effects of MPs/NPs. The review discusses sources of dietary exposure, estimated ingestion, bioaccumulation, molecular mechanisms underlying atherogenesis, and emerging human evidence linking MPs/NPs to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

EXPERT OPINION: Current evidence supports the biological hypothesis that MPs/NPs contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Although experimental findings and observational human studies support this association, current clinical evidence does not establish causality. Nevertheless, MPs/NPs should be considered emerging, potentially modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, highlighting the need for standardized exposure assessment and further longitudinal studies.

PMID:42837275 | DOI:10.1080/14779072.2026.2745395

Nurs Child Young People. 2026 Oct 5. doi: 10.7748/ncyp.2026.e1598. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Infant feeding in hospital settings requires balancing infection prevention and control, clinical complexity and support for families, while increasingly addressing environmental sustainability. This article details a quality improvement project that aimed to reduce infant exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics associated with single-use feeding bottles and reduce reliance on single-use plastics in infant feeding pathways at a tertiary children's hospital. Baseline data were collected on breast milk feeding, procurement of single-use bottles, parent experience and staff knowledge and confidence. Two improvement interventions were implemented: development of a core breastfeeding and expressing training programme; and a pilot of reusable glass feeding bottles where breastfeeding was not possible. Baseline survey findings demonstrated strong parental motivation to breastfeed alongside various practical and system-level barriers to support, while staff reported limited formal training and variable confidence. Glass feeding bottles were viewed positively by parents, with implementation challenges relating primarily to workflow and availability. Sustainability-focused quality improvement can strengthen infant feeding support, enhance patient experience and inform future service design.

PMID:42830634 | DOI:10.7748/ncyp.2026.e1598

Curr Res Food Sci. 2026 Sep 19;13:101571. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2026.101571. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) contamination in food products has raised global public health concerns, yet standardized methodologies for dairy matrices remain lacking. This study investigated the presence, abundance, polymer composition, and size distribution of microplastics in 30 commercially available milk samples from Tehran, Iran, and evaluated the association between packaging type and contamination levels. MPs were isolated through chemical digestion (30% hydrogen peroxide, 60°C, 24 h) and vacuum filtration (1.2 μm glass fiber filters). Quality assurance included polymer-specific recovery tests (82-96% for five polymer types), procedural blanks (1.2 ± 0.8 particles per filter), and airborne contamination monitoring. Suspected MPs were detected in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 5 to 36 particles per liter (mean: 18.4 ± 8.7 particles per liter). Among the particles subjected to Micro-Raman analysis, polyethylene (32%), polypropylene (24%), polyethylene terephthalate (15%), polyamide (12%), and polyethersulfone (9%) were identified. Packaging type was significantly associated with MP abundance (p < 0.001), with plastic bottles (24.6 ± 7.1 particles per liter) showing higher contamination than Tetra Pak cartons (12.2 ± 5.9 particles per liter). Particle size distribution showed that 72% of particles were <100 μm, with a mean diameter of 68.4 ± 42.7 μm. These findings indicate that commercial milk may represent a potential dietary exposure pathway for microplastics. The observed association between packaging type and MP abundance suggests a possible contribution of packaging-related factors, although the specific sources of the detected particles cannot be established from the present observational design. Further studies using targeted source-tracking approaches and standardized analytical methods are warranted.

PMID:42831038 | PMC:PMC13634287 | DOI:10.1016/j.crfs.2026.101571

Water Res. 2026 Sep 30;308(Pt C):127051. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.127051. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) pollution represents an emerging threat to subsurface environments, yet the mechanisms governing their vertical mobility in coarse sediments remain poorly understood. This study systematically investigates the transport and retention behaviour of polyethylene (PE; ρ = 0.92 g cm⁻³) and polystyrene (PS; ρ = 1.10 g cm⁻³) MPs through fine gravel under controlled hydrodynamic regimes using six large-scale columns (110 cm × 24 cm). Continuous, pulsed, and single-pulse infiltration conditions were applied to simulate contrasting recharge scenarios. Effluent and pore-water MP were collected over 503 h at multiple depths (20-80 cm), and sediment subsets were analysed post-experiment to quantify MP retention and recovery. Results demonstrated strong flow-dependent MP transport. Continuous infiltration produced earlier breakthrough, whereas pulsed flow generated episodic MP concentration peaks associated with rewetting events and enhanced pore-water velocities. Pulsed infiltration also increased the first temporal moment of both polymer types, indicating sustained particle transport and prolonged recovery at the column outlet. Contrarily, single-pulse infiltration resulted in limited MP downward transport. PS-MPs showed earlier breakthrough, while polymer-specific transport differences generally decreased with increasing transport depth. MPs <45 µm preferentially showed early transport, while particles >50 µm were mobilised later. MP recoveries ranged from 104% to 126% with 51% to 67% of the particles retained within the upper 10 cm of the sediment profile. Our findings demonstrate that hydrodynamic conditions, particle size, and polymer-specific properties influence MP transport and retention in subsurface sediments, highlighting the importance of transient conditions in regulating MP mobility and potential groundwater contamination.

PMID:42832881 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2026.127051

Mar Pollut Bull. 2026 Oct 5;233(Pt 3):120423. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120423. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) pollution represents an increasing threat to coastal and marine ecosystems, yet data from Greek waters remain scarce. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of MP abundance, spatial distribution, polymer composition, and seasonal variability in surface waters and sediments collected from 27 coastal sites in Greece between 2021 and 2024. Sampling was combined with Fourier - Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy polymer identification and satellite-derived Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) data, available for a subset of sites, to explore hydrodynamic influences on MP distribution and the effects of extreme events. The impact of Storm Daniel on the Pagasitikos Gulf was particularly notable, with a sharp and sustained increase in both SPM and MP concentrations persisting for over a year following coastal flooding. Seasonal analysis showed higher MP levels during winter and early spring, coinciding with elevated SPM and with periods that are climatologically associated with increased precipitation and runoff in Greece. Polymer analysis indicated that polyolefins (PE and PP) comprised approximately half of the detected MPs in both matrices, followed by PS in sediments and cellulose and PET in seawater. Morphologically, fragments and films were the most common MP types, particularly in highly impacted locations. MP concentrations exhibited strong spatial variability, ranging from 0 to 240.8 items/m² in sediments and 0.0008 to 0.1637 items/m³ in surface waters. Overall, the results indicate that storm-driven runoff and hydrodynamic conditions can play an important role in mobilising MPs from terrestrial sources to coastal environments, particularly in semi-enclosed gulfs. This study provides new evidence linking extreme weather events, SPM dynamics, and MP transport in parts of the Greek coastal environment, offering insights for pollution monitoring and management strategies.

PMID:42833016 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.120423

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Oct 1;324:120448. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120448. Epub 2026 Oct 5.

ABSTRACT

Biodegradable microplastics (bio-MPs), specifically poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) microplastics (PBAT-MPs), are an emerging soil contaminant of significant concern. While straw incorporation is a common agricultural practice, the biochemical interactions between crop residues and PBAT-MPs across diverse soil habitats remain poorly understood. Specifically, it is unclear how soil texture and initial organic matter availability modulate the microbial response and subsequent plastic degradation. This study conducted a 120-day incubation experiment using loam and sandy soils to investigate these driving factors. Results indicated that straw incorporation significantly accelerated PBAT-MP degradation. The most pronounced effect was observed in organic-rich loam under high-dose (5%) straw treatment, where the carbonyl index (CI) decreased substantially, indicating enhanced polymer oxidation. Straw improved soil physicochemical properties, increasing organic matter (SOM) by 23.4% in loam and 76.0% in sandy soil. Furthermore, straw stimulated FDA hydrolase, β-glucosidase, and cellulase activities by up to 137.4%, 23.6%, and 64.0%, respectively, compared to microplastic-only treatments. Although straw promoted degradation in both soil types, the process was more efficient in loam. This is because native organic matter provided greater microbial metabolic stability and mitigated nutrient limitations during the co-metabolic breakdown of polymers. Partial least squares path analysis (PLS-PM) confirmed these findings. It revealed that straw-induced changes in microbial structure, particularly the enrichment of the Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla, were the primary drivers of accelerated PBAT degradation. Our findings highlight that the ecological benefits of straw return in mitigating plastic pollution are context-dependent and most effective in soils with higher intrinsic organic content.

PMID:42833032 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120448

Proc Int Soc Magn Reson Med Sci Meet Exhib Int Soc Magn Reson Med Sci Meet Exhib. 2025 Sep;2025:3953.

ABSTRACT

SYNOPSIS: White matter hyperintensities are abnormalities that appear in MRI scans of living patients but are not apparent in MRI post-mortem.

GOAL: Our goal is to understand the cellular/biological basis of white matter hyperintensities (WMH).

APPROACH: We aligned post-mortem MR scans with those collected ante-mortem and performed histopathology and pyrGC/MS for plastics on regions with WMH.

RESULT: PyrGC/MS detected large amounts of plastics and we determined their cellular locations with a novel optical imaging approach in regions with small vessel disease and Abeta plaques.

IMPACT: Microplastics in the brains of people with cognitive impairment may be due to pre-existing vascular injury or contribute to it. Many questions remain: Where do they come from, do they impair function? Can they be diagnosed by MRI ante-mortem?

PMID:42829675 | PMC:PMC13633655

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2026 Sep 18;17:1901581. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2026.1901581. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Restrictions on bisphenol A (BPA), continued exposure to phthalates, and the emergence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have altered the plastic-associated exposure landscape relevant to human reproduction. Existing reviews commonly address these exposures separately or summarize broad reproductive outcomes. This review instead develops a comparative mechanistic framework centered on two connected mechanisms: disruption of gonadotropin-responsive steroidogenesis and oxidative stress, inflammation, and barrier dysfunction. Human biomonitoring, reproductive-tissue, fertility-clinic, and epidemiological evidence are prioritized, while experimental studies are used to resolve mechanisms that cannot be tested directly in humans. Replacement bisphenols can reproduce BPA-like estrogenic, anti-androgenic, and steroidogenic effects, but their actions are analogue-, tissue-, dose-, and time-dependent. Selected phthalates and metabolites have been shown in experimental and ex vivo studies to impair androgen synthesis through altered gonadotropin signaling, cholesterol transport, mitochondrial function, and steroidogenic enzymes. MNPs are heterogeneous particulate exposures whose biological effects depend on polymer composition, size, shape, surface properties, weathering, corona formation, additives, and co-contaminants. Experimental studies using specific MNP models suggest mainly indirect effects on steroidogenesis through particle uptake, altered gonadotropin-responsive signaling, organelle stress, inflammation, and barrier injury. Despite different initiating mechanisms, evidence across the three exposure classes implicates steroidogenesis, redox regulation, inflammatory signaling, and reproductive tissue barriers, although the strength and directness of evidence differ. Human evidence is strongest for phthalates, emerging and analogue-specific for replacement bisphenols, and still methodologically limited for MNP-related clinical outcomes. The framework separates direct catalytic inhibition from altered expression, tissue detection from toxicity, and mechanistic plausibility from demonstrated human effect, supporting targeted research, cautious clinical communication, safer chemical substitution, and MNP exposure mitigation.

PMID:42827758 | PMC:PMC13631735 | DOI:10.3389/fendo.2026.1901581

Water Res. 2026 Nov 1;306:127023. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2026.127023. Epub 2026 Oct 3.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:42829247 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2026.127023

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Sep 29;517:143777. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143777. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Urban impervious surfaces are major accumulation zones for microplastics, with deposited urban dust as a key carrier matrix facilitating their retention, redistribution, and transport from terrestrial to aquatic environments. However, processes governing microplastic build-up and the ability to predict its spatial distribution remain poorly understood. This study quantified the key factors influencing microplastic build-up and created a catchment-scale spatial predictive framework. Using dust samples from typical urban land uses in Brisbane, Australia, five influential predictors were identified, including dust loading, mineralogical composition, wind speed, land use, and population and were integrated using principal component analysis, multivariate regression, and spatial response surfaces modelling. Population was defined as the number of residents within a 1 km radius of each sampling site. Site-based observations combined with spatial predictor layers generated a continuous microplastic build-up surface across the study area. The resulting model has strong explanatory and predictive performance (R² = 0.91; cross-validated R² = 0.84). The novelty of this work lies in the integration of dust mineralogy and environmental drivers within a spatially explicit predictive framework, enabling identification of microplastic build-up at unsampled locations. The proposed framework improves understanding of terrestrial microplastic dynamics, providing a practical tool to support targeted monitoring and mitigation.

PMID:42828983 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143777

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Oct 1;324:120871. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120871. Epub 2026 Oct 1.

ABSTRACT

Recent environmental health studies have indicated that co-exposure to nanoplastics (NPs) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is closely associated with synergistic hepatotoxicity. However, the effects of co-exposure on hepatic lipid metabolism and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we found that co-exposure to polystyrene NPs (1 μg·mL⁻¹) and DEHP (50 mg·kg⁻¹) elevated the serum levels of hepatic functional enzymes and aggravated hepatic lipid metabolic dysregulation, eventually triggered excessive lipid accumulation in liver tissue and hepatocyte. The hepatic transcriptomic results showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the co-exposure group were significantly enriched in lipid metabolism. In addition, the DEGs in the co-exposure group were specifically enriched in the response to unfolded protein, and mechanistic exploration further revealed that co-exposure uniquely activated the IRE1α-XBP1s pathway, without affecting the PERK or ATF6 branches. In vitro experiments using AML12 cells, we found that co-exposure to 10 μg·mL^-1 NPs and 50 µM mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) also promoted lipid accumulation, and subsequent investigations revealed that the inhibition of the IRE1α signaling by Kira6 ameliorated lipid deposition induced by co-exposure. Collectively, our results demonstrate that co-exposure to NPs and DEHP induces hepatic lipid deposition and liver dysfunction in mice, and the IRE1α-XBP1s signaling pathway is involved in regulating co-exposure induced lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. This study provides novel insights into the potential mechanism underlying the co-exposure-induced hepatotoxicity of NPs and DEHP co-exposure.

PMID:42822122 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120871