Search Results (253)

This study investigated the presence, characteristics, and distribution of ingested microplastics (MPs) in Apathya cappadocica, a regional endemic lizard species. A total of 93 individuals were examined, and MPs were found in 19.35% (n = 18) of them. A total of 27 microplastic particles were detected, averaging 1.5 MPs per positive individual and 0.29 MPs per individual across the sample. MP sizes ranged from 50 to 1727 µm, with a mean size of 355.46 ± 73 µm. Most MPs (93%) were fibers, while the rest were fragments. The dominant color was navy blue (41%), followed by red and black (19% each). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was the most common polymer (67%), followed by polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE). Statistical tests revealed no significant differences in MP size based on shape, color, or type, nor any correlation between MP size and gastrointestinal tract weight. However, microplastic shape was significantly associated with polymer type; fiber MPs consisted mainly of PET and PVA, while fragments were equally split between PVA and PE. These findings indicate that terrestrial reptiles are exposed to microplastic pollution and that microplastic characteristics may provide insights into their potential environmental sources. Full article

Soil contamination by microplastics (MPs) is a global problem, exacerbated by the growing production of plastics and low levels of recycling. Considering that agricultural lands constitute a significant part of the land surface (37.7%), the study of the influence of MPs on the carbon cycle in such ecosystems is extremely important for understanding the global carbon balance. This work aims to develop a standardized protocol for determining the effects of microplastics (MPs) on the carbon cycle in agricultural soils. Differences in existing research protocols hinder comparability and limit conclusions about real-world impacts. A preliminary proposal for standardizing the protocol for the determination of MPs influence on the CO₂ and/or CH₄ emission in agricultural seeks to improve reproducibility and transparency in future studies. The protocol incorporates a wide variety of MPs characteristic in agricultural soils and allows experiments at realistic contamination levels, reflecting both current and projected future scenarios. Key recommendations include several points. Stringent contamination control during sample collection and preparation is of paramount importance. The selection of microplastic types and concentrations specific to agricultural environments is also recommended. Furthermore, maintaining consistent experiment durations is crucial, and the utilization of gas chromatography for analysis is highly desirable. Full article

Polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) and glyphosate (GLY) are widespread aquatic contaminants, but their combined effects on microalgae remain poorly understood. This study assessed the individual and joint toxicity of GLY and PE-MPs to the model microalga Chlorella vulgaris. Acute (3-day) and chronic (7-day) exposures were performed using GLY at 1–40 mg/L, alone or combined with PE-MPs (10 mg/L). A four-parameter log-logistic (4PL) model was applied to estimate median effect concentrations (EC₅₀). After 72 h, the EC₅₀ values were 9.77 mg/L for the GLY single system and 2.31 mg/L for the GLY-PE combined system, confirming enhanced toxicity in combined exposures. Co-exposure reduced pigment levels (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids) by up to 65% and significantly increased oxidative stress markers, including reactive oxygen species production and malondialdehyde accumulation, compared with single treatments. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) showed concentration- and time-dependent responses, indicating activation of cellular defense mechanisms. Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed PE-induced aggregation and structural damage to algal cells, particularly at higher GLY concentrations. These findings demonstrate that PE-MPs can amplify the toxic effects of GLY on microalgae and highlight the need for further studies at environmentally relevant concentrations and with different polymer types. Full article

Filtration of submicron particles and nanoparticles is an important problem in nano-industry and in air conditioning and ventilation systems. The presence of submicron particles comprising fungal spores, bacteria, viruses, microplastic, and tobacco-smoke tar in ambient air is a severe problem in air conditioning systems. Many nanotechnology material processes used for catalyst, solar cells, gas sensors, energy storage devices, anti-corrosion and hydrophobic surface coating, optical glasses, ceramics, nanocomposite membranes, textiles, and cosmetics production also generate various types of nanoparticles, which can retain in a conveying gas released into the atmosphere. Particles in this size range are particularly difficult to remove from the air by conventional methods, e.g., electrostatic precipitators, conventional filters, or cyclones. For these reasons, nanofibrous filters produced by electrospinning were developed to remove fine particles from the post-processing gases. The physical basis of electrospinning used for nanofilters production is an employment of electrical forces to create a tangential stress on the surface of a viscous liquid jet, usually a polymer solution, flowing out from a capillary nozzle. The paper presents results for investigation of the filtration process of metal oxide nanoparticles: TiO₂, MgO, and Al₂O₃ by electrospun nanofibrous filter. The filter was produced from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The concentration of polymer dissolved in dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and acetone mixture was 15 wt.%. The flow rate of polymer solution was 1 mL/h. The nanoparticle aerosol was produced by the atomization of a suspension of these nanoparticles in a solvent (methanol) using an aerosol generator. The experimental results presented in this paper show that nanofilters made of PVDF with surface density of 13 g/m² have a high filtration efficiency for nano- and microparticles, larger than 90%. The gas flow rate through the channel was set to 960 and 670 l/min. The novelty of this paper was the investigation of air filtration from various types of nanoparticles produced by different nanotechnology processes by nanofibrous filters and studies of the morphology of nanoparticle deposited onto the nanofibers. Full article

Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging environmental concern, yet its occurrence in remote high-mountain ecosystems remains poorly understood. This study investigated MP contamination in fish from Nero Lake, an alpine lake in northwestern Italy. Between 2023 and 2024, a total of 33 specimens of Salmo trutta, Phoxinus lumaireul, and Salvelinus fontinalis were analyzed. MPs were detected in 84% of specimens in 2023 and in 93% in 2024. Filaments were the predominant particle type, while polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate were the most common polymers. In 2024, polyamide was also detected and showed the highest Polymer Hazard Index (PHI = 12.22), indicating a high hazard risk (Grade III) and elevated toxicological potential. Contamination Factor values exceeded 10 in S. trutta, and Pollution Load Index values frequently surpassed 1, both suggesting established contamination. However, the limited number of specimens, particularly for P. lumaireul and S. fontinalis, reduces statistical power and increases the risk of Type II errors. Although no significant interspecific differences in MP counts were observed, results should be interpreted with caution. Larger sample sizes are recommended but remain difficult to obtain in alpine environments. These findings highlight the vulnerability of remote lakes to both local and long-range MP pollution sources. Full article

Most studies on microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems have focused on the quantitative and qualitative assessment of particles in surface waters. However, the highest concentrations and accumulation of microplastic particles are observed in bottom sediments. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of microplastic particles of different morphology in sediments in the beach and littoral zones of Lake Baikal. This study is the first in relation to Lake Baikal to focus specifically on the analysis of microplastic particles in bottom sediments. The results of the study showed that the registered values of concentration of microplastic particles do not exceed the average values for lakes around the world. The predominant type of particles in both the littoral zone and the beach is microplastic fibers. An exception is observed only for one of the locations. This exception is related to the permanent mooring of vessels in this place. Analysis of the types of artificial polymers showed that the microplastic fibers were represented by polyester, and the fragments were represented by alkyd resin (66%), polyvinyl alcohol (32%) and polyvinyl chloride (2%). Shown for the first time in this study, the presence of large numbers of microplastic particles with rare types of artificial polymers suggests that these particles may be under-reported in other studies. The underestimation of particles may be due either to the selection of sampling locations located far from heavily contaminated areas, or to the fragility of these polymers. Although the harm of these types of polymers has not yet been confirmed, the large number of these particles in local areas of lakes should be taken into account. This is due to the large number of organisms, which is usually characteristic of littoral areas, including Lake Baikal, with its diversity of fauna and flora. Full article

The presence and accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in riverine waters have been widely documented. The sustained operation of cascade reservoirs has altered the retention characteristics of MPs in the Han River basin. In this study, the composition, sources, and ecological risks of MPs in the water column and sediments of the Han River mainstream across different periods were investigated. Results showed that the MP abundances in the water column and sediments were higher during the flood season than in the non-flood season. Additionally, MPs in the water column exhibited an increasing trend along the operational sequence of cascade reservoirs. During the flood season, polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) were the dominant MP types in the water column, while polycarbonate (PC) and PP prevailed in sediments. In the non-flood season, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the dominant MP type in the water column, whereas PC and PET dominated in sediments. Overall, the distribution characteristics of MPs conformed to the “upstream input-reservoir accumulation-downstream output” pattern. The pollution risk of MPs in both the water column and sediments ranged from low to moderate. These findings provide a basis for exploring the impacts of cascade reservoir operation on the characteristics of MP in water and sediments. Future research will focus on migration mechanisms of MP under the joint operation of cascade reservoirs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Microplastics are ubiquitous pollutants that pose physical toxicity and serve as vectors for antimicrobial agents, altering their bioavailability and toxicity. Unlike previous reviews that focus solely on antibiotics and terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, this review integrates recent findings on the combined impacts of microplastics and antimicrobials on both aquatic and terrestrial animals, highlighting their biological responses. Methods: Recent experimental studies involving aquatic and terrestrial animals published in peer-reviewed journals were reviewed. These studies employed co-exposure designs using microplastics of different sizes, aging conditions, and surface chemistries in combination with antimicrobial compounds. Results: Microplastics combined with antimicrobials cause species-specific and often synergistic toxicity in aquatic organisms, affecting reproduction, immunity, oxidative stress, gene expression, and microbiota, with co-exposure often amplifying adverse physiological and developmental effects. Similarly, co-exposure to microplastics and antimicrobials in rodents, amphibians, birds, and soil invertebrates frequently leads to synergistic toxicity, oxidative stress, disrupted gut microbiota, and enhanced accumulation and bioavailability of pollutants, promoting inflammation, neurotoxicity, metabolic dysfunction, and increased antibiotic resistance gene propagation. Particle size, aging, and antimicrobial type influence toxicity severity. Certain microplastic-antimicrobial combinations can exhibit antagonistic effects, though less frequently reported. Conclusions: The interactions between microplastics and antimicrobials pose heightened risks to the health of organisms and ecological stability. These findings underscore the need to revise current risk assessment protocols to consider pollutant mixtures and microplastics-mediated transport. Future research should focus on environmentally relevant exposures, mechanistic studies using omics tools, and long-term ecological impacts. Integrated regulatory strategies are essential to address the compounded effects of microplastics and chemical contaminants. Full article

This study examined the removal efficiency of microplastics (MPs) in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Zhengzhou, China. A three-point sampling approach (influent, process effluent, and final effluent) was employed, with samples collected across three seasons (summer, winter, and autumn) to investigate seasonal variations in MPs. The abundance of MPs in influent ranged from 184.3 ± 4.0 to 145.3 ± 24.0 n/L, while in the process effluent it decreased to 79.3 ± 18.7 to 62.3 ± 15.0 n/L. Furthermore, in final effluent it was further reduced to 26.0 ± 7.0 to 38.7 ± 5.1 n/L. Fragments and granule-shaped MPs predominated (>80%), with polypropylene (PP, 42.6%) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 31.8%) emerging as the dominant polymer types. The removal efficiency of MPs in the WWTP was 86%, 81%, and 73% in summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. Additionally, the plant exhibited differing removal efficiencies for MPs of varying sizes. Notably, residual sludge retained substantial MPs loads, with seasonal abundances measuring 22.3 ± 3.2, 14.2 ± 2.4, and 29.1 ± 6.7 n/g in summer, autumn, and winter samples, respectively. The findings underscore the importance of implementing effective management strategies and interventions in wastewater systems to mitigate MP pollution. Full article

The increasing presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in environmental matrices presents substantial analytical challenges due to their small size and chemical diversity. This study introduces a novel enzymatic biosensor based on the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) platform for the sensitive detection of MPs and NPs, utilizing laccase as the recognition element. Standard plastic particles, including polystyrene (PS, 0.1 µm), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA, 1.0 µm and 100 µm), and polyethylene (PE, 34–50 µm), were analyzed using SPR angular interrogation along with a fixed-angle scheme. The angular approach revealed a clear relationship between the resonance angle, particle size, and refractive index, while the fixed-angle method, combined with immobilized laccase, facilitated specific detection through enzyme/substrate interactions. The analytical parameters showed detection limits ranging from 7.5 × 10⁻⁴ µg/mL (PE, 34–50 µm) to 253.2 µg/mL (PMMA, 1 µm), with significant differences based on polymer type and enzymatic affinity. Application of the biosensor to real rainwater samples collected from two regions in Mexico (Tula and Molango) confirmed its functionality, although performance varied depending on matrix composition, exhibiting inhibition in samples with high manganese (Mn²⁺), chromium (Cr²⁺), and zinc (Zn²⁺) content. Despite these limitations, the sensor achieved a 113% recovery rate in Tula rainwater, demonstrating its potential for straightforward in situ environmental monitoring. This study highlights the capabilities of laccase-based SPR biosensors in enhancing microplastic detection and underscores the necessity of considering matrix effects for real-world applications. Full article

In this study, data from 17 studies reporting the presence of microplastics in milk and dairy products in the literature were examined with a product-based systematic approach. In addition, geographical comparisons were made between different countries. In milk and dairy products, the concentration of microplastics has been reported to exhibit a broad range, extending from non-detectable levels to as high as 10,040 MPs per kilogram, contingent upon the specific product types. Milk powder (especially baby milk powder) stands out as the riskiest product group in terms of microplastic content. Although the sizes and colors of the detected microplastics vary significantly, the fiber form is generally predominant. While polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide and polyester are among the polymers frequently detected, high-temperature-resistant industrial polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polysulfone, polyurethane were also encountered. In addition, the presence of some polymers (such polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane) that are toxicologically risky for human health was reported in the studies. In addition, the study evaluated the chemical, enzymatic and physical methods used for the separation and identification of MPs; the advantages and limitations of FT-IR, Raman and other analysis techniques were revealed. This study reveals that MP contamination in milk and dairy products is a multidimensional problem. The findings show that milk and dairy products are highly susceptible to plastic contamination at every stage of production. Full article

This review synthesized the current knowledge on the effect of TiO₂ photocatalysts on the degradation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) under visible light, highlighting the state-of-the-art techniques, main challenges, and proposed solutions for enhancing the performance of the photocatalysis technique. The synthesis of TiO₂-based photocatalysts and hybrid nanostructured TiO₂ materials, including those coupled with other semiconductor materials, is explored. Studies on TiO₂-based photocatalysts for the degradation of MPs and NPs under visible light remain limited. The degradation behavior is influenced by the composition of the TiO₂ composites and the nature of different types of MPs/NPs. Polystyrene (PS) MPs demonstrated complete degradation under visible light photocatalysis in the presence of α-Fe₂O₃ nanoflowers integrated into a TiO₂ film with a hierarchical structure. However, photocatalysis generally fails to achieve the full degradation of small plastic pollutants at the laboratory scale, and its overall effectiveness in breaking down MPs and NPs remains comparatively limited. Full article

The global plastic crisis has generated significant interest in repurposing waste plastics as asphalt modifiers, presenting both environmental and engineering advantages. This study offers a comprehensive review of the applications of waste plastics in asphalt, focusing on their types, modification mechanisms, incorporation techniques, and environmental impacts, alongside proposed mitigation strategies. Commonly utilized plastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), each affecting asphalt performance differently—enhancing high-temperature stability and fatigue resistance while exhibiting varying levels of compatibility and environmental risks. The incorporation techniques, namely wet and dry processes, differ in terms of efficiency, cost, and environmental footprint: the wet process enhances durability but requires more energy, whereas the dry process is more cost-effective but may lead to uneven dispersion. Environmental concerns associated with these practices include toxic emissions (such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds) during production, microplastic generation through abrasion and weathering, and ecological contamination of soil and water. Mitigation strategies encompass optimizing plastic selection, improving pre-treatment and compatibilization methods, controlling high-temperature processing, and monitoring the spread of microplastics. This review highlights the need for balanced adoption of waste plastic-modified asphalt, emphasizing sustainable practices to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. Full article

Plastic manufacturing involves using compounds that could be considered endocrine disruptors. Consequently, concern about the effect of these particles on the hormonal regulation of various systems, including the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis, has been increasing. By applying the Amphibian Metamorphosis Assay (AMA), the effects of irregular polystyrene microplastics (PS) MPs on the thyroid gland of Xenopus laevis were investigated. The histological effects on other organs of tadpoles were also studied. Tadpoles were exposed to 500 and 50 µg of virgin PS MP particles, (200 µm range)/L, administered by diet for 21 days. PS dietary exposure revealed statistically significant effects for the snout to vent length and the whole body length apical endpoints on day 21. The histological survey of both treatment groups revealed no noteworthy effects on the thyroid gland, digestive tract, or kidneys, but slight modifications to the liver. Mild ultrastructural modifications were detected in tadpoles’ enterocytes and hepatocytes in both treatment groups, but were likely to be reversible. Overall, our results contrast with previous research results in which effects were observed, but using different types, concentrations, and numbers of MPs. All this suggests the need for standardized methods for the environmental risk assessment of MPs/NPs (nanoplastics). Concern about the risk of NPs seems to be greater, and more studies with NP particles should be conducted. Full article

The rising incidence of microplastics (MPs) is a possible health risk to humans. The present study aims to analyze the presence of MPs in intravenous (IV) infusions and compare MP concentrations from multiple brands. The IV solutions of 29 medical devices (IV-MDs) from seven brands commercialized in Ecuador, Spain, and Italy have been selected under specific consideration to carry out the study. The detection of MPs has been quite obvious in almost all of the samples from brands in the mentioned countries. MP concentrations ranged from 9 to 20 MPs/L in glass containers to 166–299 MPs/L in plastic bags, with the majority of fragments (63%) on fibres (37%) and more than 60% of particles less than 100 µm. Nine different types of MPs were identified in this study. High clinical risk was indicated by markings with >200 MPs/L. Nevertheless, the medium polymeric danger index (PHI) was 1.7. According to these outcomes, IV infusion is a direct exposure to MPs that may have harmful medical repercussions. It is imperative that MPs’ limitations be included in pharmacopoeic monographs and in vivo toxicological and epidemiological studies. The present study aims to analyze the presence of MPs in IV-MDs and compare MP concentrations from multiple IV-MD brands. Full article