Microplastics Pollution

Microplastics, remnants of macroplastics that have broken down to fragments smaller than 5 mm, and nanoplastics, broken down even further to sizes < 1 μm, are pervasive in aquatic ecosystems. These plastic particles are consumed by microscopic organisms, leading to bioaccumulation up trophic levels. The accumulation of plastic in the organismal gut can result in various repercussions, including cellular contamination and genomic modifications such as DNA methylation. While methylation has been studied in teleost fishes, the impact of nanoplastic exposure on this process in any species remains largely unexplored. This study delves into this largely uncharted territory, investigating the accumulation of methylation due to nanoplastic exposure within the genome of cultured bluegill BF-2 cells (Lepomis macrochirus) using methylation-sensitive AFLPs. The methylation state was analyzed through capillary gel analysis and electropherograms. Differential methylation occurred between several control and experimental groups due to nanoplastic exposure; however, these differences were not dose- or time-dependent. These results could suggest that higher dosages and exposure times to nanoplastics do not result in increased methylation levels in congruence with the dosage and exposure time; rather, only the presence of nanoplastics is enough to cause DNA methylation changes. Full article

This study investigates the pollution characteristics and environmental risks of crushed microplastics (MPs) generated during plastic recycling, emphasizing their adsorption capacity for heavy metals, particularly lead (Pb). SEM-EDS analysis revealed that crushed MPs exhibit significantly higher adsorption capacity than primary MPs due to their larger surface area and more available adsorption sites, including oxygen-containing functional groups. The adsorption behavior of MPs was influenced by key factors such as MP size, MP quantity, pH, salinity, and biofilm formation. Smaller MPs demonstrated higher adsorption efficiency, while elevated pH enhanced Pb adsorption. Conversely, increased salinity reduced adsorption due to competition for adsorption sites. Increasing MP concentrations improved Pb removal efficiency, but higher MP quantities led to a decrease in maximum adsorption capacity, demonstrating a trade-off between removal efficiency and adsorption capacity. Isothermal adsorption experiments revealed that Pb adsorption on MPs follows a multi-layer mechanism, best characterized by the Freundlich model. The adsorption capacity increased nonlinearly with Pb concentration and stabilized as surface sites became saturated. The formation of biofilms on MPs further enhanced their adsorption capacity by providing additional functional groups and facilitating multi-layer adsorption, increasing ecological risks. Adsorption kinetics were best described by pseudo-second-order and intra-particle diffusion models, indicating chemical adsorption and boundary layer diffusion as dominant mechanisms. Magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles demonstrated a high recovery efficiency of 99.3% for MPs, highlighting their potential for environmental remediation. However, the presence of adsorbed Pb slightly reduced recovery performance, emphasizing the need to optimize recovery conditions for maximum efficiency. These findings underscore the dual threat posed by crushed MPs: their capacity to adsorb and concentrate harmful substances, increasing ecological toxicity, and the challenges associated with their recovery. This research provides critical insights into mitigating MP pollution and developing effective recovery strategies under realistic environmental conditions. Full article

Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to environmental and human health. This study investigated the toxicological and genotoxic effects of various microplastic types (polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE)) on plant and animal models. Aqueous extracts of microplastics in different size fractions (0.175 mm, 0.3 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm) were evaluated for their impact on barley seed germination and cell division. Results indicated that smaller microplastic fractions exhibited higher toxicity, particularly for PP and PE. Significant reductions in germination rates and root growth were observed, along with increased chromosomal aberrations in barley cells. Furthermore, the migration of formaldehyde, a known toxicant, from microplastics exceeded permissible limits. These findings highlight the potential risks associated with microplastic pollution, particularly in drinking water sources. Future research should focus on the long-term health impacts of microplastic exposure, including carcinogenic potential, and explore the synergistic effects with other pollutants. Stricter regulations on microplastic pollution and advancements in water treatment technologies are urgently needed to mitigate these risks. Full article

Microplastic (MP) pollution in agricultural ecosystems is an emerging environmental concern, with limited knowledge of its transport and accumulation in rural waterbodies. This study investigates the distribution and sources of MP in drainage ditches influenced by pond connectivity, land use, and soil properties within a small catchment in Nanjing, East China. Sediment was collected from ditches in 18 sites across forest, agricultural, horticultural, and urban areas. Using laser-directed infrared spectroscopy (LDIR), 922 MP particles were identified. Six materials were dominant: fluororubber (FR), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU), acrylonitrile (ACR), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), and polyethylene (PE). MP concentrations varied by land use and pond connectivity, with ditches above ponds exhibiting higher counts (1700 particles/kg) than those below (1050 particles/kg), indicating that ponds act as MP sinks. The analysis revealed site-specific MP sources, with FR linked to road runoff and PET associated with agricultural practices. Correlations between MP shape and soil properties showed that more compact and filled shapes were more commonly associated with coarser soils. PE particle size was negatively correlated with organic matter. This study highlights the need for targeted strategies to reduce MP pollution in rural landscapes, such as reducing plastic use, ditch maintenance, and improved road runoff management. Full article

The fundamental existence of any living organism necessitates the availability of pure and safe water. The ever-increasing population has led to extensive industrialization and urbanization, which have subsequently escalated micropollutants and water contamination. The environmental impact on various life forms poses a dire need for research in effective environmental management. Versatile technologies involving multiple approaches, including physiochemical and biological bioremediation strategies, draw insights from environmental biology. Metabolic annihilation mediated by microbes shows significant potential in the bioconversion of toxic micropollutants to tolerable limits. Environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable strategies are envisaged for efficient environmental protection. Phytoremediation technology, especially floating wetland treatments, facilitates micropollutant elimination, landscape management, ecosystem conservation, and aesthetic enhancement in diverse environments. The incorporation of nanomaterials in the bioremediation of toxic micropollutants augments novel and innovative strategies for water pollution abatement. This paper offers a novel strategy that combines nanomaterials to improve micropollutant degradation with bioremediation techniques, particularly the creative application of phytoremediation technologies like floating wetlands. Combining these techniques offers a novel viewpoint on long-term, affordable approaches to reducing water pollution. Additionally, the review proposes a forward-looking strategic framework that addresses the accumulation and refractory nature of micropollutants, which has not been thoroughly explored in previous literature. Full article

Paddy field runoff containing plastic capsules that are used to coat fertilizers has been receiving increased attention. However, the behavior of these capsules, especially their degradation behavior, has not been extensively investigated. We divided the capsules in runoff into two categories: “floating capsules after ploughing” and “floating capsules discharged via pipes at the exits of paddy fields”. The behaviors of the capsules in both types of runoff were monitored in 2022 and 2023 at four paddy fields in Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures in northern Japan. Sampling of capsules in paddy biomass and soil, and comparisons of capsule weight to biomass weight showed that a decrease in plastic capsule weight reflected a decrease in capsule runoff. However, the emergence of clear effects showed a delay of 2 to 3 years, as explained by carbon isotopic analyses. The decrease in the weight of the plastic capsules could be attributed to a combination of capsule degradation and the release of urea inside the capsules, which was also explained by carbon isotopic analyses. Three types of degraded capsules were found: shrunken, broken, and spherical. Statistically significant differences among the weights of each type found. Full article

This study investigates the presence of microplastics in tap drinking water and evaluates the efficacy of various sorbents for their removal in the context of Kazakhstan’s water treatment system. Water samples taken in the cities of Kokshetau and Krasny Yar (Akmola region) were analyzed. Microplastics were detected in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 2.0 × 10⁻² to 6.0 × 10⁻² particles/dm³, predominantly in fiber form (74.1%). Outdated technologies and non-compliance with treatment regimens contribute to poor water quality, including high turbidity (87% of samples), color deviations (40% of samples), and acidity issues (20% of samples). To address these challenges, the study examined the sorption efficiency of different sorbents, with results indicating high retention rates (82.7–97.8%) for microplastic particles. Notably, aliphatic structures like PE and PP exhibited higher retention than PET. Among the sorbents tested, the synthesized carbon sorption material (CSM) demonstrated the highest efficiency in both microplastic retention and improvement in water quality parameters, making it a promising option for water treatment facilities and household filters. Full article

Microplastic pollution is a research hotspot around the world. This study investigated the characteristics of microplastic pollution in the freshwater environments of 21 major cities across China. Through indoor and outdoor experimental analysis, we have identified the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of microplastic pollution in China’s freshwater environments. Our findings indicate that the average concentration of microplastics in China’s freshwater environments is 3502.6 n/m³. The majority of these microplastics are fibrous (42.5%), predominantly smaller than 3 mm (28.1%), and mostly colored (64.7%). The primary chemical components of these microplastics are polyethylene (PE, 33.6%), polyvinyl chloride (PVC, 21.5%), polypropylene (PP, 16.8%), and polystyrene (PS, 15.6%). The abundance of microplastics in China’s freshwater environments generally tends to increase from west to east and from south to north, with the lowest concentration found in Xining, Qinghai (1737.5 n/m³), and the highest in Jiamusi, Heilongjiang (5650.0 n/m³). The distribution characteristics of microplastics are directly related to land use types, primarily concentrated in areas of intense human activity, including agricultural, transport, and urban land. Seasonal changes affect the abundance of microplastics, peaking in summer, followed by spring and autumn, mainly due to variations in rainfall, showing a positive correlation. Full article

Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles measuring less than 5 mm, are considered an emerging pollutant. Their presence in the water cycle and their interaction with ecological processes pose a significant environmental threat. As groundwater (GW) represents the primary source of drinking water, monitoring MPs in GW and investigating their potential sources and pathways is of urgent importance. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the primary contamination pathways of MPs from surface water, seawater, and soil into the GW. Moreover, it presents an examination of the occurrence of MPs in GW and identifies the challenges associated with their monitoring in GW. This study also discusses the difficulties associated with comparing research results related to MPs in GW, as well as indicating the need for implementing standardised techniques for their sampling and detection. On the basis of our experience and the literature review, we highlight the importance of understanding the specific hydrogeological and hydrogeographic conditions, collecting representative samples, using sampling devices with comparable specifications and comparable laboratory techniques for MP identification, and preventing contamination at all stages of the monitoring process. This review offers valuable insights and practical guidelines on how to improve the reliability and comparability of results between studies monitoring MPs in GW. Full article

This paper provides a detailed description of the findings and methodology related to the monitoring of microplastics in three lakes and one river of the Akmola Region in Kazakhstan. The concentration of microplastic particles and the analysis of water and sediment quality of the Yesil River and Kopa, Zerendinskoye, and Borovoe lakes have been analyzed. A total of 64 water samples were collected across the spring, summer, and autumn seasons, with subsequent analysis revealing a seasonal increase in microplastic concentrations. The average microplastic content ranged from 1.2 × 10⁻¹ particles/dm³ in spring to 4.5 × 10⁻¹ particles/dm³ in autumn. Lakes exhibited higher concentrations compared to the Yesil River. Correlation analysis highlighted a connection between microplastic content and turbidity, particularly notable during the spring season. Analysis of sediments revealed a decrease in microplastic concentrations from the coastal zone toward open waters sediments. Microplastic fibers were predominant in sediments (69.6%), followed by fragments (19.1%), films (7.4%), and granules (3.9%). Larger particles (>500 µm) were found in beach sediments, constituting an average of 40.5% of the total plastics found. This study contributes valuable insights into the spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and management strategies to address this environmental concern. Full article

Environmental pollution caused by microplastics has evolved into a global concern; however, limited knowledge exists about microplastics in soils due to the absence of standardized extraction methods. This research aimed to develop an inexpensive, rapid method with user-friendly and environmentally sustainable outcomes for microplastics retrieval. Three salt solutions (Sodium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate) and an oil solution (canola oil) underwent evaluation for microplastics extraction through the flotation process due to the density and oleophilic properties of plastics. Four widely used plastic types, obtained through fragmentation using a grinding mill from clean new plastic containers or membranes, were subjected to analysis. The experimental procedures for microplastics retrieval varied among the evaluated solutions. Through a comprehensive multicriteria analysis, the saturated Sodium Chloride solution emerged as the optimal scenario for microplastics extraction, followed closely by the canola oil scenario. The recovery method utilizing Sodium Chloride demonstrated economic feasibility, safety, and reliability. This study provides valuable insights into an effective and sustainable approach for mitigating microplastic pollution in soil, offering a promising avenue for future environmental conservation efforts. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are abundant in soil and the subsurface environment. They can co-transport with pathogens or act as vectors for pathogens, potentially causing severe ecological harm. The interaction of MPs with pathogens is an important topic. To describe the origins and features of MPs in the subsurface environment, we evaluated relevant studies conducted in the laboratory and field groundwater habitats. We explore the interactions between pathogens and microplastics from three perspectives including the respective physicochemical properties of microplastics and pathogens, external environmental factors, and the binding between microplastics and pathogens. The effects of some interaction mechanisms and environmental factors on their co-transport are discussed. The key factors affecting their interaction are the particle size, specific surface area, shape and functional groups of MPs, the zeta potential and auxiliary metabolic genes of pathogens, and the hydrophobicity of both. Environmental factors indirectly affect MPs and the interaction and co-transport process of pathogens by changing their surface properties. These findings advance our knowledge of the ecological behavior of MPs–pathogens and the associated potential health hazards. Full article

This systematic review represents one of the first attempts to compare the efficacy of the full suite of management interventions developed to control (prevent or remove) microplastics (MPs) in freshwater bodies, both man-made and natural. The review also traces the evolution of research on the topic in relation to the timing of key policy and regulatory events and investigates whether interventions are being applied within regions and freshwater bodies that represent concerns in terms of MP pollution. The review incorporated bibliometric analysis and meta-analysis of 124 original research articles published on the topic between 2012 and April 2023. To supplement the key findings, data were extracted from 129 review articles on the major knowledge gaps and recommendations. The number of articles on the topic increased with each year, coinciding with a range of global policy commitments to sustainability and mitigating plastic pollution. The majority of the studies focused on MPs in general, rather than any particular particle shape or polymer type, and were conducted at wastewater/sludge treatment plants. Upstream interventions accounted for the majority of studies reviewed (91.1%). A smaller proportion (4.8%) of studies involved reduction in production and physical removal at the point of production (1.6%); treatment-related objectives such as removal through filtration and separation and the combination of these with other technologies in hybrid systems were dominant. Of the physical, chemical and biological methods/technologies (and combinations thereof) employed, physical types (particularly membrane filtration) were most common. The majority of the studies within the wastewater/sludge, stormwater and in situ water/sediment categories exhibited removal efficacies >90%. Although new interventions are constantly being developed under laboratory conditions, their scalability and suitability across different settings are uncertain. Downstream interventions lack sustainability without effective upstream interventions. Though in situ methods are technically achievable, they may not be feasible in resource-limited settings. Full article

Contamination of aquatic ecosystems by microplastics (MPs) is mainly due to the release of high levels of MP particles from treated effluents by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Due to the lack of policies and regulations establishing criteria for the control and elimination of MPs from WWTP effluents, this research evaluates the presence of 38 and 150 µm MPs in influents and effluents from three WWTPs in the port of Acapulco, Mexico. Optical microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the MPs were polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride. MP removal efficiencies of 82.5–98.7% (38 µm) and 86.8–97.5% (150 µm) were achieved. Moreover, the MP average daily emissions to the receiving bodies of the three WWTPs ranged from 9.5 × 10⁶ to 4.70 × 10⁸ particles, while the annual emissions ranged from 3.05 × 10⁹ to 1.72 × 10¹¹ particles. This work reveals the urgency of implementing regulatory policies to avoid the continuous emission of MPs into aquatic ecosystems from WWTPs in Acapulco, Mexico. Full article

Every year we are more and more exposed to the negative impact of microplastic. Our research aimed to determine the amount of microplastic in the snow on sledding hills in green areas of Krakow. The sledding hills in winter are very intensively used by children and it is very important to monitor the condition of these places in terms of microplastic contamination. In our research, we assessed whether children playing on sledding hills may be exposed to microplastic. Our research covered 10 sledding hills of various sizes located in the green areas of Krakow. Our research has confirmed the presence of significant amounts of microplastics in snow collected on sledding hills. Three times as much microplastic was found in the snow on the higher hills (2.78 mg/L) compared to the lower sledding hills (0.96 mg/L). In the snow collected on sledding hills from the green areas of Krakow, a large diversity of microplastic in terms of type, size, color, and shape was noted. The dominant type of microplastic found during the research was polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), hydrocarbon resin (HCR), and polyester (PES). The share of two microplastic fractions of 1.1–2.0 mm and 2.1–3.0 mm accounted for over 50% of the whole amount. After melting the snow, microplastic goes to the soil surface, which can lead to changes in the properties of the soil, and due to its strong hydrophobicity, it will play an important role in the transport of toxic compounds, e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Our research suggests limiting the use of plastic sleds and replacing them with wooden sleds, which will not be a source of pollution for urban green spaces used by residents regardless of the season. Full article

Microplastic pollution poses a threat to human health. It is possible that the increase in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease is associated with exposure to microplastics. We investigated the effect of the consumption of polystyrene microparticles with a diameter of 5 μm at a dose of 2.3 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks on morphological changes in the colons of healthy male C57BL/6 mice and of mice with acute colitis induced by a 1% dextran sulfate sodium solution (DSS). In healthy mice, microplastics caused an increase in the number of endocrine cells, an increase in the content of highly sulfated mucins in goblet cells, an increase in the number of cells in the lamina propria, and a decrease in the volume fraction of macrophages. Microplastic consumption caused more severe acute colitis, which is characterized by a greater prevalence of ulcers and inflammation and a decrease in the content of neutral mucins in goblet cells. Full article

This paper presents the outcomes derived from an environmental assessment of microplastic pollution resulting from solid waste landfills in the Akmola Region, situated in North Kazakhstan. This research represents a pioneering investigation conducted on microplastics within this specific region. This study encompasses a comprehensive examination of plastic waste disposal sites across the Akmola region, with a particular emphasis on evaluating the status of the municipal solid waste management system. To characterize the plastic content within the waste present at the landfill sites, quantitative techniques were employed. Through experimental means, the composition and fractionation of plastics within the municipal solid waste (MSW) at the landfills were determined. These data were subjected to a comparative analysis, aligning them with official statistics and previously published scientific data from both Kazakhstan and other regions globally. The methodologies employed focused on the “soft” removal of organic substances through the use of oxidants which do not damage plastics, and were tested using a water-bath therapeutic treatment. Furthermore, an analysis of soil samples taken from the landfills unveiled the ultimate retention of microplastic particles, attributed to leachate and rainwater runoff. Extracts were obtained from the subsoil samples using a density-based separation process, involving a three-step extraction followed by subsequent filtration of the resulting supernatants. In addition, the soil samples underwent examination through dry-phase particle fractional separation. The particles were meticulously enumerated and classified, and their dimensions were measured employing microscopic techniques coupled with photographic documentation. The outcomes stemming from these diverse tests will serve as fundamental input for the forthcoming numerical modeling endeavor, which aims to simulate the behavior of microplastics within both soil and water. This endeavor represents a continuation of the research project, the preliminary findings of which are expounded upon in this paper. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the distribution of microplastics (MPs) within the Shiwuli River in Hefei, a Chinese inland city. Water and sediment samples were collected during flood season (from May to September) and non-flood season (from October to April) at 10 representative points along the truck stream. The electron microscope, the laser direct infrared chemical imaging system (LDIR), and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to observe and quantify the colour and shape of the MPs, to identify the number, size, and polymer composition of the MPs, and to observe the microstructures of typical MP particles, respectively. The polymer risk index (RI) model and the pollution load index (PLI) model were used to assess the polymer-related risks and the overall extent of MP pollution in the river, respectively. Analysis of MP abundance for different sampling points showed that the water of Shiwuli River had an average abundance of MPs of 8.4 ± 2.5 particles/L during the flood season and 5.8 ± 1.7 particles/L during the non-flood season; the sediment had an average abundance of MPs of 78.9 ± 8.3 particles/kg during the flood season and 63.9 ± 7.1 particles/kg during the non-flood season. The abundance of MPs of different points was investigated. Result show that the more abundances of MPs were found at confluences with tributaries (S4, S5, and S6), where they are also close to the residential and industrial development, while lower values were found in agricultural areas (S8) and wetland ecological regions (S9 and S10). In water, the maximum appeared at S5 with 21.7 ± 4.6 particles/L during the flood season and 15.9 ± 4.2 particles/L during the non-flood season, respectively; the minimum appeared at S9 with 1.8 ± 1.0 particles/L during the flood season and 2.2 ± 0.4 particles/L during the non-flood season, respectively. In sediment, the maximum appeared at S5 with 174.1 ± 10.1 particles/kg during the flood season and 143.6 ± 10.4 particles/kg during the non-flood season, respectively; the minimum appeared at S8 with 10.3 ± 2.8 particles/kg during the flood season and at S9 with 12.1 ± 3.2 particles/kg during the non-flood season, respectively. MP characteristics were also studied. Results show that the MPs mainly exhibited a fibroid morphology (27.90–34%), and red-coloured particles (19.10%) within the smaller size less than 500 μm (38.60%) were more prevalent. Additionally, the result of LDIR scanning shows that a total of eleven types of MP polymers were found in the river water and sediment, including acrylates (ACR), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane (PU), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), and silicon. The most common particle was PE (19.3–21.6%). Furthermore, the environmental risk assessment demonstrated that the PS polymer posed a Level-III risk in the water samples and a Level-II risk in the sediment samples from the Shiwuli River. The remaining polymer types exhibited Level-I risk. The PLI_zone value for water was 2.24 during the flood season, indicating heavy pollution, and 1.66 during the non-flood season, indicating moderate pollution. Similarly, the PLI_zone value for sediments was 2.34 during the flood season and 1.91 during the non-flood season, both suggesting a heavy pollution. These findings highlight the potential risk posed by MP pollution in the Shiwuli River to the quality of drinking water sources in Chaohu Lake in Hefei. They provide valuable insights into management, pollution control, and integrated management strategies pertaining to MPs in urban inland rivers in Hefei. Full article

Microplastic contamination has become a concerning topic of study in recent decades. This review discusses the development of microplastic pollution based on a selection of South Asian countries consisting of Bangladesh, Iran, Philippines, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The condition of microplastic pollution related to the abundance of microplastic found in various environments as well as the presence of microplastics in food and the air, is covered in this review. Several reports found that drinking water sourced from taps was found to have about 83% of microplastic particles in the year 2017 based on results from 14 nations, and in the year 2018, 260 bodies of water for human consumption in 11 countries were found to have about 93% of microplastic particles. Micro debris pollution in seas and oceans worldwide is predicted to be at an amount of 236,000 metric tons based on a statistical report. A mean value of 30 micro debris per liter of glacier water was recovered from the top of Mount Everest, whereas about 2200 small particles per liter were discovered in the deep waters of the Mariana Trench. The main environments that are severely microplastic-contaminated are water-based places such as rivers, estuaries, and beaches. The presence of microplastics in food items, such as tea bags, sugar, shrimp paste, and salt packets, has been reported. In terms of impacts on the environment, microplastic contamination includes the ingestion of microplastics by aquatic creatures in water environments. The impacts on terrestrial environments relate to microplastics sinking into the soil, leading to the alteration of the physicochemical parameters of soil. Meanwhile, the impacts on the atmospheric environment include the settling of microplastics on the external bodies of animals and humans. Full article

Microplastic concentrations in surface water and wastewater collected from Daugavpils and Liepaja cities in Latvia, as well as Klaipeda and Siauliai cities in Lithuania, were measured in July and December 2021. Using optical microscopy, polymer composition was characterized using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The average abundance of microplastics in surface water and wastewater samples was 16.63 ± 20.29 particles/L. The dominant shape group of microplastics in water was fiber, with dominant colors found to be blue (61%), black (36%), and red (3%) in Latvia. Similar distribution in Lithuania was found, i.e., fiber (95%) and fragments (5%) with dominant colors, such as blue (53%), black (30%), red (9%), yellow (5%), and transparent (3%). The micro-Raman spectroscopy spectra of visible microplastics were identified to be polyethylene terephthalate (33%) and polyvinyl chloride (33%), nylon (12%), polyester (PS) (11%), and high-density polyethylene (11%). In the study area, municipal and hospital wastewater from catchment areas were the main reasons for the contamination of microplastics in the surface water and wastewater of Latvia and Lithuania. It is possible to reduce pollution loads by implementing measures such as raising awareness, installing more high-tech wastewater treatment plants, and reducing plastic use. Full article

Single-use plastic waste has become a growing concern in daily life. Community leaders are implementing programs to reduce the use of single-use plastic and change consumer behavior. This study, using the social cognitive theory framework for sustainable consumption, examines the reciprocal relationship among the following three factors: personal (green consumer values), environmental (bans and rebate/reward programs), and behavioral (consumer decision-making related to single-use plastic waste). The study surveyed consumers (N = 330) across the United States who watched a video on the effects of single-use plastic waste on health and well-being. The results indicate that states with bans or rebate/reward programs tend to have higher green consumer values and consumers in those states report less use of single-use plastic waste. Education level also has a significant impact on green consumer values and plastic waste usage. The study provides a resource guide for decision makers to implement programs in five areas: (1) Business Resources, (2) Public Policy Resources, (3) Non-Profit Resources, (4) Education Resources, and (5) Personal Resources. The study also suggests potential areas for future research. Full article

Since microplastics are considered harmful to the human body, studies on their samplings, pretreatments and analyses environmental media, such as water, are continuously being conducted. However, a standard sampling and pretreatment method must be established, particularly because microplastics of a few micrometers in size are easily affected by external contamination. In this study, a microplastic sampling device was designed and developed to obtain a high recovery rate of microplastics and prevent plastics contamination during all processes. For the evaluation of the developed device, microplastic reference materials were produced and used, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed. This device has not only been applied to the relatively large previously studied microplastics (100 µm) but also to microplastics of approximately 20 µm that are vulnerable to contamination. A recovery rate of 94.2% was obtained using this device, and the particles were separated by filtration through a three-stage cassette. In conclusion, we propose a method to increase the accuracy and reproducibility of results for microplastic contamination in the environment. This method is able to consistently obtain and manage microplastics data, which are often difficult to compare using various existing methods. Full article

As one of the primary nodes in the flow of micro-plastics (MPs) in the environment, it is critical to examine and assess the Sewage Treatment, occurrence, and removal of MPs in waste treatment plant (WWTP). This research explored the shape, size, and composition of MPs at various stages of the WWTP process in the south of the city of Hefei, China, in dry and rainy weather conditions, as well as the removal effectiveness of MPs in a three-stage process. The collected MPs were quantitatively and qualitatively examined using an Osmosis electron microscope and micro-FTIR. The pollution risk of MPs in WWTP was assessed using the EU classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) standard and the pollution load index (PLI). The findings revealed that the average abundance of fibrous MPs was greatest in WWTP sewage and sludge, 49.3% and 39.7% in dry weather, and 50.1% and 43.2% in rainy weather, respectively. The average distribution of MPs in the 0–500 μm range was highest in WWTP wastewater and sludge, 64.9% and 60.4% in dry weather and 67.9% and 69.0% in rainy weather, respectively. Finally, the overall removal rate was 87.7% and 83.5%. At the same time, it has been demonstrated that MPs with varied compositions are strongly tied to human activities, and environmental conditions (such as rainy weather) also influence their source. In both dry and wet weather, the amount of polymers and the risk score were linked to the pollution risk of MPs in WWTP. In wet weather, the MPS pollution index was more variable. The pollution indices of MPs in row water and tail water were 2.40 and 2.46, respectively, which were heavily contaminated, and 1.0 and 1.2, which were moderately polluted. MPs in dewatered sludge had severely polluted indexes of 3.5 and 3.4, respectively. As a result, there is still MPs efflux or buildup in sludge during and after the WWTP process, which presents an ecological contamination concern. Full article

Microplastics are abundant in agricultural soils and have significant impacts on rainfall infiltration and soil water-retaining capacity. To explore the effect of microplastics on agricultural soil permeability by simulating the rainfall irrigation process, a one-dimensional vertical soil column rainfall infiltration test device was used to study the unsaturated infiltration characteristics of loess soil imbued with microplastics under rainfall conditions. The following conclusions could be obtained: the microplastic content (q), the microplastic particle size (p), and the soil density (γ) have effects on rainfall infiltration; the soil water-retaining capacity would be weakened owing to the existence of microplastics; and intermittent rainfall is preferred in agricultural irrigation. Finally, the permeability coefficient (k) and average flow rate (V) of the unsaturated soil are deduced together, and the relationship between the permeability coefficient (k) and the matrix suction (ψ) of the unsaturated loess soil containing microplastics is calculated by an example, proving good consistency between the experimental results and theoretical calculations. Microplastics represent negative effects on rainfall infiltration and soil water retention, so it is recommended to dispose of them. Full article

Microplastic pollution is a common problem in the coastal and marine environment, especially in the transferential process through trophic levels. This study analyzed the characteristics of microplastics in the seawater, sediments, and green mussels (Perna viridis) around Sri Racha Bay, Thailand, during the dry and wet season in 2020. This area is a semi-enclosed bay highly affected by extensive green mussel farms and anthropogenic activities. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics was undertaken using a stereomicroscope and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (ATR-μ-FT-IR). During the wet season (July), the average abundance of microplastics was found to be relatively higher in water (2.06 ± 1.78 particles/m³) and sediment (69.35 ± 22.29 items/Kg D.W.) than those found in the dry season (April) (0.85 ± 0.25 items/m³ in water and 48.30 ± 28.17 items/Kg D.W.). Overall, the most abundant microplastic polymers were PE, PP, and poly in water, but PE, nylon, and PP in sediments. In green mussels, microplastic counts were 0.15 ± 0.41 and 0.22 ± 0.57 items/individual in the dry and wet season, respectively, and PET, PP, and nylon were the three most abundant. Some inter-specific differences were found, but no evidence for a sampling sites or seasons was highlighted, although the tendency was higher during the wet season. The excessive riverine freshwater discharge transported terrestrial plastic debris into the estuarine system; hence, higher microplastic contamination in surface seawater and sediment was evidenced. The presence of colorants in organisms revealed an anthropogenic origin through the use of a wide array of applications. This study provides thoughtful insights for coastal area management and food-safety planning. Full article

As two environmental pollutants of great concern, polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and nonylphenol (NP) often coexist in the environment and cause combined pollution. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out by varying parameters such as pH, the particle sizes of the PS-MPs, the initial concentration of NP, and metal ion content. The results showed that the particle size of the PS-MPs in the range tested (0.1, 1, 10, 50, and 100 μm) had a significant effect on their NP adsorption capacity. The NP adsorption process of the PS-MPs was best described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model, while the intraparticle diffusion and Bangham models were also involved in determining the NP adsorption process of 0.1 μm PS-MPs. Both PS-MPs and NP significantly affected cell proliferation, which had been confirmed by reduced cell viability, a blocked cell cycle G1 phase, and elevated apoptosis by affecting the basic cell functions. Furthermore, the negative effects of 0.1 μm PS-MPs on cell proliferation and function were aggravated after the adsorption of NP. Further research on the potential health risks of PS-MPs combined with NP or other environmental contaminants is needed. Full article