A plastic world: A review of microplastic pollution in the freshwaters of the Earth's poles

Synergistic toxicity of nanoplastics and Helicobacter pylori on digestive system in mice

Nanoplastics, in combination with pathogenic microorganisms or toxic substances, have been shown to induce oxidative stress and disrupt energy and lipid metabolism, posing significant health risks. This study evaluated the toxic effects of co-exposure to nanoplastics and Helicobacter pylori on the digestive system of mice. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the accumulation of AuPS-NPs (Au-core polystyrene nanoplastics) in the stomach, colon, and liver, while hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed dose-dependent pathological damage in these tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays quantified interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), triglyceride (TG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, which significantly increased in co-exposure groups compared to single-exposure groups (P < 0.05). After 28 days, the 100 mg/L H. pylori-AuPS-NPs group showed the highest levels of IL-6 (172.91 ± 1.51 pg/mL in the stomach, 188.31 ± 1.49 pg/mL in the colon, and 174.85 ± 0.26 pg/mL in the liver) and MDA (13.49 ± 0.16 nmol/mg in the stomach, 14.39 ± 0.20 nmol/mg in the colon, and 15.61 ± 0.63 nmol/mg in the liver). These increases, accompanied by elevated TG and LDH levels, suggest aggravated inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disruption. Accumulation analysis showed that while AuPS-NPs content significantly increased over time and with higher concentrations, co-exposure with H. pylori reduced nanoparticle accumulation in gastric and intestinal tissues. These results indicate that co-exposure exacerbates tissue damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disruptions while modulating nanoparticle accumulation. These findings highlight the synergistic toxic effects of nanoplastics and H. pylori, underscoring the importance of understanding combined exposure risks for public health.

Discovery and solution for microplastics: New risk carriers in food

Microplastics (MPs), as a kind of plastic particles with an equal volume size of less than 5 mm, similar to PM2.5 in the air, are causing severe contamination issues in food. Along with the food chain accumulation, they have been confirmed to appear in daily foods and cause serious health risks to the organisms. However, there were no unifying national and local policies on separating, extracting, and detecting MPs in food, which is an essential and imperative early-warning strategy. This review carefully and comprehensively summarized the validated contaminated food, physical and chemical characteristics, extraction methods, traditional and rapid detection techniques, as well as degradation methods of MPs. We thoroughly analyzed the differences among these traditional strategies, and innovatively generalized the existing rapid detection techniques for MPs. Finally, the shortcomings of existing research were discussed, and the possibility of novel rapid and intelligent detection techniques for MPs in food was proposed.

Microplastic pollution in the marine environment: Distribution factors and mitigation strategies in different oceans

As the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, plastic usage spiked, and microplastic (MP) generation has increased dramatically. It is documented that MP can transfer from the source to the ocean environment where they accumulate as the destination. Therefore, it is essential to understand their transferring pathways and effective environmental factors to determine the distribution of MPs in the marine environment. This article reviews the environmental factors that affect MP distribution in the oceans including abiotic such as ocean currents and wind direction, physical/chemical and biological reactions of MPs, natural sinking, particle size and settling velocity, and biotic including biofouling, and incorporation in fecal material. It was found that velocity and physical shearing are the most important parameters for MP accumulation in the deep ocean. Besides, this review proposes different research-based, national-level, and global-level strategies for the mitigation of MPs after the pandemic. Based on the findings, the level of MP pollution in the oceans is directly correlated to coastal areas with high populations, particularly in African and Asian countries. Future studies should focus on establishing predictive models based on the movement and distribution of MPs to mitigate the levels of pollution.

Potential ecological risk of microplastics contamination to environment in protect area lakes

Microplastics (MPs) in freshwater have been extensively studied on a global scale. However, a deeper understanding is still required regarding the occurrence characteristics and ecological risks of MPs in protected area lakes(PAL). Here, the study investigated MPs pollution in PAL, outside protected areas lakes (OPAL), and ponds (OPAP) in the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, and a comprehensive analysis was conducted comparing lakes or ponds from different income regions. The results showed that PAL has a single source of contamination, while OPAL and OPAP exhibited more diverse MP sources. The surface of all samples showed significant physicochemical changes like oxygen-containing functional groups and potential signs of biodegradation. Microbiome analysis identified potential plastic-degrading bacteria on MPs, which varied by polymer type. Ecological risk assessment revealed that OPAL and OPAP face higher ecological risks, particularly from polymers like PVC and PC, while PAL has low risk. However, we should also consider the environmental changes over the past 100 years of history in this region and emphasize the environmental health of PAL. Notably, MPs pollution is more severe in lower-middle-income regions, highlighting the urgent need for stricter controls.

Multigenerational effects of virgin and sampled plastics on the benthic macroinvertebrate Chironomus riparius

Although sediments are important reservoirs of plastics, most of the ecotoxicological studies on these contaminants are focused on the organisms living in the water column, while only a smaller number of evidence concerns the plastic impact on benthic species. Therefore, this study compared the multigenerational effects on the sediment-dwelling midge Chironomus riparius exposed to both virgin polystyrene microbeads (22,400-224,000 plastics/kg sediments dry weight), and plastic mixtures (40-420 plastics/kg dry weight) collected from four of the main tributaries of Po River (Ticino, Adda, Oglio and Mincio Rivers, Northern Italy) to evaluate the role played by other characteristics related to these physical contaminants in determining their toxicity as opposed to concentration alone. The modified Chironomid Life-Cycle Toxicity Test (OECD 233) was used to evaluate the multigenerational effects on the Emergence and Development Rates, Fecundity and Fertility. In addition, a biomarkers' suite of cellular stress, neurotoxicity, and energetic metabolism was applied in the 2nd generation (2nd/3rd instar of larvae) to investigate the potential mechanisms associated to the apical effects. Our results showed no significant (p > 0.05) multigenerational effect for any of the endpoints tested for the virgin plastics' exposures. Coherently, no significant effects on biomarkers were measured. Concerning the sampled plastics, the particles collected in Adda River instead induced a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of the Emergence Rate in the 2nd generation, suggesting that this parameter was the most susceptible among those measured. These results highlight that the different plethora of polymers, sizes and shapes of plastics sampled in natural ecosystems, compared to homogeneous characteristics of virgin polystyrene microbeads, appears to have considerable importance over concentration alone in determining the toxicity of these emerging contaminants.

Upcycling Fishing Net Waste and Metal Oxide from Electroplating Waste into Alga Cultivation Structures with Antibacterial Properties

Plastic waste, especially discarded fishing nets, and electroplating sludges pose significant environmental challenges, impacting marine ecosystems and contributing to pollution. In alga cultivation, invasive microorganisms often hinder growth, necessitating strategies to combat these issues. This study aimed to develop recycled substrates for alga cultivation by repurposing fishing nets and enhancing their surfaces with antibacterial properties using copper oxide (CuO). Additionally, it explores the reuse of CuO from electroplating sludge, providing a sustainable solution that addresses both marine and industrial waste while supporting healthy alga development. Recycled substrates were produced, with different proportions of pure CuO and sludge (1 and 2 wt%) incorporated on the surface. These compositions were processed by hot compression molding and then the antibacterial activity was characterized using a qualitative and quantitative method. The results indicate the possibility of recycling fishing net into new substrates to alga cultivation and the functionalization of their surface using CuO as an antibacterial agent. The antibacterial tests showed a better activity for pure CuO compared to the residual sludge, and better for the higher surface concentration of 2 wt%. Despite the limited bacterial inhibition observed, there is an opportunity for reusing these sludges, typically disposed of in landfills, to obtain specific antibacterial agents that can be applied to the surface of substrates for algal growth.

High-efficiency microplastic removal in water treatment based on short flow control of hydrocyclone: Mechanism and performance

Microplastics have been identified as a potentially emerging threat to water environment and human health. Therefore, there is a pressing demand for effective strategies to remove microplastics from water. Hydrocyclone offers a rapid separation and low energy consumption alternative but require reduction of microparticle entrainment by short flow, which limits the effectiveness for small density differentials and ultralow concentrations separation. We proposed an enhanced mini-hydrocyclone with overflow microchannels (0.72 mm width) based on the active control of short flow in hydrocyclone for microplastic removal from water. The overflow microchannels effectively redirect the particles that would typically be entrained by the short flow, leading to higher separation efficiency. Simulation results show overflow microchannels effectively reduced short flow to 0.7 %, a reduction of up to 94 % compared to conventional hydrocyclones. The hydrocyclone with overflow microchannel demonstrated a removal efficiency exceeding 98 % for 8 μm plastic microbeads at ultralow concentrations (10 ppm), which is a 33.7 % improvement over conventional hydrocyclone. Compared with other methods (e.g., filtration, adsorption, coagulation) for microplastic removal, this work achieves rapid separation capability and long period operation, highlighting hydrocyclone as a promising approach for microplastic removal in industry-scale water treatment.

Long-term PS micro/nano-plastic exposure: Particle size effects on hepatopancreas injury in Parasesarma pictum

With the widespread use of plastic products, microplastics and nanoplastics have emerged as prevalent pollutants in coastal aquatic ecosystems. Parasesarma pictum, a common estuarine crab species, was selected as a model organism. P. pictum was exposed to polystyrene (PS) particles of sizes 80 nm (80PS), 500 nm (500PS), and 1000 nm (1000PS), as well as to clean seawater (CK) for 21 days. Histological and fluorescent staining results showed that PS particles of all three sizes induced hepatopancreatic nuclear pyknosis, cell junction damage, and necrosis. The degree of damage was observed as 1000PS > 80PS > 500PS. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that major differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with cellular processes, membrane components, and catalytic activity. The respiratory chain disruptions and immune exhaustion induced by 1000PS were notably stronger than those by 80PS and 500PS. Additionally, necrosis caused hepatopancreas injury in P. pictum rather than apoptosis or autophagy after long-term PS particle exposure. Furthermore, PS particles of all three sizes inhibited innate immunity, while the complement pathway was not significantly affected in the 80PS group. This study elucidated potential distinctions in how plastic particles of varying sizes (nanoplastics, microplastics, and micro/nanoplastics) impact P. pictum, providing a reference for toxicological mechanism research on microplastics and nanoplastics in aquatic organisms. Future research should focus on exploring long-term effects and potential mitigation strategies for microplastics and nanoplastics of more types and a wider range of particle size pollution in aquatic environments.

Adsorption and desorption of parachlormetaxylenol by aged microplastics and molecular mechanism

The addition of active ingredients such as antibacterial agent and non-active ingredients such as plastic microspheres (MPs) in personal care products (PCPs) are the common pollutants in the aquatic environment, and their coexistence poses potential threat to the aquatic ecosystem. As a substitute for the traditional antibacterial ingredients triclosan and triclocarban, the usage of parachlormetaxylenol (PCMX) is on the rise and is widely used in PCPs. In this study, the adsorption and desorption behaviors of PCMX were investigated with two typical MPs, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE), and the effects of different aging modes and molecular mechanisms were explored through batch experiments and density functional theory calculation. Both laboratory aging and field aging resulted in surface wrinkles of MPs, along with an increased proportion of oxygen-containing functional groups (CO, -OH). At the same aging time, the degree of laboratory aging was stronger than that of field aging, and the aging degree of PVC was greater that of PE. The aging process enhanced the adsorption capacity of MPs for PCMX. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of PVC increased from 3.713 mg/g (virgin) to 3.823 mg/g (field aging) and 3.969 mg/g (laboratory aging), while that of PE increased from 3.509 mg/g to 3.879 mg/g and 4.109 mg/g, respectively. Meanwhile, aging also resulted in an increase in the desorption capacity of PCMX from PVC and PE. Oxygen-containing functional groups in aged MPs could serve as adsorption sites for PCMX and improved the electrostatic adsorption capacity. Oxygen-containing groups generated on the surface of aged MPs formed hydrogen bonding with the phenolic hydroxyl groups of PCMX, which became the main driving force for adsorption. Our results reveal the potential impact and mechanism of aging on the adsorption of PCMX by MPs, which provides new insights for the interaction mechanism between environmental MPs and associated contaminants.

The role of algae in regulating the fate of microplastics: A review for processes, mechanisms, and influencing factors

As an important emerging pollutant, the fate of microplastics (MPs) in ecosystems is of growing global concern. In addition to hydrodynamics and animals, algae can also affect the transport of MPs in aquatic environments, which could potentially remove MPs from the water column. Although researchers have conducted many studies on the sink of MPs regulated by algae in both marine and freshwater environments, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding coupled with the increasingly scattered study contents and findings. This review aims to provide a systematic discussion of the processes, mechanisms, and influencing factors, which are coupled with the sink of MPs changes by algae. The main processes identified include retention, flocculation, deposition, and degradation. The retention of MPs is achieved by adhesion of MPs to algae or embedment/encrustation of MPs within the epibiont matrix of algae, thereby preventing MPs from migrating with water currents. The extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and enzymes produced by algal metabolic activities can lead not only to the formation of aggregates containing MPs but also to the biodegradation of MPs. The processes that algae alter the fate of MPs in aquatic environments are very complex and can be influenced by various factors such as algal attributes, microplastic characteristics and environmental conditions. This review provides insights into recent advances in the fate of aquatic MPs and highlights the need for further research on MPs-algae interactions, potentially shortening the knowledge gap in the sink of MPs in aquatic ecosystems.

Microplastics in water resources: Global pollution circle, possible technological solutions, legislations, and future horizon

Beneath the surface of our ecosystems, microplastics (MPs) silently loom as a significant threat. These minuscule pollutants, invisible to the naked eye, wreak havoc on living organisms and disrupt the delicate balance of our environment. As we delve into a trove of data and reports, a troubling narrative unfolds: MPs pose a grave risk to both health and food chains with their diverse compositions and chemical characteristics. Nevertheless, the peril extends further. MPs infiltrate the environment and intertwine with other pollutants. Worldwide, microplastic levels fluctuate dramatically, ranging from 0.001 to 140 particles.m-3 in water and 0.2 to 8766 particles.g-1 in sediment, painting a stark picture of pervasive pollution. Coastal and marine ecosystems bear the brunt, with each organism laden with thousands of microplastic particles. MPs possess a remarkable ability to absorb a plethora of contaminants, and their environmental behavior is influenced by factors such as molecular weight and pH. Reported adsorption capacities of MPs vary greatly, spanning from 0.001 to 12,700 μg·g-1. These distressing figures serve as a clarion call, demanding immediate action and heightened environmental consciousness. Legislation, innovation, and sustainable practices stand as indispensable defenses against this encroaching menace. Grasping the intricate interplay between microplastics and pollutants is paramount, guiding us toward effective mitigation strategies and preserving our health ecosystems.

Enhancement of the degradation capacity of IsPETase by acidic amino acids insertion and carbohydrate-binding module fusion

The biocatalytic degradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) through enzymatic methods has garnered considerable attention due to its environmentally friendly and non-polluting nature, as well as its high specificity. While previous efforts in enhancing IsPETase performance have focused on amino acid substitutions in protein engineering, we introduced an amino acid insertion strategy in this work. By inserting a negatively charged acidic amino acid, Glu, at the right-angle bend of IsPETase, the binding capability between the enzyme's active pocket and PET was improved. The resulted mutant IsPETase9394insE exhibited enhanced hydrolytic activity towards PET at various temperatures ranging from 30 to 45 ℃ compared with the wild-type IsPETase. Notably, a 10.04-fold increase was observed at 45 ℃. To further enhance PET hydrolysis, different carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) were incorporated at the C-terminus of IsPETase9394insE. Among these, the fusion of CBM from Verrucosispora sioxanthis exhibited the highest enhancement, resulting in a 1.82-fold increase in PET hydrolytic activity at 37 ℃ compared with the IsPETase9394insE. Finally, the engineered variant was successfully employed for the degradation of polyester filter cloth, demonstrating its promising hydrolytic capacity. In conclusion, this research presents an alternative enzyme engineering strategy for modifying PETases and enriches the pool of potential candidates for industrial PET degradation.

Baseline assessment of macrolitter on the coastline of Algeria: Fit-for-purpose data for tailor-made measures to navigate the Plasticene Age

Curbing the growing threat of marine litter requires reliable, coherent and fit-for-purpose data. The present study reports the findings of beach macrolitter surveys carried out in seventeen sites along the coastline of Algeria. The median litter density recorded along these sites amounted to 578 items per 100 m of coastline (range: 317-2684 items/100 m). Every surveyed beach exceeded the European threshold value of 20 items per 100 m of coastline by a significant margin. In addition, the evaluation conducted employing the Mediterranean threshold value of 130 items per 100 m of coastline indicated that each of the seventeen surveyed beaches resides within the non-Good Environmental Status spectrum. A significant proportion of the litter, accounting for 43 %, is attributed to food and beverage consumption-related items, highlighting the impact of single-use food packaging, including food and beverage containers resulting from unsustainable practices mainly by beach users and inadequate waste management.

Microplastic pollution and ecological risk assessment of a pond ecosystem

Microplastic (MP) pollution has been observed in various ecosystems as a result of the rapid increase in plastic production over the past half-century. Nevertheless, the extent of MP pollution in different ecosystems, particularly in freshwater ecosystems, has not been well-studied, and there are limited investigations on this particular topic, specifically in Türkiye. Here, we quantify the occurrence and distribution of MPs in surface water samples collected from Topçu Pond (Türkiye) for the first time. Water samples were collected at five stations and filtered (30 L for each station) through stacked stainless steel sieves (5 mm, 328 µm, and 61 µm mesh size) with a diameter of 30 cm. The abundance, size, color, shape, and type of collected debris samples were analyzed after the wet peroxide oxidation process. MP particles were observed in all samples at an average abundance of 2.4 MPs/L. The most abundant MP size class and type were 0-999 µm and fiber respectively. On the other hand, prevalent colors were black and colorless in general. According to the Raman analysis results, the identified MP derivatives were polypropylene (40%), polyamide (30%), ethylene acrylic acid (20%), and polyvinylchloride (10%). Moreover, the pollution load index (PLI) index was used to determine the pollution status. PLI values were determined as 1.91 at station S1, 1.73 at station S2, 1.31 at station S3, 1 at station S4 and 1.24 at station S5. The PLI value determined for the overall pond was 1.4. The results of this research show that MP pollution is present in Topçu Pond and contributes to the expanding literature on MP pollution in pond ecosystems.

Microplastic loads in Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) feces-targeting a standardized protocol and first results from an alpine stream, the River Inn

Microplastics (MP) are omnipresent in a wide range of environments, constituting a potential threat for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Effects in consumers range from physical injuries to pathological reactions. Due to potential bioaccumulation of MP, predators are of particular concern for MP induced health effects. The Eurasian otter is an apex predator in (semi-)aquatic habitats feeding primarily on fish. Furthermore, the species is classified as "near threatened" on the IUCN Red List. Thus, the Eurasian otter is of conservation concern and may serve as a bioindicator for MP pollution. Feces can be used to detect pollutants, including MP. Initial studies confirmed the presence of MP in otter feces (= spraints). However, as specific, validated protocols targeting at an efficient and standardized extraction of MP from otter spraints are missing, experimental results reported from different groups are challenging to compare. Therefore, we (i) present steps towards a standardized protocol for the extraction of MP from otter feces, (ii) give recommendations for field sample collection of otter spraints, and (iii) provide a user-friendly step-by-step workflow for MP extraction and analysis. Applying this framework to field samples from five study sites along the River Inn (n = 50), we detected MP of different sizes and shapes (ranging from microfibers to road abrasion and tire wear) in all otter spraint samples.

Proposed validation stages for MPs extraction from edible mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis)

The potential presence of microplastics (MPs) in seafood products presents significant health concerns, demanding the adoption of standardized and validated methodologies. In this study, we introduce a validated method and an innovative technique for extracting MPs from mussels using an oxidizing agent, Corolase enzyme, and a surfactant, thus eliminating the need for mechanical agitation. Evaluation of the extraction process focused on three critical parameters: recovery percentage, repeatability, and chemical integrity, along with color stability. To ensure precision and reliability, low-density infrared spectroscopy (LDIR) was employed to analyze the effect of spectrum quality (Q). Ultimately, this methodology was applied to identify MPs in commercial mussels, with results showcasing the viability of the proposed validation stages for MPs extraction, maintaining MPs integrity with high recovery percentages.

Plastic and terrestrial organic matter degradation by the humic lake microbiome continues throughout the seasons

Boreal freshwaters go through four seasons, however, studies about the decomposition of terrestrial and plastic compounds often focus only on summer. We compared microbial decomposition of 13C-polyethylene, 13C-polystyrene, and 13C-plant litter (Typha latifolia) by determining the biochemical fate of the substrate carbon and identified the microbial decomposer taxa in humic lake waters in four seasons. For the first time, the annual decomposition rate including separated seasonal variation was calculated for microplastics and plant litter in the freshwater system. Polyethylene decomposition was not detected, whereas polystyrene and plant litter were degraded in all seasons. In winter, decomposition rates of polystyrene and plant litter were fivefold and fourfold slower than in summer, respectively. Carbon from each substrate was mainly respired in all seasons. Plant litter was utilized efficiently by various microbial groups, whereas polystyrene decomposition was limited to Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria. The decomposition was not restricted only to the growth season, highlighting that the decomposition of both labile organic matter and extremely recalcitrant microplastics continues throughout the seasons.

Altitudinal variation of microplastic abundance in lakeshore sediments from Italian lakes

Microplastic (MP) contamination represents an issue of global concern for both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, but only in recent years, the study of MPs has been focused on freshwaters. Several monitoring surveys have detected the presence of a wide array of MPs differing in size, shape, and polymer composition in rivers and lakes worldwide. Because of their role of sink for plastic particles, the abundance of MPs was investigated in waters, and deep and shoreline sediments from diverse lakes, confirming the ubiquity of this contamination. Although diverse factors, including those concerning anthropogenic activities and physical characteristics of lakes, have been supposed to affect MP abundances, very few studies have directly addressed these links. Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore the levels of MP contamination in mountain and subalpine lakes from Northern Italy. Fourteen lakes dislocated at different altitudes and characterized by dissimilar anthropic pressures were visited. Lakeshore sediments were collected close to the drift line to assess MPs contamination. Our results showed the presence of MPs in lakeshore sediments from all the lakes, with a mean (± standard deviation) expressed as MPs/Kg dry sediment accounting to 14.42 ± 13.31 (range 1.57-61.53), while expressed as MPs/m2, it was 176.07 ± 172.83 (range 25.00-666.67). The MP abundance measured for Garda Lake was significantly higher compared to all the other ones (F1,13 = 7.344; P < 0.001). The pattern of contamination was dominated by fibers in all the lakes, but they were the main contributors in mountain lakes. These findings showed that the MP abundance varied according to the altitude of the lakes, with higher levels measured in subalpine lakes located at low altitudes and surrounded by populated areas.

Pollution characteristics and affecting factors of phthalate esters in agricultural soils in mainland China

Phthalate esters (PAEs), the most commonly produced and used plasticizers, are widely used in plastic products and agroecosystems, posing risks to agricultural products and human health. However, current research on PAE pollution characteristics in agricultural soils in China is not comprehensive; affecting factors and relationships with microplastics and plasticizer organophosphate esters have not been sufficiently considered. In this study, farmland soil samples were collected with field questionnaires on a national scale across mainland China. The results showed that the detection rate of PAEs was 100% and the Σ16PAEs concentrations were 23.5 - 903 μg/kg. The level of PAEs was highest in the greenhouse, and significantly higher than that in mulched farmland (p < 0.05). The PAE concentration in northwestern China was the lowest among different physical geographic zones. PAEs in farmlands posed a low cancer risk to Chinese people. PAE pollution in farmlands was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by agronomic measures (such as disposal method), environmental factors, and socioeconomic factors. Overall, PAEs were significantly and positively correlated (p < 0.05) with organophosphate esters but not with microplastics. This study aims to provide scientific data for relevant prevention and control policies, as well as actionable recommendations for pollution reduction.

Comparison of reproductive toxicity between pristine and aged polylactic acid microplastics in Caenorhabditis elegans

Caenorhabditis elegans was employed as model to compare reproductive toxicity between pristine and aged polylactic acid microplastics (PLA-MPs). Aged PLA-MPs induced by UV irradiation showed degradation reflected by decrease in size and alteration in morphological surface. Aged PLA-MPs also exhibited some certain changes of chemical properties compared to pristine PLA-MP. Compared with pristine PLA-MPs, more severe toxicity on reproductive capacity and gonad development was detected in 1-100 μg/L aged PLA-MPs. Meanwhile, aged PLA-MPs caused more severe enhancement in germline apoptosis and alterations in expressions of ced-9, ced-4, ced-3, and egl-1 governing cell apoptosis. In addition, aged PLA-MPs resulted in more severe increase in expression of DNA damage related genes (cep-1, mrt-2, hus-1, and clk-2) compared to pristine PLA-MPs, and the alterations in expression of ced-9, ced-4, ced-3, and egl-1 in pristine and aged PLA-MPs could be reversed by RNAi of cep-1, mrt-2, hus-1, and clk-2. Besides this, enhanced germline apoptosis in pristine and aged PLA-MPs exposed animals was also suppressed by RNAi of cep-1, mrt-2, hus-1, and clk-2. Therefore, our results suggested the more severe exposure risk of aged PLA-MPs than pristine PLA-MPs in causing reproductive toxicity, which was associated with the changed physicochemical properties and DNA damage induced germline apoptosis.

Fast and portable fluorescence lifetime analysis for early warning detection of micro- and nanoplastics in water

The presence of plastic fragments in aquatic environments, particularly at the micro- and nano-scale, has become a significant global concern. However, current detection methods are limited in their ability to reveal the presence of such particles in liquid samples. In this study, we propose the use of a fluorescence lifetime analysis system for the detection of micro- and nanoplastics in water. This approach relies on the inherent endogenous fluorescence of plastic materials and involves the collection of single photons emitted by plastic fragments upon exposure to a pulsed laser beam. Briefly, a pulsed laser beam (repetition frequency = 40 MHz) shines onto a sample solution, and the emitted light is filtered, collected, and used to trace the time distributions of the photons with high temporal resolution. Finally, the fluorescence lifetime was measured using fitting procedures and a phasor analysis. Phasor analysis is a fit-free method that allows the measurement of the fluorescence lifetime of a sample without any assumptions or prior knowledge of the sample decay pattern. The developed instrument was tested using fluorescence references and validated using unlabelled micro- and nano-scale particles. Our system successfully detected polystyrene particles in water, achieving a remarkable sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.01 mg/mL, without the need for sample pre-treatment or visual inspection. Although further studies are necessary to enhance the detection limit of the technique and distinguish between different plastic materials, this proof-of-concept study suggests the potential of the fluorescence lifetime-based approach as a rapid, robust, and cost-effective method for early warning detection and identification of plastic contaminants in aquatic environments.

Aging of plastics in aquatic environments: Pathways, environmental behavior, ecological impacts, analyses and quantifications

The ubiquity of plastics in our environment has brought about pressing concerns, with their aging processes, photo-oxidation, mechanical abrasion, and biodegradation, being at the forefront. Microplastics (MPs), whether originating from plastic degradation or direct anthropogenic sources, further complicate this landscape. This review delves into the intricate aging dynamics of plastics in aquatic environments under various influential factors. We discuss the physicochemical changes that occur in aged plastics and the release of oxidation products during their degradation. Particular attention is given to their evolving environmental interactions and the resulting ecotoxicological implications. A rigorous evaluation is also conducted for methodologies in the analysis and quantification of plastics aging, identifying their merits and limitations and suggesting potential avenues for future research. This comprehensive review is able to illuminate the complexities of plastics aging, charting a path for future research and aiding in the formulation of informed policy decisions.

Marine sponges as bioindicators of pollution by synthetic microfibers in Antarctica

Different marine sponge species from Tethys Bay, Antarctica, were analyzed for contamination by polyester and polyamide microplastics (MPs). The PISA (Polymer Identification and Specific Analysis) procedure was adopted as it provides, through depolymerization and HPLC analysis, highly sensitive mass-based quantitative data. The study focused on three analytes resulting from the hydrolytic depolymerization of polyesters and polyamides: terephthalic acid (TPA), 6-aminohexanoic acid (AHA), and 1-6-hexanediamine (HMDA). TPA is a comonomer found in the polyesters poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(butylene adipate co terephthalate) (PBAT), and in polyamides such as poly(1,4-p-phenylene terephthalamide) (Kevlar™ and Twaron™ fibers) and poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide) (nylon 6 T). AHA is the monomer of nylon 6. HMDA is a comonomer of the aliphatic nylon 6,6 (HMDA-co-adipic acid) and of semi-aromatic polyamides such as, again, nylon 6 T (HMDA-co-TPA). Except for the biodegradable PBAT, these polymers exhibit high to extreme mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance. Indeed, they are used as technofibers in protective clothing able to withstand extreme conditions as those typical of Antarctica. Of the two amine monomers, only HMDA was found above the limit of quantification, and only in specimens of Haliclona (Rhizoniera) scotti, at a concentration equivalent to 27 μg/kg of nylon 6,6 in the fresh sponge. Comparatively higher concentrations, corresponding to 2.5-4.1 mg/kg of either PBAT or PPTA, were calculated from the concentration of TPA detected in all sponge species. Unexpectedly, TPA did not originate from PET (the most common textile fiber) as it was detected in the acid hydrolysate, whereas the PISA procedure results in effective PET depolymerization only under alkaline conditions. The obtained results showed that sponges, by capturing and concentrating MPs from large volumes of filtered marine waters, may be considered as effective indicators of the level and type of pollution by MPs and provide early warnings of increasing levels of pollution even in remote areas.

Impacts of poly(lactic acid) microplastics on organic compound leaching and heavy metal distribution during hydrothermal treatment of sludge

This study provides an in-depth examination of the role of poly(lactic acid) microplastics (PLA-MPs) during sludge treatment, particularly in relation to organic compound leaching and heavy metal distribution. Through the application of advanced analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal analysis, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the release of degradation byproducts was quantified, and the effects on organic compound leaching and heavy metal distribution were assessed. Specifically, the results demonstrated that PLA-MPs significantly impacted the hydrolysis reaction, with the pH value descending in pure water as the hydrothermal temperature escalated. At 140 °C, the hydrolysate contained 20.66 % propylene ester and 16.57 % lactic acid. Furthermore, an increase in total organic carbon (TOC) was observed with increasing temperature, with TOC content at 140 °C in water almost doubling from that at 120 °C and 130 °C. With respect to heavy metals, the presence of PLA-MPs influenced the migration of Cr(VI) between solid and liquid phases in sludge. Notably, after 180 °C hydrothermal treatment, the content of Cr(VI) in the liquid phase of sludge with PLA-MPs was 9.72 %, which is higher than that of sludge without PLA-MPs at 5.80 %. These findings underline the need to consider PLA-MPs' influence on organic compound leaching and heavy metal distribution during sludge treatment.

A Facile One-Step Synthesis of Polystyrene/Cellulose (PS@MFC) Biocomposites for the Preparation of Hybrid Water-Absorbing Sponge Materials

The elaboration of a low-cost and effective approach to synthesize hybrid composite materials based on the conventional thermoplastics and natural biopolymers is a sustainable alternative to the production of "traditional" plastics. Cellulose is one of the most abundant biopolymers. Its fibrils possess outstanding mechanical characteristics and, hence, attract considerable interest of researchers during recent decades. However, modification of the hydrophobic polymer matrix by cellulose fibrils is significantly complicated by the hydrophilic nature of the latter. In this study, we propose an effective and low-cost approach to the synthesis of polystyrene at the cellulose microfibrils composite material via the emulsion polymerization method. The obtained fibrous composite was comprehensively analyzed with FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, TGA, and DSC, and was further employed to produce sponge hybrid materials. We investigated the influence of the cellulose/polystyrene ratio on the density, porosity, pore volume, and water uptake of the obtained sponge materials. The sample containing 70 wt.% of cellulose demonstrated the best water absorption properties while preserving its shape, even after 24 h of floating on water. The produced sponge materials might be employed as sorption materials for the purification and desalination of waters of various origins, filtration, and collection of undesirable elements under specific industrial or natural conditions.

Status, characteristics, and ecological risks of microplastics in farmland surface soils cultivated with different crops across mainland China

Microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils could affect the safety of food crops. However, most relevant studies have paid scant attention to the crop fields and focused more on MPs in farmlands with or without film mulching in different regions. To detect MPs, we investigated farmland soils with >30 typical crop species from 109 cities in 31 administrative districts across mainland China. The relative contributions of different MP sources in different farmlands were estimated in detail based on a questionnaire survey, and we also assessed the ecological risks of MPs. Our results indicated the order of MP abundances in farmlands with different crop types, namely fruit fields > vegetable fields > mixed crop fields > food crop fields > cash crop fields. For the detailed sub-types, the highest MP abundance was detected in grape fields, which was significantly higher than that in solanaceous & cucurbitaceous vegetable fields (ranked second, p < 0.05), whereas the MP abundance was lowest in cotton and maize fields. The total contributions of three potential sources, namely livestock and poultry manure, irrigation water, and atmospheric deposition to MPs, varied depending on the crop types in the farmlands. Owing to exposure to MPs, the potential ecological risks to agroecosystems across mainland China were not negligible, particularly in fruit fields. The results of the current study could provide basic data and background information for future ecotoxicological studies and relevant regulatory strategies.

Plastic in the Environment: A Modern Type of Abiotic Stress for Plant Physiology

In recent years, plastic pollution has become a growing environmental concern: more than 350 million tons of plastic material are produced annually. Although many efforts have been made to recycle waste, a significant proportion of these plastics contaminate and accumulate in the environment. A central point in plastic pollution is demonstrated by the evidence that plastic objects gradually and continuously split up into smaller pieces, thus producing subtle and invisible pollution caused by microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP). The small dimensions of these particles allow for the diffusion of these contaminants in farmlands, forest, freshwater, and oceans worldwide, posing serious menaces to human, animal, and plant health. The uptake of MPs and NPs into plant cells seriously affects plant growth, development, and photosynthesis, finally limiting crop yields and endangering natural environmental biodiversity. Furthermore, nano- and microplastics-once adsorbed by plants-can easily enter the food chain, being highly toxic to animals and humans. This review addresses the impacts of MP and NP particles on plants in the terrestrial environment. In particular, we provide an overview here of the detrimental effects of photosynthetic injuries, oxidative stress, ROS production, and protein damage triggered by MN and NP in higher plants and, more specifically, in crops. The possible damage at the physiological and environmental levels is discussed.

The detrimental effects of micro-and nano-plastics on digestive system: An overview of oxidative stress-related adverse outcome pathway

With the massive manufacture and use of plastics, plastic pollution-related environmental impacts have raised great concern in recent years. As byproducts of plastic fragmentation and degradation, microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have been identified as novel pollutants that posed a threat to the ecosystem and humans. Since MPs/NPs could be transported via the food chain and retained in the water, the digestive system should be one of the major targets of MPs/NPs-related toxicity. Although considerable evidence has supported the digestive toxicity of MPs/NPs, the proposed mechanisms remained ambiguous due to the variety of study types, models, and endpoints. This review provided a mechanism-based perspective on MPs/NPs-induced digestive effects by adopting the adverse outcome pathway framework as a promising tool. The overproduction of reactive oxygen species was identified as the molecular initiating event in MPs/NPs-mediated injury to the digestive system. A series of detrimental effects including oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, dysbiosis, and metabolic disorders were summarized as key events. Finally, the occurrence of these effects eventually led to an adverse outcome, suggesting a possible increase in the incidence of digestive morbidity and mortality.

Low-Temperature Microbiology Meets the Global Challenges of Our Time

Low-temperature microbiology is intimately associated with the exploration of the polar regions, and research in recent decades has focused on characterizing the microbial biodiversity of the cryosphere [...].