Distribution and characteristics of microplastics in beach sand near the outlet of a major reservoir in north Mississippi, USA

Assessment of microplastics pollution level on clam farming and bathing beaches: a case study of Thanh Phu in Ben Tre, Vietnam

This study focused on the investigation microplastics (MPs) with a size of ≤1.0 mm in sand samples from Thanh Phu beach, Ben Tre, Vietnam. MPs in sand from the clam beach (from 39.67 ± 6.67 to 92.00 ± 12.93 items kg-1 dried sand) were higher than those from the bathing beach (from 21.33 ± 8.76 to 51.67 ± 16.11 items kg-1 dried sand), indicating a direct contribution of MPs from coastal aquaculture. For the clam beach, MPs in surface samples (0-4 cm) were lower than in deep samples (4-6 cm). In contrast, MPs in surface samples (0-2 cm) from the bathing beach were higher than deep samples (2-5 cm). A combination of microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy methods confirmed that 62.5% of the representative MPs samples or 18.9% of the suspected MPs samples were plastics. Low-density polyethylene, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate were the largest in abundance. Further studies are needed to assess the environmental risk of MPs accumulation.

An Emerging Role of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Vascular Diseases

Vascular diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide, and they are attributable to multiple pathologies, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Exposure to various environmental contaminants is associated with the development of various diseases, including vascular diseases. Among environmental contaminants, micro- and nanoplastics have gained attention as global environmental risk factors that threaten human health. Recently, extensive research has been conducted on the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on various human diseases, including vascular diseases. In this review, we highlight the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on vascular diseases.

Labeling Microplastics with Fluorescent Dyes for Detection, Recovery, and Degradation Experiments

Staining microplastics (MPs) for fluorescence detection has been widely applied in MP analyses. However, there is a lack of standardized staining procedures and conditions, with different researchers using different dye concentrations, solvents, incubation times, and staining temperatures. Moreover, with the limited types and morphologies of commercially available MPs, a simple and optimized approach to making fluorescent MPs is needed. In this study, 4 different textile dyes, along with Nile red dye for comparison, are used to stain 17 different polymers under various conditions to optimize the staining procedure. The MPs included both virgin and naturally weathered polymers with different sizes and shapes (e.g., fragments, fibers, foams, pellets, beads). We show that the strongest fluorescence intensity occurred with aqueous staining at 70 °C for 3 h with a dye concentration of 5 mg/mL, 55 mg/mL, and 2 µg/mL for iDye dyes, Rit dyes, and Nile red, respectively. Red fluorescent signals are stronger and thus preferred over green ones. The staining procedure did not significantly alter the surface, mass, and chemical characteristics of the particles, based on FTIR and stereomicroscopy. Stained MPs were spiked into freshwater, saltwater, a sediment slurry, and wastewater-activated sludge; even after several days, the recovered particles are still strongly fluoresced. The approach described herein for producing customized fluorescent MPs and quantifying MPs in laboratory-controlled experiments is both straightforward and simple.

Mediterranean microplastic contamination: Israel's coastline contributions

This study provides an analysis of the current state of microplastic (MP) contamination along the Mediterranean coastline of Israel. Six strategic sites were monitored in this study - each representing a unique coastal environment. We conclude that Tel Aviv and Hadera, both located near stream estuaries, were highly contaminated (18,777 particles/m³) with MP compared to the other locations. The MP detected included both secondary MP and pristine polymeric pellets. In-depth characterization of the MP illustrated a large percentage of both fragmented and film MP morphologies and the most common MP polymers were polyethylene and polypropylene. Further particle analysis showed that MPs were contaminated with biofilm, including microorganisms such as diatoms, as well as metal residues. Through the spatial analysis presented herein we suggest that local rivers are significant contributors to MP contamination along the Mediterranean Sea coastline of Israel and may pose a direct threat to environment and human health.