Residential houses - a major point source of microplastic pollution: insights on the various sources, their transport, transformation, and toxicity behaviour

Fluxes, residence times, and the budget of microplastics in the Curonian Lagoon

This study examines the distribution and abundance of microplastics (MPs) in the Europe's largest coastal lagoon, Curonian Lagoon, and adjacent Baltic Sea, focusing on water, surface sediment, and atmospheric deposition. Fibrous MPs, predominantly 1000-5000 μm in size, were the most prevalent across all environments. White/transparent MPs dominated sediment and atmospheric deposition, while blue/green MPs were most abundant in water. Low-density polymers accounted for 70 % of MPs in water, whereas high-density polymers were dominant in sediment (62 %), with equal proportions found in atmospheric deposition. The average MP concentration was higher in the lagoon (1.7 ± 1.2 MP L-1) compared to the Baltic Sea (1.3 ± 0.4 MP L-1), with an estimated 66.7 × 109 MP year-1 Flowing from the lagoon into the sea. Atmospheric deposition introduced a substantial MP influx, estimated at 27.8 × 1012 MP year-1, exceeding the river influx of 20.7 × 109 MP year-1. MP deposition was higher in terrestrial environments (72.5 MP m-2 day-1) than in aquatic environments (60.4 MP m-2 day-1 in the sea and 48.3 MP m-2 day-1 in the lagoon). The estimated MP budget in lagoon water was 10.8 × 109 MP particles, with a residence time of approximately 27 days. MP concentrations in surface sediment (405.7 ± 192.9 MP kg-1) indicate long-term accumulation, suggesting substantial MP deposition in lagoon sediments. Atmospheric transport modeling (FLEXPART) identified Europe, Russia, and oceanic sources as key contributors, alongside local inputs from agriculture, sea spray, and road dust. Understanding MP dynamics in coastal ecosystems is urgent to inform mitigation strategies, regulatory policies, and risk assessments, particularly given the long-term accumulation in sediments and potential for ecological harm.

Microplastics in wastewater and the role of local wastewater treatment stations in controlling microplastic pollution: a case study from Vietnam

Wastewater has been identified as one of the main contributors to microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic environments. Hence, this study investigates the presence, characteristics of MPs in wastewater sample types (industrial, domestic, and medical wastewater), and also the removal efficacy of MPs by local wastewater treatment stations. Overall, industrial wastewater showed a higher MP abundance level at 60,881 ± 48,154 items/m3, compared to domestic and medical wastewater with values of 31,494 ± 10,142 items/m3 and 35,453 ± 13,186 items/m3, respectively. Fiber and fragment were the main shapes observed among the MPs found in all wastewater samples, and the dominant form was microfiber, ranging from 63 to 97.5% of total MPs. The performance of local wastewater treatment stations showed varied efficiencies in MP removal, ranging between 15.8 ± 5 and 90.2 ± 1.3%. Domestic wastewater treatment stations showed lower MP removal effectiveness, at 43.9 ± 13.1%, while treatment stations receiving industrial and medical wastewater achieved 59.5 ± 20.7 and 69.6 ± 22.1% of removal efficiencies, respectively. As estimated, 2.9 × 1010 microplastic items could be emitted to the water bodies around Hanoi every day, which MPs originated from domestic wastewater accounted for 80.3% due to its high discharge volume and inadequate treatment capacity. Optimization of the septic tank system operation and the sewage sludge treatment processes could prevent secondary contamination of MPs, while an additional primary sedimentation step could improve the overall MP elimination efficacy of the studied treatment stations. The results from this study suggested that more in-depth investigations were required for a proper understanding of the migration routes of MPs from different anthropogenic activities to wastewater.

Interaction of micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) with agricultural stored products and their pests

Micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) pose significant environmental concerns due to their potential implications for ecosystems and human health. While previous research has primarily focused on the environmental impacts (aquatic ecosystem, soil health) of MNPs, this review investigates their interactions with agricultural stored products, specifically their effects on stored product pests and grain quality. MNPs can infiltrate grains through various pathways, including atmospheric deposition, plastic residues from cultivation, and pest activity. These contaminants may influence pest feeding and behavioral patterns, reproductive cycles, and development. Simultaneously, MNPs have the potential to alter grain properties, including mineral content, protein composition, and starch synthesis, potentially compromising nutritional quality. Understanding these interactions is critical for developing strategies to mitigate the dual threats of MNP pollution and pest infestations to stored agricultural products.

Assessing the concentration, distribution and characteristics of suspended microplastics in the Malaysian indoor environment

This study examines the concentration, distribution, and characteristics of suspended microplastics (MPs) across various indoor environments in Malaysia, including offices, classrooms, landed homes, and apartments. Over a six-week period, MPs were collected using a vacuum pump and analyzed through gravimetric analysis, stereomicroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The results revealed significant variability in MPs concentrations among different locations, with fibers identified as the predominant morphological type. The average counts of MPs in the respective environments were found to be 599 ± 182 in offices, 399 ± 52 in classrooms, 505.17 ± 203.78 in apartments, and 515 ± 134 in landed homes. Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences in MPs counts across the sampled locations. Fibers were consistently the most prevalent shape, followed by films and foams. The MPs were predominantly transparent, with sizes ranging from 101 to 500 μm. Notably, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of MPs was significantly higher in residential settings compared to offices and classrooms, raising potential health concerns regarding prolonged exposure. These findings underscore the pervasive presence of MPs in the Malaysian indoor environment and emphasize the urgent need for further research to identify their sources, assess health impacts, and develop effective mitigation strategies.

Water pollution and sanitation in Indonesia: a review on water quality, health and environmental impacts, management, and future challenges

As an archipelagic tropical developing country, Indonesia is characterized by vast expanses of rural and isolated areas. This review aims to discuss water pollution and sanitation's existing condition, health, and environmental impacts, alongside its management and challenges in Indonesia. The systematic review approach was utilized to ensure transparency and replicability, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. Many water sources in Indonesia are contaminated by various pollutants such as heavy metals, microplastics, pesticides, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Moreover, the existing water and wastewater treatment plants cannot completely remove pollutants, including bacteria that cause waterborne diseases. The lack of proper sanitation facilities, including toilets and latrines, is not only reported in rural areas but also in peri-urban regions of Indonesia. This situation forces many to rely on unimproved water sources, such as river water, for their daily use and engage in open defecation, which may increase the risk of direct exposure to waterborne contaminants. Insufficient sanitation has been linked to significant public health issues in Indonesia, including maternal health complications, childhood stunting, and an increased incidence of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea. Based on the findings of this review, Indonesia still needs to improve its sanitation and water treatment facilities, as well as reduce pollution of the aquatic environment. This condition not only illustrates the condition of water and sanitation in Indonesia but can also be used as an illustration of how developing countries face various pollution and sanitation problems during the massive development and industry.

Unraveling microplastic pollution patterns in sediments of a river system: The combined impacts of seasonal changes and waterway differences

Microplastic (MP) distribution in river sediment, influenced by water regimes and pollution sources, remains understudied in the current literature. This study examines the combined impacts of seasonal variation and waterway differences on MP concentration in the sediment of the Saigon River and its tributaries, while identifying potential sources. Paired sediment samples were collected from eleven sites along the river and its tributaries during rainy and dry seasons. MPs from these 44 samples were separated, quantified, and characterized for a comprehensive assessment. The results revealed that MP concentrations in sediments ranged from 140 to 1200 items kg-1, with predominant characteristics of fiber particles, white color, and particle sizes ranging from 200 to 500 μm. During the rainy season, MP concentrations were similar between the river (584 items kg-1) and tributaries (553 items kg-1), while during the dry season, tributaries exhibited statistically higher MP concentrations (737 items kg-1) than the river (351 items kg-1). Notably, the river, despite being farther from the sources, had a higher proportion of smaller MPs (<200 μm), while larger particles (>200 μm) were more prevalent in tributaries. These discrepancies are attributed to the combined impacts of water flow patterns and pollution sources, derived from residential, industrial, and agricultural activities. In brief, MP pollution in the river and tributary sediments is influenced by the interplay of seasonal variation and waterway characteristics, determined by water flow patterns and pollution sources. These findings emphasize the need for specific management strategies that account for spatial and temporal variations in MP distribution.

Liquidlike, Low-Friction Polymer Brushes for Microfibre Release Prevention from Textiles

During synthetic textile washing, rubbing between fibres or against the washing machine, exacerbated by the elevated temperature, initiates the release of millions of microplastic fibres into the environment. A general tribological strategy is reported that practically eliminates the release of microplastic fibres from laundered apparel. The two-layer fabric finishes combine low-friction, liquidlike polymer brushes with "molecular primers", that is, molecules that durably bond the low-friction layers to the surface of the polyester or nylon fabrics. It is shown that when the coefficient of friction is below a threshold of 0.25, microplastic fibre release is substantially reduced, by up to 96%. The fabric finishes can be water-wicking or water-repellent, and their comfort properties are retained after coating, indicating a tunable and practical strategy toward a sustainable textile industry and plastic-free oceans and marine foodstuffs.

Abundance, characterization, and health risk evaluation of microplastics in borehole water in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria

Microplastic pollution has become a global menace, and water, being a major "sink" for pollutants, represents a significant source of human exposure. This study aimed to assess the safety of borehole water in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, specifically concerning microplastic pollution. Water samples were collected from boreholes in selected areas, including Bayan Kara, Malali, Rafin Atiku, Aliero Quarters, GwadanGaji, FUBK Takeoff Site, Kalgo Market, and Tarasa. Microplastics were extracted from the water samples through filtration using glass fiber filter papers, and were subsequently subjected to spectroscopy and microscopy to determine concentrations, shapes, and polymer types. Health risks associated with the microplastics were also calculated. The results revealed that the samples from Tarasa exhibited the highest concentrations of microplastics (96.967 particles/L), followed by Bayan Kara (92.70 particles/L), Rafin Atiku (92.33 particles/L), GwadanGwaji (92.30 particles/L), FUBK Takeoff Site (91.07 particles/L), Aliero Quarters (90.43 particles/L), Kalgo Market (88.00 particles/L), and Malali (86.40 particles/L). The most dominant shape was fibers (73 %), followed by fragments (16 %), foams (6 %), and filaments (5 %). Polyethylene and polyamide, in that order, were the most dominant polymers, while polystyrene was the least common. The majority of risk scores were classified as III. It can be inferred from the results that microplastic pollution in borehole water poses a health hazard in the city. Consumers of borehole water in the studied areas are advised to treat the water before consumption to mitigate potential health risks.

A characterization and an exposure risk assessment of microplastics in settled house floor dust in Istanbul, Turkey

The presence of microplastics in the indoor environment presents growing environmental and human health risks because of their physicochemical and toxic characteristics. Therefore, we aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize plastic debris in settled house floor dusts. This study is a rare study which assess the risks of plastic debris in settled house dust through multiple approaches including the estimated daily intake, pollution loading index, and polymer hazard index. The results indicated that polyethylene and polypropylene were the predominate polymer type of plastic debris in settled house dust with various shapes and colors. The risk assessment results also indicated the serious impact of microplastics in terms of extremely dangerous contamination as well as the fact that they present a polymer hazard. Results indicated that humans have a higher risk of exposure to microplastics via ingestion rather than inhalation. In addition, infants had a higher risk of potential intake compared to other age groups.

Microplastics in wastewater treatment plants and their contributions to surface water and farmland pollution in China

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are usually considered gateways for microplastics (MPs) to enter the environment because large amounts of sewage are produced and MPs are incompletely removed during treatment processes. However, the contribution of effluent MPs to aquatic environmental pollution and that of sludge application to MPs in agricultural soil are still unknown. This study examines the presence of MPs in sewage and sludge in Shenzhen WWTPs and estimates the annual mass loading of MPs from WWTPs to surface water and farmland soil in China. According to our results, for Shenzhen, the annual contribution of MPs from WWTPs (which was obtained by multiplying the annual treated sewage volume by the estimated MP density in the treated sewage) to surface water could be 70.6-302 tons. With a normalized extrapolation model of population density, the contribution of national urban WWTPs to MPs in surface water was estimated to be 734 -3.10 × 103 tons/year, of which 220-950 tons/year entered the marine environment. Furthermore, the riverine flux of MPs from WWTPs to the ocean amounts to at least 7.0%-30% based on the maximum value of WWTP contribution to MPs in surface water. For sludge, the potential contribution of MPs to agricultural soil from Shenzhen WWTPs is (1.00-2.80) × 103 tons/year. With the above calculation procedure, it was estimated that the contribution of MPs to farmland from sludge application in China is (1.30-3.90) × 104 tons/year. The source appointment results for MPs in China's agricultural soil suggested that the contributions of the main four sources, namely, atmospheric deposition, agricultural mulch film, sludge application, and organic fertilizers, are 52%, 30%, 11%, and 7.0%, respectively.