A Review of Microplastics in Table Salt, Drinking Water, and Air: Direct Human Exposure

Analysis of microplastic sources in Wuliangsuhai Lake, China: Implications to microplastic deposition in cold, arid region lakes

Atmospheric transport and deposition represent an important pathway for terrestrial pollutants to enter aquatic environments. However, for many surface water environments such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, the contribution of MPs through atmospheric deposition is unclear, partly because the methods and technologies available for particle tracing have not been adequately developed. Herein, a multi-component approach was utilized to investigate atmospheric MP sources, inputs, and depositional characteristics to Wuliangsuhai Lake located within a cold and arid climatic region. The methods that were utilized include field monitoring experiments, HYSPLIT backward trajectory modeling, bivariable polar coordinate modeling, orthogonal matrix decomposition modeling (PMF), and dry settlement numerical modeling. These methods were combined with an assessment of particle morphology and composition. The results show that the atmospheric depositional flux of MPs to Wuliangsuhai Lake varied seasonally, with spring > summer > autumn. The deposited MPs were dominated by fibers. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE) were the most common polymer types. Microplastic sources also varied seasonally, although fibrous MPs were consistently derived mainly from small towns or cities. The PMF model defined four MP sources, including living, transportation, agricultural, and building sources. Sedimentation modeling showed that the dry atmospheric deposition of MPs in spring, summer, and autumn within the lake was 6.75 t, 5.34 t, and 3.88 t, respectively. This study shows that atmospheric deposition importantly contributes to MPs in cold areas lakes, and wind speed and direction are among the key factors influencing the amount, sources, and morphotype of atmospheric MPs deposited in lakes.

Evidence of microplastic accumulation on the surface of lettuce and analysis of contamination sources

Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a significant environmental concern. Microplastics land on vegetable surfaces with airborne deposition and agronomic activities. However, research on the sources of microplastics on vegetable surfaces is limited by the lack of monitoring of microplastics in the growing environment. Therefore, we detected microplastics on lettuce surfaces, in air, and in pesticides to determine the correlation between them. In addition, this study compared microplastics on the surface of different types of lettuce to explore their differences. The results showed that the content, in descending order, was old leaves of leaf lettuce > new leaves of leaf lettuce > nodular lettuce. A total of 19 polymers, mainly polyamide polyethylene and polypropylene, were detected on the surface of the lettuce. The contribution of microplastics on the surface of lettuce was air and pesticides in descending order of origin. Microplastic risk assessment index was determined that the risk level of microplastics on lettuce surfaces could be classed as level IV, indicating a high dietary health risk. The results presented here will enable scientific assessments of the exposure pathways of MPs in fresh vegetables and their potential harm to human health.

Microplastics in wastewater treatment plant: Characterization of changes, influencing factors, and their impact on the spatial distribution of pathogenic bacteria

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been proposed as pivotal convergence points for microplastics (MPs) and hotspots of bacterial pathogens. In this study, the characteristics of MPs and bacteria in the sewage/sludge were investigated and their relationship was formulated. Meanwhile, this study innovatively focused on the impact of MPs on microbial aerosolization process in WWTP. MPs and pathogenic bacteria were identified in sewage/sludge samples from all treatment steps, in which the levels and compositions of them vary. However, Bacillus, Planifilum, Achromobacter, and Geobacillus were the dominant genera in bioaerosol samples. The dominant shape of MPs was fibers and fragments. The main size range of MPs were 0.5 - 1 mm, with the primary type of polyethylene and polypropylene. White was the most prevalent color. Furthermore, a significant correlation between MPs and bacterial community structure in sewage/sludge was observed. The abundance and some characteristics of MPs showed positive correlations with the relative abundances of some potential pathogens, including Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter and Achromobacter. Aeration experiments demonstrated that the presence of MPs exerted an influence on the microbial aerosolization process. Collectively, this study provides a better understanding of the relationship between MPs and bacterial structures in a WWTP and offers new insights to the role of MPs on the microbial aerosolization process. The findings will provide a basis for the control and reduction of MPs and bacterial pathogens in WWTPs.

Polystyrene nanoplastics aggravate house dust mite induced allergic airway inflammation through EGFR/ERK-dependent lung epithelial barrier dysfunction

Concerns that airborne micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) may impair human respiratory health are rising. However, the specific effects of MNPs on allergic asthma remain insufficiently explored. This study developed an allergic asthma model using house dust mite (HDM), and mice were exposed to 50 μg polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) at three-days interval. Additionally, the effects and potential mechanisms of PS-NPs exposure (25, 50 and 100 μg/mL) on lung epithelial barrier dysfunction were explored using mouse lung epithelial type II (MLE-12) and A549 cells. The pathological changes of airway tissue and the increase of inflammatory response confirmed that exposure to PS-NPs significantly aggravated allergic asthma in mice. Importantly, in the presence of HDM sensitization, the accumulation of PS-NPs in the alveolar region was increased, leading to lung epithelial barrier dysfunction and more Th2-mediated eosinophilic inflammation, characterized by elevated IL-4, IL-13, immunoglobulin E (Ig E) and eosinophils. The activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway and its downstream extracellular regulating kinase (ERK) was investigated using transcriptomic sequencing to elucidate the effects of PS-NPs exposure on lung epithelial barrier dysfunction. Furthermore, an EGFR-specific inhibitor AG1478 was employed to confirm the role of the EGFR/ERK pathway in lung epithelial barrier dysfunction and asthma exacerbation in vitro and in vivo experiments. In conclusion, the molecular mechanism by which PS-NPs aggravates asthma in mice was elucidated, which helps to improve the understanding of the health effects of PS-NPs and lays a theoretical foundation for addressing the health risks posed by PS-NPs.

Interactions of Micro- and Nanoplastics with Biomolecules: From Public Health to Protein Corona Effect and Beyond

Micro- and nanoplastics (M/NPs), as ubiquitous global environmental pollutants, have garnered increasing attention due to their pervasive presence. These particles can interact with biological molecules through various mechanisms, subsequently inducing potential toxic effects on living organisms. This review investigates the hazards of M/NPs and their interactions with biological membranes and proteins, focusing on their interaction mechanisms and potential effects on biomolecular structure and function. Specifically, we summarize the exposure pathways and potential harms of M/NPs, which can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, potentially causing toxicity, inflammation responses, oxidative stress, and endocrine disruption. Additionally, we highlight the interaction between M/NPs and biological membranes, which can induce structural changes, including membrane thickening, increased fluidity, and pore formation, thereby compromising membrane integrity and affecting cellular health. Besides, we emphasize the interaction between M/NPs and proteins, suggesting that protein structural changes and corona formation can influence oxidative stress responses and cytotoxicity, thereby impacting cellular functions and viability. Ultimately, suggestions and outlooks for further research are proposed. Overall, this review systematically summarizes current research on the interactions between M/NPs and biomolecules, including their mechanisms and biological effects, providing researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the field.

Occurrence and risk assessment of microplastics in surface water, sediment, and biota of Surma River, Bangladesh

Pollution from microplastics (MPs) has become a major environmental concern worldwide, impacting ecosystems severely. Bangladesh is one of the developing nations, with concerning issues of improper plastic trash handling by poor recycling infrastructure. The present study focuses on MPs pollution in the Surma River, which is in the northeastern part of the country. MPs in the water, sediment, and biota sample were observed in the study. Density separation, microscopic observations, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis have been conducted for MPs identification and quantification. MPs concentrations were observed at 5-20 items/L in surface water, 360-960 items/kg in sediment, and 2-3.6 items/species in biota. Fiber shapes, 1-2 mm sizes, and transparent colored MPs were the most prevalent type in surface water. While fragment shape, 1-2 mm sizes, and black MPs were most common in sediment samples. For biota samples, fiber shape, 1-2 mm sizes, and black MPs were the most prevalent. Moreover, risk assessment indices were examined for the individual sites, including contamination factors (CF), polymeric hazard assessment (PHA), pollution risk index (PRI), and pollution load index (PLI). PLI recorded for surface water and sediment are 1.92 and 2.69, respectively, indicating substantial contamination in the Surma River. This study provides the first multi-compartment analysis of microplastic pollution in the Surma River. The findings can inform future mitigation strategies, waste management policies, and contribute to global efforts in combating the pervasive issue of MPs pollution.

Aerosols Generated in the Wastewater Treatment Process Are a Potential Source of Airborne Microplastics

Airborne microplastics pose a significant risk to human health. Similarly to the water-air transfer process, such as sea spray, aerosols generated during the wastewater treatment process, driven by aeration and mechanical agitation, are an overlooked potential source of airborne microplastics. This study constitutes the first attempt to investigate the pollution characteristics of microplastics in aerosols generated during wastewater treatment, based on laser direct infrared spectroscopy (LDIR) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Microplastics were ubiquitously observed in aerosols from each unit of the wastewater treatment plant, with abundances in the range of 0.83-28.03 items·m-3. A total of 30 different polymer types were identified by LDIR, while polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene terephthalate were the most common polymers. Film and fragment were the main shapes, with a predominant size range of 20-50 μm. The aerosolization degree of microplastics is affected by the aeration intensities and hydrodynamic conditions maintained in each unit, but also varied depending on their inherent characteristics. These findings suggest that the aerosolization of microplastics from wastewater treatment is a potential source of airborne microplastics. This study contributes a novel insight into the occurrence of microplastics in aerosols generated during wastewater treatment.

Health risk assessment of microplastics contamination in the daily diet of South Asian countries

South Asian countries face a major threat concerning microplastics (MPs) contamination in food. This study explores the existing evidence of MPs in major foods of South Asian countries and links with available health risk indices through meta-analysis. Overall range of MPs in treated water, bottled water, fish, milk, salt, wheat, rice, and sugar were 0.75-35.33 particles L-1, 0.07-500 particles L-1, 0.006-361.6 particles g-1, 11.1-295.5 particles L-1, 0.01-350 particles g-1, 4.57 particles g-1, 0.303 particles g-1 and 0.343 particles g-1, respectively. Daily intake of MPs through food items was estimated with a range of 508-2280 particles person-1 day-1 depending on age group. Hazard score of MPs contaminated food indicates high to very high hazard scores in salt with an average PHI of 10,817.6 followed by fish (9012.9), milk (4900.4) and drinking water (3752.9) which are higher than the global values. High-risk polymers include Polyvinyl Chloride, Polyacrylamide, Styrene-Butadiene copolymer, Polyester, Polyurethane, and Polyamide. Average rate of microplastics ingestion ranged between 0.64 and 36.3 g person-1 year-1 with fish stand apex followed by bottled water, salt and milk. This study further investigates research gaps on MPs contamination in the foods of South Asian countries. Overall, the present study summarised the present level of MPs ingestion through different food sources in South Asian countries, highlighting the need for strong regulation to monitor level of MPs contamination in food.

Aggregation behavior of photoaging nanoplastics in artificial sweat solutions

The aging process and aggregation behavior of nanoplastics govern their fate and ecological risk in aquatic environments. Unfortunately, the aggregation behavior of nanoplastics in sweat and the effect of aging on this process remains unknown. This study investigated the aggregation kinetics of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) in three types of artificial sweat before and after photoaging. The aggregation rates (k) of PS-NPs before and after photoaging followed the order ofAmerican-Association-of-Textile-Chemists-and-Colorists-pH-4.3 (kaged =0.6381 nm/s, koriginal =0.4337 nm/s) > British-Standard-pH-6.5 (kaged =0.3589 nm/s, koriginal =0.1297 nm/s) >International-Standard-Organization-pH-8.0 (kaged =0 nm/s, koriginal =0 nm/s). Photoaging decreased the C-O content on the surface of PS-NPs from 4.47 % to 1.97 %, thus to promote the aggregation of PS-NPs. Moreover, decrease of the pH value of three types of artificial sweat (from 8.0 to 4.3) all increased the aggregation rate of the PS-NPs. Inorganic constituents (NaCl and Na2HPO4) promoted the aggregation of PS-NPs by increasing the positive charges on the surface of PS-NPs, while organic constituents (L-histidine, lactic acid, and urea) stabilized PS-NPs by adsorbing on the surface of PS-NPs. These findings demonstrated that the solution conditions of sweat and photoaging process together determined the transport and distribution of nanoplastics in sweat, offering new insights for assessing and predicting the skin exposure risk of nanoplastics.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanoparticles and the physiological effect on intestinal tissue contraction. Ex-vivo approaches

Microplastic ubiquity has been demonstrated in several studies. They are polluting the environment, as well as food and water for human consumption, where the most significant concern has arisen over the ingestion of microplastics. However, there are very few studies on the potential health risks associated with nanoparticles, including those related to polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In this work, PET nanoparticles (253 ± 16 d nm) with irregular shape obtained under controlled conditions, were used for ex vivo analysis of rat intestinal tissue (n = 3 each condition) and their effects on the muscle tone related to peristalsis were determined. Twenty-minute treatment with increasing concentrations of PET-NPs from 0.1 to 100 μg/mL (low concentrations) and from 250 to 750 μg/mL (high concentrations) were assayed. The results showed the rapid capability of PET nanoparticles to cross the intestinal barrier, assessed by fluorescence microscopy and corroborated by RAMAN micro-spectroscopy. Furthermore physiological analysis in isolated rat intestinal segments have demonstrated the effects of PET, especially at 10 μg/mL, on tissue contraction. These results evidenced the potential health risk related to nano-plastic ingestion, due to PET nanoparticles tissue accumulation and the effects on contraction and relaxation tissue functions.

Microplastics/nanoplastics contribute to aging and age-related diseases: Mitochondrial dysfunction as a crucial role

The pervasive utilization of plastic products has led to a significant escalation in plastic waste accumulation. Concurrently, the implications of emerging pollutants such as microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) on human health are increasingly being acknowledged. Recent research has demonstrated that MPs/NPs may contribute to the onset of human aging and age-related diseases. Additionally, MPs/NPs have the potential to induce mitochondrial damage, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction is widely recognized as a hallmark of aging; thus, it is necessary to elucidate the relationship between them. In this article, we first elucidate the distribution of MPs/NPs in various environmental media, their pathways into the human body, and their subsequent distribution within human tissues and organs. Subsequently, we examine the interplay between MPs/NPs, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the aging process. We aspire that this article will enhance awareness regarding the toxicity of MPs/NPs while also offering a theoretical framework to support the development of improved regulatory policies in the future.

Air pollutants and lung regeneration: impact on the fate of lung stem cells

Inhalable airborne pollutants, including particulate matter, ozone, cigarette smoke, and emerging microparticles and nanoparticles can initiate or exacerbate various lung diseases. Their toxicological impact depends not only on their chemical composition, but also on the host's capacity for clearance and post-injury repair mechanisms. Studies have identified region-specific stem cells within the lung epithelial-mucosal barrier, which are pivotal for mucosal repair after damage. This review delineates the roles of airway and alveolar key stem cells in lung epithelial mucosal repair, details how traditional and emerging airborne pollutants affect their regenerative capabilities. Additionally, it discusses the transformative contributions of organoids and single-cell sequencing technologies to advance our understanding of how inhaled pollutants affect lung tissue toxicity. A tissue regeneration perspective on the interplay between inhaled pollutants and lung stem cells is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies to prevent and control lung diseases associated with exposure to airborne pollutants.

Microplastic pollution: Critical analysis of global hotspots and their impact on health and ecosystems

This paper examines microplastic hotspots and their drastic effects on human health and the environment pointing out microplastic pollution as one of the biggest global issues. Besides, it analyses the key sources including industrial effluent discharge, littered plastic wastes, and deterioration of synthetic products together with pathways and routes of exposure. The review also focuses on microplastic contamination in food systems such as meat, plant-based products, dairy, and seafood, detailing their entry into the food chain via soil, water, and air. On the other hand, this work also focuses on human health issues including cellular absorption, and bioaccumulation, which results in tissue oxidative stress, inflammation, hormonal imbalance and adverse long-term effects, including carcinogenicity and organ toxicity. The ultimate effects of microplastic pollution on the condition of the soil, water, and fauna and flora of the ecosystem, highlighting on the need for the prevention measures, were also addressed. This paper seeks to critically ascertain the problems posed by microplastics, including their slow biodegradation limit, the absence of proper regulations, and lack of a universally accepted standard. It also highlights that microplastic pollution requires interdisciplinary analyses, future studies, and high standards-compliant policies and regulations. This work raises the alarm for a collective international effort to protect the public health, food, and the earth.

Polystyrene Microplastics-Induced Thyroid Dysfunction in Mice: A Study of Gene Expression, Oxidative Stress, and Histopathological Changes

BACKGROUND

Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are pervasive pollutants impacting animals across ecosystems, including livestock and wildlife, through contaminated food, water, and air. MPs may disrupt endocrine function, particularly affecting the thyroid gland, which is essential for metabolism and development.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates the effects of PS-MPs on thyroid function in mice, offering insights relevant to veterinary care by examining changes in gene expression and biochemical markers.

METHODS

PS-MPs of 5 µm diameter were prepared in distilled water after probe sonication. Sixty male Swiss albino mice were divided into three groups: a control group and two treatment groups receiving 0.1 mg and 0.2 mg PS-MPs via oral gavage for 28 days. Mice were anesthetised, and thyroid tissues were collected for histopathological, biochemical, and gene expression analyses. Biochemical tests included catalase, superoxide dismutase, reactive oxygen species, and hormone levels. Histopathology and gene expression (TSHR and TPO) of thyroid-related genes were examined to assess PS-MPs induced effects.

RESULTS

Exposure to PS-MPs in mice led to significant increases in calcium, thyroxin, free T3, free T4, ALP, AST, ALT, and amylase levels, alongside elevated oxidative stress markers. Conversely, the levels of TSH, calcitonin, magnesium and phosphate decreased. Histopathological analysis showed abnormal thyroid follicle development, decrease parafollicular cells, with colloid loss, haemorrhage, and necrosis. Gene expression analysis revealed a marked reduction in TSHR and TPO levels in PS-MPs treated groups, indicating thyroid dysfunction. These findings highlight the profound impact of PS-MPs on thyroid gland function in mice.

CONCLUSION

These findings underscore the potential risks that PS-MPs pose to thyroid health, with potential consequences for other veterinary species. As environmental contamination rises, veterinarians may encounter more endocrine disorders linked to PS-MPs, emphasising the need for further research and preventive measures.

Protective effect of curcumin against microplastic and nanoplastics toxicity

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are present in urban dust and the aquatic environments of industrialized cities. MNPs in the human body accumulate in the lymphoid follicles, Peyer's patches of the gastrointestinal tract, and pulmonary vascular endothelial cells, which slowly result in toxicity. Since previous studies introduced curcumin as a natural protective agent against environmental toxins, we reviewed preclinical studies that had used curcumin to protect organs or cells from toxicity secondary to exposure to MNPs. It was found that exposure to MNPs resulted in osteolysis, immunotoxicity, thyroid disturbances, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, and especially endocrine, and reproductive toxicity. Nevertheless, except for one study reviewed, curcumin restored all oxidative and histopathological damages induced by MNPs to normal due to curcumin's inherent antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties.

Enhanced toxic effects of photoaged microplastics on the trophoblast cells

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging as a novel pollutant, raising significant concerns regarding their adverse effects on human health. Furthermore, MPs are susceptible to light-induced aging in the environment, which alters their physical characteristics and potentially alters their toxic effects. While previous studies have documented the retention of MPs in the placenta, the specific impacts of MPs, particularly aged MPs, on placental function remain poorly understood. In the current study, we utilized 1 µm polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs), a widely used model for MPs, to evaluate the effects of photoaged MPs on the placenta. Following oral administration of PS-MPs beginning on embryonic day 3.5 (E3.5), we observed impaired fetal growth and damage to the placental labyrinth chorionic layer in the treated pregnant mice by embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5). The photoaged PS-MPs were generated by exposure to simulated lighting for 7 or 14 days, resulting in alterations to their physical properties. Notably, enhanced cytotoxicity in trophoblast cells was observed for photoaged PS-MPs compared to pristine PS-MPs. Mechanistically, the altered physical properties of PS-MPs, along with elevated lipid peroxidation, may contribute to the increased cytotoxicity of the photoaged MPs. Our findings provide new insights into the detrimental effects and underlying mechanisms of both MPs and, in particular, aged MPs on the placenta and embryonic development. These insights are crucial for assessing the risks posed by MPs to human pregnancy.

Size Distribution of Micro-/Nanoplastic Particles and Their Chemical Speciation in the Atmosphere of Shanghai, China

The significance of microplastics in urban air has gained increasing recognition; however, a comprehensive understanding of their size distribution and composition remains limited. This study presents analyzed results of micro-/nanoplastics collected from Shanghai's winter atmosphere using thermal desorption/pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Six major plastic types were identified, with polyethylene (PE) accounting for 40.0% of the detected atmospheric plastics. Fine plastic particles (FPPs, ≤3.2 μm) constituted 59.2% of the total mass concentration of microplastics (MPs), while nanoplastics (NPs, ≤1.0 μm) accounted for 36.3%. As the aerodynamic particle size decreased, the proportion of plastics other than PE increased. This size-dependent compositional variation suggests that nanoplastics, due to their smaller size, can more easily penetrate sensitive biological regions. At the nanoscale, the accumulated mass in pulmonary regions exceeds that in the head airway. These findings underscore the critical need for detailed assessments of plastic characteristics in the atmosphere to better understand their environmental behavior and potential health impacts.

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.

Rapid and in-situ detection of iodine and potassium ferrocyanide in table salt using enhanced-Multipass cavity Raman scattering

The excess of iodine (I2) and potassium ferrocyanide (K4[Fe(CN)6]) to table salt are harmful to both human health and environment. To date, there are still a lack of suitable methods for simple, rapid and in-situ to detect the I2 and K4[Fe(CN)6] contents in table salt. Herein, we employ a highly sensitive Raman spectroscopy, which is based on multiple reflection cavities and multi-directional signal collection optical systems, to detect the concentration of trace ions in table salt. The detection limit of our technology is less than 1 mg/kg in salt solutions, signifying that the corresponding quantitative detection limit in table salt is 3.45 mg/kg. Simultaneously, the relative Raman intensity of the ion exhibits a highly linear correlation with concentration (R2 = 0.999), rendering it a molecular probe for I2 and K4[Fe(CN)6] within table salt. The accuracy of this molecular probe for I2, K4[Fe(CN)6], and sulfate (SO42-) content in different salts is 87.2 %, 89.6 % and 95.6 % respectively.Compared with the traditional method, this method has the advantages of low sample consumption (1g of salt), fast detection speed (10 min), and the measured sample can be saved.

A novel protein corona-induced aggregation-ECL strategy based on poly-l-cys/Cu NCs for detecting microplastics in water

To address the health risks posed by microplastics (MPs), this work developed a poly-l-cysteine (poly-L-cys)-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor for detecting MPs in water environments. The porous structure of poly-L-cys film can regulate the generation of copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) in the pores, effectively limiting the migration and aggregation of nanopaticles. In addition, poly-L-cys film also acted as co-reactant promoters, promoting electron transfer and effectively enhancing ECL signal of Cu NCs. Therefore, Cu NCs in the poly-L-cys porous membrane has been used as luminescent probes. Furthermore, the poly-L-cys/Cu NC-based ECL sensor was constructed with the protein corona induced aggregation effect (PCIAE) to determine the concentration of MP. Due to the strong binding affinity of PCIAE, MP can adsorb strongly to biomolecule surfaces as a protein crown. So, the modified BSA on the poly-L-cys film was removed by MP, resulting in the ECL signal enhancement. The PCIAE-ECL sensor has been successfully applied to measure MP in lakes with excellent recovery rates (90.7-106.0 %). The PCIAE-ECL sensor provided a new analytical method for detecting MPs in water environments.

Expanding the focus of the One Health concept: links between the Earth-system processes of the planetary boundaries framework and antibiotic resistance

The scientific community warns that our impact on planet Earth is so acute that we are crossing several of the planetary boundaries that demarcate the safe operating space for humankind. Besides, there is mounting evidence of serious effects on people's health derived from the ongoing environmental degradation. Regarding human health, the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria is one of the most critical public health issues worldwide. Relevantly, antibiotic resistance has been claimed to be the quintessential One Health issue. The One Health concept links human, animal, and environmental health, but it is frequently only focused on the risk of zoonotic pathogens to public health or, to a lesser extent, the impact of contaminants on human health, i.e., adverse effects on human health coming from the other two One Health "compartments". It is recurrently claimed that antibiotic resistance must be approached from a One Health perspective, but such statement often only refers to the connection between the use of antibiotics in veterinary practice and the antibiotic resistance crisis, or the impact of contaminants (antibiotics, heavy metals, disinfectants, etc.) on antibiotic resistance. Nonetheless, the nine Earth-system processes considered in the planetary boundaries framework can be directly or indirectly linked to antibiotic resistance. Here, some of the main links between those processes and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance are described. The ultimate goal is to expand the focus of the One Health concept by pointing out the links between critical Earth-system processes and the One Health quintessential issue, i.e., antibiotic resistance.

New insights into microbial degradation of polyethylene microplastic and potential polyethylene-degrading bacteria in sediments of the Pearl River Estuary, South China

Microplastics (MPs) are widely distributed pollutants in various ecosystems, and biodegradation is a crucial process for removal of MPs from environments. Pearl River Estuary, one of the largest estuaries in China, is an important reservoir for MPs with polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) as the most abundant MPs. Here, biodegradation of PE-MPs and the potential PE-degrading bacteria in sediments of eight major outlets of Pearl River Estuary were firstly investigated. Results showed that biodegradation extent of PE-MPs varied for different sourced sediments, with highest extent for Hongqimen sediment and lowest extent for Jitimen sediment. Selective enrichment of specific bacteria occurred on PE-MPs with Pseudomonadaceae as the predominant family. Potential PE-degrading bacteria of Pseudomonas, Vulcaniibacterium, Cupriavidus, Bacillus were selectively enriched on PE-MPs and their abundance showed positive correlations with degradation extent of PE-MPs, indicating a vital role of them in degrading PE-MPs. Diverse pure cultured strains affiliated to the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Priestia, Lysinibacillus, Marinobacter, Stutzerimonas and Achromobacter isolated from the plastispheres were capable of degrading PE-MPs rapidly, and members in Bacillus showed highest efffeciency of PE-MPs degradation with 6.5 % weight loss of PE-MPs within 40 days. This study provides a new perspective on the natural degradation potential by microbial communities in sediments.

Triple combination exposure to MPs, Pb2+ and As3+ induces ferroptosis at environmentally relevant concentrations in early development of zebrafish

There remains a substantial knowledge gap in understanding the coexistence effects of Microplastics (MPs), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As), which are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. Here, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were used to investigate the impact of triple combined exposure to MPs (50 μg/L), Pb2+ (10 μg/L) and As3+ (200 μg/L) on the developmental responses. Survival and hatching rates were notably reduced to 32.7 % and 58.8 %, respectively. Meanwhile, the frequency of spontaneous tail contractions increased by 8.1 %, whereas heart rate and body length decreased by 4.4 % and 5.1 %, respectively. These findings demonstrated that the triple exposure markedly disrupted developmental processes and altered behavioral profiles in zebrafish larvae. Furthermore, 16 S rRNA sequencing revealed that the metabolic processes of glutathione and xenobiotics, as well as intracellular iron transport, were significantly impacted, triggering ferroptosis in the larvae exposed to triple combination. Collectively, the co-exposure to MPs, Pb2+ and As3+ even at low concentrations could significantly disrupt the developmental progress and biological functioning during the early stages of zebrafish. This will help guide future comprehensive studies on the impact of triple combined exposure during early developmental stages.

Removal of polystyrene microplastics from wastewater by Ti-Al electrode electrocoagulation under pulse current: Efficiency and mechanism

As microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems continues to rise, research on wastewater treatment methods designed to address microplastics has gained significant attention. To reduce the power consumption of electrocoagulation, this study presents an approach using Ti-Al electrode under pulsed current conditions to address polystyrene (PS) microplastic contamination in wastewater. After selecting the appropriate electrode materials and shapes, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the effects of various operational parameters-such as initial solution pH, electrolyte concentration, current density, pulse frequency, and pulse duty cycle-on PS removal efficiency. Under optimal conditions (electrode spacing of 1 cm, current density of 4 A·m-2, pulse duty cycle of 40%, pulse frequency of 500 Hz, initial solution pH of 7, and electrolyte concentration of 0.05 mol·L-1), the removal efficiency of PS reached 93.24%, with a power consumption of 0.00977 kWh·mg-1. Analysis of the resulting flocs revealed that free radicals generated during the electrocoagulation process disrupted the microplastic surfaces and facilitated the formation of Ti and Al flocs, which ultimately removed the microplastics through a combination of adsorption, electro-neutralization, and capture mechanisms. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of Ti electrode electrocoagulation for treating microplastic-laden wastewater and provides valuable insights for advancing microplastic treatment technologies. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Using pulse current electrocoagulation to remove polystyrene microplastics from wastewater. Titanium electrodes outperforms traditional electrodes ()in terms of efficiency and energy consumption. The mechanism for removing polystyrene microplastics using titanium electrodes in pulse current electrocoagulation was proposed. Titanium electrode electrocoagulation is effective in removing microplastics from wastewater and provides a reference for actual wastewater treatment.

The role of human intestinal mucus in the prevention of microplastic uptake and cell damage

An increase in plastic waste and its release into the environment has led to health concerns over microplastics (MPs) in the environment. The intestinal mucosal layer is a key defense mechanism against ingested MPs, preventing the migration of particles to other parts of the body. MP migration through intestinal mucus is challenging to study due to difficulties in obtaining intact mucus layers for testing and numerous formulations, shapes, and sizes of microplastics. Previous studies have primarily used mucus from animals, hydrogel models, and mucus samples from other parts of the body as substitutes. This study examines how different MP compositions, sizes (40-500 nm), and surface functionalizations alter MP migration through human intestinal mucus; how the mucus layer protects cells from MP uptake, toxicity, and inflammation; and how the intestinal mucus prevents the migration of other environmental toxins via MP particles. The presence of a mucus layer also provides critical protection against cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species production, and uptake for all particles tested, although certain functionalizations, such as streptavidin, are particularly harmful to cells with high toxicity and inflammation. Understanding the properties that assist of impede the diffusion of MPs through mucus is relevant to the overall bioaccumulation and health effects of MPs as well as drug delivery purposes.

Microplastic changes during the development of cervical cancer and its effects on the metabolomic profiles of cancer tissues

Recent studies have detected microplastics (MPs) in reproductive organs and found that they exert toxic effects on the reproductive system. However, the exact mechanism of action remains unclear. This study evaluates changes in MP levels in patients with cervical cancer as the disease progresses and uses untargeted metabolomics to assess the impact of MP exposure on the metabolomic profiles of cervical invasive cancer tissues. A total of 12 MP types were identified in 101 MP particles, with an average abundance of 2.24 ± 1.61 MP particles/g. Of these, polyethylene (PE, 26.73 %) and polypropylene (PP, 19.80 %) were the most frequently detected. Also, some MPs were observed to have sizes smaller than 20 µm. Notably, MP exposure levels increase as cervical cancer progresses (p < 0.05). Metabolomics analysis revealed that, among the 33 biologically significant metabolites screened, D-Mannose and cis,cis-muconic acid showed the most significant differences. Additionally, the aminosugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathways were the most significantly enriched in this experiment, potentially acting as pathways through which MPs may contribute to the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. The metabolites and pathways identified in this study may offer new insights and opportunities for disease research in patients with cervical cancer.

Photochemistry of microplastics-derived dissolved organic matter: Reactive species generation and organic pollutant degradation

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) originating from microplastics (MPs-DOM) is increasingly recognized as a substantial component of aquatic DOM. The photochemistry of MPs-DOM, essential for understanding its environmental fate and impacts, remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the photochemical behaviors of MPs-DOM derived from two common plastics: polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which represent aromatic and aliphatic plastics, respectively. Spectral and high-resolution mass spectrometry analyses demonstrated that photoreactions preferentially targeted poly-aromatic compounds within the MPs-DOM, leading to degradation products that predominantly form N-aliphatic/lipid-like substances. This transformation is characterized by decreased aromaticity and unsaturation. Additionally, irradiation of MPs-DOM generated reactive species (RS), including triplet intermediates (3DOM*) and singlet oxygen (1O2), with apparent quantum yields of 0.06-0.16 % and 0.16-0.35 %, respectively-values considerably lower than those for conventional DOM (1.19-1.56 % for 3DOM* and 1.34-1.90 % for 1O2). Despite this, the RS generated from MPs-DOM significantly enhance the degradation of coexisting organic pollutants, such as antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The findings shed light on the photoinduced transformation of MPs-DOM and suggest that MPs-DOM functions as a natural photocatalyst, mediating redox reactions of pollutants in sunlit aquatic settings. This highlights its previously underestimated role in natural attenuation and aquatic photochemistry.

Physicochemical characteristics of airborne microplastics of a typical coastal city in the Yangtze River Delta Region, China

Airborne microplastics (MPs) are important pollutants that have been present in the environment for many years and are characterized by their universality, persistence, and potential toxicity. This study investigated the effects of terrestrial and marine transport of MPs in the atmosphere of a coastal city and compared the difference between daytime and nighttime. Laser direct infrared imaging (LDIR) and polarized light microscopy were used to characterize the physical and chemical properties of MPs, including number concentration, chemical types, shape, and size. Backward trajectories were used to distinguish the air masses from marine and terrestrial transport. Twenty chemical types were detected by LDIR, with rubber (16.7%) and phenol-formaldehyde resin (PFR; 14.8%) being major components. Three main morphological types of MPs were identified, and fragments (78.1%) are the dominant type. MPs in the atmosphere were concentrated in the small particle size segment (20-50 µm). The concentration of MPs in the air mass from marine transport was 14.7 items/m3 - lower than that from terrestrial transport (32.0 items/m3). The number concentration of airborne MPs was negatively correlated with relative humidity. MPs from terrestrial transport were mainly rubber (20.2%), while those from marine transport were mainly PFR (18%). MPs in the marine transport air mass were more aged and had a lower number concentration than those in the terrestrial transport air mass. The number concentration of airborne MPs is higher during the day than at night. These findings could contribute to the development of targeted control measures and methods to reduce MP pollution.

Hazard assessment of airborne and foodborne biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates microplastics and non-biodegradable polypropylene microplastics

Microplastics (MP) are ubiquitous in the environment, and are toxic to various living organisms. Proper application of biodegradable plastics may alleviate the hazards of conventional non-biodegradable plastics. In the current study, multi-omics analyses were performed to compare the biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and non-biodegradable polypropylene (PP) MP for their toxicity on mouse liver and lung. Airborne PHA MP induced nasal microbiome dysbiosis, pulmonary microbiome alteration, pulmonary and serum metabolome disruption, and hepatic transcriptome disturbances, resulting in mild pulmonary toxicity. By contrast, airborne PP MP caused greater alterations in nasal and pulmonary microbiome, pulmonary and serum metabolome, and hepatic transcriptome, resulting in pulmonary and hepatic toxicity. Both foodborne PHA and PP MP caused intestinal microbiome dysbiosis, while foodborne PHA MP caused slighter intestinal and serum metabolome disruption, hepatic transcriptome disturbances and hepatotoxicity (e.g., lower serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) compared to foodborne PP MP. Some potential differential biomarkers were determined between PP and PHA MP exposures, i.e., nasal Allobaculum and pulmonary Alloprevotella for airborne PHA; nasal Lactobacillus and pulmonary Acinetobacter for airborne PP; intestinal Faecalibacterium for foodborne PHA; and intestinal unclassified_Erysipelatoclostridiaceae for foodborne PP. The results show that PHA MP can induce less pulmonary and hepatic toxicity compared to PP MP, suggesting PHA is a potential substitution for PP. The findings can benefit the hazard assessment of airborne and foodborne PHA and PP MP.

Microplastics/nanoplastics and neurological health: An overview of neurological defects and mechanisms

The widespread use of plastic products worldwide has brought about serious environmental issues. In natural environments, it's difficult for plastic products to degrade completely, and so they exist in the form of micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs), which have become a new type of pollutant. Prolonged exposure to M/NPs can lead to a series of health problems in humans, particularly toxicity to the nervous system, with consequences including neurodevelopmental abnormalities, neuronal death, neurological inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. Although direct evidence from humans is still limited, model organisms and organoids serve as powerful tools to provide important insights. This article summarizes the effects of M/NPs on the nervous system, focusing on cognitive function, neural development, and neuronal death. Mechanisms such as neurotransmitter synthesis and release, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, the gut-brain axis, and the liver-brain axis are covered. The neurotoxicity induced by M/NPs may exacerbate or directly trigger neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders. We particularly emphasize potential therapeutic agents that may counteract the neurotoxic effects induced by M/NPs, highlighting a novel future research direction. In summary, this paper cites evidence and provides mechanistic perspectives on the effects of M/NPs on neurological health, providing clues for eliminating M/NP hazards to human health in the future.

Recent advances and factors affecting the adsorption of nano/microplastics by magnetic biochar

The increase in nano/microplastics (NPs/MPs) from various everyday products entering aquatic environments highlights the urgent need to develop mitigation strategies. Biochar (BC), known for its excellent adsorption capabilities, can effectively target various harmful organic and inorganic pollutants. However, traditional methods involving powdered BC necessitate centrifugation and filtration, which can lead to the desorption of pollutants and subsequent secondary pollution. Magnetic biochar (MBC) offers a solution that facilitates straightforward and rapid separation from water through magnetic techniques. This review provides the latest insights into the progress made in MBC applications for the adsorption of NPs/MPs. This review further discusses how external factors such as pH, ionic strength, temperature, competing ions, dissolved organic matter, aging time, and particle size impact the MBC adsorption efficiency of MPs. The use of machine learning (ML) for optimizing the design and properties of BC materials is also briefly addressed. Finally, this review addresses existing challenges and future research directions aimed at improving the large-scale application of MBC for NPs/MPs removal.

Environmental impact of microplastic emissions from wastewater treatment plant through life cycle assessment

This study aimed to quantify the environmental impact of microplastic (MP) emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) using life cycle assessment (LCA). The investigation comprehensively evaluated the contribution of MPs to overall WWTP midpoint and endpoint impacts, with a detailed analysis of the influence of particle size, shape, polymer type, and the environmental costs and benefits of individual wastewater treatment processes on MP removal. The LCA model was developed using SimaPro software, with impact assessments conducted via the USEtox framework and the IMPACT World+ methodology. Results showed that at the midpoint level, MPs accounted for 1.24E+05 CTUe (94 % of the total plant impact), representing the potential harm to aquatic species per cubic meter of discharged wastewater-surpassing the impacts of other contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, nutrients) by at least two orders of magnitude. At the endpoint level, the damage of 8.39E-02 PDF·m2·yr (1.7 % of the total) indicated the potential loss of species diversity, comparable to other pollutant contributions. Polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene were identified as the most impactful polymer types. In terms of environmental costs and benefits, secondary, tertiary, and primary treatments demonstrated decreasing environmental benefits, directly correlated with their respective MP removal efficiencies. These findings underscore the critical role of MP emissions in WWTP life cycle inventories and highlight the urgent need for targeted environmental policies and advanced treatment technologies to address MP contamination in both natural and engineered aquatic systems.

Microplastics in aquatic environments: detection, abundance, characteristics, and toxicological studies

Microplastics (MPs) are fragments with a diameter of less than 5 mm that have been directly manufactured or formed by the degradation of plastic waste. MPs are not only prone to bioaccumulation in the environment, but they also lead to the spread of micropollutants in the environment, thereby threatening human health ecological environment. The useful detection method of MPs and understanding their abundance, characteristics and toxicity are great essential for MPs removal and control. This work presented the current methods of MPs' detection, compared the abundance and characteristics of MPs in water, and reviewed MPs' toxicity to organisms. Furthermore, detailed policies intervention for plastics and MPs' mitigation have been focused which delineate for application of science and policy together with scientific evidence. Lastly, this study suggests more attention should be paid to the content of MPs in freshwater and organisms closely related to human life, as well as the toxicological toxicity of MPs in mammals.

Exploring micro(nano)plastics toxicity from an environmental management perspective: Zebrafish as a vital bridge for assessing potential human health risks

The pollution stemming from the unwarranted utilization and inadequate disposal of plastic products is undergoing rapid escalation. The problem of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) pollution has recently garnered significant attention, and the issue of human exposure to MNPs cannot be disregarded. However, the present state of research concerning human exposure to MNPs remains in its early stages. The inherent uncertainty and variability associated with MNPs pose significant obstacles to conducting related studies. In order to enhance comprehension of the potential health risks associated with human exposure to MNPs, the utilization of zebrafish as an assessment tool was deemed appropriate. Zebrafish, as one of the most effective toxicological models, assume a significant role in both environmental monitoring and health modeling. This study provides a review of the effects of exposure to MNPs on zebrafish. The findings demonstrate that such exposure can elicit behavioral and physiological alterations in zebrafish, subsequently resulting in a range of toxic consequences. Simultaneously, this study conducts a comparative analysis of the effects of human and zebrafish exposure to MNPs in physiology, exposure environment, and toxicokinetic/toxicodynamic, leveraging the shared characteristics between zebrafish and humans to augment comprehension regarding human exposure to MNPs. Zebrafish model plays a key role in exploring gene expression in human homologous pathways caused by MNPs exposure, and strengthens the understanding of the risk of MNPs exposure. However, physiological, metabolic, and exposure circumstances limit its extrapolation to humans. Furthermore, the reference value and challenge associated with employing zebrafish as a model to discern human health hazards linked to MNPs are assessed, accompanied by suggestions for future research endeavors.

The risk of short-term microplastic exposure on female reproductive function: A rat model study

Long-term effects of microplastics (MPs) exposure have been demonstrated to impair reproductive function. However, in real world, the exposure level of MP is not constant and it may vary in different individuals. This study aims to evaluate the impact of short-term exposure to MPs on ovarian and endometrial function in rat models. Serum steroid hormone concentrations and the expression of ovarian steroid hormone receptor were disturbed. We found that as MPs exposure concentration increased, thickness of the endometrial glandular epithelial layer and the number of endometrial glands decreased; the number of primordial follicles decreased, while the numbers of primary and secondary oocytes significantly increased, indicating a potential oocyte overactivation. Although short-term MP exposure appears to not influence embryo implantation and hormone functions, the results of this study highlight the potential of MPs to disrupt reproductive health in women.

Microplastics in different nasal irrigation options

PURPOSE

We aimed to assess the presence of microplastics in nasal irrigation methods commonly used in the treatment of sinusitis and rhinitis, and to evaluate human exposure.

METHODS

A total of 150 samples were included in the study, consisting of nasal wash bottles containing nasal irrigation solution, seawater spray, syringes for nasal irrigation with isotonic solution. The amount of microplastics per millilitre in the samples and patient exposure during single use were assessed separately for each method and product. All samples were filtered using a stainless steel vacuum filter on filter paper with a pore size of 1.2 μm, washed at least three times with distilled water and incubated at 45 °C for 24 h to prevent mould growth. Identification and counting of microplastics was performed using a Leica Flexacam C1 camera connected to an M80 stereomicroscope. The presence of microplastics was confirmed by the hot needle method and Nile red staining.

RESULTS

An average of 6.49 ± 13.08 microplastics/product was detected in all filtered samples. The lowest microplastic count was 0 microplastics/product in syringes and the highest was 92 microplastics/product in nasal wash bottles. Significant differences in the amount of microplastics individuals were exposed to during a single use were found between nasal wash bottles and seawater brands, while no significant differences were found between syringe brands. When nasal wash kits, seawater sprays and isotonic nasal rinses were evaluated separately, significant differences were found in the number of microplastics, the microplastics/ml ratio and the number of microplastics exposed during a single use. The highest microplastic exposure was found in nasal irrigation bottles.

CONCLUSION

The exposure of individuals to microplastics increases with medical support treatments, regardless of intranasal or intravenous administration. Due to the inflammation, oxidative stress and proliferation caused by microplastics, new regulations and inspections of production conditions should be implemented worldwide to reduce exposure.

Impacts of wind forcing on microplastics kinematic in a sensitive water area

Microplastics (MPs) have been found in different environmental department globally, and the threat to organisms posed by MPs is also widely recognized. Kinematic characteristics of low-density fiber MPs in Poyang Lake under different due-south wind were calculated by combining hydrodynamic model with particle tracking model in this study. Poyang Lake is divided into north lake and south lake for study based on its topographic and hydrodynamic characteristics, and the results are as follows: the critical wind speeds causing vertical mixing of MPs in the water column ranges from 6 to 9 m·s-1 in the north lake, while it is >9 m·s-1 in the south lake, and the MPs beaching rate decreases by 7.08 %/(m·s-1) as the due-south wind speed increases. The MPs speed is mainly affected by surface current, while the direction of the velocity is more affected by wind. The MPs velocity in the south lake is only 27.10 % of that in the north lake, and the direction is more dispersed, so the due-south wind concentrates the direction of MPs velocity more to the north in the south lake. The northern wards movement of MPs resulted in a noticeable decrease in FS in the south lake, with FS decreasing by 0.10 for every 1 m·s-1 increase in wind speed, and therefore, the due-south wind reduces the ecological risk posed by MPs through reducing the range of movement and retention time. However, since the FS in the north lake has been close to the minimum value of 1, the reduction of the FS is not significant, and the wind reduces the risk mainly by shortening the retention time of the MPs. Therefore, the ecological risk caused by MPs in Poyang Lake under no or weak wind conditions should be taken into consideration.

Effects of Microplastic Exposure on Human Digestive, Reproductive, and Respiratory Health: A Rapid Systematic Review

Microplastics are ubiquitous environmental contaminants for which there are documented human exposures, but there is a paucity of research evaluating their impacts on human health. We conducted a rapid systematic review using the "Navigation Guide" systematic review method. We searched four databases in July 2022 and April 2024 with no restriction on the date. We included studies using predefined eligibility criteria that quantitatively examined the association of microplastic exposure with any health outcomes. We amended the eligibility criteria after screening studies and prioritized digestive, reproductive, and respiratory outcomes for further evaluation. We included three human observational studies examining reproductive (n = 2) and respiratory (n = 1) outcomes and 28 animal studies examining reproductive (n = 11), respiratory (n = 7), and digestive (n = 10) outcomes. For reproductive outcomes (sperm quality) and digestive outcomes (immunosuppresion) we rated overall body evidence as "high" quality and concluded microplastic exposure is "suspected" to adversely impact them. For reproductive outcomes (female follicles and reproductive hormones), digestive outcomes (gross or microanatomic colon/small intestine effects, alters cell proliferation and cell death, and chronic inflammation), and respiratory outcomes (pulmonary function, lung injury, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress) we rated the overall body of evidence as "moderate" quality and concluded microplastic exposure is "suspected" to adversely impact them. We concluded that exposure to microplastics is "unclassifiable" for birth outcomes and gestational age in humans on the basis of the "low" and "very low" quality of the evidence. We concluded that microplastics are "suspected" to harm human reproductive, digestive, and respiratory health, with a suggested link to colon and lung cancer. Future research on microplastics should investigate additional health outcomes impacted by microplastic exposure and identify strategies to reduce exposure.

Influence of micro- and nanoplastics on mitochondrial function in the cardiovascular system: a review of the current literature

Mitochondria represent pivotal cellular organelles endowed with multifaceted functionalities encompassing cellular respiration, metabolic processes, calcium turnover, and the regulation of apoptosis, primarily through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Perturbations in mitochondrial dynamics have been intricately linked to the etiology of numerous cardiovascular pathologies, such as heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and various cardiomyopathies. Notably, recent attention has been directed towards the detrimental impact of micro- and nanoplastic pollution on mitochondrial integrity, an area underscored by a paucity of comprehensive investigations. Given the escalating prevalence of plastic particle contamination and the concomitant burden of cardiovascular disease in aging populations, understanding the interplay between mitochondria within the cardiovascular system and micro- and nanoplastic pollution assumes paramount importance. This review endeavors to elucidate the current albeit limited comprehension surrounding this complex interplay. Key words Mitochondria, Nanoplastics, Microplastics, Cardiovascular system, Endothelial function, Oxidative phosphorylation.

A Critical Review of an Environmental Risk Substance Induced by Aging Microplastics: Insights into Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals

Microplastics (MPs), as an emerging contaminants category, can undergo complex aging in a variety of environmental matrices in which the chemical bonds of polymer molecules can be broken to form free radicals. While the existence of free radicals in aged plastics has been known for over half a century, only recently has significant research on a new type of environmentally risky substance, namely environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), present in aged MPs and their environmental effects, been started, but it is still in its infancy. To address these issues, this work examines EPFR generation on MPs and their environmental effect by reviewing publications from 2012 to 2023. The aging processes and mechanisms of MPs in the environment are first summarized. Then, the occurrence and formation mechanisms of EPFRs on aged MPs are specifically discussed. Additionally, the reactivity of EPFRs on aging MPs and their influencing factors are comprehensively considered, such as their physicochemical properties, oxygen content, and coexisting substances. Due to their reactivity, EPFRs can interact directly with some substances (e.g., p-nitrophenol and proteins, etc.) or induce the generation of reactive oxygen species, leading to diverse environmental effects, including pollutant transformation, biotoxicity, and health risks. Finally, research challenges and perspectives for EPFRs formation on aging MPs and related environmental implications are presented. Given the environmental fate and risk of MPs-EPFRs, our urgent call for a better understanding of the potential hazards of aged MPs is to help develop a sustainable path for plastics management.

Microplastics, as a risk factor in the development of interstitial lung disease- a preliminary study

Microplastic (MPs) pollution is a global concern that affects all living organisms, yet research on MP-related disorders in humans, including incidence and symptoms, remains limited. In this study, the presence, composition, and characterization of MPs in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), which reflects lung tissue, and blood were examined. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed to collect BAL samples from patients suspected of having interstitial lung disease (ILD) as well as from a control group. MPs were identified and measured using μ-Raman techniques. In BAL samples, the most common MPs color observed was grey/white, with sizes ranging from 4.19 to 792.00 μm. The particle shapes and polymer types identified included polyamide (PA), polyester (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyurethanes (PU). For blood samples, MPs were predominantly grey/white and blue, with sizes ranging from 13.14 to 20. 29 μm. The identified polymers in blood samples included polyamide (PA) and polyethylene (PE). MPs were detected in 10 out of 18 patients (55%) suspected of having ILD, with most of these patients presenting with the fibrotic type of the disease. In the control group, two patients whose BAL samples were positive for MPs were found to have chronic lung disease. This study is the first to explore the relationship between interstitial lung disease (ILD) and microplastics (MPs), revealing a tendency for the presence of MPs in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of ILD patients, particularly those with a fibrotic phenotype. Further research is needed to determine the cumulative effects of MPs on human health, especially concerning the respiratory system, which is highly exposed to environmental pollutants.

Assessment of the cytotoxicity micro- and nano-plastic on human intestinal Caco-2 cells and the protective effects of catechin

Micro- and nano-plastics (M/NPs) potentially leach from plastic wrapping into food and beverages. However, the risks of ingested M/NPs to human intestinal health remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the potential risks and mechanisms of PS-M/NPs using a human intestinal epithelial in vitro model and to explore protective measures to reduce these risks. The results showed that polystyrene (PS) M/NPs exhibited size-dependent cytotoxicity (3 μm < 0.3 μm < 80 nm < 20 nm). Additionally, by measuring intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production after exposure to PS-M/NPs and the elimination of ROS by N-acetyl-L-cysteine, we identified oxidative stress as a mechanism of PS-M/NP-induced cytotoxicity. Hazard quotients calculated from the study indicated that the risks of M/NPs derived from plastic teabags exceeded the margin of safety, suggesting that ingested M/NPs potentially pose a risk to human intestinal health. Furthermore, this study found that catechins can reduce the adverse effects of M/NPs, so we propose that drinking tea may offer a protective effect against the harm of M/NPs on the intestinal system.

The threat of microplastics and microbial degradation potential; a current perspective

Microplastics in marine environments come from various sources, and over the years, their buildup in marine environments suggests an inevitable need for the safe mitigation of plastic pollution. Microplastics are one of the chief and hazardous components of marine pollution, as they are transferred through the food chain to different trophic levels, affecting living organisms. They are also a source of transfer for pathogenic organisms. Upon transfer to humans, several toxic effects can occur. This review aims to assess the accumulation of microplastics in marine environments globally, the threat posed to humans, and the biodegradation potential of bacteria and fungi for future mitigation strategies. The versatility of bacteria and fungi in the biodegradation of different types of plastics has been discussed, with a focus on the microbial majority that has been cultivated in labs from the marine environment. We also propose that the exploration of yet-to-be-cultivated microbial majority can be a way forward for employing future strategies to mitigate microplastics.

Microplastic contamination in Chinese topsoil from 1980 to 2050

China's soil is experiencing significant microplastic contamination. We developed a machine-learning model to assess microplastic pollution from 1980 to 2050. Our results showed that the average abundance of microplastics in topsoil increased from 45 items per kilogram of soil in 1980 to 1156 items by 2018, primarily due to industrial growth (39 %), agricultural film usage (30 %), tire wear (17 %), and domestic waste (14 %). During the same period, microplastic levels in cropland rose from 98 to 2401 items per kilogram of soil, and exposure levels for the Chinese population increased from 808 to 3168 items per kilogram. By 2050, a reduction in the use of agricultural films is expected to decrease cropland contamination by half. However, overall levels are anticipated to remain steady due to other persistent sources, indicating a continued spread of microplastics into subterranean environments, water bodies, and human systems. This study highlights China's microplastic challenges and suggests potential global trends, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and intervention worldwide.

Rapid detection of microplastics/nanoplastics directly exposed to blood during intravenous injections via mie scattering spectra

Microplastics/nanoplastics (M/NPs) are pervasive in the environment, leading to inevitable human exposure through various pathways and raising significant public and scientific concern. Understanding the sources and levels of M/NPs in human blood is crucial for environmental health studies. This work examined the content, type, shape, and size of M/NPs released directly into the bloodstream from medical devices via saline solution during intravenous (IV) injection. The results of the Mie scattering spectra method show that the M/NPs content from infusion bags was 1.0 ± 0.7 μg/L, mainly fibers, polyethylene, and polypropylene, with fragments being predominant. During a IV process, the initial 12 mL of saline from infusion tubes contained 8.4 ± 3.6 μg/L of M/NPs, primarily polyvinyl chloride and fibers. These results suggest that M/NPs exposure during IV therapy mainly originates from infusion tubing, necessitating high concern for exposure risks. Recommendations include: 1) reducing non-essential IV treatments, 2) discarding the initial 12 mL of saline solution flowing through the tubing during essential IV therapy, and 3) expediting the development of legal requirements and detection standards by national authorities and the healthcare industry to mitigate the risk of M/NPs exposure in the bloodstream.

Efficient photocatalytic degradation of microplastics by constructing a novel Z-scheme Fe-doped BiO2-x/BiOI heterojunction with full-spectrum response: Mechanistic insights and theory calculations

Recently, microplastics (MPs) have garnered significant attention as a challenging emerging pollutant to address. Here, a full-spectrum light-driven Fe-doping BiO2-x/BiOI (FBI) Z-scheme heterojunction was constructed for efficiently degrading MPs in waters. Compared with BiO2-x, Fe doping BiO2-x, and BiOI, the optimal photocatalyst (40-FBI) can cause deep cracks in the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) within 10 h under the irradiation of full-spectrum light. Meanwhile, FT-IR characterization revealed that the absorption peak intensities of the C-O group, CO group, -CH stretching vibration, and -OH group on the MPs surface gradually increased with degradation time. A series of experiments and theory calculations revealed that the introduction of Fe creates impurity levels, accelerating the separation of photo-generated carriers and reducing the work function of BiO2-x, thereby enhancing the transport of photo-generated carriers between Z-scheme heterojunctions. This study offers a valuable idea for designing an efficient photocatalyst by simultaneously introducing ion doping and constructing heterojunctions for enhancing MPs degradation.

Next generation brain health: transforming global research and public health to promote prevention of dementia and reduce its risk in young adult populations

Efforts to prevent dementia can benefit from precision interventions delivered to the right population at the right time; that is, when the potential to reduce risk is the highest. Young adults (aged 18-39 years) are a neglected population in dementia research and policy making despite being highly exposed to several known modifiable risk factors. The risk and protective factors that have the biggest effect on dementia outcomes in young adulthood, and how these associations differ across regions and groups, still remain unclear. To address these uncertainties, the Next Generation Brain Health team convened a multidisciplinary expert group representing 15 nations across six continents. We identified several high-priority modifiable factors in young adulthood and devised five key recommendations for promoting brain health, ranging from individual to policy levels. Increasing research and policy focus on brain health across the life course, inclusive of younger populations, is the next crucial step in the efforts to prevent dementia at the global level.

Impact of seasonal changes and environmental conditions on suspended and inhalable microplastics in urban air

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants extensively detected in atmospheric environments. Airborne MPs have raised concerns due to their transport and potential health risks of inhalation exposure. However, the factors influencing airborne MPs, particularly their concentrations and shapes suspended in urban air, remain unclear. We investigated MPs in total suspension particles with one-year measurements in Taipei City and identified their features using Nile Red staining combined with fluorescence microscopy and micro-Fourier transform infrared (μFTIR) spectroscopy. This study quantified the mean number concentration of total MPs as approximately 6.0 #/m³. We observed that MP abundance varied seasonally, with higher levels in the warm season than in the cold. A similar trend was noted for polymer types. Fragment-like MPs were the predominant shape, mainly found in polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP), while fibrous MPs, detected mostly as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyamide (PA), were primarily observed at sizes greater than 300 μm. Both fiber and fragment-like MPs were positively associated with particle mass concentration, temperature, ultraviolet (UV) index, and wind speed, but negatively correlated with relative humidity and rainfall. Fibrous MPs were more affected by environmental factors than fragment-like MPs. Meteorological changes significantly influenced suspended MPs more than human activity within the city.

The Global Spread of Microplastics: Contamination in Mussels, Clams, and Crustaceans from World Markets

Analysis of microplastic (MP) occurrence in commercially relevant species is a prerequisite for food risk assessment. Using a standardized methodology, we aimed to investigate MP contamination in point-of-sale clams, mussels, and Crustacea shellfish collected from various markets (Belgium, Croatia, Serbia, and South Korea). An improved digestion protocol yielded ≥ 99.8% digestion efficiency for all species analyzed. In a total of 190 samples analyzed individually by microFTIR, MPs were identified in 43.68% of the samples with less than 1 MP/individual average (0-4 MP/individual, 0-1.35 MPs/g tissue). Significant differences between species were observed when considering samples contaminated with MPs, with Crustacea shellfish having the lowest MPs/g of edible tissue. Polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene were dominant MPs found in clams and mussels, while polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride were the most abundant in Crustacea shellfish. Our data do not support the bioaccumulation or biomagnification of MPs with the size of the animal in the shellfish group. MP contamination is more strongly associated with the type of shellfish than with the geographical origin of the market.

Microplastics in maternal blood, fetal appendages, and umbilical vein blood

Microplastics (MPs) have been detected in placenta and amniotic fluid, but there is no research on whether MPs exist in the other two fetal appendages: fetal membrane and umbilical cord. Additionally, the existence of MPs in umbilical vein blood remains unexplored. Furthermore, it is unclear whether MPs in maternal blood are associated with those in umbilical vein blood and fetal appendages. In this study, we selected 12 full-term pregnant people who delivered by cesarean section, and finally detected 16 kinds of MPs from maternal blood, fetal appendages, and umbilical vein blood by laser direct infrared (LDIR). Polyamide accounted for the highest proportion in the six kinds of samples, followed by Polyurethane. The total MPs median abundance in six kinds of samples were umbilical cord, maternal blood, fetal membrane, amniotic fluid, placenta and umbilical vein blood from high to low, and the specific values were 10.397 particles/g, 8.176 particles/g, 6.561 particles/g, 4.795 particles/g, 4.675 particles/g, and 2.726 particles/g respectively. Moreover, more than 90 % of MPs measured between 20 and 100 μm in diameter. We also found that MPs abundance in amniotic fluid increased with the increase of maternal age (R=0.64, p=0.025) and body mass index before pregnancy (r = 0.59, p= 0.049). However, no statistically significant association was found between lifestyle factors and MPs abundance. Future studies should aim to expand the sample size for further investigation.