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The scientific literature on microplastics in food has increased exponentially in the last years leading to a huge amount of published reviews on this topic. Following an approach inspired by the umbrella-review methodology, the present review aimed at systematically gathering information regarding the routes of exposure of microplastics through the food chain, starting from information collected by literature reviews. A literature-based search of published reviews was carried out in three scientific databases. Eligible reviews had to be written in English and had to deal with microplastics (MPs) or nanoplastics (NPs) in food or food chains. At the end of the screening process, 59 reviews were included of which four were systematic. Microplastics were found in a broad range of food originating from marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments. The size range of detected MPs/NPs varied greatly (0.02 – 16,400 μm). Among the analysed review, three food matrices (milk, beer and sugar) were considered for the cross-citation analysis. The choice was based on the fact that these matrices are unusually associated with MPs/NPs pollution and the high redundancy of information observed during data extraction. Results surprisingly showed that the number of published reviews was higher than the number of primary studies, suggesting the need for applying a systematic review methodology to comprehensively synthesize data on microplastics in food and to harmonize definitions. In addition, especially for European countries, future research on MPs/NPs distribution should be performed on food such as milk, wine and meat since they are poorly investigated in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the knowledge structure of microplastic pollution and its effects on the aquatic food chain. The presence of microplastics has seriously harmed the ecosystem. Through bibliometric analysis, 216 journal publications were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) from 2008 to 2023 (April), with no restriction in the time frame. Applying bibliographic coupling and co‐word analysis, the emerging, current, and future themes of microplastic pollution are presented. Three research streams are derived from bibliographic coupling, centralized on the source of microplastic pollution and its impact. At the same time, research streams from co‐word analysis are associated with overcoming the issue of microplastics in the ecosystem. This study's implications suggest three main principles to mitigate microplastic issues: (1) educating the public on the impact of microplastic pollution, (2) implementing holistic regulations and policies, and (3) developing treatment strategies through conventional, innovative, and hybrid approaches. Microplastic pollution is a global concern, requiring a holistic and comprehensive approach to overcome it. This review is the first to present a scientific mapping of the microplastics literature, which is a fundamental basis for future research on microplastic pollution and its impact on the ecosystem. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1800–1811. © 2024 SETAC Key Points: This study explores the current knowledge structure with three themes identified: (1) sources of microplastic pollution, (2) microplastics in the ocean, and (3) impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on the ecosystem.The future research trends from the co‐word analysis presented three themes: (1) microplastic pollution in freshwater environments, (2) protecting our seas: combating microplastic contamination, and (3) unveiling the hidden impacts of microplastic pollution.This study suggests three main principles to mitigate microplastic issues: (1) educating the public on the impact of microplastic pollution; (2) implementing holistic regulations and policies; and (3) treatment strategies through conventional, innovative, and hybrid approaches.This review is the first to present a scientific mapping of the microplastics literature, which is fundamental to future research on microplastic pollution and its impact on the ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic waste comprises polymers of different chemicals that disintegrate into nanoplastic particles (NPLs) of 1–100‐nm size, thereby littering the environment and posing a threat to wildlife and human health. Research on NPL contamination has up to now focused on the ecotoxicology effects of the pollution rather than the health risks. This review aimed to speculate about the possible properties of carcinogenic and neurotoxic NPL as pollutants. Given their low‐dimensional size and high surface size ratio, NPLs can easily penetrate biological membranes to cause functional and structural damage in cells. Once inside the cell, NPLs can interrupt the autophagy flux of cellular debris, alter proteostasis, provoke mitochondrial dysfunctions, and induce endoplasmic reticulum stress. Harmful metabolic and biological processes induced by NPLs include oxidative stress (OS), ROS generation, and pro‐inflammatory reactions. Depending on the cell cycle status, NPLs may direct DNA damage, tumorigenesis, and lately carcinogenesis in tissues with high self‐renewal capabilities like epithelia. In cells able to live the longest like neurons, NPLs could trigger neurodegeneration by promoting toxic proteinaceous aggregates, OS, and chronic inflammation. NPL genotoxicity and neurotoxicity are discussed based on the gathered evidence, when available, within the context of the intracellular uptake of these newcomer nanoparticles. In summary, this review explains how the risk evaluation of NPL pollution for human health may benefit from accurately monitoring NPL toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics at the intracellular resolution level. Plastic waste disintegrates into nanoplastic particles (NPLs), whose health hazards are unknown. This review deals with their carcinogenic and neurotoxic potential. Given their low‐dimensional size and high surface size ratio, NPLs can easily penetrate cells to provoke structural and functional damages through OS and pro‐inflammatory reactions, which may cause carcinogenesis and/or neurodegeneration. The NPL role in these diseases is discussed within the context of the intracellular uptake of these newcomer nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plastics are the most flexible products developed with a wide range of applications. They have been incorporated into almost every aspect of daily life due to their strength and low weight. However, widespread use and inadequate waste management have resulted in the accumulation of tiny plastic particles throughout the environment. Main text: Microplastics are found in oceans, rivers, sediments, sewers, soil, and agricultural products, even in table salts. Human beings are affected by microplastics through food ingestion and inhalation. Incorporated microplastics may accrue within the body and affect gastrointestinal, immune, endocrine, brain, and respiratory systems. It also interferes with the functions of major organs and causes chromosomal abnormalities. Conclusion: Addressing the issue of micro and nanoplastics requires interdisciplinary research, sustainable solutions, and improved waste management systems. The main focus of this review is to cover the harmful effects and impact of microplastics on human health and stress the need for combating strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the widespread use of plastic products and the increase in waste, microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) have become an important issue in global environmental pollution. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have shown that MNPs may have negative impacts on human health. This review aimed to explore the association between MNPs and cardiovascular disease and provide an outlook for future research. Research has shown that there may be a link between MNPs exposure and cardiovascular disease. Laboratory studies have shown that animals exposed to MNPs often exhibit abnormalities in the cardiovascular system, such as increased blood pressure, vascular inflammation, and myocardial damage. Epidemiological surveys have also revealed that people exposed to MNPs are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and myocardial infarction. Although the specific impact mechanism is not fully understood, there are several possible pathways of action, including the effects of toxic substances on MNPs and interference with the endocrine system. In summary, MNPs exposure may have a negative impact on cardiovascular health, but further research is needed to confirm its specific mechanism and extent of impact to guide relevant public health and environmental policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent discovery of nanoplastics in most ecosystems is a major, yet poorly known health issue. Here, we review nanoplastics with focus on their presence in the environment, their methods of detection, and their impact on the nitrogen cycle. Nanoplastics are widely distributed in ecosystems; however, their real concentrations are not known due to the limitation of actual detection methods. Detection methods include techniques based on mass spectrometry, optical instruments, and total organic carbon. Total organic carbon-based methods involve first membrane filtration and oxidation as pretreatment, then the measurement of total organic carbon as the total concentration of nanoplastics. Total organic carbon-based methods are easy and cost-effective, compared with other methods. Nanoplastics negatively impact ecosystems and nitrogen removal. Nanoplastics can adsorb on microbial cell membranes then disrupt the membrane integrity. Nanoplastics can also induce oxidative stress. Nitrogen cycling is substantially inhibited by nanoplastics during laboratory tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing awareness of the potential health risks associated with microplastics' (MPs) and nanoplastics' (NPs) presence in the environment has led to a significant rise in research focused on these particles over the past few years. This review focuses on the research on MPs'/NPs' presence and spread, pathways of exposure, toxicological effects on human health and legal framework related to MP/NP challenges. Several research projects have aimed to assess their potential harm to human health, focusing on different systems and organs. After exposure (independent of the pathway), these hazards reach the blood stream and concentrate in different organs. Further, they are responsible for harmful changes, having an immediate effect (pain, inflammation, or hormone imbalance) or lead to a long-term disease (e.g., infertility, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or cancer). Toxicological effects have been noticed at high concentrations of MPs, specifically polystyrene, the most widespread typical MP, but only short-term effects have been mostly studied. Significant quantities of consumed MPs have been discovered to have diverse detrimental effects, posing a threat to human welfare. The exact concentrations of microplastics that are inhaled and swallowed and then build up in the human body are still not known. Further investigation is necessary to evaluate the impact of MP/NP contamination at minimal concentrations and for prolonged durations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With nearly 40% of the total plastics produced being used for packaging, up to five trillion plastic bags are consumed in the world annually. The inadequate disposal of plastic waste and its persistence has become a serious challenge/risk to the environment, health, and well-being of living creatures, including humans. The natural degradation of plastics is extremely slow; large pieces of plastic may break down into microplastics (MPs) (1 μm–5 mm) or nanoplastics (NPs) (<1000 nm) after protracted physical, chemical, and/or biological degradations. A brief overview of the transport of micro- and nanoplastics in the aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments is presented. Details are provided on the exposure routes for these waste materials and their entry into humans and other biota through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. The greatest concern is the cumulative impact of the heterogeneous secondary MPs and NPs on planetary and human health. Inhaled MPs and NPs have been shown to affect the upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract, and alveoli; prolonged exposure can lead to chronic inflammatory changes and systemic disease. These can also lead to autoimmune diseases and other chronic health conditions, including atherosclerosis and malignancy. Sustainable mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of MPs/NPs include source reduction, material substitution, filtration and purification, transformation of plastic waste into value-added materials, technological innovations, etc. Multidisciplinary collaborations across the fields of medicine, public health, environmental science, economics, and policy are required to help limit the detrimental effects of widespread MPs and NPs in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the catastrophic bushfire from a micro‐pollution point of view, and there is also very limited understanding of the emerging contamination of microplastics and nanoplastics. Upon exposure to fire, plastic items, such as water tanks, may release a substantial quantity of microplastics and nanoplastics, as characterized in this study through the analysis of residual debris. Using Raman imaging with the scanning pixel size down to 100 nm × 100 nm, we over‐scan the sample surface to collect a hyperspectral matrix. In order to map and convert the scanning hyperspectral matrix to an image, we compare and advance the chemometrics of algorithms, including logic and principal component analysis (PCA), to extract the weak signal of microplastics and particularly nanoplastics, which enables us to directly visualize the different degrees of burning. By doing so, we can identify the microplastics and nanoplastics down to ˜100 nm, which means that we can break through the diffraction limit of the laser which is ˜296 nm (λ/2NA) to capture nanoplastics. Using statistical analysis, we estimate that 1.4–4.7 million micro‐ and nanoplastics per cm2 can be left behind by the mimicked‐bushfire‐burned plastic tank. This study suggests that bushfire can accelerate the release of micro‐ and nanoplastics in the environment. This study not only contributes essential insights into the micro‐pollution consequences of fire burning but also underscores the urgency of addressing this understudied aspect to inform environmental conservation strategies and public health measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most produced plastic materials in the world. The emergence of microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) as a significant environmental contaminant has become a matter of increasing concern. While the toxicological effects of PET NPs have been widely researched, there is a lack of methodologies for studying their accumulation. The present study introduces a novel method to monitor the distribution of PET NPs in germinating wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds. This involves the functionalization of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with PET NPs (PET–fSPIONs) coupled with magnetic resonance microimaging (µMRI) to provide insight into their distribution within the seed. The present study has demonstrated that PET–fSPIONs accumulate in specific regions of germinating wheat seeds, including the shoot apical meristem, the radicle, the coleoptile, the plumule, and the scutellum. Furthermore, the accumulation of PET–fSPIONs has been shown to exert a discernible effect on spin–spin relaxation (T2), as observed via MRI and quantitative T2 relaxation time analysis. The accumulation of PET NPs in embryo regions was also confirmed by SEM. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) and non-invasive chemical shift imaging analyses demonstrated that PET NPs resulted in restricted diffusion within the highlighted areas, as well as an impact on lipid content. Our study reveals that using µMRI with fSPIONs provides a non-invasive method to monitor the biodistribution of PET nanoparticles in wheat seeds. Additionally, it offers valuable insights into the microstructural interactions of PET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Social behavior is altered by nanoplastic (NPx) administration. • NPx-induced alteration of social behavior is partly dependent on neurodevelopment. • NPx administration affects the neural circuit where the dopamine system innervates. • NPx-induced alteration of neural activity depends on neurodevelopment. • Therefore, NPx induces different effects at different developmental stages. Exposure to environmental microplastics has been demonstrated to impact health. However, its effect on development remains unclear. This study investigated whether consumption of nanoplastics (NPx) during development affects social and cognitive functions in rodents. In this study, we utilized male Institute of Cancer Research mice; they were divided into five subgroups based on the duration of NPx administration. NPx (100 nm) was orally administered via gavage for 6 days from gestational day (GTD) 7, representing the mid-gestation period, and for 5–6 days from GTD13 to birth, representing the late-gestation period; the male offspring were used for experiments. NPx was orally administered for 15 days starting at postnatal day (PND) 21 as the juvenile, PND38 as the adolescent, and PND56 as adulthood. On PND77, offspring were assessed for locomotion, social behavior, and nest-building tests. We observed that NPx administration altered dopamine system responses in GTD13 and PND56 groups. Social behavior was similarly affected by NPx treatment, with GTD13 and PND56 groups displaying decreased familiarity. Additionally, NPx treatment enhanced local field potentials in the prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala of GTD7 group and in the striatum of GTD13 group, while amphetamine treatment induced changes of local field potentials compared to saline treatment in the prefrontal cortex and the ventral tegmental area of CTR, GTD7, PND21, and PND56 groups. Taken together, these results showed that NPx treatment induced changes in social behavior partly depending on developmental stage, and these changes are associated with neural circuits innervated by the dopamine system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been developed as treatment materials for various diseases and shown magnificent potential. By contrast to the broad toxicological studies on the single exposure (AuNPs), how the other health risks modulate the toxicological profile of AuNPs remains to be investigated. Plastics are among the most common health risks in daily life due to the broad utilization of plastic products. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to reveal the toxicological effects induced by co-exposure of gold nanorod (AuR) and polystyrene micro- and nano-plastics (hereinafter, referred to as AuRmPS and AuRnPS, respectively) in mice. Methods: Systematic biochemical characterizations were performed to investigate the hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, inflammatory responses, alterations in gut microbiota induced by co-exposure, and to analyze the toxicological phenomena from the roles of reactive oxygen species and gut-organ axis. Results: It has been found that hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and inflammation were exacerbated in AuRnPS and AuRmPS, and gut microbiota composition was more severely altered in AuRnPS exposure. These results suggest the necessity of reducing plastics exposure in AuNPs-based therapies. Moreover, protection against the nano-sized plastic particles holds higher priority. Conclusion: These findings will facilitate the explorations of methods to reduce therapeutic toxicity and improve biosafety for specific treatments by referring to the orders of importance in protecting different organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of contact lenses, artificial tears, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drug injections for age-related macular degeneration has heightened the likelihood of eye exposure to microplastic particles. Extensive research has established that microplastic particles can induce oxidative stress on the ocular surface, resulting in damage. However, the impact of these particles on the retina remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated whether microplastics/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) cause retinal damage. In vitro human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were exposed to polystyrene MPs and NPs for 48 h. Assessment of cell viability using WST-8; evaluation of TNF-α and IL-1β expression; observation of cell morphology and particle invasion via TEM; measurement of ROS levels using the DCFDA reagent; and western blot analysis of SOD2, FIS1, Drp1, and LC3B expression were conducted. In vivo experiments involved intravitreal injection of MPs/NPs in rats, followed by retinal H&E staining 24 h later and evaluation of TNF-α and IL-1β expression. Results indicated that exposure to MPs did not significantly alter RPE cell viability, whereas exposure to NPs led to a noticeable decrease. TEM images revealed NPs' penetration into cells, causing increased oxidative stress (SOD2), mitochondrial fission (FIS1, Drp1), and mitochondrial autophagy (LC3B). In vivo experiments demonstrated an increase in inflammatory cells in retinal tissues exposed to NPs, along with elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β. Conclusively, both MPs and NPs impact the retina, with NPs displaying greater toxicity. NPs significantly elevate ROS levels in the retina and induce mitochondrial fission and mitophagy in RPE cells compared to MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global microplastic pollution issue, as a result of the indispensable usage of microplastics in building materials, packaged food, medical products and consumer goods, poses significant health problems for the population. These small particles can penetrate intact cell barriers in the intestines and alveoli, thereby entering the bloodstream. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of reduced plastic consumption on blood pressure. Eight adult and healthy participants abstained from consuming commercially produced bottled beverages and restricted their primary fluid intake to tap water. Blood pressure was measured on both sides before, after 14 days and after 28 to 30 days of this partial plastic diet. Women exhibit a significant change in systolic blood pressure on the right arm after 2 and 4 weeks, while the left arm demonstrates no significant changes in blood pressure. On the contrary, in men, systolic blood pressure values on both arms show no significant alterations, attributable to the high variability across the three participants. Moreover, no significant differences in systolic blood pressure were observed when analysing the entire cohort. Significant findings are evident only at the two-week mark for diastolic blood pressure for all participants in both arms. When considering diastolic blood pressure separately for women and men, men again show no significant changes in blood pressure on either arm. However, women exhibit a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure on the left arm after 2 weeks and a statistically significant decline in diastolic blood pressure on the right arm after both 2 and 4 weeks. The results of the study suggest, for the first time, that a reduction in plastic use could potentially lower blood pressure, probably due to the reduced volume of plastic particles in the bloodstream. To confirm this hypothesis, a larger sample of male and female participants must be examined, ideally with the monitoring of plastic concentration in the blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have emerged as significant environmental pollutants with potential detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health. Several studies indicate their interaction with enzymes; this topic represents a multifaceted research field encompassing several areas of interest from the toxicological and ecotoxicological impact of MPs and NPs on humans and wildlife to the biodegradation of plastics by microbial enzymes. This review aims to provide a critical analysis of the state-of-the-art knowledge of the interaction of MPs and NPs on the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA), providing recent insights, analyzing the knowledge gaps in the field, and drawing future perspectives of the research and its application. CA is a widespread and crucial enzyme in various organisms; it is critical for various physiological processes in animals, plants, and bacteria. It catalyzes the reversible hydration of CO2, which is essential for respiration, acid–base balance, pH homeostasis, ion transport, calcification, and photosynthesis. Studies demonstrate that MPs and NPs can inhibit CA activity with mechanisms including adsorption to the enzyme surface and subsequent conformational changes. In vitro and in silico studies highlight the role of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions in these processes. In vivo studies present mixed results, which are influenced by factors like particle type, size, concentration, and organism type. Moreover, the potentiality of the esterase activity of CA for plastic degradation is discussed. The complexity of the interaction between CA and MPs/NPs underscores the need for further research to fully understand the ecological and health impacts of MPs and NPs on CA activity and expression and glimpses of the potentiality and perspectives in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution by microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) raises concerns, not only regarding their environmental effects, but also their potential impact on human health by internalization via the small intestine. However, the detailed pathways of MNP internalization and their toxicities to the human intestine have not sufficiently been understood, thus, further investigations are required. This work aimed to understand the behavior of MNPs, using in vitro human intestine models, tri-culture models composed of enterocyte Caco-2 cells, goblet-like HT29-MTX-E12 cells, and microfold cells (M cells) induced by the lymphoblast cell line Raji B. Three sizes (50, 100, and 500 nm) of polystyrene (PS) particles were exposed as MNPs on the culture model, and size-dependent translocation of the MNPs and the contributions of each cell were clarified, emphasizing the significance of the tri-culture model. In addition, potential concerns of MNPs were suggested when they invaded the circulatory system of the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The increasing production of plastics and the failure to properly manage their post use represent the primary sources of environmental and human contamination caused by plastic degradation products, namely micro- and nano-plastics (MNPLs). Accumulating evidence supports the intestinal toxicity of ingested MNPLs, and their possible role as a driver for the increased incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has also been proposed. Moreover, colonic mucus layer disruption may further facilitate MNPL passage into the bloodstream, thus promoting the toxic effects of MNPLs on different organ systems. We herein discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms impaired by MNPL oral exposure in healthy conditions and individuals with compromised intestinal barrier function, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and CRC patients, considered high-risk populations, by highlighting the potential contribution of MNPL-induced platelet activation. Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPLs) can move along the food chain to higher-level organisms including humans. Three significant routes for MNPLs have been reported: ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. Accumulating evidence supports the intestinal toxicity of ingested MNPLs and their role as drivers for increased incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in high-risk populations such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. However, the mechanisms are largely unknown. In this review, by using the leading scientific publication databases (Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect), we explored the possible effects and related mechanisms of MNPL exposure on the gut epithelium in healthy conditions and IBD patients. The summarized evidence supports the idea that oral MNPL exposure may contribute to intestinal epithelial damage, thus promoting and sustaining the chronic development of intestinal inflammation, mainly in high-risk populations such as IBD patients. Colonic mucus layer disruption may further facilitate MNPL passage into the bloodstream, thus contributing to the toxic effects of MNPLs on different organ systems and platelet activation, which may, in turn, contribute to the chronic development of inflammation and CRC development. Further exploration of this threat to human health is warranted to reduce potential adverse effects and CRC risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small particle size of nanoplastics allows them to migrate through soil and make them highly bioavailable, posing a potential threat to groundwater. Measures are urgently needed to reduce the migration of nanoplastics in soil. However, there is limited research available on this topic. In this study, two types of iron-modified biochar (magnetic corncob biochar (MCCBC) and magnetic walnut shell biochar (MWSBC)) were selected and their effects on the transport of polyvinyl chloride nanoplastics (PVC-NPs) in natural sandy soil columns under different ionic types and strengths were investigated. The results show that the transport of PVC-NPs in single sandy soil columns was rapid and efficient, with the estimated breakthrough rate of 85.10%. However, the presence of MCCBC and MWSBC (0.5%, w/w) significantly inhibited the transport of PVC-NPs in sandy soil columns (p < 0.05), and MCCBC had a stronger inhibitory effect on the transport of PVC-NPs than MWSBC. This can be attributed to the fact that the adsorption of PVC-NPs on adsorbents followed the order as: MCCBC > MWSBC > sandy soil. The retention of PVC-NPs by MCCBC and MWSBC is determined by ionic type and ionic strength. The presence of coexisting ions enhanced the inhibitory effect of iron-modified biochar on the transport of PVC-NPs, with the following order: Ca2+ > SO2- 4 > Cl− > NO- 3. The inhibitory effect of MCCBC and MWSBC on the transport of PVC-NPs in soil columns increased with increasing ionic strengths. Furthermore, MCCBC and MWSBC inhibited the migration of PVC-NPs in a rainwater-soil system. The mechanisms by which MCCBC and MWSBC affect the transport of PVC-NPs in soil columns were considered to enhancing adsorption and decreasing soil pore volume. The results provide new insights into the management of soil nanoplastic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among aquatic organisms, filter feeders are particularly exposed to the ingestion of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). The present study investigates the effect of environmental microplastics (ENV MPs) and nanoplastics (ENV NPs) generated from macro-sized plastic debris collected in the Garonne River (France), and polystyrene NPs (PS NPs) on the freshwater bivalve Corbicula fluminea. Organisms were exposed to plastic particles at three concentrations: 0.008, 10, and 100 μg L−1 for 21 days. Gene expression measurements were conducted in gills and visceral mass at 7 and 21 days to assess the effects of plastic particles on different functions. Our results revealed: (i) an up-regulation of genes, mainly involved in endocytosis, oxidative stress, immunity, apoptosis, and neurotoxicity, at 7 days of exposure for almost all environmental plastic particles and at 21 days of exposure for PS NPs in the gills, (ii) PS NPs at the three concentrations tested and ENV MPs at 0.008 μg L−1 induced strong down-regulation of genes involved in detoxication, oxidative stress, immunity, apoptosis, and neurotoxicity at 7 days of exposure in the visceral mass whereas ENV MPs at 10 and 100 μg L−1 and all ENV NPs induced less pronounced effects, (iii) overall, PS NPs and ENV MPs 0.008 μg L−1 did not trigger the same effects as ENV MPs 10 and 100 μg L−1 and all ENV NPs, either in the gills or the visceral mass at 7 and 21 days of exposure. This study highlighted the need to use MPs and NPs sampled in the environment for future studies as their properties induce different effects at the molecular level to living organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastics are ubiquitous in modern society due to their cost‐effectiveness, lightweight nature, and versatility. However, their extensive use and inadequate recycling have led to a significant environmental challenge, with plastic waste accumulating rapidly and causing ecological and health problems, especially in aquatic environments. Nanoplastics, particles ranging from 1 to 100 nm, have emerged as a particularly concerning subset due to their ability to easily penetrate biological barriers and accumulate in tissues. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of carboxylate‐modified polystyrene nanoplastics (PS‐NPs) on common carp (Cyprinus carpio), a species often used in ecotoxicology research due to its ability to accumulate pollutants. The PS‐NPs were characterized, and their effects on DNA damage gene expression related to oxidative stress and immunity were examined. PS‐NPs with a diameter of 20–30 nm were found to possess a spherical shape and negatively charged surfaces. Exposure to PS‐NPs led to significant DNA damage in the blood and brain cells of common carp, with higher concentrations resulting in more severe damage. Additionally, PS‐NP exposure influenced the expression of genes related to antioxidative defense and stress response in the liver. Specifically, genes encoding superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) showed upregulation, while glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) exhibited downregulation at higher PS‐NP concentrations. Furthermore, the immune‐related genes interleukin‐1ß (IL‐1ß), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) displayed dose‐dependent downregulation in the liver tissue. These findings suggest that exposure to PS‐NPs induces oxidative stress, disrupts immune responses, and causes DNA damage in common carp. The results highlight the need for further research on the environmental impacts of PS‐NPs and underscore the importance of proper waste management and recycling practices to mitigate plastic pollution. Plastics are widely used because of their affordability, versatility, and lightness. However, their inadequate recycling has led to environmental challenges, notably in aquatic ecosystems. Nanoplastics pose significant concerns due to their ability to accumulate in tissues. In this study on common carp, exposure to PS‐NPs resulted in DNA damage, altered gene expression related to oxidative stress and immunity, and disrupted immune responses. These findings emphasize the urgent need for better waste management and recycling practices to combat plastic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Plastics are the most flexible products developed with a wide range of applications. They have been incorporated into almost every aspect of daily life due to their strength and low weight. However, widespread use and inadequate waste management have resulted in the accumulation of tiny plastic particles throughout the environment. Main text Microplastics are found in oceans, rivers, sediments, sewers, soil, and agricultural products, even in table salts. Human beings are affected by microplastics through food ingestion and inhalation. Incorporated microplastics may accrue within the body and affect gastrointestinal, immune, endocrine, brain, and respiratory systems. It also interferes with the functions of major organs and causes chromosomal abnormalities. Conclusion Addressing the issue of micro and nanoplastics requires interdisciplinary research, sustainable solutions, and improved waste management systems. The main focus of this review is to cover the harmful effects and impact of microplastics on human health and stress the need for combating strategies.

Purpose: The presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in aquatic ecosystems has raised serious environmental and health concerns. Polystyrene is one of the most abundant plastic polymers found in the environment. Polystyrene MPs/NPs have harmful implications for human health and their removal from the environment has become a serious challenge. Methods: In this study, we investigated the adsorptive uptake of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs) from aqueous solutions using fly ash-loaded magnetic nanoparticles (FAMNPs) as the magnetic nano-adsorbent. During the factor screening study, the adsorption process was studied as a function of four variables namely pH (5–10), adsorption time (30–120 min), amount of FAMNPs (0.01–0.04 g), and stirring speed (50–200 rpm). Central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to establish the relationship between the variables. Furthermore, toxicity assessments of PS NPs were checked on a zebrafish model, shedding light on its potential ecological effects. Results: Two variables namely the pH and amount of FAMNPs significantly influenced the adsorption capacity of FAMNPs and were further optimized for subsequent analysis. The optimum operational readings proposed by the model were pH (8.5), and the amount of FAMNPs (0.03 g), resulting in a good adsorption capacity of 29.12 mg/g for PS NPs. The adequacy of the proposed model was evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Zebrafish embryos exposed to PS NPs revealed physical deformations such as pericardial edema and malformed notochord. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of FAMNPs in the adsorption of PS NPs from aqueous solutions, with optimal conditions identified at pH 8.5 and 0.03 g of FAMNPs using RSM. The adequacy of the model was confirmed through ANOVA analysis. Toxicity assessments on zebrafish embryos exposed to PS NPs revealed significant mortality and physical deformations, highlighting the importance of PS NPs removal for environmental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The pervasive existence of nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) in soil has become a worldwide environmental concern. N/MPs exist in the environment in a variety of forms, sizes, and concentrations, while multi-omics studies on the comprehensive impact of N/MPs with different properties (e.g. type and size) on plants remain limited. Therefore, this study utilized multi-omics analysis methods to investigate the effects of three common polymers [polyethylene-NPs (PE-NPs, 50 nm), PE-MPs (PE-MPs, 10 μm), and polystyrene-MPs (PS-MPs, 10 μm)] on the growth and stress response of wheat, as well as the rhizosphere microbial community at two concentrations (0.05 and 0.5 g/kg). PS and PE exhibited different effects for the same particle size and concentration. PE-NPs had the most severe stress effects, resulting in reduced rhizosphere bacteria diversity, plant biomass, and antioxidant enzyme activity while increasing beneficial bacteria richness. N/MPs altered the expression of nitrogen-, phosphorus-, and sulfur-related functional genes in rhizosphere bacteria, thereby affecting photosynthesis, as well as metabolite and gene levels in wheat leaves. Partial least squares pathway models (PLSPMs) indicated that concentration, size, and type play important roles in the impact of N/MPs on the plant ecological environment, which could have essential implications for assessing the environmental risk of N/MPs. Graphical Abstract

The global microplastic pollution issue, as a result of the indispensable usage of microplastics in building materials, packaged food, medical products and consumer goods, poses significant health problems for the population. These small particles can penetrate intact cell barriers in the intestines and alveoli, thereby entering the bloodstream. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of reduced plastic consumption on blood pressure. Eight adult and healthy participants abstained from consuming commercially produced bottled beverages and restricted their primary fluid intake to tap water. Blood pressure was measured on both sides before, after 14 days and after 28 to 30 days of this partial plastic diet. Women exhibit a significant change in systolic blood pressure on the right arm after 2 and 4 weeks, while the left arm demonstrates no significant changes in blood pressure. On the contrary, in men, systolic blood pressure values on both arms show no significant alterations, attributable to the high variability across the three participants. Moreover, no significant differences in systolic blood pressure were observed when analysing the entire cohort. Significant findings are evident only at the two-week mark for diastolic blood pressure for all participants in both arms. When considering diastolic blood pressure separately for women and men, men again show no significant changes in blood pressure on either arm. However, women exhibit a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure on the left arm after 2 weeks and a statistically significant decline in diastolic blood pressure on the right arm after both 2 and 4 weeks. The results of the study suggest, for the first time, that a reduction in plastic use could potentially lower blood pressure, probably due to the reduced volume of plastic particles in the bloodstream. To confirm this hypothesis, a larger sample of male and female participants must be examined, ideally with the monitoring of plastic concentration in the blood.

Bohai Du,1 Tianlan Li,1 Haoqi He,1 Xun Xu,2 Chunmei Zhang,1 Xianzhu Lu,1 Yuhan Wang,1 Jingyi Cao,1 Yinghan Lu,1 Yiwa Liu,1 Shanshan Hu,1 Juxiao Li,1 Li Li,1 Ming Shi1 1Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, 523808, People’s Republic of China; 2Experimental Animal Center, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, 523808, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Li Li; Ming Shi, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, 523808, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-15889530426 ; +86-769-22896568, Email lily2017@gdmu.edu.cn; shiming@gdmu.edu.cnIntroduction: Studies have shown that microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) could accumulate in the human body and pose a potential threat to human health. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the biodistribution and toxicity of MPs/NPs with different particle sizes comprehensively and thoroughly.Methods: The purpose of this study was to investigate the biodistribution and in vivo toxicity of polystyrene (PS) MPs/NPs with different sizes (50 nm, 100 nm, and 500 nm). The BALB/c mice were given 100 μL of PS50, PS100 and PS500 at the dosage of 1 mg/kg BW or 10 mg/kg BW, respectively, by gavage once a day. After 28 consecutive days of treatment, the biodistribution of differently sized PS MPs/NPs was determined through cryosection fluorescence microscopy and fluorescent microplate reader analysis, and the subsequent effects of differently sized PS MPs/NPs on histopathology, hematology and blood biochemistry were also evaluated.Results: The results showed that the three different sizes of PS MPs/NPs were distributed in the organs of mice, mainly in the liver, spleen, and intestine. At the same time, the smaller the particle size, the more they accumulate in the body and more easily penetrate the tissue. During the whole observation period, no abnormal behavior and weight change were observed. The results of H&E staining showed that no severe histopathological abnormalities were observed in the main organs in the low-dose exposure group, while. Exposure of three sizes of PS MPs/NPs could cause some changes in hematological parameters or biochemical parameters related to heart, liver, and kidney function; meanwhile, there were size- and dose-dependencies.Conclusion: The biological distribution and toxicity of plastic particles in mice were more obvious with the decrease of particle size and the increase of concentration of plastic particles. Compared with MPs, NPs were easier to enter the tissues and produce changes in liver, kidney, and heart functions. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the toxicity of NPs.Keywords: microplastics, nanoplastics, polystyrene, size, biodistribution, nanotoxicology

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size, and nanoplastics (NPs) are those MPs with a particle size of less than 1000 nm or 100 nm. The prevalence of MPs in the environment and human tissues has raised concerns about their potential negative effects on human health. Macrophages are the major defence against foreign substances in the intestine, and can be polarized into two types: the M1 phenotype and the M2 phenotype. However, the effect of NPs on the polarization of macrophages remains unclear. Herein, we selected polystyrene, one of the most plastics in the environment and controlled the particle sizes at 50 nm and 500 nm respectively to study the effects on the polarization of macrophages. We used mouse RAW264.7 cell line models in this macrophage-associated study. Experiments on cell absorption showed that macrophages could quickly ingest polystyrene nanoplastics of both diameters with time-dependent uptake. Compared to the untreated group and 10 μg/mL treatment group, macrophages exposed to 50 μg/mL groups (50 nm and 500 nm) had considerably higher levels of CD86, iNOS, and TNF-α, but decreased levels of aCD206, IL-10, and Arg-1. According to these findings, macrophage M1 and M2 polarization can both be induced and inhibited by 50 μg/mL 50 nm and 500 nm polystyrene nanoplastics. This work provided the first evidence of a possible MPs mode of action with appropriate concentration and size through the production of polarized M1, providing dietary and environmental recommendations for people, particularly those with autoimmune and autoinflammatory illnesses.

Abstract Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants representing a concern for human health. MNPs have been detected in human placentas, indicating that during pregnancy maternal exposure may lead to placental transfer and foetal exposure, with potential for adverse effects on early-life development. However, a comprehensive risk assessment (RA) framework, specific to early-life is lacking. Here, we propose a novel roadmap to assist the development of an early-life health RA of MNPs. This roadmap is designed based on established chemical, mixture, particle, and MNP assessment strategies aligned with standard RA components (problem formulation, hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure assessment, risk characterisation). We systematically work through these stages to identify what is needed to progress a RA for the early-life impacts of MNPs, including what information is missing, and what may be used in the interim. While challenges such as complex physicochemical properties of MNPs, limited toxicity data at relevant exposure levels, and uncertainties related to characterising complex exposures have been described elsewhere, our work discusses how these challenges specifically impact early-life stages such as the significance of MNP presence in biological samples and factors influencing bioaccumulation and placental transfer. Additionally, we introduce the development of new technology readiness levels for methods used in the detection of MNPs in complex matrices. Importantly, this review integrates a broad scope of relevant information into one comprehensive document, providing a unified resource. We highlight specific requirements and areas for targeted research, including the development of dose-response relationships specific to early-life stages and novel strategies for assessing bioaccumulation and placental transfer of MNPs. By addressing these gaps, our roadmap aims to advance the development of a robust framework, ultimately enhancing the understanding and mitigation of risks associated with early-life exposure to MNPs.

Abstract The limited available data on human internal exposure poses a significant challenge in assessing the risks associated with micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) to human health. A contributing factor to this challenge is the scarcity of sensitive analytical methods to quantify the mass concentration of plastic polymers in human blood. In this study we present an improved and validated method for quantitatively analysing polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polypropylene, and polystyrene in human whole blood samples. We introduce and apply stringent quality assurance and quality control procedures, including the validation of the method using quality control samples and continuous monitoring of batch analyses to ensure data reliability. Expanding upon prior pioneering work by Leslie et al. (2022), we optimised the pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) conditions to enhance method sensitivity and selectivity. Recovery experiments demonstrated a high level of accuracy and precision, with values ranging from 68 to 109% for quality control samples. Applying this method to whole blood samples (n = 68), we identified plastic polymers in 64 samples, with PE as the predominant polymer, followed by PVC, PET, and PMMA. In 17 blood samples, polymer concentrations were found to exceed the limit of quantitation, with a mean of 1070 ng/mL for the summed polymer concentrations, ranging between 170 and 2490 ng/mL. The mean of the sum of polymers across all blood samples (n = 68) was 268 ng/mL. These findings underscore the pressing need for further research aimed at comprehensive MNP quantification in human matrices, considering the potential health implications.

Abstract Background Nanoplastics (NPs) have emerged as significant environmental pollutants, raising concerns due to their ubiquitous presence and potential adverse effects on human health. The migration and fate of NPs in the environment are subjects of intense study, with human exposure pathways expanding through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. Body Studies indicate that NPs can infiltrate the cardiovascular system, potentially causing adverse effects. Mechanistic insights from in vitro and animal studies suggest that oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to nanoplastic-induced cardiovascular toxicity. Animal models demonstrate altered heart rate, myocardial fibrosis, and dysfunction following NPs exposure, with specific adverse effects observed in cardiac valves and mitochondrial structure. Clinical studies provide further evidence of NPs accumulation in cardiovascular tissues, with implications for cardiovascular pathologies such as atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. Notably, patients with higher levels of nanoplastics in carotid plaque exhibit an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Conclusion However, challenges in studying nanoplastics persist, including methodological limitations, ethical considerations, and the need for standardized detection methods. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative research approaches, and robust regulatory measures to mitigate NPs pollution and protect cardiovascular health.

The pervasive existence of nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) in soil has become a worldwide environmental concern. N/MPs exist in the environment in a variety of forms, sizes, and concentrations, while multi-omics studies on the comprehensive impact of N/MPs with different properties (e.g. type and size) on plants remain limited. Therefore, this study utilized multi-omics analysis methods to investigate the effects of three common polymers [polyethylene-NPs (PE-NPs, 50 nm), PE-MPs (PE-MPs, 10 μm), and polystyrene-MPs (PS-MPs, 10 μm)] on the growth and stress response of wheat, as well as the rhizosphere microbial community at two concentrations (0.05 and 0.5 g/kg). PS and PE exhibited different effects for the same particle size and concentration. PE-NPs had the most severe stress effects, resulting in reduced rhizosphere bacteria diversity, plant biomass, and antioxidant enzyme activity while increasing beneficial bacteria richness. N/MPs altered the expression of nitrogen-, phosphorus-, and sulfur-related functional genes in rhizosphere bacteria, thereby affecting photosynthesis, as well as metabolite and gene levels in wheat leaves. Partial least squares pathway models (PLSPMs) indicated that concentration, size, and type play important roles in the impact of N/MPs on the plant ecological environment, which could have essential implications for assessing the environmental risk of N/MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of environmental nanoplastic (NPl) particle and microplastic (MPl) particle pollution is becoming increasingly severe, significantly impacting ecosystems and biological health. Research shows that NPl/MPl can penetrate the placental barrier and enter the fetus, leading to transgenerational effects. This review integrates the existing literature on the effects of prenatal NPl/MPl exposure on mammalian offspring, focusing particularly on its negative impacts on the central nervous system, liver, intestinal health, reproductive function, and skeletal muscles. The vast majority of previous studies on prenatal NPl/MPl in mammals have used polystyrene material. Future research should explore the effects of other prenatal NPl/MPl materials on offspring to better reflect the realities of the human environment. It is also essential to investigate the potential harm and underlying mechanisms associated with prenatal NPl/MPl exposure to offspring in greater depth. This will aid in developing appropriate prevention and treatment strategies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pervasive presence of micro/nanoplastics in the environment is a significant threat to ecosystems and human health, demanding effective remediation strategies. Traditional methods for extracting these pollutants from water are often inadequate, typically leaving environmentally harmful residues. In response, this work introduces an innovative approach using reconfigurable and regenerable liquid metal microrobots (LiquidBots) that are magnetically driven to actively sequester micro/nanoplastics from aquatic environments. These LiquidBots utilize a coating of gallium oxide for enhanced adhesion and electrostatic interaction to capture over 80% of nanoplastics present in the solution. Additionally, the LiquidBots can be easily regenerated through sonication, which dislodges captured nanoplastics, allowing the microrobots to be reused. This novel technology offers a highly efficient, adaptable, and sustainable solution to combat the micro/nanoplastic pollution crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most widely used plastics in the world. Its degradation leads to the production of small particles including microplastics and nanoplastics (NPs). Plastic particles' presence poses a health risk. The aim of this work was to investigate the toxicity of two model surfactant-free PE NPs prepared by polymerization of ethylene from cationic and anionic water-soluble initiators on human cell lines Caco-2 and HT29-MTX. After physicochemical characterization, their acute and subacute toxicity profile, including cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity, was evaluated on both cell lines. Results showed a size increase of PE NPs in culture medium. Zeta potential values close to −10 mV were no longer dependent on the initiator charge after adsorption of serum components in culture medium. However, the cellular toxicity of the cationic and anionic PE NPs was very different. A time-and-concentration dependent cytotoxic, oxidative, and genotoxic effects on Caco-2 cells were only observed for PE NPs prepared with cationic initiators. No toxicity was observed on HT29-MTX, likely due to the protective mucus layer. Genotoxicity correlated with oxidative stress of some PE NPs on Caco-2 cells was observed from a concentration of 0.1 mg.mL−1 after 48-h exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide contamination of aquatic ecosystems by plastics is raising concern, including their potential impacts on the base of the food chain, which has been poorly documented. This study sought to examine, for the first time, the presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in biofilms from freshwater streams/rivers. They were collected at selected polluted sites, such as the industrial sector for plastic recycling and production, miscellaneous industries, agriculture, municipal wastewaters/effluents and road runoffs. In parallel, the functional properties of sampled biofilms were determined by proteins, lipids, esterase (lipase), viscosity and oxidative stress. The results revealed that biofilms collected at the plastic industries and road runoffs contained the highest NP levels based on size exclusion chromatography, fluorescence detection and a new nanogold sensor visualization method. Examination of the chromatographic elution profiles showed increased abundance and size of NPs in the 10–150 nm size range at the polluted sites. Biofilms from the plastic industry site had elevated levels of aldehydes (oxidative stress) and lipids compared to the other sites. Biofilms collected at the municipal sites had elevated levels of proteins and esterases/lipases, with a decrease in total lipids. Biofilms collected at agriculture sites had the lowest levels of NPs in this campaign, but more samples would be needed to confirm these trends. In conclusion, biofilms represent an important sink for plastics in freshwater environments and display signs of distress upon oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies show that biofilm substances in contact with nanoplastics play an important role in the aggregation and sedimentation of nanoplastics. Consequences of these processes are changes in biofilm formation and stability and changes in the transport and fate of pollutants in the environment. Having a deeper understanding of the nanoplastics–biofilm interaction would help to evaluate the risks posed by uncontrolled nanoplastic pollution. These interactions are impacted by environmental changes due to climate change, such as, e.g., the acidification of surface waters. We apply fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to investigate the pH-dependent aggregation tendency of non-functionalized polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles (NPs) due to intermolecular forces with model extracellular biofilm substances. Our biofilm model consists of bovine serum albumin (BSA), which serves as a representative for globular proteins, and the polysaccharide alginate, which is a main component in many biofilms, in solutions containing Na+ with an ionic strength being realistic for fresh-water conditions. Biomolecule concentrations ranging from 0.5 g/L up to at maximum 21 g/L are considered. We use non-functionalized PS NPs as representative for mostly negatively charged nanoplastics. BSA promotes NP aggregation through adsorption onto the NPs and BSA-mediated bridging. In BSA–alginate mixtures, the alginate hampers this interaction, most likely due to alginate–BSA complex formation. In most BSA–alginate mixtures as in alginate alone, NP aggregation is predominantly driven by weaker, pH-independent depletion forces. The stabilizing effect of alginate is only weakened at high BSA contents, when the electrostatic BSA–BSA attraction is not sufficiently screened by the alginate. This study clearly shows that it is crucial to consider correlative effects between multiple biofilm components to better understand the NP aggregation in the presence of complex biofilm substances. Single-component biofilm model systems based on comparing the total organic carbon (TOC) content of the extracellular biofilm substances, as usually considered, would have led to a misjudgment of the stability towards aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the coastal environment, the co-occurrence of antibiotic and nanoplastic pollution is common. Investigating their individual and combined toxicity to marine organisms is of great necessity. In the present study, the reproductive toxicity of sulfamethazine (SMZ) and nanoplastics (polystyrene, PS) via the dietary route on the spermatogenesis of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) was examined. After 30 d of dietary exposure, SMZ alone decreased the gonadosomatic index (GSI) value (∼35%) and the proportion of undifferentiated type A spermatogonia (Aund) (∼40%), probably by disrupting the testicular sex hormone production, the spermatogenesis-related growth factor network and the balance of apoptosis. Individual exposure to PS did not affect the GSI value or the proportions of germ cells at different developmental stages, but dysregulated the expression of several spermatogenesis-related genes. Interestingly, the presence of PS alleviated the decreased GSI value caused by SMZ. This alleviation effect was achieved by enhancing the spermatogonia differentiation instead of reversing the suppressed self-renewal of Aund, suggesting that the mixture of PS and SMZ could cause reproductive effects in a different way. These findings expand our knowledge of threats of ubiquitous antibiotic and nanoplastic pollution to fish reproduction and population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising problem of plastic pollution is becoming one of the major environmental issues for the world. In the ocean, plastics undergo degradation into smaller microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). Wild fish and farmed salmon would likely be exposed to these NPs and MPs both through skin and through skin wounds. Keratocyte cells, located in the skin epithelial layer, are scavenger cells which may remove foreign materials and maintain the salmon's health. They are therefore first in line to handle and to suffer from MP and NP exposure. While the impacts of MPs have been well studied in many different organisms, much less is known about the effects of NP exposure, particularly at the subcellular level. Here, we have used holotomographic and fluorescence microscopy to show that both skin and corneal salmon keratocyte cells fully internalize 500-1000 nm polystyrene particles, as well as inorganic 500 nm silica particles. The fact that corneal epithelial cells also take up particles is novel. Furthermore, some of these particles likely end up in lysosomal compartments within 2 hours of exposure. Here, we show that both conventional and new modalities of microscopy have a role to play to understand how micro- and nano particles affect epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plastic-based products are ubiquitous due to their tremendous utility in our daily lives. Nanoplastic (NP) and microplastic (MP) pollution has become a severe threat to the planet and is a growing concern. It has been widely reported that polystyrene (PS) MPs are severely toxic to the male reproduction system, with effects including decreased sperm parameters, impaired spermatogenesis, and damaged testicular structures. However, the molecular mechanisms for impaired spermatogenesis remain poorly understood. Methods: C57BL/6 male mice were treated with PS-NPs (80 nm) and PS-MPs (5 μm) by oral gavage every day for 60 days. A series of morphological analyses were completed to explore the influence of PS-NP and PS-MP exposure on the testes. Compared to other cell types in the seminiferous tubule, PS-NP and PS-MP exposure can lead to decreased spermatocytes. Then, more refined molecular typing was further performed based on gene expression profiles to better understand the common and specific molecular characteristics after exposure to PS-NPs and PS-MPs. Results: There were 1794 common DEGs across the PS-NP groups at three different doses and 1433 common DEGs across the PS-MP groups at three different doses. GO and KEGG analyses of the common DEGs in the PS-NP and PS-MP groups were performed to enrich the common and specific functional progress and signaling pathways, including 349 co-enriched GO entries and 13 co-enriched pathways. Moreover, 348 GO entries and 33 pathways were specifically enriched in the PS-NP group, while 526 GO entries and 15 pathways were specifically enriched in the PS-MPs group. Conclusions: PS-NPs were predominantly involved in regulating retinoic acid metabolism, whereas PS-MPs primarily influenced pyruvate metabolism and thyroid hormone metabolism. Our results highlight the different molecular mechanisms of PS-NPs and PS-MPs in the impairment of spermatogenesis in male mammals for the first time, providing valuable insights into the precise mechanisms of PS-NPs and PS-MPs in male reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As emerging environmental contaminants, nanoplastics (NPs) are progressively accumulating in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems worldwide, posing a potential threat to human health. The liver is considered as one of the primary organs targeted by NPs accumulation in living organisms. However, there remains a large knowledge gap concerning NPs-induced hepatotoxicity. In this study, we examined the impact of chronic exposure to environmentally relevant doses of polystyrene (PS) NPs on hepatic pyroptosis in mice. The results demonstrated that both particle sizes of PS-NPs (100 nm and 500 nm) significantly triggered pyroptosis in the mouse liver, as evidenced by the upregulation of GSDMD-N protein levels; moreover, this pyroptotic effect induced by 100 nm PS-NPs was more pronounced compared to that of 500 nm PS-NPs. Mechanistically, exposure to 100 nm and 500 nm PS-NPs resulted in an upregulation of TXNIP protein expression, thereby activating NLRP3 inflammasome and subsequently inducing inflammatory responses and pyroptosis. Notably, following the termination of PS-NPs exposure and a subsequent recovery period of 50 days, PS-NPs-mediated inflammation and pyroptosis via TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway were effectively ameliorated, even returning to levels close to the baseline. Collectively, our findings provide novel evidence for the size-dependence and reversibility of NPs-induced hepatic pyroptosis through TXNIP/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Increasing evidence has suggested that nanoplastic pollution has become a global concern. More importantly, transgenerational toxicity can be induced by nanoplastics at predicted environmentally relevant doses (ERDs). Considering that amino modification could increase nanoplastic toxicity, we compared transgenerational neurotoxicity between pristine polystyrene nanoparticle (PS-NP) and amino-modified PS-NP (NH2-PS-NP) in Caenorhabditis elegans. At 0.1–10 μg/L, NH2-PS-NP caused more severe transgenerational toxicity on locomotion and neuronal development. Accompanied with a difference in transgenerational neuronal damage, compared to PS-NP (10 μg/L), NH2-PS-NP (10 μg/L) induced more severe transgenerational activation of mec-4, crt-1, itr-1, and tra-3, which are required for the induction of neurodegeneration. Moreover, NH2-PS-NP (10 μg/L) caused more severe transgenerational inhibition in expressions of mpk-1, jnk-1, dbl-1, and daf-7 than PS-NP (10 μg/L), and RNA interference (RNAi) of these genes conferred susceptibility to the toxicity of PS-NP and NH2-PS-NP on locomotion and neuronal development. NH2-PS-NP (10 μg/L) further caused more severe transgenerational activation of germline ligand genes (ins-3, ins-39, daf-28, lin-44, egl-17, efn-3, and lag-2) than PS-NP (10 μg/L), and RNAi of these ligand genes caused resistance to the toxicity of PS-NP and NH2-PS-NP on locomotion and neuronal development. Our results highlighted more severe exposure risk of amino-modified nanoplastics at ERDs in causing transgenerational neurotoxicity in organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic pollution poses an increasing environmental and human health risk and additional techniques are needed to facilitate nondestructive, quantitative particle recovery and analysis. Using a mini-extruder filtration (MEF) device, the efficiency of pristine particle capture from solution and digested biological tissue (blood clots) was assessed. Polystyrene particles in both the submicron (100, 300, and 500 nm) and micron range (2, 5, 7, and 10 µm) with aminated, carboxylated, or unmodified surface modifications were explored. The MEF-isolated-particle recovery was analyzed pre- and postseparation isolation and quantified via a Nanosight LM10 particle tracking system (submicron particles) or hemacytometer (micron particles). Particles' surface chemistry and concentration did not impact recovery compared to unfiltered samples with smaller particle sizes reducing recovery efficiency. Micron particle size recovery averaged 86.8 ± 4.3% across all surface chemistries at the same concentration; however, submicron particle recoveries varied by size and charge with 500 nm exhibiting recoveries of 80.6 ± 16.6%, 300 nm 73.0 ± 10.4%, and 100 nm particles 17.0 ± 10.3%. The mini-extruder device, used as a filtration recovery system, efficiently captures 10 to 0.5 µm particles from environmental and tissue samples making it an effective and low-cost platform facilitating the nondestructive capture of diverse microplastics for subsequent analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoplastics (NPs) can accumulate in the kidney and cause kidney injury, but the multi-organ interaction mechanism and preventive measures of kidney injury are still unclear. In this study, in vivo (60 µg/day, 42 days) and in vitro (0.4 µg/µL, 24 h) exposure models of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 80 nm) in mice and human kidney cortex proximal tubule epithelial cells (HK-2 cells) were established, respectively. Our study revealed that PS-NPs caused obvious pathological changes and impaired renal function in mice, which were related to lipid metabolism disorders mediated by intestinal flora. Desulfovibrionales-fatty acid synthase (Fasn)-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) pathway may be one of the mechanisms of kidney injury in mice. Importantly, we also found that melatonin attenuates PS-NPs-induced nephrotoxicity by modulating lipid metabolism disorders (represented by DHA) and affects Fasn expression. In conclusion, our study revealed the important role of intestinal flora-mediated lipid metabolism in PS-NPs-induced nephrotoxicity and preliminarily provided potential key gene targets and effective preventive measures for PS-NPs-induced nephrotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size, and nanoplastics (NPs) are those MPs with a particle size of less than 1000 nm or 100 nm. The prevalence of MPs in the environment and human tissues has raised concerns about their potential negative effects on human health. Macrophages are the major defence against foreign substances in the intestine, and can be polarized into two types: the M1 phenotype and the M2 phenotype. However, the effect of NPs on the polarization of macrophages remains unclear. Herein, we selected polystyrene, one of the most plastics in the environment and controlled the particle sizes at 50 nm and 500 nm respectively to study the effects on the polarization of macrophages. We used mouse RAW264.7 cell line models in this macrophage-associated study. Experiments on cell absorption showed that macrophages could quickly ingest polystyrene nanoplastics of both diameters with time-dependent uptake. Compared to the untreated group and 10 μg/mL treatment group, macrophages exposed to 50 μg/mL groups (50 nm and 500 nm) had considerably higher levels of CD86, iNOS, and TNF-α, but decreased levels of aCD206, IL-10, and Arg-1. According to these findings, macrophage M1 and M2 polarization can both be induced and inhibited by 50 μg/mL 50 nm and 500 nm polystyrene nanoplastics. This work provided the first evidence of a possible MPs mode of action with appropriate concentration and size through the production of polarized M1, providing dietary and environmental recommendations for people, particularly those with autoimmune and autoinflammatory illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of micro- (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment has become a significant environmental concern, necessitating effective removal strategies. In this comprehensive scientific review, we examine the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as a promising technology for the removal of MPs and NPs from water. We first describe the issues of MPs and NPs and their impact on the environment and human health. Then, the fundamental principles of using MNPs for the removal of these pollutants will be presented, emphasizing that MNPs enable the selective binding and separation of MPs and NPs from water sources. Furthermore, we provide a short summary of various types of MNPs that have proven effective in the removal of MPs and NPs. These include ferromagnetic nanoparticles and MNPs coated with organic polymers, as well as nanocomposites and magnetic nanostructures. We also review their properties, such as magnetic saturation, size, shape, surface functionalization, and stability, and their influence on removal efficiency. Next, we describe different methods of utilizing MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs. We discuss their advantages, limitations, and potential for further development in detail. In the final part of the review, we provide an overview of the existing studies and results demonstrating the effectiveness of using MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs from water. We also address the challenges that need to be overcome, such as nanoparticle optimization, process scalability, and the removal and recycling of nanoparticles after the completion of the process. This comprehensive scientific review offers extensive insights into the use of MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs from water. With improved understanding and the development of advanced materials and methods, this technology can play a crucial role in addressing the issues of MPs and NPs and preserving a clean and healthy environment. The novelty of this review article is the emphasis on MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs from water and a detailed review of the advantages and disadvantages of various MNPs for the mentioned application. Additionally, a review of a large number of publications in this field is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For this study, 240 adult healthy female zebrafish were divided into 12 tanks (20 fish per tank) and exposed to 0 (control, T0), 0.1 (T1), 1 (T2), and 10 (T3) mg/L synthesized polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, nanoplastics synthesized in the chemistry laboratory of the Faculty of Basic Sciences at Zabol University) for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, exposure to PS-NPs had no significant effect on the survival of female zebrafish (P>0.05). A significant decrease of hepatic vitellogenin (Vtg) was seen in female zebrafish exposed to PS-NPs (P<0.05). The level of 17-β-estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) were notably declined in female zebrafish of all PS-NPs-exposed groups (P<0.05). Glucose was notably increased in female zebrafish of all PS-NPs-exposed treatments (P<0.05). There was a significant increase in cortisol levels in all PS-NPs-exposed treatments (P<0.05). No significant difference was seen in lactate levels between different treatments (P>0.05). A significant enhancement in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was observed in female zebrafish of all PS-NPs-exposed treatments compared to the control (P<0.05). The present results demonstrate that PS-NPs impair the reproduction process so that none of the female zebrafish broodstock exposed to different doses of PS-NPs reached the spawning stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increase in nanoplastics (NPs) abundance in aquatic environments, their effects on phytoplankton have aroused large research attention. In this study, 100 nm sized polystyrene NPs were chosen to investigate their effecting performance and mechanisms on a typical dinoflagellates Alexandrium tamarense. The results indicated the population growth and photosynthetic efficiencies of A. tamarense were significantly inhibited by NPs exposure, as well as the increase in cellular total carotenoids and paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs). Meanwhile, the cellar ROS levels increased, corresponding to the increased activities or contents of multiple antioxidant components, including SOD, CAT, GPX, GR, GSH and GSSG. The transcriptional results support the physiological–biochemical results and further revealed the down-regulation of genes encoding the light reaction centers (PSI and PSII) and up-regulation of genes encoding the antioxidant components. Up-regulation of genes encoding key enzymes of the Calvin cycle and glycolytic pathway together with the TCA cycle could accelerate organic carbon and ATP production for A. tamarense cells resistant to NPs stress. Finally, more Glu and acetyl-CoA produced by the enhanced GSH cycle and the glycolytic pathway, respectively, accompanied by the up-regulation of Glu and Arg biosynthesis genes supported the increase in the PST contents under NPs exposure. This study established a data set involving physiological–biochemical changes and gene information about marine dinoflagellates responding to NPs, providing a data basis for further evaluating the ecological risk of NPs in marine environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is common knowledge that plastic pollution has become one of the foremost environmental problems worldwide. Despite the increasing rates in plastic products recycling, the majority of plastic still finds its way unchecked into the environment. Plastic in itself poses no substantial threat to ecosystems, unlike its degraded components, microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP), which are more reactive and easier to transport due to their reduced size. In recent years, the increasing demand, production, and utilisation of products originally manufactured in the form of MP and NP have further exacerbated the pollution problem. Once released, MPs and NPs tend to accumulate more in terrestrial ecosystems than in aquatic environments, an area that has been researched more comprehensively. Consequently, the degraded components of plastic accumulate within soil-dwelling organisms, which can then further break them down (degrade) through their metabolism. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the ecotoxicity of MP and NP specifically on earthworms, as representatives of the phylum annelid worm (Annelida), and on nematodes (phylum Nematoda), the two most prevalent groups of soil-dwelling invertebrates. Research into the effects of MP and NP on earthworms has so far been conducted on the species Eisenia fetida, Eisenia andrei, and Lumbricus terrestris, with the species Caenorhabditis elegans serving as a representative nematode species. These organisms were exposed to polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP) particles of varying sizes and concentrations. The results of numerous studies on the harmful effects of these polymeric materials on earthworms and nematodes were measured by testing for inhibition of survival and growth rate, showing significant body weight loss, along with damage to the digestive system, and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]