Microplastic contamination refers to the presence and distribution of synthetic polymer particles typically <5 mm in environmental matrices, including marine, freshwater, terrestrial, atmospheric, and biological systems. As a research topic, it encompasses sources (primary and secondary microplastics), transport pathways (e.g., hydrodynamic and atmospheric dispersion), physicochemical properties (size, shape, polymer type, surface chemistry), and interactions with co-contaminants such as persistent organic pollutants and metals. Studies investigate bioavailability, trophic transfer, organismal and cellular responses, and potential human exposure via inhalation and ingestion, as well as methodological challenges in sampling, analytical detection, quantification, and risk assessment frameworks.
Plastic is ubiquitous in the modern world, and it's notorious for taking a long time to completely break down in the environment—if it ever does.
Bio & Medicine
Oct 17, 2025
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77
The fabrics that fill our homes, from natural cotton towels and bedsheets, to clothes produced with synthetic materials, produce microscopic fibers as they break down over time. Previous research has shown that household ...
Environment
Oct 15, 2025
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46
Many measures have been initiated to reduce plastic pollution in Norway. Only a few of them will lead to extensive change and cleanup, a new study shows.
Environment
Oct 14, 2025
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41
Scientists at the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) in Dummerstorf and the University of Udine have detected the uptake of nanoplastics in farm animal cell cultures. The results provide evidence of potential ...
Cell & Microbiology
Oct 13, 2025
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41
Seafood has received disproportionate attention in media coverage about microplastics, despite evidence that fish and shellfish are not the main source of human exposure, according to a new scientific review.
Environment
Oct 13, 2025
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25
Seabirds foraging at sea face deadly threats from eating plastics and being caught up in longline fisheries bycatch, but a new study reveals their color preferences play a big part in their vulnerability to these human activities.
Plants & Animals
Oct 9, 2025
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15
Microplastics are the crumbs of our plastic world, tiny pieces that come from bigger items breaking apart or from products like synthetic clothing and packaging. They're now everywhere. Scientists estimate there are about ...
Nanophysics
Oct 8, 2025
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95
Researchers have developed a new class of nontoxic, biodegradable solid lubricants that can be used to facilitate seed dispersal using modern farming equipment, with the goal of replacing existing lubricants that pose human ...
Biotechnology
Oct 7, 2025
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222
A University of Hawai'i at Mānoa graduate's new research reveals that plastic pollution poses a significant, unseen threat to endangered coral reefs. The study found that chemicals leaching from plastics disrupt the two most ...
Plants & Animals
Oct 6, 2025
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26
More than 90% of plastic waste ends up in the soil, where it breaks down into microplastics that are invisible to the naked eye. Microplastic pollution of the soil poses a severe threat to soil health as it can harm essential ...
