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.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution is a prevalent environmental problem that affects ecosystems globally. Despite the growing research on the environmental effects of MPs, a significant research gap remains in understanding the ...
Environment
Jul 7, 2025
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A new review article published in the Journal of Environmental Management summarizes the current state of knowledge on the occurrence of tire wear particles and the release of pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. The researchers ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 2, 2025
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293
In an article published in npj Science of Food, scientists led by the Food Packaging Forum show that the normal and intended use of plastic food packaging and other food contact articles (FCAs), such as opening a plastic ...
Environment
Jun 24, 2025
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The Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST) has revealed that marine microalgae are responsible for ocean aggregates of buoyant microplastics (MPs), increasing the density of MP aggregates and causing them to ...
Earth Sciences
Jun 23, 2025
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A new study from the University of Portsmouth has highlighted the growing role of citizen science in tackling one of the planet's most pervasive pollution problems: microplastics and mesoplastics. While researchers often ...
Environment
Jun 23, 2025
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When West Virginia University biology undergraduate student Isabella Tuzzio tested fish from central Appalachian streams, her research revealed microplastics in every fish she sampled.
Plants & Animals
Jun 22, 2025
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198
A small team of researchers at Tongji University, working with a colleague from the Shanghai Academy of Landscape Architecture Science and Planning, both in China, has found that growing plants on roofs can serve as an effective ...
Drinks including water, soda, beer and wine sold in glass bottles contain more microplastics than those in plastic bottles, according to a surprising study released by France's food safety agency Friday.
Environment
Jun 20, 2025
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Among the biggest culprits of plastic pollution in the ocean and along shorelines are thin plastic shopping bags, which have low recycling rates and often become litter when they blow away in the wind. Once there, they can ...
Environment
Jun 19, 2025
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Negotiations toward a global, legally binding plastics treaty are set to resume this summer, with the United Nations Environment Programme announcing that the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution will ...
Environment
Jun 18, 2025
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