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.
Nanoplastics are everywhere. These fragments are so tiny they can accumulate on bacteria and be taken up by plant roots; they're in our food, our water, and our bodies. Scientists don't know the full extent of their impact ...
Bio & Medicine
May 19, 2025
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130
Some 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced globally each year, out of which a staggering 91% of plastic waste is never recycled—with 12% incinerated and 79% left to end up in landfills and oceans and linger in our ...
Microplastics—fragments of plastic smaller than 5mm—are accumulating in the environment. They're found in soil, water, food, even in human lungs, placentas and blood. These plastic particles shed from items we use daily, ...
Environment
May 6, 2025
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20
The UK government must urgently draw up a comprehensive national strategy to tackle microplastic pollution or risk falling further behind international efforts to address one of the most pervasive environmental threats of ...
Environment
May 6, 2025
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Glitter is festive and fun—a favorite for decorations, makeup and art projects. But while it may look harmless, beautiful even, glitter's sparkle hides a darker side. Those shimmering specks often end up far from party tables ...
Environment
May 5, 2025
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46
Laundry is a major source of microplastic pollution into the environment, and in-line washing machine filters are one potential solution for preventing fibers from entering waterways. But how likely would people be willing ...
Environment
May 2, 2025
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A team of McGill University researchers has developed a cost-effective, high-throughput technology for detecting nanoplastics and microplastics in the environment.
Environment
May 1, 2025
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63
A new lifecycle study published in Sustainability Science and Technology has discovered a promising alternative to plastic sanitary products, potentially leading to far reduced sanitary waste. Sanitary pads made with cornstarch ...
Environment
May 1, 2025
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43
Marine plastic pollution is a global crisis, with 9 to 14 million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean every year. Tiny fragments called microplastics—ranging from 1 micron to 5 millimeters—make up the vast majority ...
Environment
Apr 30, 2025
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134
As plastic pollution in the world's oceans reaches critical levels, recently published research reveals how artificial intelligence-driven algorithms can dramatically accelerate plastic waste removal, boosting efficiency ...
Environment
Apr 23, 2025
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