Agricultural soils, particularly those utilizing plastic products for crop production, are increasingly recognized as sources of microplastics (MPs) to aquatic ecosystems. In this research, we investigate the transport of polyethylene MPs of three different size ranges (53-63 μm, 125-150 μm and 425-500 μm) in an agricultural soil during a plot-based rainfall simulation. Using a combination of fluorescent particles and high-frequency photography, we tracked the number of MPs on the soil surface throughout the rainfall simulation, measured the depth MPs migrated into the soil profile and the number of MPs which were transported in surface runoff. Our results show that MPs had dynamic movement on the soil surface throughout the rainfall simulation. Approximately 20% of MPs sized 125-150 μm and 425-500 μm were exported from the plot in surface runoff with the remaining 80% of MPs thought to be retained in the soil. No significant differences were found in the number of MPs transported in surface runoff between MPs sized 125-150 μm and 425-500 μm. Microplastics were found to be enriched in eroded sediments. Microplastics of all sizes 53-63 μm, 125-150 μm and 425-500 μm were found in soil as deep as 8 cm with the majority of MPs found in the 0-2 cm soil depth. Results from this research not only indicate that MPs are quite mobile both vertically and laterally during rainfall events but also show that soils effectively retain and accumulate a sizeable proportion of MPs during heavy rainfall events.
- MeSH
- Water Pollutants, Chemical * analysis MeSH
- Rain * MeSH
- Soil Pollutants * analysis MeSH
- Microplastics * analysis MeSH
- Environmental Monitoring * MeSH
- Water Movements MeSH
- Soil chemistry MeSH
- Agriculture * MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Water Pollutants, Chemical * MeSH
- Soil Pollutants * MeSH
- Microplastics * MeSH
- Soil MeSH
Micro- and nanoplastics are plastic particles with sizes below 1 or 5 mm for microplastics and 1 µm for nanoplastics. These particles can enter the environment through various pathways and subsequently affect all components of ecosystems. However, research on nanoplastics remains particularly limited, primarily due to challenges in isolating these particles from complex environmental matrices and producing them in controlled laboratory settings, especially in terms of size, shape, and purity. This study addresses the urgent need for standardized nanoplastic test materials by comparing various bottom-up and top-down laboratory methods for the preparation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) micro- and nanoplastics, with a focus on their potential applications in environmental research. Chemical methods based on dissolution and recoagulation (using solvents such as 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol, trifluoroacetic acid, and chlorobenzene) and physical methods (including cryomilling and laser ablation) were evaluated. The resulting PET particles were characterized in terms of their size, polydispersity, morphology, and surface structure. For chemical methods, the presence of residual solvents was also analyzed. Chemical methods exhibited significant limitations, such as low reproducibility, polydisperse particles (PDI up to 11.4), strong aggregation tendencies, and the presence of potentially toxic solvent residues which make them unsuitable for standardized toxicity testing. From this point of view, physical methods represent solvent-free approaches. Cryomilling, however, proved ineffective due to surface melting of the particles during the process. Laser ablation produced highly monodisperse particles with regular spherical shapes, a median size of 340 nm, a size range of 193 to 9.5 µm, and a very low polydispersity index (PDI = 1.003 ± 0.002). These particles fall within the nanoplastic domain and showed no detectable contamination, making them especially suitable for environmental toxicity studies. Moreover, the method demonstrated consistent repeatability across replicates and is highly promising for producing standardized test materials for environmental fate, transport, and toxicity research.
- Keywords
- Distribution, Microplastics, Nanoplastics, Polyethylene terephthalate, Shape, Size,
- MeSH
- Microplastics * analysis MeSH
- Environmental Monitoring * methods MeSH
- Nanoparticles * analysis chemistry MeSH
- Polyethylene Terephthalates * chemistry analysis MeSH
- Particle Size MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Microplastics * MeSH
- Polyethylene Terephthalates * MeSH
Nickel and nickel oxide are widely used as heterogeneous catalysts in various processes involving the hydrogenation or reduction of organic compounds, and also as excellent methanation catalysts in the hydrogenation of CO2. As heterogeneous catalysis is a surface-dependent process, nickel compounds in the form of microparticles (MPs), and particularly nanoparticles (NPs), improve the catalytic activity of Ni-based catalysts due to their high specific surface area. Solvothermal synthesis, which has so far been neglected for the synthesis of Ni-based methanation catalysts, was used in this study to synthesize nickel and nickel oxide MPs and NPs with a narrow size distribution. Solvothermal synthesis allows for the control of both the chemical composition of the resulting Ni catalysts and their physical structure by simply changing the reaction conditions (solvent, temperature, or concentration of reactants). Only non-toxic substances were used for synthesis in this study, meaning that the whole synthesis process can be described as environmentally friendly. Solvothermally prepared Ni compounds were subsequently transformed into nickel oxide by means of high-temperature decomposition, and all of the prepared Ni-based compounds were tested as catalysts for CO2 methanation. The best catalysts prepared in this study exhibited a CO2 conversion rate of nearly 95% and a selectivity for methane close to 100%, which represent thermodynamic limits for this reaction at the used temperature. These results are commonly achieved with much more complex catalytic composites containing precious metals, while here we worked with pure nickel and its oxides, in the form of micro- or nanoparticles, only.
- Keywords
- carbon dioxide, heterogeneous catalysis, methanation, microparticles, nanoparticles, nickel oxide,
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Most ecotoxicity studies on microplastics (MPs) have focused on the single species testing, however environmentally relevant risk assessment of MPs requires different approach. The present study conducted an interspecific competition experiment between Daphnia magna and Daphnia pulex under MP fragments (MP) or MP fragments with UV filter benzophenone-3 (MP/BP-3) exposure. In MP exposure, smaller sized D. pulex was more advantageous, showing a significantly (p < 0.05) lower MP uptake and a higher population growth rate. On the other hand, in MP/BP-3 exposure, larger sized D. magna was more advantageous with a significantly (p < 0.05) lower BP-3 bioconcentration and a higher population growth rate. Transcriptomic analysis showed that expression levels of genes related to energy metabolism were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in D. pulex but significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in D. magna under MP exposure. For MP/BP-3 exposure, defense-related genes were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated in D. magna but significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated in D. pulex. This study highlights different effects of MPs and plastic additives on interspecific interaction in the zooplankton community.
- Keywords
- Freshwater ecosystem, Interspecific competition, Microplastics, Plastic additive, Zooplankton,
- MeSH
- Benzophenones * toxicity MeSH
- Water Pollutants, Chemical * toxicity MeSH
- Daphnia magna MeSH
- Daphnia pulex MeSH
- Daphnia * drug effects genetics physiology MeSH
- Microplastics * toxicity MeSH
- Polyethylene * toxicity MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Names of Substances
- 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone MeSH Browser
- Benzophenones * MeSH
- Water Pollutants, Chemical * MeSH
- Microplastics * MeSH
- Polyethylene * MeSH
Microplastics (MPs) are widespread contaminants in aquatic ecosystems and pose significant threats to both organisms and the environment. Their small size, high surface area, and capacity to adsorb toxic chemicals allow MPs to infiltrate food webs, affecting organisms across trophic levels. This review explores the intricate mechanisms by which MPs induce reproductive and endocrine toxicity, focusing on their physical and chemical properties, bioaccumulation dynamics, and associated molecular pathways. MPs interfere with hormonal homeostasis, oxidative stress responses, and apoptotic pathways, leading to disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, impaired steroidogenesis, and gonadal dysfunction. These effects manifest as reduced fertility, altered gametogenesis, and multigenerational reproductive impairments across diverse aquatic taxa. Furthermore, MPs serve as carriers for endocrine-disrupting chemicals, compounding their adverse effects on organisms and aquatic biodiversity. Through a synthesis of recent research, this review identifies key signaling pathways, including MAPK, PI3K-AKT, mTOR, NF-κB, PPAR and NLRP3 inflammasome, that may play a role in MP-induced reproductive toxicity. The findings underscore the urgent need for advanced mitigation strategies, regulatory frameworks, and further research to combat the ecological consequences of MP pollution. Prioritizing targeted interventions is essential to safeguard aquatic biodiversity and ensure ecosystem resilience against the pervasive threat of MPs.
- Keywords
- Endocrine system, Microplastics, Oxidative stress, Reproduction,
- MeSH
- Water Pollutants, Chemical * toxicity MeSH
- Endocrine Disruptors toxicity MeSH
- Microplastics * toxicity MeSH
- Reproduction * drug effects MeSH
- Aquatic Organisms * drug effects MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Water Pollutants, Chemical * MeSH
- Endocrine Disruptors MeSH
- Microplastics * MeSH
This study investigates contaminants in metalworking fluids (MWFs) from an industrial band saw, focusing on microparticle classification and microbial quantification linked to fluid degradation. Most particles were under 50 µm, primarily aluminum and iron oxides from tool wear; oxygen- and sulfur-containing particles suggested corrosion. Microbiological analysis showed high contamination, with culturable microorganisms exceeding 1000 CFU/mL. A pathogenic strain associated with biodeterioration was identified, underscoring the need for microbial control. Filtration and ozonation have been used as decontamination methods to improve the purity and biological stability of the process fluid. Filtration enabled selective removal of metallic microparticles. Among six nanofiber filters, the Berry filter achieved the highest efficiency (70.8%) for particles ≥ 7.3 µm, while other filters were faster but less efficient. Ozonation proved highly effective for microbiological decontamination, reducing viable microorganisms by over 95%, improving visual clarity, and lowering pH from 9 to 8 while remaining within operational limits. Unlike filtration, ozonation significantly reduced microbial load. The combination of both methods is proposed as a sustainable strategy for maintaining process fluid quality under industrial conditions. These findings support integrated decontamination approaches to extend fluid life, reduce fresh MWF consumption and waste, and enhance workplace hygiene and safety in machining operations.
- Keywords
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa, contamination, cutting, decontamination, filtration, metalworking fluid (MWFs), micro particles, microorganisms, ozonation,
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Micro- and nanoplastic pollution is pervasive worldwide, infiltrating drinking water and food chains, accumulating in the human body, and posing serious threats to public health and ecosystems. Despite these urgent challenges, effective strategies to curb the widespread presence of micro- and nanoplastics have not yet been sufficiently developed. Here, we present magnetically driven living bacterial microrobots that exhibit a nature-inspired three-dimensional (3D) swarming motion, allowing the dynamic capture and retrieval of aquatic micro- and nanoplastics originating from various commercial products. By combining autonomous propulsion with magnetically guided navigation, we enabled the multimodal swarming manipulation of magnetotactic bacteria-based living microrobots (MTB biobots). The actuation of a rotating magnetic field induces a fish schooling-like 3D swarming navigation, allowing the active capture of micro- and nanoplastics, which are then retrieved from the contaminated water by magnetic separation. Our results show that the 3D magnetic swarming of MTB biobots synergistically enhances the removal efficiencies of both model and real-world microplastics, demonstrating their practical potential in water treatment technologies. Overall, plastic-seeking living bacterial microrobots and their swarm manipulation offer a straightforward and environmentally friendly approach to micro- and nanoplastic treatment, providing a biomachinery-based solution to mitigate the pressing microplastic pollution crisis.
- Keywords
- biohybrid microrobots, magnetically driven, magnetotactic bacteria, microplastics, nanoplastics, swarming behavior, water purification,
- MeSH
- Water Pollutants, Chemical * isolation & purification chemistry MeSH
- Water Purification * methods MeSH
- Magnetic Fields MeSH
- Microplastics * isolation & purification chemistry MeSH
- Robotics * MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Water Pollutants, Chemical * MeSH
- Microplastics * MeSH
Animal liver microsomes are a rich source of carboxylesterases with potential for biocatalytic applications. However, their instability and difficulty in reuse limit their practical application. This study investigates the immobilization of animal liver microsomes from four species Mus musculus (house mouse), Sus scrofa (wild boar), Dama dama (fallow deer), and Capreolus capreolus (roe deer) on Perloza MG microparticles for enhanced stability and reusability. Immobilization significantly improved the stability and pH tolerance of the microsomes, particularly those from D. dama, maintaining esterase activity across a broad pH range (5-9) and enabling the reusability over ten consecutive cycles. The immobilized D. dama microsomes were successfully employed in a preparative-scale chemo-enzymatic synthesis of a cyclophilin D inhibitor, achieving a total reaction yield of 68% with 98% final product purity, demonstrating their potential for sustainable organic synthesis.
- Keywords
- Biocatalysis, Carboxylesterases, Chemo-enzymatic synthesis, Immobilization, Magnetic microparticles,
- MeSH
- Enzymes, Immobilized * chemistry metabolism MeSH
- Esters * chemistry metabolism MeSH
- Hydrolysis MeSH
- Microsomes, Liver * enzymology chemistry MeSH
- Hydrogen-Ion Concentration MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Sus scrofa MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Mice MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Enzymes, Immobilized * MeSH
- Esters * MeSH
Due to uncontrolled release, gradual accumulation, low degradation rate, and potential negative impact on human health, microplastics (MPs) pose a serious environmental and healthcare risk. Thus, the spread of MPs should be at least carefully monitored to identify and eliminate their main sources, as well as to provide a suitable alarm in the case of MP concentration increase. Among various detection methods, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) poses a unique detection limit and the ability to perform outdoor measurements without preliminary sample treatment. However, the utilization of SERS for MPs detection is significantly limited for a few reasons. First, the maximal SERS enhancement occurs in the so-called hot spots, where the MPs cannot penetrate due to their size. In addition, the natural environment can produce a significant spectral background, which blocks the microplastic characteristic signal. To overcome these limitations, we propose a new alternative route for introduction of MPs into the plasmonic hot spots, using in situ MP annealing and an advanced artificial neural network (ANN) design, the Kolmogorov-Arnold transformer (KANformer, KANF). Polystyrene (PS) MPs were used as a model compound. We have also demonstrated the potential versatility of our approach using different microplastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. The proposed approach allows us to detect the presence of PS up to the single nanoparticle limit (in the mL of analyzed solution) with a probability of above 95%, even under mixing with groundwater model matrices.
- Keywords
- KAN, PS microplastic, SERS, annealing, artificial neural network, porous plasmon substrate,
- MeSH
- Water Pollutants, Chemical * analysis MeSH
- Limit of Detection MeSH
- Microplastics * analysis MeSH
- Nanoparticles * chemistry MeSH
- Neural Networks, Computer * MeSH
- Polystyrenes * analysis chemistry MeSH
- Spectrum Analysis, Raman * methods MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Water Pollutants, Chemical * MeSH
- Microplastics * MeSH
- Polystyrenes * MeSH
The widespread use of synthetic polymers since the mid-twentieth century has led to significant environmental pollution from microplastics (MPs). These MPs, which persist in ecosystems, can interact with various pollutants, including pesticides such as tebuconazole (TEB). The subject paper investigates the sorption behaviour of TEB on different types of MPs (polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyamide-6), focusing on the kinetics and isotherms of these interactions. The role of metal cations (Al, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) in influencing TEB sorption is also investigated. Our findings highlight critical flaws that invalidate the original article, mainly in the interpretation of TEB physicochemical properties, such as pKa and speciation, and the importance of considering metal ion complexation in environmental risk assessment. The sorption models used by the original authors, although widely used, are questioned for their accuracy in representing real-world scenarios.
- Keywords
- Metal cations, complexation, environmental pollution, metal speciation, pesticide interaction,
- MeSH
- Adsorption MeSH
- Water Pollutants, Chemical * chemistry MeSH
- Models, Chemical MeSH
- Kinetics MeSH
- Microplastics * chemistry MeSH
- Triazoles * chemistry MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Water Pollutants, Chemical * MeSH
- Microplastics * MeSH
- tebuconazole MeSH Browser
- Triazoles * MeSH
