Preparing and characterizing environmentally aged microplastics.

Inland lakes play an important role as habitats for local species and are often essential drinking water reservoirs. However, there is limited information about the presence of microplastics (MPs) in these water bodies. Thirteen sediment samples were collected across a Danish urban lake to map MPs, including tyre wear particles (TWP). The lower size detection limit was 10 µm. MPs were quantified as counts, size, and polymer type by Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy (µFTIR) and mass estimated from the 2D projections of the MPs. As TWP cannot be determined by µFTIR, counts and sizes could not be quantified by this technique. Instead, TWP mass was determined by pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The average MP abundance was 279 mg kg−1 (µFTIR), of which 19 mg kg−1 (Py-GC/MS) were TWP. For MPs other than tyre wear, the average MP count concentration was 11,312 counts kg−1. Urban runoff from combined sewer overflows and separate stormwater outlets combined with outflow from a wastewater treatment plant were potential point sources. The spatial variation was substantial, with concentrations varying several orders of magnitude. There was no pattern in concentration across the lake, and the distribution of high and low values seemed random. This indicates that large sampling campaigns encompassing the entire lake are key to an accurate quantification. No preferential spatial trend in polymer characteristics was identified. For MPs other than TWP, the size of buoyant and non-buoyant polymers showed no significant difference across the lake, suggesting that the same processes brought them to the sediment, regardless of their density. Moreover, MP abundance was not correlated to sediment properties, further indicating a random occurrence of MPs in the lake sediments. These findings shed light on the occurrence and distribution of MPs, including TWP, in an inland lake, improving the basis for making mitigation decisions.

Microplastics in two German wastewater treatment plants: Year-long effluent analysis with FTIR and Py-GC/MS

When it comes to researching ways to extend a product's useful life while decreasing its negative effects on the environment, this generation has always been at the cutting edge of civilization. An environmental impact assessment is a part of life cycle assessment that looks at how a product or service affects the environment. Microplastics (MPs) are classified as primary and secondary MPs, where the primary MPs such as plastic pellets, beads and fibres are synthesized and added to various daily life products such as toothpaste, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, road paints and vehicle tyres. Secondary MPs are derived from the weathering of various larger plastics whose size is greater than 5 mm by the effect of wind, light and UV radiation. The release of primary MPs into the environment is due to the disintegration of textiles during washing, wear and tear of automobile tyres, release of pharmaceuticals and personnel care products (PPCPs) into the environment. Regardless of their source MPs are becoming an emerging threat to environment and biota due to their non-biodegradability nature and remain in the environment for longer duration. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was used in this study to determine the energy, water requirements and associated environmental impacts caused by Microfibres and the associated energy use. The environmental impacts of the Microfibres are assessed using life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) for the following impact categories such as (a) Global Warming Potential, (b) Primary Energy Demand (PED), (c) Water Consumption. The study focuses on the LCA of MPs and their pollution across the various compartments of environment such as atmosphere, sediments, salts, fresh and salt water and soil. MPs are well-known for their ability to carry hydrophobic organic pollutants, and there are rising worries about their potential environmental and human health impacts. Despite the lack of research, the present study attempts to link various features of MPs, their origins, interactions, and effects on pathogens, organic, inorganic pollutants, biota, aquatic species and humans.KeywordsMicroplasticsMicrofibresLCAEnergyWaterEnvironmentPollution

Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles ranging from 1 µm to 5 mm, have emerged as ubiquitous environmental contaminants due to the widespread use and persistence of plastics. They originate both from the degradation of larger plastic debris and from intentionally produced small particles. MPs have been detected across environmental compartments, including freshwater systems, and even within the human body, raising concerns about potential exposure and risks. This thesis aimed to investigate the occurrence of MPs in freshwater environments and related consumption products, specifically drinking water and fish, while contributing to the advancement of reliable analytical methodologies. Pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) was employed as the primary analytical technique due to its ability to provide size-independent, quantitative, and polymer-specific data. Complementary use of micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (µ-FTIR) enabled particle-based characterization. Urban surface water in Amsterdam was analyzed across seasons and locations, revealing higher MP concentrations in summer and in densely urbanized canals. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) were the dominant polymers, and MP concentrations were positively correlated with suspended particulate matter. In drinking water systems, raw water contained relatively high MP concentrations, while treatment processes achieved removal efficiencies of 97–98%. Consequently, tap water contained only trace levels of MPs. Methodological challenges, particularly background contamination, highlighted the importance of strict quality control. The occurrence and potential accumulation of MPs in Nile tilapia were also investigated. Low concentrations were detected in fillet tissues, with heterogeneous distribution across samples. A controlled exposure experiment demonstrated minimal translocation of MPs into edible tissues, with most particles being excreted, suggesting limited human exposure through fish consumption. Overall, this thesis provides mass-based evidence of MP occurrence across environmental and biological matrices and demonstrates the applicability of Py-GC-MS for robust MP quantification. The findings contribute to improved methodological standardization and enhance the understanding of MP distribution and potential human exposure pathways.

Interactions of microplastics and organic compounds in aquatic environments: A case study of augmented joint toxicity

Influence of interaction on accuracy of quantification of mixed microplastics using Py-GC/MS

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as dynamic vectors for personal care product (PCP) contaminants, including triclosan, methyl-triclosan, synthetic musks, organic and inorganic UV filters, parabens, caffeine, and other preservatives. Sorption behaviors of MPs are strongly influenced by polymer type, particle size, surface chemistry, aging, and environmental conditions, including pH, salinity, ionic strength, and natural organic matter. Hydrophobicity, hydrogen bonding, π–π interactions, van der Waals forces, and electrostatic effects govern adsorption. Aging and surface oxidation generally enhance MP sorption capacities. For triclosan and methyl-triclosan, hydrophobicity enhances adsorption (24.8–70.8 l g−1 adsorption affinity for methyl-triclosan versus 0.14–0.77 l g−1 for triclosan), while competition/cooperation between compounds alters their individual uptake (antagonist effects on triclosan). Synthetic musks exhibit size- and temperature-dependent adsorption, with polyvinyl chloride generally outperforming polyethylene and polypropylene due to higher surface area and pore volume (0.88–1.60 µg g−1 adsorption capacity for polyvinyl chloride versus 0.860–1.0 µg g−1 for polyethylene). Organic UV filters show multilayer adsorption (5–9100 µg g−1), influenced by polymer type, hydrophobicity, and co-occurring contaminants. Inorganic UV nanoparticles (ZnO, TiO2) interact with MPs via aggregation, dissolution, and reactive oxygen species generation. TiO2 generally shows greater adsorption (up to 72%) than ZnO (16% on polyethylene). Paraben adsorption increases with ester chain length. It is affected by MP polarity, particle size, and aging. Caffeine adsorption is enhanced on aged or humic-acid-enriched MPs (362 µg g−1 on aged polyethylene microplastics versus 237 µg g−1 on pristine ones). It demonstrates limited desorption under pH changes, indicating low bioavailability. Surfactants (anionic, cationic, nonionic) significantly alter MP transport and pollutant uptake by modifying surface charge, adhesion, and hydrophilicity. Adsorption kinetics generally fit pseudo-first- or second-order models, and isotherms align with Freundlich, Langmuir, or Temkin models, reflecting heterogeneous surface interactions. Overall, MPs act as carriers for diverse PCPs, modulating their mobility, persistence, and ecological risk in aquatic systems. Future studies should focus on the combined effects of mixed MPs, surfactants, and co-existing contaminants under realistic environmental conditions to better predict the fate and transport of PCPs.

Non-biodegradable microplastics in soils: A brief review and challenge

Pyrolysis-GC–MS analysis of ingested polystyrene microsphere content in individual Daphnia magna

SummaryBackgroundThere is widespread concern regarding the effect of microplastics (MPs) on human reproductive health. The accumulation of MPs and their potential effect on adverse pregnancy outcomes must be determined, particularly from the perspective of the maternal–foetal interface during early gestation, because abnormal composition and metabolism of chorionic villi are closely related to early embryonic development. This study aimed to identify and quantify the mean mass concentrations and polymer types of MPs in human chorionic villi, and investigate the potential association between the abundance of MPs and spontaneous miscarriage.MethodsChorionic villi were collected from 31 participants in their first trimester, including normal carriage terminated for social factors (NC, n = 13) and unexplained spontaneous miscarriage (SM, n = 18). Qualitative and quantitative detection of 11 types of MPs was performed by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Differences in the abundance of specific MPs between the two groups were analysed by t-tests. Individual clinical characteristics and lifestyle information were collected to identify the primary sources and factors that may impact MPs in chorionic villi. Statistical analyses, including a correlation analysis and the binary logistic regression model, were used to assess the effect of MP accumulation on early pregnancy outcomes.FindingsMPs were detected in all samples and four main types were identified, namely polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP). PVC was the most abundant. The total abundance of MPs in patients with SM was significantly higher than that in controls (273.08 ± 50.89 μg/g vs 226.37 ± 42.35 μg/g, p = 0.011). The accumulation of total MPs (r = 0.5947, p < 0.01) and PVC (r = 0.5649, p < 0.05) in patients with SM was positively correlated with age but not body mass index. Participants who regularly consumed bottled water generally showed significantly elevated levels of PE and total MPs in their villi, while frequent seafood consumption had a significant effect on PE, PVC, PS, and PP concentrations.InterpretationWe identified the presence of MPs in chorionic villi during the first trimester and established an association between the abundance of MPs and unexplained SM. These findings suggest that accumulation of MPs at the maternal–foetal interface during the first trimester are related to an increased risk of miscarriage and that these cross-generational effects during early gestation represent potential reproductive toxicity of MPs. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, and larger sample sizes are required to validate the observed trends.FundingThis study was supported by grants from the “Pioneer” and “Leading Goose” R&D Program of Zhejiang (2024C03242) and the Medical Science Projects of Zhejiang Province (No. 2023KY013).

Personal exposure to microplastics and PAHs in PM2.5: Personal vs. outdoor assessment and health risks.

Metal pollution in sediments has long been recognized, while sediments are also a long-term sink for microplastics (MPs). MPs may also adsorb environmental pollutants, including metals, as well as leaching polymer components and chemicals used during production. A comprehensive survey of 21 locations around Qatari coastline investigated abundance of MPs in high-shore intertidal sediments and concentration of metals both on MPs and sediment particles. MPs abundance ranged from 3 to 156 MPs particles·kg−1 (12–624 MPs particles·m−2) with polyethylene being the most abundant (27.4 %). MPs showed physical morphologies, with 76 % displayed signs of chemical degradation as confirmed by the carbonyl absorption peak profile, possibly due to exposure to harsh environmental conditions on the Arabian Gulf shores. Most metals analyzed were found at higher concentrations in sediments than the same metals adsorbed to MPs. The average metal concentration ranged from 0.26 (Cd) to 3122.62 μg∙g−1 (Sr) in sediments while 0.22 (Mo) to 30.26 μg∙g−1 (Sr) in MPs. The calculated metal Pollution Load Index (Sed PLI, range 0.57–2.38) for sediments indicates unpolluted to moderately polluted levels, while the Potential Ecological Risk Index (Sed PERI, range 6.9–2220) indicates a relatively considerable ecological risk for metal pollution in sediments in some of the coastal areas surveyed. PLI values calculated for metals associated with MPs (MPs PLI, range 1.1–7.5), suggests relatively moderate pollution, while the PERI for metals in MPs (MPs PERI, range 25.2–1811) has similar ecological risk in terms of metal pollutants in MPs as for sediments. This may be effective in providing relative spatial indices of pollution load and risk for metals associated with MPs, which could potentially inform establishment of an appropriate assessment framework, where MPs are increasingly abundant in coastal sediments. However, this does not account for the relatively lower abundance of MPs compared to sediments.

Effects of multiple environmental factors and land use patterns on microplastic distribution in the topsoil of the Qinghai and Sichuan provinces of China

The massive use of plastics has raised growing environmental concerns, including microplastic (MP) pollution. While most studies have focused on MPs in aquatic environments, research on airborne microplastics has gained increasing attention in recent years. This review discusses the sampling, analytical, and identification techniques used for MPs, with a particular focus on PM2.5 and PM10 fractions, which have been scarcely addressed in the literature. The main active and passive sampling methods, sample preparation protocols, MP quantification approaches, and chemical characterization techniques applied to airborne plastic particles are compiled. Attention is given to the influence of meteorological conditions on transport and deposition, as well as to the predominant sources of primary and secondary microplastics in both indoor and outdoor environments. The analysis identifies the main research challenges, particularly in the detection of microplastics and in the standardization of protocols. The review highlights the need for standardized methodologies to advance reliable quantification and to better understand the environmental implications of MPs.

Microplastic contamination in water, fish, and shrimp collected from the Nile River in Upper Egypt poses ecological and human health hazards.