Microplastics (MPs), both conventional and biodegradable, are emerging contaminants of significant concern in marine ecosystems. While biodegradable plastics such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) are marketed as eco-friendly alternatives, growing evidence suggests that their degradation products may exhibit comparable toxicity to conventional polymers like polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS). This review critically examines the physicochemical properties, degradation behavior, and ecotoxicological impacts of both biodegradable and conventional MPs on the marine microalga Chlorella vulgaris. The analysis highlights that both MP types inhibit algal growth, disrupt photosynthesis, and induce oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, enzymatic imbalance, and cellular membrane damage. Mechanistic pathways involve particle aggregation, surface adsorption, and the release of toxic leachates and nano-sized derivatives, amplifying their ecological risks. Furthermore, biodegradable MPs often fragment faster, increasing MP particle counts and pollutant adsorption potential. The findings challenge the perceived environmental safety of “biodegradable” plastics and underscore the need for realistic field-based assessments. Understanding MP-algae interactions is crucial, as disruptions at this trophic level may cascade through marine food webs, affecting productivity and biogeochemical cycling. The review calls for comprehensive ecotoxicological frameworks to guide sustainable polymer design and effective marine pollution management.

Bisphenol analogues (BPs) are widely used in the production of epoxy resins and poly carbonate plastics. In recent years, the demand and production capacity of BPs are growing rapidly. The occurrence of BPs other than bisphenol A (BPA) in Buriganga River water system and sediment is largely unreported. This study assesses the seasonal occurrence and spatial distribution of four bisphenol analogues bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol E (BPE), bisphenol AF (BPAF), and bisphenol F (BPF) in water and sediment samples from ten riverine sites and quantification was performed via GC–MS. In water, rainy-season’s mean concentrations reached 3.74 μg/L for BPAF and 3.06 μg/L for BPF, while BPB and BPE remained below 1.2 μg/L. Winter levels more than doubled, peaking at 7.11 μg/L for BPF and 6.89 μg/L for BPAF, with BPB and BPE rising to 4.94 μg/L and 4.53 μg/L, respectively. Broader winter ranges (e.g., BPF 3.37–13.7 μg/L) indicate enhanced mobilization and accumulation under low flow conditions. Sediment analysis revealed mean concentrations of 64.9 μg/g (BPF), 54.2 μg/g (BPE), 45.0 μg/g (BPAF), and 24.6 μg/g (BPB), with maximum values reaching up to 159.9 μg/g, highlighting localized hotspots. Proportional composition shifted from BPAF dominance in the rainy season to BPF prevalence in winter, while sediments consistently followed the hierarchy BPF > BPE > BPAF > BPB. BPs in water exhibited significant and strong positive correlations, whereas sediment bisphenols showed no significant links. This study could be a wake-up call for the scientific community and policymakers to consider remedial measures.

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), often resulting from the misuse of antibiotics, have emerged as significant environmental pollutants. Their presence in wastewater poses challenges for conventional treatment methods, which fail to eliminate ARGs completely. This study investigates the use of ionic liquids (ILs) impregnated onto granular activated carbon (GAC) to enhance the removal of ARGs. Two ILs, TEDA ((N,N,N-triethyl-1-dodecylammonium bis(trifluoromethyl-sulfonyl)imide) and TEGO Dispers 662 C (commercial IL; an imidazolium-based surfactant), were used for impregnation and tested against bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Aeromonas sp., as well as bacteria present in real water samples from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and greywater. The IL-impregnated GAC demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity, particularly against ARG strains A3 and A4, with >99 % bacterial elimination. Notably, the adsorption capacity of GAC for most pharmaceuticals was not significantly reduced by impregnation with TEDA. Analytical and ecotoxicological tests (using Vibrio fischeri , Sinapis alba , and Eisenia andrei ) confirmed that the ILs remained strongly bound to the GAC surface, reducing their environmental risk. The findings highlight the potential of IL-impregnated activated carbon as a selective antimicrobial agent for wastewater treatment, especially in addressing the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.