Global Plastic Research Articles

Polyhydroxybutyrate production from non-recyclable fiber rejects and acid whey as mixed substrate by recombinant Escherichia coli

Producing polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) from agro-food processing waste has the potential to mitigate the global synthetic plastic pollution crisis and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it offers a promising solution to the challenges associated with high feedstock and production costs. This study aims to explore the use of two such wastes, non-recyclable fiber rejects (FR) (solid waste) and acid whey (AW) (liquid waste), as cost-effective and sustainable carbon sources for PHB production. Fiber rejects contains up to 50% carbohydrates that can be hydrolyzed to fermentable sugars. The AW is composed of lactose, lactic acid, fats, proteins, and mineral salts which could be used as carbon sources for PHB. The focus of this work was a comprehensive evaluation of substrate utilization, cell growth, and PHB inclusion in recombinant E. coli during the fermentation of various blends of acid whey and hydrolysate obtained from fiber rejects. Two approaches were investigated: i) produce FR hydrolysate and mix it with AW in various ratios (1:2, 1:1, and 2:1), and ii) use acid whey to replace water during the hydrolysis of FR. Combining acid whey with the hydrolysate achieved the highest PHB yield in a shorter duration compared to using only the hydrolysate. Replacing acid whey with water during the enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated fiber rejects and utilizing it further for fermentation resulted in the highest PHB yield of 5.2 g/L, with a 45.4% PHB inclusion rate. Additionally, the inherent lactic acid content in acid whey eliminates the need for adding acetic acid to adjust pH levels during hydrolysis, thereby saving freshwater and acid.Graphical

Isolation and Identification of Four Strains of Bacteria with Potential to Biodegrade Polyethylene and Polypropylene from Mangrove.

With the rapid growth of global plastic production, the degradation of microplastics (MPs) has received widespread attention, and the search for efficient biodegradation pathways has become a hot topic. The aim of this study was to screen mangrove sediment and surface water for bacteria capable of degrading polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) MPs. In this study, two strains of PE-degrading bacteria and two strains of PP-degrading candidate bacteria were obtained from mangrove, named Pseudomonas sp. strain GIA7, Bacillus cereus strain GIA17, Acinetobacter sp. strain GIB8, and Bacillus cereus strain GIB10. The results showed that the degradation rate of the bacteria increased gradually with the increase in degradation time for 60 days. Most of the MP-degrading bacteria had higher degradation rates in the presence of weak acid. The appropriate addition of Mg2+ and K+ was favorable to improve the degradation rate of MPs. Interestingly, high salt concentration inhibited the biodegradation of MPs. Results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the degradation and surface changes of PP and PE MPs caused by candidate bacteria, which may depend on the biodegradation-related enzymes laccase and lipase. Our results indicated that these four bacterial strains may contribute to the biodegradation of MPs in the mangrove environment.

Ethics in Global Plastic Surgery Missions.

Delivering ethical care in global plastic surgery is challenging due to the unique complexities of resource-limited settings. Additionally, the rise of medical tourism has highlighted the importance of informed consent and awareness of the potential risks that are associated with seeking medical care in foreign countries. This article aims to consider core medical ethics principles and apply them in the context of delivering global plastic surgery. This article examines the application of the four core medical ethics principles in a framework set forth by Beauchamp and Childress, namely autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice, in the context of delivering plastic surgery in international settings. A literature review was performed, where all potential global plastic surgery articles were reviewed to better understand the application of the four core medical ethics framework in this context. Increased communication between visiting surgeons and local healthcare providers; heightened education of surgeons traveling to low-to-middle-income countries regarding local medical practices, resource availability, and cultural norms before providing surgical education; and a greater emphasis on collecting and publishing data analyzing short- and long-term outcomes in low-to-middle-income countries are all likely to improve the success of international medical missions, ensuring that all patients receive medical treatment in a manner that upholds Beauchamp and Childress' four core medical ethics principles. Providing plastic and reconstructive surgery abroad can be done ethically if the four main principles of medical ethics (respect for autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice) are used.

Upcycling PVC and PET as Volume-Enhancing Functional Fillers for the Development of High-Performance Bio-Based Rigid Polyurethane Foams

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) contribute significantly to global plastic waste, with only 9% recycled in recent years. In this work, these plastic wastes were upcycled as functional fillers to improve the rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) properties. To attain this target, we leveraged the intrinsic polarity of the C=O and C-Cl groups of PVC and PET to induce intermolecular attractions with the N-H groups of the polyurethane matrix, evidenced by the observed IR peak shifts. This enhanced the nucleating effect during foaming, increasing the foams’ compressive strengths by 77% and 22% with the addition of 10% PVC and 5% PET filler, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of PVC and PET fillers increased the foam volume. Thus, the collective utilization of PPW and its corresponding impact on the CO-based RPUF’s properties signifies a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 14.15% and 17.52% for PVC and PET, respectively. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed improved thermal stability and degradation profiles of the produced RPUFs. Overall, this work highlights potential advancement in environmentally responsible upcycling strategies for common end-of-life plastic wastes, while enhancing rigid foam properties.

Micro-wave induced pyrolysis of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and biodegradation of resulting wax in soil and by defined microbial consortia is closing the loop towards LDPE upcycling

Plastic has become essential in daily life, replacing traditional materials like glass and wood due to its flexibility, durability, strength, and cost-effectiveness. However, the global plastic production surged to nearly 400 million tons in 2020, causing significant environmental accumulation. Polyethylene (PE), a ubiquitous polymer, poses recycling challenges due to its stability and widespread use in layered products, contributing to long-term pollution. This study focuses on PE degradation challenges, advocating for integrated chemical and biological treatments. Chemical methods like pyrolysis show promise but aren't fully eco-friendly. Microwave-induced pyrolysis emerges as a viable alternative, offering faster, targeted heating with lower energy consumption. Using microwave-absorbent materials such as silicon carbide, this method efficiently breaks down even challenging low-density PE (LDPE), yielding wax products of 68–91 % yield, with reduced molecular weight suitable for further biological degradation. Biodegradation experiments demonstrated over 95 % degradation by defined microbial consortia and considerable degradation in soil without bioaugmentation. The Rhodococcus consortium showed exceptional potential, degrading 90 % of LDPE-wax as a carbon source within 28 days, particularly strain CHBE-144 achieving 98 % degradation in just 14 days. Genomic analysis revealed enzymes crucial for alkane and plastic breakdown, with strains capable of producing biosurfactants, suggesting up-cycling potential for PE-derived materials into value-added products. Integrating microwave-induced pyrolysis with microbial biodegradation offers a promising pathway for managing PE waste sustainably, potentially reducing environmental impact while creating valuable resources from plastic waste. Further research is warranted to optimize these processes and scale them for practical application in waste management and resource recovery efforts globally.

Review of Bio-Based Biodegradable Polymers: Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Packaging.

Conventional passive packaging plays a crucial role in food manufacturing by protecting foods from various external influences. Most packaging materials are polymer-based plastics derived from fossil carbon sources, which are favored for their versatility, aesthetic appeal, and cost-effectiveness. However, the extensive use of these materials poses significant environmental challenges due to their fossil-based origins and persistence in the environment. Global plastic consumption for packaging is expected to nearly triple by 2060, exacerbating the ecological crisis. Moreover, globalization has increased access to a diverse range of foods from around the world, heightening the importance of packaging in providing healthier and safer foods with extended shelf life. In response to these challenges, there is a growing shift to eco-friendly active packaging that not only protects but also preserves the authentic qualities of food, surpassing the roles of conventional passive packaging. This article provides a comprehensive review on the viability, benefits, and challenges of implementing bio-based biodegradable polymers in active food packaging, with the dual goals of environmental sustainability and extending food shelf life.

Photo-modified and photo-degradable starch/Fe3O4/TiO2 nanocomposite: exploring the feasibility of reducing workforce by magnetic recycling.

Plastics are known for their durability and long decomposition time in the environment, which make plastic recycling an effective approach to mitigate plastic waste risks. However, the global plastic recycling rate is less than 10% mainly due to the labor-intensive and time-consuming nature of the manual recycling process, which poses high health risks and costs. Therefore, the development of a fast, effective, and operational process in current recycling plants is crucial to address the environmental concerns associated with plastics. In the current study, the feasibility of starch/Fe3O4/TiO2 bio-nanocomposite (SFT) as photo-modifiable and photo-degradable was investigated to reduce the workforce in recycling packaging material. The SFT was modified by different UV-C exposure times, which significantly altered its functional properties. The UV-C exposure increased the hydrophobicity of the SFT films and led to a homogenous distribution of Fe3O4/TiO2 nanoparticles (FT). It also increased tensile strength (TS) and decreased elongation at break (EB) of the films. It seems that producing shorter polymer chains, creating new linkages among the polymeric chains, and the homogenous distribution of FT in the matrix of biopolymer by UV-C are the main reasons for these changes. Moreover, the photo-degradation of SFT specimens increased significantly with longer UV-C exposure times. The utilization of magnetic properties in bio-based nanocomposites holds promising potential for streamlining labor-intensive processes in waste recycling plants. However, the inappropriate visual properties of SFT remain a significant obstacle that requires further attention to enable its commercial viability.

Haunting the Ganges: addressing the issues of ghost gear in the Ganga River through an incentive-based institutional mechanism

Abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gears, also known as ghost gears (GG), are major contributors to global marine and freshwater plastic pollution. GG can lead to the accidental entanglement of several threatened freshwater and marine species, especially the air-breathing aquatic vertebrates, which is a matter of global concern. There is a lack of know-how and mechanisms for collecting and recycling GG, leading to their constant accumulation in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we have examined the mortalities of threatened aquatic species in fishing nets and have proposed an incentive-based standard operating procedure (SOP) for effective collection and disposal of GG based on field observations and extant national and international policies and made recommendations for a net buyback scheme as a possible downstream solution to reduce GG in the Ganga River Basin. It is proposed that the collection of GG can be done by the local level institutions of fishing community through the fair-price shops. The nets are then to be deposited at the block-level processing centres to be transported to the district-level consolidating centres. Recycling partners identified by the Government of India will then collect the nets directly from district centres for further upcycling and recycling. A multi-level, multi-stakeholder approach with strong upstream and downstream linkages backed with appropriate policy interventions is needed to tackle the ghost gear issue in the Ganga River basin.

A Systematic Review on the Technical Performance and Sustainability of 3D Printing Filaments Using Recycled Plastic

Over the past 40 years, global plastic production has increased twenty-fold, prompting efforts to mitigate plastic waste. Recycling has emerged as the predominant strategy for sustainable plastic waste management. As additive manufacturing (AM) continues to evolve, integrating recycled plastics with various additives has gained significant attention. This systematic literature review, conducted in full accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, aims to evaluate and compare the properties and effects of recycled plastics and their additives in AM. Specifically, it examines the thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of these materials, along with their life cycle environmental and economic implications. A total of 88 research publications, spanning from 2013 to 2023, were analyzed. The databases searched include Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, with the final search conducted in December 2023. Studies were selected through a four-stage process—identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion—based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using five criteria: credibility, scope, clarity, methodology, and analysis quality. The results show that most research focuses on the mechanical properties of recycled plastics, with significant gaps in understanding their thermal and rheological properties. Additionally, there is limited research on the environmental and economic viability of these materials, highlighting the need for integrated life cycle assessments and eco-efficiency analyses. This review offers additive manufacturing professionals a comprehensive understanding of the thermal, mechanical, and rheological performance of recycled plastics and additives, supporting efforts to improve sustainability in the industry.

Selective hydrophilization based on alkaline-catalyzed alcoholysis: An approach to enhance the flotation of waste polyesters

Polyester plastics, constituting a substantial segment of the global plastic market, offer considerable potential market for the polyesters recycling. This study proposed an efficient separation technology for waste polyesters through flotation assisted by alkaline-catalyzed alcoholysis modification. The alkaline-catalyzed alcoholysis modification facilitates the selective hydrophilization of waste polyesters, regulating their float-sink behavior in flotation. According to the polyester floatability, the hydrophilicity of the modified polyesters is in order of PA6 > PET ≈ PU > PC > PMMA. Due to the different C–O and C–N bond strength, the modification selectively induced alcoholysis on the polyesters surface, enhancing their hydrophilicity by increasing the number of rough structure and hydrophilic functional groups on surfaces rather than introducing heteroatoms. The sinking products in flotation, including polyamide 6 (PA6), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyurethane (PU), could be separated from the floating products, such as polycarbonate (PC), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The binary separation was achieved under optimum conditions. The recovery and purity of PA6, PET, and PU could reach 100.0 % and 100.0 %, 100.0 % and 85.7 %, 79.9 % and 83.1 %, respectively. Consequently, the heterogeneous alcoholysis reactivity contributes to the selective hydrophilization of waste polyesters. This study established a hydrophilicity order of modified polyesters, and promoted flotation separation of waste polyesters.

Museum-archived myctophids reveal decadal trends in microplastic and microfiber ingestion

Global plastic production has surged since the 1960s, resulting in the pervasive presence of microplastics in the environment, yet there is a substantial gap in understanding historical trends of plastic pollution in wildlife. Recent discoveries of significant microplastic contamination in fishes have sparked considerable contemporary advancements in analytical methods and hold the potential to fill gaps in historical trends. We measured the presence of microplastics in museum-archived myctophids (Stenobrachius leucopsarus, Diaphus theta, and Tarletonbeania crenularis) collected from 1962 to 2016, to determine if trends in contamination levels over time correspond with the rise in plastics production. Seventy particles were extracted from 57 of the 240 individuals (23.8 % average occurrence across the time series) consisting of primarily blue and black microfibers. Anthropogenically modified cellulose was the dominant material (87 %) identified through μFTIR analysis, with polypropylene and polyethylene particles occurring secondarily. Although the complete time series across a broad geographical range of the North Pacific did not reveal a significant temporal trend, myctophids collected in proximity to the U.S. west coast showed a trend towards increasing incidence of microplastic and microfiber ingestion over time (p ≤ 0.05). Using historical samples of species with higher ingestion levels and consistent collection locations would improve the reliability of future investigations.

Assessment of microplastic pollution in eleven commercial fish species in the Gulf of İzmir (Aegean Sea, eastern Mediterranean)

With global plastic production reaching 400 million tons in 2022, concerns about plastic pollution in the seas are increasing day by day. Therefore we focused on the abundance, characteristics, and chemical composition of potential anthropogenic origin MPs within the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of 11 commercial fish species in the Gulf of İzmir, an area heavily impacted by human activities. Within the scope of the study, 152 fish were sampled, and microplastics were found in 64 fish. In total, 77 MPs were identified based on ATR-FTIR analysis. Significant differences were found between species regarding MP abundance. Among the species, Scomber scombrus showed the highest MP ingestion. The MP abundance in the GIT of fish decreases from surface to deeper waters. There were also significant differences (p < 0.05) in MP abundance between pelagic and demersal fish species. Results showed that 50.6 % of MPs were fragments, and 49.4 % were fibers. The most common color was black. Seven polymer types were identified, and PE was the most common. The size of the identified MPs ranged from 101 to 4901 μm, and the average value was 715.83 ± 860.66 μm. This study sheds light on the MP contamination within commercial fish species in the Gulf of İzmir and emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced marine ecosystem conservation strategies. Our findings can serve as a basis for future studies by providing essential baseline data for implementing necessary policies and regulations.

Interfacial Reactions in Chemical Recycling and Upcycling of Plastics.

Depolymerization of plastics is a leading strategy to combat the escalating global plastic waste crisis through chemical recycling, upcycling, and remediation of micro-/nanoplastics. However, critical processes necessary for polymer chain scission, occurring at the polymer-catalyst or polymer-fluid interfaces, remain largely overlooked. Herein, we spotlight the importance of understanding these interfacial chemical processes as a critical necessity for optimizing kinetics and reactivity in plastics recycling and upcycling, controlling reaction outcomes, product distributions, as well as improving the environmental sustainability of these processes. Several examples are highlighted in heterogeneous processes such as hydrogenation over solid catalysts, reaction of plastics in immiscible media, and biocatalysis. Ultimately, judicious exploitation of interfacial reactivity has practical implications in developing practical, robust, and cost-effective processes to reduce plastic waste and enable a viable post-use circular plastics economy.

A local-to-global emissions inventory of macroplastic pollution

Negotiations for a global treaty on plastic pollution1 will shape future policies on plastics production, use and waste management. Its parties will benefit from a high-resolution baseline of waste flows and plastic emission sources to enable identification of pollution hotspots and their causes2. Nationally aggregated waste management data can be distributed to smaller scales to identify generalized points of plastic accumulation and source phenomena3–11. However, it is challenging to use this type of spatial allocation to assess the conditions under which emissions take place12,13. Here we develop a global macroplastic pollution emissions inventory by combining conceptual modelling of emission mechanisms with measurable activity data. We define emissions as materials that have moved from the managed or mismanaged system (controlled or contained state) to the unmanaged system (uncontrolled or uncontained state—the environment). Using machine learning and probabilistic material flow analysis, we identify emission hotspots across 50,702 municipalities worldwide from five land-based plastic waste emission sources. We estimate global plastic waste emissions at 52.1 [48.3–56.3] million metric tonnes (Mt) per year, with approximately 57% wt. and 43% wt. open burned and unburned debris, respectively. Littering is the largest emission source in the Global North, whereas uncollected waste is the dominant emissions source across the Global South. We suggest that our findings can help inform treaty negotiations and develop national and sub-national waste management action plans and source inventories.

From traditional packaging to smart bio-packaging for food safety: a review

AbstractThe need to urgently find alternative plant-based biodegradable fibres is not just important, it is a pressing necessity. The severe environmental damage caused by plastic packaging materials demands immediate action. It is a responsibility that everybody should share to reduce the global plastic pollution rate and environmental footprint. Biodegradable films from natural and waste products have gained considerable consideration for their ability to guarantee optimal product conservation while avoiding any risk of contamination or intoxication. Therefore, this overview addresses recent developments in food packaging and the application of sensors to indicate possible packed food spoilage. The new role of food packaging was discussed widely, from traditional to bio-based, active and intelligent packaging. Until a few years ago, food packaging had the sole purpose of protecting food from external contamination. However, the barrier effect is no longer enough: the packaging should act directly on the food and the surrounding space. The interesting innovation that responds to this need is active and intelligent packaging, a market with solid growth in recent years. It allows the enhancement of food conservation and the detection of pathogens while maintaining good monitoring of the environment inside the package, continuously recording the food conditions. This more complete and interactive information is recorded thanks to special analytical devices: sensors. They can detect and transmit a message to the consumer about food quality, freshness and safety, thanks to the ability to record internal and external changes in the product’s environment. However, these devices are not free from limitations, such as costs and performance, which limit their wider use.

Degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics by wastewater bacteria engineered via conjugation.

Wastewater treatment plants are one of the major pathways for microplastics to enter the environment. In general, microplastics are contaminants of global concern that pose risks to ecosystems and human health. Here, we present a proof-of-concept for reduction of microplastic pollution emitted from wastewater treatment plants: delivery of recombinant DNA to bacteria in wastewater to enable degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Using a broad-host-range conjugative plasmid, we enabled various bacterial species from a municipal wastewater sample to express FAST-PETase, which was released into the extracellular environment. We found that FAST-PETase purified from some transconjugant isolates could degrade about 40% of a 0.25 mm thick commercial PET film within 4 days at 50°C. We then demonstrated partial degradation of a post-consumer PET product over 5-7 days by exposure to conditioned media from isolates. These results have broad implications for addressing the global plastic pollution problem by enabling environmental bacteria to degrade PET.

Durable polylactic acid bionanocomposites with biomass-derived nanocellulose additives: Recent advances in production

BackgroundPlastic is vital in our modern society as it is considered a versatile polymer that has been an indispensable part of daily life. Nevertheless, the nonstop production of plastics derived from petroleum has resulted in an unprecedented crisis in waste management, environmental pollution, and individual health. Global plastic production exceeds 400 million tons annually, and plastic waste is expected to reach 850 million tons annually by 2050. To address this, shifting to durable and sustainable bioplastics from renewable sources is crucial for replacing petrochemical plastics and advancing the bioeconomy. MethodsThis review evaluates the development of durable, green PLA-based bionanocomposites using nanocellulose. It covers DES modification and electrospinning techniques and assesses their impact on PLA's mechanical properties, thermal stability, and biodegradability. The review highlights progress and identifies areas for further research. FindingsIncorporating nanocellulose into PLA significantly improved its strength and heat resistance while keeping it biodegradable. Surface treatment with DES enhanced the even distribution of nanocellulose in the PLA, reducing clumping and improving compatibility. Electrospinning created well-aligned nanocellulose fibers, further strengthening the composite. These improvements make PLA-based bionanocomposites suitable for flexible electronics, medical applications, and packaging.

Conversion of PET bottles into carbonaceous adsorbents for Pb(II) removal from aqueous solutions via KOH activation

In this study, we present a novel approach to repurpose waste Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a prominent contributor to global plastic usage, for the synthesis of efficient adsorbents via facial pyrolysis. The as-synthesized adsorbents were applied for the removal of lead (Pb(II)) ions in aqueous solution. Controlled batch experiments at pH 5 with 0.075 g of adsorbent at room temperature (20 °C) were conducted to measure Pb(II) adsorption capacities (mg/g) and fitted on isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin) and kinetics models (Pseudo-First order, Pseudo-Second order, and Elovich). Thermodynamic experiments conducted at four different temperatures (293 K, 303 K, 313 K, and 323 K) provided enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy change parameters, explaining the Pb(II) adsorption behaviors on PET-based adsorbents. The activation process involving KOH, followed by carbonization, yielded adsorbents with exceptional surface areas, pore volumes, and elevated oxygen contents (up to 22.8 %). The best adsorbent exhibited superior performance, achieving a maximum adsorption capacity of 219.7 mg/g within a rapid equilibrium time of 15 min. The adsorption behavior adhered well to the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.999) and Pseudo-Second Order kinetics model (R2 = 0.999). Furthermore, C600K600 displayed outstanding reusability, with negligible efficiency reduction (<5 %) even after five consecutive cycles. These results underscore the successful conversion of PET waste into a low-cost and highly effective adsorbent, offering a promising solution for sustainable waste management.

A Preliminary Analysis of the Basic Principle and Research Value of Mud Volcano Formation

The global plastic usage and production issue during the COVID-19 Pandemic requires strategic, solid controls. In this passage, under the COVID-19 background, we summarize the factors that cause increasing production and usage of plastic, highlight the effects of producing and using a large amount of plastic, and propose some ways to deaden the environmental problems caused by the mass production of plastic products under the epidemic. Several factors are pushing the production and usage of plastics, including changes in people's behavior, demand for protective equipment, and laws and regulations. These factors drive the production of plastic substances, bringing with them a series of serious environmental, economic, and human health problems. Thus, we propose three ways, including the government leadership, social participation, and individual responsibility, to de-escalate the detriment caused by the plastic matter.

Polyamide microplastics can mitigate the effects of pathogenic bacterium on the health of marine mussels

Vibrio parahaemolyticus and microplastics are prevalent in the ocean. Bacteria attach onto plastic particles, forming harmful biofilms that collectively threaten bivalve health. This study investigates the interaction between polyamide microplastics (PA: particle size 38 ± 12 µm) and V. parahaemolyticus, as well as their combined impact on thick-shelled mussels (Mytilus coruscus). We introduced 1011 CFU/L of V. parahaemolyticus into varying PA concentrations (0, 5, 50, and 500 particles/L) to observe growth over 14 h and biofilm formation after 48 h. Our findings indicate that microplastics suppress biofilm formation and virulence gene expression. Four treatments were established to monitor mussel responses: a control group without PA or V. parahaemolyticus; a group with 50 particles/L PA; a group with 1011 CFU/L V. parahaemolyticus; and a co-exposure group with both 50 particles/L PA and 1011 CFU/L V. parahaemolyticus, over a 14-day experiment. However, combined stress from microplastics and Vibrio led to immune dysregulation in mussels, resulting in intestinal damage and microbiome disruption. Notably, V. parahaemolyticus had a more severe impact on mussels than microplastics alone, yet their coexistence reduced some harmful effects. This study is the first to explore the interaction between microplastics and V. parahaemolyticus, providing important insights for ecological risk assessments.