Microplastic Particles Research Articles

Pedestrian traffic is the main driver of macro- and large microplastic debris deposition in urban stormwater drains

Land-based sources are the greatest contributors of plastic pollution found in aquatic environments. Although plastic debris items spilling into natural watercourses from stormwater outflow sites have been investigated, this study provides details of the plastic items that can be trapped within stormwater drains prior to release. We examined macroplastic (>5 mm) and large microplastic (1–5 mm) debris that accumulated in LittaTrapTM devices at six drains over four seasonal periods in London, Ontario, Canada. Flotation, visual identification, microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to determine the drivers of plastic debris deposition. Macroplastics (MaPs) and microplastics (MPs) were identified in all 36 samples, and the totals ranged from 5–158 MaPs and 18–359 MPs per trap. Out of the 118 different MaPs found, the most common items were cigarette butts, wrappers, and expanded polystyrene. The main MPs were fragments, foams, and fibres. The most common macroplastic applications were “smoking”, “food/beverage packaging”, “household”, and non-food or beverage “packaging”. Microplastic particle compositions were mainly polyethylene and polypropylene, but other polymer types fall within the applications of construction (paints and resins), automotive/transportation, and electronics. The summer samples contained the greatest averages of plastic debris, and the drains located in busy pedestrian areas were associated with the highest debris counts. The results support pedestrian traffic as the main driver of plastic debris accumulation in urban London stormwater drains, which is controlled by seasonal weather conditions.

Imaging‐Based Lensless Polarization‐Sensitive Fluid Stream Analyzer for Automated, Label‐Free, and Cost‐Effective Microplastic Classification

The presence of microplastics in the environment is of significant concern, yet the exact extent of this pollution remains largely unknown. The ocean is of particular interest as the monitoring of microplastics presents a challenge in that in situ fluid stream solutions are not readily available and traditional sampling methods are labor‐intensive and costly. This study introduces an imaging‐based lensless polarization‐sensitive fluid stream analyzer (FSA) for automated, label‐free, and cost‐effective detection and classification of microplastics. The FSA incorporates digital in‐line holography and birefringence computation, enabling quantitative polarization‐sensitive imaging and machine‐learning‐based activities including sample classification. Birefringent textures of synthetic polymers are investigated owing to their optical anisotropy. A microplastic classifier is developed for the FSA and integrated to form an end‐to‐end workflow capable of sampling fluid streams and determining marine and microplastic particle presence. Cultures of two phytoplankton species form a simplified marine environment for FSA evaluation. The device is tested in a two‐class configuration for marine microorganisms and microplastics, as well as a five‐class configuration for marine microorganisms and four individual microplastic types (polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polystyrene). The results demonstrate high classification accuracy, supported by experiments in the simulated marine environment that validate the proposed implementation's efficacy.

Fibrous foes: First report on insidious microplastic contamination in dietary fiber supplements

Regular consumption of health supplements to balance dietary intake has gained popularity worldwide. One such supplement that has gained popularity among consumers is dietary fibers. Microplastic (MPs) contamination in various food products is being reported worldwide. However, there is a paucity of understanding of the occurrence of MPs in dietary supplements. This study addresses this gap by investigating the degree of MPs contamination in dietary fiber supplements. Nine commonly consumed (powder and gummy-based) over-the-counter dietary fiber supplements in Australia were tested in this study. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of MPs fibers and fragments in all the tested products. Further categorization showed that MPs particles were of various colours, including black, blue, red, green, and white. The order of polymer abundance was Polyamide > Polydiallyl Phthalate > polyethylene polypropylene diene > Polyurethane = Polyethylene terephthalate > Polyethylene = Ethylene acrylic acid copolymer. Among the supplements, powder-based samples had higher MPs (at the adult dosage suggested by the manufacturer) than gummy-based product. The average predicted ingestion of microplastics from these supplements (all nine samples) was 5.89 ± 2.89 particles day−1. The dietary exposure for children and adults ranged from 0.1–0.48 and 0.18–4.08 particles day−1, respectively. Based on the microplastic contamination factor (MCF), among the nine samples tested, 69.81% exhibited a moderate level, while 20.76% showed a significant level of microplastic contamination. The polymer risk index (pRi) indicates products with very high and high-risk categories. The possible sources of MPs contamination in the products were studied. To our knowledge, this is the first study to record and quantify the presence of MPs in dietary fiber supplements, which is a direct source of MPs exposure to humans via., ingestion.

Integrated Ziegler-Natta/Brookhart-Ni Catalysts for the Synthesis of Sutured Polar High-Impact Polypropylenes.

The direct synthesis of polar high-impact polypropylenes using industrially-preferred heterogeneous catalysts is challenging due to the poisoning of polar functional groups towards metal center and the high stereo-selectivity requirement. In this work, dual-site catalysts combining Ziegler-Natta and Brookhart-Ni catalysts were used to produce polar polyolefin ionomers, followed by polar high-impact polypropylenes containing isotactic polypropylene and branched polyethylene as toughening agents. Three combination modes between these catalysts were investigated, including mixed, core-shell, and integrated types. The integrated dual-site catalyst achieved the optimal material properties because the polyolefin ionomer acted as a suture molecule that stitched different components into a whole network. This produced sutured polar high-impact polypropylenes with excellent mechanical properties and compatibility with polar substances. The restraining effect of the suture molecules greatly reduced the release of microplastic particles after aging. Moreover, the obtained polar high-impact polypropylene can serve as an efficient compatibilizer to recycle polyethylene/polypropylene mixed-waste plastics. This work provides an appealing and potentially practical strategy to upgrade the widely used polypropylenes and to alleviate the ever-growing plastic pollution issue.

Integrated Ziegler‐Natta/Brookhart‐Ni Catalysts for the Synthesis of Sutured Polar High‐Impact Polypropylenes

The direct synthesis of polar high‐impact polypropylenes using industrially‐preferred heterogeneous catalysts is challenging due to the poisoning of polar functional groups towards metal center and the high stereo‐selectivity requirement. In this work, dual‐site catalysts combining Ziegler‐Natta and Brookhart‐Ni catalysts were used to produce polar polyolefin ionomers, followed by polar high‐impact polypropylenes containing isotactic polypropylene and branched polyethylene as toughening agents. Three combination modes between these catalysts were investigated, including mixed, core‐shell, and integrated types. The integrated dual‐site catalyst achieved the optimal material properties because the polyolefin ionomer acted as a suture molecule that stitched different components into a whole network. This produced sutured polar high‐impact polypropylenes with excellent mechanical properties and compatibility with polar substances. The restraining effect of the suture molecules greatly reduced the release of microplastic particles after aging. Moreover, the obtained polar high‐impact polypropylene can serve as an efficient compatibilizer to recycle polyethylene/polypropylene mixed‐waste plastics. This work provides an appealing and potentially practical strategy to upgrade the widely used polypropylenes and to alleviate the ever‐growing plastic pollution issue.

Evaluating microplastic particles as vectors of exposure for plastic additive chemicals using a food web model

Microplastic particles (MPs) represent potential hazards for humans and wildlife, including as vectors for chemical exposure (e.g. plastic additives and pollutants sorbed from the surrounding environment). The leaching of chemicals from MPs has been identified as a potential exposure pathway but the relative magnitude of this pathway under environmentally relevant conditions remains unclear. Here, we describe a modification of the ACC-HUMANSTEADY bioaccumulation model to include dietary exposure to MPs containing either accumulated chemicals from the surrounding environment or embedded plastic additive chemicals (PACs). Chemical transfer to humans and wildlife is described using two-film resistance concepts assuming spheroidal particles of different sizes. The relative contribution of MPs and environmental media to the estimated daily chemical intake in humans was assessed in various exposure scenarios, for a range of hypothetical chemicals with varying octanol-water and air-water partition coefficients (KOW and KAW, respectively; i.e. 0 < log KOW <8 and − 5 < log KAW < 3). Results imply that MPs could act as sources of exposure to chemical additives when the ingestion rate of 1 μm MPs is ≥ 10 mg d− 1, and the concentration of hydrophobic plastic additive is ≥ 5% wt wt− 1. The contribution made by MPs as vectors of exposure decreased with increasing particle size and decreasing ingestion rates of MPs. Human health risks were evaluated for four specific PACs to illustrate the application of the model for risk assessment. Risks were negligible when the ingestion rate of MPs was < 100 μg d− 1. Uncertainties are high regarding the characterization and quantification of ingestion of MPs by humans and wildlife, including particle sizes and polymer composition, as well as on the presence of PACs in MPs. These data gaps need to be addressed if the issue of MPs as vectors of chemical exposure is to be fully understood. The work illustrates that mechanistic models, which account for all major exposure pathways, can be used to identify the importance of different exposure pathways, help prioritize research needs and support decision making.

Characterization of microplastics in soil, leachate and groundwater at a municipal landfill in Rayong Province, Thailand

Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in global plastic production, leading to heightened concerns over microplastics (MPs) contamination as a significant environmental challenge. MP particles are ubiquitously distributed across both continental and marine ecosystems. Given the paucity of research on MPs in Thailand, particularly regarding MPs contamination in terrestrial environments, this study focused on investigating the distribution and characteristics of MPs in a landfill area. We collected 15 soil samples, 2 leachate samples, and 5 groundwater samples from both inside and outside a municipal landfill situated in the urbanized coastal region of Rayong Province. Our findings revealed variability in MPs concentration across different sample types. In soil, the MP count ranged from 240 to 26,100 pieces per kg of dry soil, 58.71 % of all sample sizes are lower than 0.5 mm. Similarly, the size found in the leachate sample, and the average MP in the leachate samples was 139 pieces per liter of MPs. The groundwater samples showed a fluctuation in MPs count from 26 to 94 pieces per liter, and the size of MPs ranged mostly from 0.5 to 1 mm. The predominant forms of MPs identified were sheets, followed by fragments, fibers, and granules. According to μ-FTIR analysis, the majority of the MPs were composed of polyethylene and polypropylene, commonly used in plastic packaging and ropes. The observed high concentrations and extensive distribution of MP contamination underscore the urgency for further studies and effective management strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of this pollution on various organisms and ecosystems.

Numerical simulation and experimental study of microplastic transport under open channel shear flow: Roles of particle physical properties and flow velocities

Microplastic (MP) transport patterns under open channel shear flow remain unclear. This study investigates the transport laws of MPs at various flow velocities, MP densities, sizes and concentrations in the U-shaped experimental flume and the numerical flume based on Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM). The results indicate that the average horizontal particle velocity and the transport distances of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Polystyrene (PS) particles increase with the average cross-sectional flow velocity, while the average vertical particle velocity decreases with it. The total average particle velocity closely matches the average vertical particle velocity, regardless of the variation in MP size, density and concentration. Formula-based analysis reveals that the acceleration of spherical MP transport mainly depends on the particle size and its consequent relative drag force term (RDFT) under the conditions with a single type of MP particles, but on the particle density and its consequent RDFT and relative gravity term (RGT) in the case concerning different types of MP particles with identical particle sizes. The average horizontal particle velocity maximum of PVC and PS are both strongly correlated with the average flow velocity maximum in the cross-section. This correlation lowers with the MP particle size and concentration, and is independent of MP density. Our findings can provide reference for the prevention and control of MP pollution in rivers.

Microplastics influence nutrient content and quality of salt-affected agricultural soil under plastic mulch.

Northeast China is an important food production base and plays a crucial role in national food security. However, the increase in salt-affected soils poses a challenge to agricultural production in this region. Plastic mulching is an effective technique for saline cropland improvement, and although it has increased crop yields in the short term, its long-term application may have introduced the problem of contamination by microplastics (MPs). The distribution of MPs in salt-affected cropland, along with the effects on soil nutrients, remains largely unknown. Accordingly, the presented research selected salt-affected cropland as the research object, after which MPs were quantified from 46 soil samples from currently mulched and unmulched fields. MPs abundance in the sampled soils ranging from 4.10×103∼1.50×104 particles per kilogram of dry soil. The detected MP polymers were mainly high-density polyethylene (46%), polypropylene (22%) and polyvinyl chloride (20%). The MP particles most commonly fell under the size ranges of 50∼100 μm (35%) and 100∼200 μm (28%), both of which are small particle sizes. The most commonly detected MP shapes were film (34%) and fragment (31%). The mulched samples from salt-affected cropland generally showed higher soil nutrient contents than the unmulched samples. Moreover, MP abundance, type, size, and shape all demonstrated strong correlations with soil organic carbon and total nitrogen. MP type is a major factor determining soil nutrient content. Plastic mulching serves as an important source of MPs in salt-affected cropland, with these contaminants affecting nutrient content. Future research should be broader in scope and include ecological benefits and policy implications, with a view to optimizing the problem of MPs contamination due to mulching.

Assessing the Microplastic Pandemic: Prevalence, Detection, and Human Health Impacts in Asian Aquatic Environments

Microplastics pose a major threat to the globe due to their increased pollution and concerning effects on biota and humans. Presently, every terrestrial and marine region is affected diversely by microplastic contamination. The most polluted locations are industrialized metropolitan areas and coastal regions with considerable human activity. In this study, we choose representative samples of freshwater, marine, and biota in water, as well as sediments with different levels of microplastic pollution and distinct geographical conditions. For individually chosen aquatic areas and matrices, we reviewed, assessed, and summarized the current microplastic pollution and various methods of microplastic pollution assessment. The highest concentration of microplastics in data collected in Asia was found to be 372 ± 14.3 item/L and 9630 ± 2947 item/kg in the water and sediments of the Mumbai, India, coast. This huge abundance might be generated by human activities near the coastal areas as well as due to migration and tourism. This could also be due to sewage discharge and untreated domestic wastewater that is being dumped into the environment. Consuming of microplastic particles can put humans at risk for cytotoxicity, hypersensitivity, an unwanted immune response, and acute responses such as haemolysis, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and neurological conditions. Focusing on pollution status and potential mitigation path for microplastics from freshwater to oceans, we compared the distribution and important characteristics of microplastics in different locations. This study leads researchers to emphasis the reduction of MP pollution in densely populated areas like Asia.

Assessing Microplastic Contamination in Shellfish: Insights from Pantai Remis Kuala Selangor, Strait of Malacca, Malaysia

Introduction: Microplastic (MP) contamination poses a global environmental threat, affecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and human health. This study investigates the presence, density, and composition of MPs in three commercially important shellfish species, oriental angel wing clam (Pholas orientalis), bamboo clam (Ensis leei), and blood cockles (Tegillarca granosa) at Pantai Remis Jeram, Kuala Selangor. Methods: Microplastics in shellfish were quantitatively analyzed for their abundance, colour, size, shape, and composition using microscopic techniques and micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Standard experimental protocols were followed. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS to identify correlations between these parameters. Results and Discussion: Our findings reveal a significant presence of MP particles in shellfish with T. granosa exhibiting the highest density (2.417 particles/cm³) compared to E. leei (0.721 particles/cm³) and P. orientalis (1.449 particles/cm³). Fibers and fragments were the dominant MP morphotypes, primarily in black color. P. orientalis and T. granosa contained a majority of MPs within the 1 - 5 mm size range, totalling 41 and 56 particles, respectively. Shellfish samples contain polymers of cellulase acetate and polyethylene terephthalate, indicating possible origins from plastic bottles and textile fibres. A statistically significant difference in the mean MP densities in the different species of shellfish was found by one-way ANOVA analysis (p = 0.042, p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: This study provides relevant data on MP pollution in commercially significant shellfish species. To effectively mitigate this environmental concern and comprehend the long-term ecological ramifications of MP intake by shellfish, more research is required.

Removal of Organic Micropollutants and Microplastics via Ozonation Followed by Granular Activated Carbon Filtration

Discharge from Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) can result in the emission of organic micropollutants (OMPs) and microplastics (MPs) into the aquatic environment. To prevent this harmful release, a pilot plant consisting of an ozonation followed by a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter was operated at a WWTP in Germany, and its side-effects on the concentrations of nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) compounds were measured. Over 80% of OMPs and transformation products were removed during the operating time (around 6000 bed volumes) no matter the ozone dose (from around 0.1 to 0.5 mgO3/mgDOC), except for Diatrizoic acid, whose breakthrough appeared at 3500 BV. Formation of the oxidation by-product, NDMA, increased with higher ozone doses, but the concentration remained below 100 ng/L. Bromate was formed at a higher ozone dose (&gt;0.4 mgO3/mgDOC) but at a low concentration—below 10 µg/L. The MP particles detected in the inflow (PE, SBR, PP, and PS) were effectively eliminated to a high degree, with a removal rate of at least 92%. Carbon parameters (COD, DOC, and SAC254) were removed further by the pilot plant, but to different extents. As expected, nitrate was formed during ozonation, while nitrite’s concentration decreased. Further, nitrite decreased and nitrate increased within the GAC filter, while ammonium was eliminated by at least 90%. Total P concentration decreased after the pilot, but the concentration of PO4-P increased.

Detection of microplastics in fish using computed tomography and deep learning

Marine organisms have been observed ingesting microplastic particles, with field analyses indicating fibers and fragments as prevalent forms. Current microplastic detection methods are mainly time-consuming, susceptible to cross-contamination, and expensive. Furthermore, these techniques, being disruptive, do not allow for the exact localization of the microplastic in the sample. This study proposes a new approach using Computed Tomography (CT scan) and Artificial Intelligence for the automatic and non-destructive detection of microplastics in fishes and other species based on the combination of several factors, such as density and shape. The advantages of this methodology include accurate identification of plastic localization, a low risk of cross-contamination, rapid processing, automatic tomographic measurement, efficient data processing, cost-effectiveness, and a high cost-benefit ratio. The herein results highlight how artificial intelligence applied to conventional techniques can significantly improve precision and efficiency in microplastic research. Indeed, the semantic segmentation model clearly recognized the presence of 100 % of the plastic particles, both in their location and in their volume, accelerating the identification process and surpassing the limitations of traditional spectral analysis methodologies.

Combined toxicity of microplastics and antibiotics towards aquatic ecosystems: A case study in Beiluo River, China

Microplastics (MPs) can adsorb antibiotics to form complex pollutants that seriously threaten the health of freshwater ecosystems. However, few studies have examined the combined ecotoxicity of MPs and multiple antibiotics in natural aquatic environments. In this study, we examined the effects of combined exposure to antibiotics and MPs on aquatic community structure in natural settings in the Beiluo River using eDNA analysis. The results revealed that antibiotic pollution in the Beiluo River mainly originates from animal husbandry and agriculture, whereas MPs mainly originate from agriculture and urban sewage. The community structure of aquatic organisms was significantly correlated with the concentrations of antibiotics and MPs and that the combined effects of antibiotics and MPs were highly interpretable for cyanobacteria and phytoplankton. The effect of MPs on antibiotic toxicity is highly dependent on the antibiotic type and MP particle size. These insights highlight that co-exposure to MPs and antibiotics in the natural environment is a common phenomenon and that co-exposure to MPs can alter the toxicological profile of antibiotics. The results enhance our comprehensive understanding of the complex combined effects of MPs and antibiotics on aquatic organisms, emphasising the necessity of informed scientific management of these emerging contaminants.

Differential sensitivity of hemocyte subpopulations (Mytilus edulis) to aged polyethylene terephthalate micro- and nanoplastic particles

Bivalve hemocytes, particularly granulocytes and hyalinocytes, play a crucial role in cell-mediated immunity. However, their interactions with aged plastic particles, exhibiting altered properties that more closely resemble those in natural environments, remain largely underexplored. This study assesses the differential responses of hemocyte subpopulations (Mytilus edulis) to chemically aged polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastic (MPs) and nanoplastic (NPs) particles across multiple cellular effect endpoints. Particle characteristics were analyzed using Single Particle Extinction and Scattering, Raman Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Dynamic Light Scattering. In vitro experiments with aged PET MPs (1.9 µm) and NPs (0.68 µm) were conducted at three internally relevant concentrations: 10 (C1), 10³ (C2), and 10⁵ particles/mL (C3). Cellular responses were assessed by measuring lysosomal content stability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cellular mortality, and morphological parameters using flow cytometry at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours. Our findings provide mechanistic insights into the differential sensitivities of granulocytes and hyalinocytes to aged PET, influenced by particle size and concentration. Specifically, aged PET MPs and NPs induce distinct size and concentration-dependent patterns of lysosomal destabilization, coinciding with the loss of functional integrity. Elevated ROS levels were observed only in granulocytes and hyalinocytes exposed to high concentrations of aged PET NPs, underscoring the effects on oxidative stress. Both aged PET MPs and NPs induce significant increases in cellular mortality, particularly after 24 h of exposure at high concentrations. These findings reveal the complex cellular mechanisms underlying hemocyte functional impairment following exposure to aged PET particles under environmentally and biologically relevant conditions.

Identifying the distribution and source of riverine plastic waste contamination: case study of Brantas River in Malang city

Brantas River experiences significant pollution due to domestic and industrial wastes. This condition also causes natural disasters such as floods. Single use plastics generally made up a large portion of local wastes. However, previous studies mostly investigated plastic waste pollution and local waste management habits as separate topics. Therefore, the objects of this study are the plastic wastes in Brantas River, as microplastic particles, and the identification of its source. The assessments were based on microplastic counts, macroinvertebrate bioassessment with SIGNAL-2 index, and the quantitative data of local domestic waste management at three Stations in Malang City area. Riverine microplastic pollutant concentrations and its sources were both successfully identified and solved. The results showed that the highest riverine microplastic particles were found in Station 3. This station only had four macroinvertebrate taxa with a SIGNAL-2 score of 4.42, indicating severe degradation. Quantitative data showed that 80 % of Station 3 residents threw plastic wastes directly to Brantas River. The low macroinvertebrate counts possibly caused by ingestion of microplastic from households and small-scale enterprises which heavily utilized single use plastics to trade their goods. The first distinctive feature of this study is the comparability of the microplastic, and macroinvertebrate counts with the river degradation status. Secondly, the quantitative data can serve as complementary evidence. Practically, the obtained results can be developed into an integrated plastic waste management plan for the residents surrounding the rivers, particularly in developing countries with similar socio-cultural conditions as elaborated in this study, to maintain the ecosystem quality

The effect of polyvinyl chloride microplastics on soil properties, greenhouse gas emission, and element cycling-related genes: Roles of soil bacterial communities and correlation analysis

Different shapes (membranes and particles) and concentrations (1 % (w/w) and 2 % (w/w)) of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics (MPs) were investigated to determine their impact on the soil environment. The incorporation of MPs can disrupt soil macroaggregates. Compared with 1 % (w/w) MPs, 2 % MPs resulted in a significant increase in soil organic carbon content. MP particles significantly increased soil CO2 emissions, and CH4 emissions were enhanced by both membrane and particle MPs at high concentrations. Microplastics can alter the abundance of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteriota, and Firmicutes at the phylum level, and Nocardioides, Rhodococcus and Bacillus at the genus level. MP particles had a more significant impact on soil bacterial communities than MP membranes. The relative abundances of genes involved in the C, N, and P cycles were detected by qPCR, and more remarkable changes were observed in MP membrane treatments. The relative abundance of Vicinamibacteraceae and Vicinamibacterales exhibited a positive correlation with most C/N/P cycle-related genes, whereas Pseudarthrobacter and Nocardioides demonstrated a negative correlation. This study highlights that the influence of MPs on soil parameters is mediated by soil microorganisms, providing insight into the effects of MPs on the soil microenvironment.

The Ability of Gastropods of Lake Baikal to the Feeding and Excretion of Microplastic Particles with Different Morphological Structures

Studies of the pollution of Lake Baikal with microplastic particles have been started quite recently. Almost all research is focused on the assessment of surface water pollution, while the impact of microplastics on Baikal organisms remains unexplored. We conducted a laboratory experiment involving three species of gastropod mollusks, the Palearctic Lymnaea stagnalis (L., 1758) and Radix auricularia (L., 1758), as well as the Baikal endemic Benedictia baicalensis (Gerstfeldt, 1859). Two types of microplastics were used in the experiment: fragments of polystyrene and polyester fibers, prepared independently in the laboratory. These plastic particles, along with the food mixture, were placed in aquariums with mollusks. In total, as a result of the experiment, 386 preparations with mollusk excrement were obtained, of which 144 preparations were for the Radix auricularia species, 176 for the Lymnaea stagnalis species, and 67 for the Benedictia baicalensis species, the experiment with the latter species was carried out only with microplastic fragments. All preparations were analyzed according to the degree of fluorescence. The data were statistically processed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The data obtained allowed us to conclude that gastropods of these species are able to absorb microplastic particles and remove them from the body. However, the rate of removal of microplastic particles from the body of a mollusk is species-specific, and also directly depends on the morphological structure of microplastic particles.

Microplastic Transport and Accumulation in Rural Waterbodies: Insights from a Small Catchment in East China.

Microplastic (MP) pollution in agricultural ecosystems is an emerging environmental concern, with limited knowledge of its transport and accumulation in rural waterbodies. This study investigates the distribution and sources of MP in drainage ditches influenced by pond connectivity, land use, and soil properties within a small catchment in Nanjing, East China. Sediment was collected from ditches in 18 sites across forest, agricultural, horticultural, and urban areas. Using laser-directed infrared spectroscopy (LDIR), 922 MP particles were identified. Six materials were dominant: fluororubber (FR), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU), acrylonitrile (ACR), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), and polyethylene (PE). MP concentrations varied by land use and pond connectivity, with ditches above ponds exhibiting higher counts (1700 particles/kg) than those below (1050 particles/kg), indicating that ponds act as MP sinks. The analysis revealed site-specific MP sources, with FR linked to road runoff and PET associated with agricultural practices. Correlations between MP shape and soil properties showed that more compact and filled shapes were more commonly associated with coarser soils. PE particle size was negatively correlated with organic matter. This study highlights the need for targeted strategies to reduce MP pollution in rural landscapes, such as reducing plastic use, ditch maintenance, and improved road runoff management.

Passing plastic: Traces of plastic in the fecal samples of a high Arctic seabird in Tunu (East Greenland)

Arctic seabirds are key bio-indicators of marine plastic pollution due to their transient movement and large populations. Although many studies have quantified the ingestion of microplastic particles (&lt;5 mm in size) through necropsy or regurgitation sampling methods, little is known about post-digestive particle excretion. Due to the logistical challenges of non-lethally sampling feces from Arctic seabirds, this pathway remains largely understudied. We non-lethally collected 110 fecal samples from little auks (Alle alle) during the 2014 breeding season in Ukaleqarteq, Tunu (Kap Höegh, East Greenland). We identified 25 potential microplastic particles (&gt;100 µm in size), 19 of which were analyzed for material composition using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Raman micro-spectroscopy. Of these, 13 particles were successfully matched to materials, with five as plastic. This produced an average concentration of 0.08 ± 0.28 microplastic particles per fecal sample, with no difference of occurrence between chicks and adults. Particle lengths ranged from 113 - 751 µm. The presence of microplastics larger than our lower limit of detectability of 100-µm suggests a need for analysis of smaller particles and microfibers in this species. We contribute to understanding how microplastics pass through little auks and characterize how this species interacts with the plastic pathways.