Microplastic pollution in an endangered Galapagos pinniped: A comprehensive regional assessment.

Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in intertidal sediments at Deception Island, Antarctica.

Over the past decade, awareness of macroplastic (MAP) pollution in rivers as a major contributor to marine litter has increased substantially. However, in urban river environments, the storage and retention dynamics of macroplastics on riverbanks remain poorly understood. This study addresses this gap by investigating MAP (and other anthropogenic material) retention across distinct compartments of the Spree River in Berlin (Germany), including riverbanks with varying substrate types, aquatic-terrestrial interfaces, and the river channel. The analysis of plastic debris identifies dominant categories and their polymer compositions. Our results indicate that in the highly engineered urban section of the Spree River, characterized by embankments 1-3m high, MAP exchange driven by surface runoff and wind is predominantly unidirectional, from riverbanks toward the channel. These embankments act as discontinuities that inhibit reverse transport from the channel to the banks, a process commonly observed in natural rivers, and likely contribute to the distinct MAP densities and compositions observed along the riverbanks. Although direct littering cannot be excluded, the observed spatial patterns suggest that lateral transport from riverbanks represents a dominant contribution to plastics in the active channel. Polypropylene was the most prevalent polymer, accounting for 41% of all collected items, while food wrappers emerged as the dominant debris category, comprising nearly 35% of the total macroplastic load. These findings highlight the critical need to understand macroplastic retention processes in urban rivers to support the design of targeted, compartment-specific mitigation and clean-up strategies.

Comparative ecotoxicity of a reduced graphene-polypropylene nanocomposite and its components to the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber (Crustacea).

Analysis of Gamma Radiation Shielding Properties of Ternary Polymer Composites Fabricated with Polyester Resin/Barite/Tin

Multifunctional polymethyl methacrylate-Boron carbide/bismuth oxide composites for gamma, neutron, and charged particle shielding applications.

Comparative assessment of MP effects on pigment composition and lipid profiles in three marine microalgae.

Microplastics in soil transform through interacting abiotic, microbial, and faunal processes that collectively determine their persistence and ecological impact. To establish a mechanistic understanding of these complex interactions, we systematically reviewed 150 studies following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesizing qualitative evidence on contamination patterns (n = 128) and quantitative data on microplastic occurrence, degradation mechanisms, and bioremediation potential (n = 22) across diverse terrestrial ecosystems. Principal component analysis of polymer distribution patterns identified polymer composition, residence time, soil physicochemical properties, and ecological risk factors as key determinants of microplastic fate in terrestrial systems. The study reveals that microplastic degradation in soils occurs through a sequential, multi-agent pathway. The process initiates with abiotic weathering that creates surface irregularities and functional groups, facilitating subsequent plastisphere development. Within these biofilm microenvironments, microbial communities accumulate oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes that drive enzymatic depolymerization, resulting in polymer fragmentation and partial to complete mineralization. Across studies, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene emerged as the most persistent polymers, while biodegradable alternatives exhibited accelerated transformation under favourable soil conditions. Earthworms critically amplify degradation through mechanical fragmentation, gut redox modification, and enrichment of degradative microbial communities, achieving upto 60% low-density polyethylene mass reduction. Their burrowing activity further extends degradation by improving soil aeration, moisture distribution, and microbial dispersal. These findings demonstrate that effective bioremediation requires coordinated interactions among polymer properties, soil conditions, microbial diversity, and earthworm activity, providing a mechanistic framework for developing soil-specific strategies to mitigate terrestrial microplastic pollution.

Guided waves in graphene platelets-based polymer composites

Strengthening hydrogen bonds of clay/conjugated microporous polymer composites for advancing visible-light-driven antibiotic removal

Ceramifiable polymer composites with excellent flame retardance and high-temperature resistance towards suppressing thermal runaway propagation of batteries

Natural source derived nano-SiO2 clusters with high negative surface charge: A versatile filler for flexible polymer composite based energy device and self-powered multimodal sensing applications

A review on self-sensing fiber-reinforced polymer composites: Mechanisms, fabrications, and applications

Catalyst-free recyclable and flame-retardant epoxy resins towards sustainable polymer composites

Rising microplastic (MP) pollution can significantly affect engineered treatment systems such as anaerobic digestion (AD). While prior studies have investigated the influence of individual polymers, varying concentrations and sizes on AD, the role of MP morphology and polymer interactions remains underexplored. This study investigated these factors using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyamide 6 (PA6) MPs, both in isolation and in combination (1:1 ratio), introduced as microfibres (MFs) and fragments at three concentrations, 1, 5, and 15mg/gTS. Results revealed morphology-dependent effects on methane production. MF exposure inhibited methane yield by 10-17% (p < 0.01), with PET and mixed polymers exhibiting a correlation to MP concentration. In contrast, fragments enhanced methane yield, particularly PA6 and mixed (PET and PA6) polymers increased methane output by 9 and 17% at the highest dose, respectively. Kinetic modelling further revealed that MFs consistently reduced methane production potential, apparent degradation and hydrolysis rate, whereas fragment trends were polymer-driven. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed greater surface roughness in PA6, which enhanced microbial colonization compared to PET. Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels with MF addition, especially at the highest concentration, suggested higher oxidative stress and microbial inhibition. Microbial community analysis showed that exposure to MP fragments resulted in similar bacterial shifts across different polymer types, compared to the more diverse effects observed with MFs. Archaeal diversity was more affected by particle shape than polymer composition. All MP treatments favoured a shift toward hydrogenotrophic over aceticlastic methanogenesis. PET and mixed MF addition resulted in a substantial decline in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria (18-20%) from 42% in the control and other methanogenic taxa compared to their fragment counterparts. MF addition disrupted community structure, suppressed additive-degrading taxa, and increased acetogenic groups such as Synergistetes. Overall, the findings suggest that a comprehensive understanding of all influencing factors, including MP morphology, polymer type and concentrations, is important for effective AD system management.

The increasing requirement for lightweight and high-performance materials in the automotive industry has prompted significant research efforts focused on hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer composites. This study looked at making and carefully testing epoxy-based composites that were strengthened with Kevlar, basalt, and S-glass fibers, using 10% carbon powder as an added material. The study created single-fiber, dual-fiber hybrid, and tri-fiber hybrid laminates using the hand lay-up method, which allowed for controlled stacking sequences. Mechanical characterization was conducted following ASTM standards, encompassing tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness evaluations. The results show that using a mix of different fibers significantly improves mechanical properties compared to using just one type of fiber. Specifically, the basalt-Kevlar-S-glass tri-hybrid composite demonstrated a peak tensile strength of 354.37N/mm², an outstanding flexural strength of 1350N/mm², a maximum energy absorption capacity of 7.2J, and the highest hardness level recorded at 115 RHN. These metrics reflect an exceptional ability to bear loads, resist bending, tolerate impacts, and maintain surface durability. The better performance is mainly due to how well the materials work together, the strong connections between the fibers and the matrix, and the added strength from the carbon filler. To support the experimental results, a TOPSIS analysis was done using Python, treating all criteria equally. The tri-hybrid composite demonstrated the highest closeness coefficient (CC = 1.000), thereby affirming its preeminence. The hybrid composites formulated exhibit significant promise for applications in lightweight automotive structures, specifically in the context of roof panels and load-bearing elements.

The presence and persistence of microplastics (MPs) in the marine environment pose increasing threats to marine organisms and ecosystem health. Environmental monitoring of MPs facilitates assessment of their potential impacts on ecosystems and biota. Although numerous studies have confirmed the widespread presence of MPs pollution in the marine environment, there are still significant differences in the sampling methods and sample quantities used for MPs monitoring. To address these issues, this study investigated the influence of different sampling methods and quantities on the survey results of MPs in the marine environment. The impact of different sample mass on the detection of MPs abundance in sandy and muddy beach sediments of the supratidal, intertidal, and subtidal zones was examined. And the effects of different seawater MPs collection methods (trawl sampling, water collector sampling, and pump sampling) and quantities on MPs abundance detection in seawater were also explored. Results show that the most suitable sample mass for detecting MPs in beach sediments is at least 30 g. Additionally, comprehensive sampling and monitoring of the supratidal, intertidal, and subtidal zones should be conducted to ensure accurate assessment of MPs abundance. Seawater samples were collected via trawl, water collector sampling, and pump sampling to evaluate effects of methods, sample quantities, filter aperture, and sampling depth on the monitoring abundance of MPs. Results show that the optimal sampling parameters are trawl durations at least 10 min and water collector sampling volumes at least 10 L. In the water collector sampling method, the total abundances of MPs after filtration through 48 and 330 μm filters are at the same order of magnitude, indicating that the filtration pore size has no significant effect on the total abundance of MPs. However, the size ranges of retained MPs differ significantly between the two pore sizes. Furthermore, while no significant difference is observed in MPs abundance among different water layers in Leizhou Bay, variations are found in polymer composition and MPs size distribution. This research is helpful in improving the accurate monitoring of MPs in the marine environment.

Spatial heterogeneity of microplastic pollution and associated emerging contaminants in tropical estuarine environments: Novel insights into distribution, bioavailability, and ecological risk.

With the development of contemporary electronic devices toward miniaturization and integration, polymer composites with efficient heat dissipation are in increasing demand for thermal management. In this study, a star-shaped castor-oil-based modifier (CO-IPMSA) was synthesized and grafted onto boron nitride (BN) to obtain modified BN (ICBN). The resulting ICBN/natural rubber (NR) composites exhibit a tensile strength of 20.44 MPa, an elongation at break of 1451.99%, and a thermal conductivity of 0.933 W·m-1·K-1, corresponding to increases of 19.18%, 76.74%, and 55.76%, respectively, compared with the BN/NR composite (17.15 MPa, 821.53%, and 0.599 W·m-1·K-1). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to quantify interfacial interactions and microstructural characteristics (e.g., binding energy and fractional free volume), thereby providing mechanistic insight into the improved compatibility after modification.

ABSTRACT Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites exhibit high specific strength and stiffness, making them suitable for applications such as helicopter rotor blades, high‐speed vehicles, missile components and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These applications may present situations of intense sand erosion and hence the erosion resistance of CFRPs needs to be enhanced, and the use of a strong nano‐filler can help achieve this. In the current study, the carbon fiber‐epoxy interface was modified with variable carboxyl functionalize graphene (G‐COOH) content (0.15, 0.53, 0.8, and 1.1 wt. % relative to the weight of the carbon fiber fabric) using an effective electrophoretic deposition technique and the products deposited were confirmed using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The G‐COOH‐deposited fabrics were used for composite fabrication through the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) technique. All the G‐COOH‐deposited carbon fiber composites showed lower erosive wear rate at 30°, 60° and 90° angles compared to the pristine carbon fiber (PCF) composite. The 0.15 wt. % G‐COOH‐deposited carbon fiber composite exhibited the highest erosion resistance at 30° (28%) and 60° (13%) angles of impingement. In contrast, the 1.1 wt. % G‐COOH‐deposited carbon fiber composite showed the highest erosion resistance/lower wear rate (12%) at 90° angle of impingement among all compositions. The PCF composite showed the poorest erosive wear resistance, with the lowest resistance at 60° and 90° impingement while the 0.8 wt.% composite exhibited the lowest wear resistance among G‐COOH‐deposited composites at all angles. However, the 0.8 wt.% composite exhibited the highest wear resistance of 15% at 30° angle of impingement compared to other angles. The Al 2 O 3 erodent fragments were deposited into the samples with their highest prominence at 90°, particularly in epoxy‐rich regions across all composites. The deposition morphology and erosive failure mechanisms were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM), while the cross‐sectional G‐COOH deposition morphology within the composite was observed using focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (FIB‐SEM). The interphase thickness was measured with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) carbon line scanning, and G‐COOH at the interphase was identified through Raman intensity mapping. EDS area mapping of the eroded surface, analyzed using the electron beam source of FIB‐SEM, confirmed the presence of higher number of Al 2 O 3 fragments at higher angles compared to lower angles, with a similar trend observed in G‐COOH‐deposited composites. Additionally, the eroded specimens of G‐COOH‐deposited composites exhibited various major failure mechanisms, such as adhered fiber fracture, interphase failure or adhered G‐COOH, and debonding of G‐COOH/epoxy clusters, whereas the PCF composite primarily exhibited fiber debonding, matrix fracture, and fiber fracture as the dominant failure mechanisms.