Microplastics – News and Features

Study shows wastewater treatment plants remove 99% of microplastics and some PFAS from water, but these contaminants accumulate in biosolids, which are often spread on farmland. Researchers highlight the need to stop producing microplastics and PFAS.

New research has shown that nanoplastics that enter the body can impair the effect of antibiotic treatment, leading to antibiotic resistance.

A study from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences shows that microplastic biofilms in wastewater treatment plants can harbor pathogens like E. coli and norovirus, even after treatment. These biofilms protect pathogens from removal processes.

Researchers at icipe have discovered that lesser mealworms, native to Africa, can consume and break down polystyrene, aided by gut bacteria that help digest the plastic. This discovery may advance efforts to reduce plastic waste.

A study from Penn State reveals that microplastics can act as ice nucleating particles (INPs) in clouds, promoting ice crystal formation at higher temperatures. This mechanism suggests a role for microplastics in altering precipitation patterns.

Microplastics have been steadily increasing in rivers, and levels are directly tied to rising plastic production, a new study finds.

An international study found that nanoplastic particles bind to the antibiotic tetracycline, impairing its effectiveness and potentially leading to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Researchers emphasize the health risks posed by nanoplastics.

Until now, scientists haven’t had the tools to assess the impact of biodegradable plastics that are not disposed of properly.

Researchers found that microplastics and PFAS chemicals together cause greater harm to aquatic life than either alone. Their study, involving Daphnia, revealed significant developmental issues and reduced offspring production.

A study reveals a method for selecting mangrove bacteria that can transform polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The research identifies the novel genus Mangrovimarina plasticivorans, which carries enzymes capable of breaking down PET.