Microplastic fiber pollution

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have gained increasing attention in environmental research due to their ubiquitousness and potential impacts on natural environments and human health as per the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-14 to address global threats where at least 12 SDGs, directly/ indirectly impacts. Present review is undertaken to highlight the process of breakdown of diverse groups of plastic products in soil, surface water, and groundwater under the influence of different factors (UV, light, heat, microbe, etc.), which are mobilized as MPs/NPs to the surface water, groundwater, air, soil, and living organisms by different natural and anthropogenic processes. Review also highlights a comprehensive overview of the methodology for sampling, characterization, and analysis for these minuscule plastic particles (PPs) in various environmental samples, encompassing surface/subsurface water, sediments, soils, and biological organisms. The collection, extraction, and characterization of MPs/NPs, typically employ filtration processes, wherein a known volume of water is passed through a fine mesh to capture MPs/NPs from water samples. Sediment/soil samples require sieving and density separation techniques to isolate PPs from the surrounding matrix. Biological samples require digestion steps to remove organic matter, leaving behind plastics for analysis. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are commonly utilized to determine the polymer composition, size, shape, and surface characteristics of PPs. Quantification involves several approaches, visual counting, image analysis, and spectroscopic techniques. Abundance of MPs/NPs in the respective environmental samples (water, air, soil, etc.) can be determined by comparing the richness (i.e., number/mass) of plastics to the volume or weight of the original sample. Such comprehensive analytical methodologies contribute to understand the scope and magnitude of plastic pollution and its potential repercussions for ecosystems and human well-being, which are essential for developing the effective strategies to mitigate these pressing global environmental challenges for sustainable development.

A compact microfiber‐based acoustic vibration sensor is demonstrated using microfiber knot resonator (MKR) structure, which is fabricated by flame brushing technique. It is observed that the extinction ratio of the resonant spectrum of the knot resonator is linearly proportional to the vibration amplitude. This is attributed to the interruption of the effective coupling of the MKR which is correlated with the exposed vibration force. It is also shown that the resonant wavelength shifts by about 0.19 nm as the normalized vibration energy is increased from 0 to 10%. The performance of the sensor is then further investigated by monitoring the fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the signal when the MKR is exposed to various vibration frequencies as a narrowband 1545 nm laser is injected into the MKR. In the spectra of the signals, the frequency of the applied vibration is clearly shown as it has the highest magnitude followed by the accompanying harmonics. This holds true for all vibration ...

A compact inline microfiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MMZI) is proposed for current sensor application. The MMZI is fabricated using flame-brushing technique where both transition parts of a microfiber are tapered to reduce the waist diameter and form an interference region. The fabricated MMZI shows a good interference fringes with a high extinction ratio of 15 dB. The fringe spacing can be tuned from 3.95 nm to 3.36 nm as the length of the interference region is varied from 4.5 mm to 6 mm. The shift in the interference fringes is observed to be linearly proportional to the square of the amount of the flowing current and the slope efficiency of the sensor is obtained at 140.26 pm/A 2 with a correlation coefficient of 0.99. Since the refractive index of the fiber core has a different temperature coefficient than that of air, the interferometer can be used as a current sensor by placing the current carrying wire in contact with the waist region of the second part of the tapered fiber.

A compact and tunable Erbium-doped fiber laser is demonstrated using a highly concentrated Erbium-doped fiber in conjunction with a microfiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MMZI) structure for the first time. A stable laser output is achieved at 1531.7 nm region with a peak power of -19 dBm and an optical signal to noise ratio of 30.1 dB using a 980-nm pump at 100 mW power. The operating wavelength of the laser can be tuned from 1530.2 to 1532.7 nm by changing the path length difference (PLD) inside the MMZI from 1.6 to 2.7 mm at room temperature. It is also observed that the operating wavelength linearly shifts to a longer wavelength as the PLD increases with a tuning slope efficiency of 0.17 nm/mm. The tuning ability is due to the alteration of the induced optical phase shift inside the MMZI which affects the optical interference and the dominant peak which is responsible for the lasing action.

A compact and tunable Erbium-doped fiber laser is demonstrated using a highly concentrated Erbium-doped fiber in conjunction with a microfiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MMZI) structure for the first time. A stable laser output is achieved at 1531.7 nm region with a peak power of -19 dBm and an optical signal to noise ratio of 30.1 dB using a 980-nm pump at 100 mW power. The operating wavelength of the laser can be tuned from 1530.2 to 1532.7 nm by changing the path length difference (PLD) inside the MMZI from 1.6 to 2.7 mm at room temperature. It is also observed that the operating wavelength linearly shifts to a longer wavelength as the PLD increases with a tuning slope efficiency of 0.17 nm/mm. The tuning ability is due to the alteration of the induced optical phase shift inside the MMZI which affects the optical interference and the dominant peak which is responsible for the lasing action.

Plastic products have facilitated the daily lives of an exponentially increasing world population for over 70 years, whilst inadvertently creating one of the most topical environmental issues of the 21 st Century: the plastic pollution crisis. Since the mid-20 th Century, plastic production has expanded continuously to global production levels of over 350 million tons in 2018 (Thompson et al. 2009; Plastics Europe, 2019). Articles surrounding the presence and impacts of plastic pollution on aquatic animals including fish species have become a regular occurrence on media platforms (Kramm et al. 2018) and scientific publications (Henderson & Green, 2020); however, while iconic pictures of individual fish and other taxa with variously attached or ingested plastics might make headlines, they do not of themselves prove impacts, absolute or relative, at population levels.

Microplastics are recognised as a (persistent) pollutant and are believed to be ubiquitous in the marine environment. The importance of this issue is evident from the large number of technical publications and research efforts within the past decade. However, the Arabian (Persian) Gulf region has few reported datasets in spite of being an area with excessive plastic use and a hefty generation rate of plastic solid waste. This communication aims at stimulating a discussion on this topic focusing on the available regional and international datasets, along with the environmental conditions that are likely to contribute to the disintegration and transport of the plastic debris rendering it as microplastic. This work also highlights some of the constraints in sampling techniques, identification methods, and the reported units of microplastics. Most studies employ neuston nets of variable dimensions that samples different thicknesses of surface water, which also posses a major constraint in standardising field sample collection. Extrapolation of a trawl to units such as particles.km À 2 without considering the fact that neuston nets collect three-dimensional samples, is also another aspect discussed in this communication. This study also intends to initiate a discussion on standardising the practices across the region to enable an intercomparison of the reported data. In addition, it calls for a comprehensive assessment using the standardized methodology for putting a mitigation plan for microplastics as a potential threat detected in environmental sinks.

Mikroplastik berasal dari sampah plastik yang mengalami proses degradasi hingga berdampak pada perairan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kandungan mikroplastik (konsentrasi, bentuk, warna, ukuran, jenis polimer) pada air dan sedimen di Pantai Kata, Kota Pariaman. Pada penelitian ini juga dianalisis korelasi antara konsentrasi mikroplastik dengan timbulan sampah. Sampel air dan sedimen diambil pada 8 titik sepanjang Pantai Kata sampai muara Sungai Batang Ciparuh dan 1 titik di Sungai Batang Ciparuh. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan tiga kali pengambilan sampel pada kondisi tidak hujan. Hasil rata-rata konsentrasi mikroplastik sampel air 8,6-10,8 partikel/L, sedangkan sampel sedimen 8,5-26,4 partikel/kg sedimen kering. Karakteristik mikroplastik yang dominan adalah untuk bentuk fiber dan fragmen, ukuran 0,3-1 mm (small microplastic), dan warna hitam. Jenis polimer yang ditemukan adalah polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), dan polyethylene (PE) yang berasal dari aktivitas di pantai, nelayan, wisata, pemukiman, dan perdagangan. Upaya pencegahan yang dapat kita lakukan dari dini adalah dengan tidak membuang sampah sembarangan ke lingkungan, menggunakan produk dan peralatan yang ramah lingkungan, menerapkan diet plastik dan konsep 3R (Reduce, Reuse, dan Recycle) dalam kehidupan sehari-hari.

Microplastics come from plastic waste that undergoes a degradation process to impact the waters. This study aims to analyze the content of microplastics (concentration, shape, color, size, polymer type) in water and sediment at Kata Beach, Pariaman City. This study also analyzed the correlation between microplastic concentration and waste generation. Water and sediment samples were taken at 8 points along Kata Beach to the mouth of Batang Ciparuh River and 1 point in Batang Ciparuh River. Sampling was carried out three times in non-rainy conditions. Analysis of microplastic concentration using gravimetric method. Analysis of shape, size, and color using a microscope and analysis of the types of polymers that make up microplastics using the Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy method. The data obtained were processed by descriptive statistics, ANOVA, correlation, and regression. The average microplastic concentration of water samples was 8.6-10.8 particles/L, while sediment samples were 8.5-26.4 particles/kg dry sediment. The dominant characteristics of microplastics are the shape of fibers and fragments, size 0.3-1 mm (small microplastic), and black color. The types of polymers found were polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), and polyethylene (PE) derived from activities on the beach, fishing, tourism, residential, and trade. Spatial ANOVA analysis showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in microplastic content in water samples, but there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in sediment samples. Temporal ANOVA analysis showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in water and sediment samples. Waste generation had a significant effect (p<0.05) on microplastic concentration.

Chemically, microplastics (MPs) are synthetic materials composed of plastic monomers and additives and vary in size from 0.1-5,000 μm. Due to their chemical stability and the widespread use of plastics for various purposes, MPs pollution of the environment has increased dramatically, leading to the contamination of daily consumer products as well. Although previous studies have reported the environmental impacts of MPs, only a few studies have highlighted the occurrence of MPs in food products and their possible effects on human health. Recent investigations have identified MP particles in drinking water and other beverages, seafood, plant products, salt, sugar, and honey, raising an alarm over the safety and quality of these food items. Ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact of such food and other consumer goods are the common routes through which MPs may enter the human body and can have several deleterious health impacts including oxidative stress, inflammation, immunotoxicity, increased risk of neoplasia, cellular metabolism impairment, neurotoxicity, gut microbiome dysbiosis, disruption of reproductive system among others. A collective approach employing source control, recycling, biodegradable plastics, strengthening legislation, and bioremediation could be a promising and sustainable solution to control the MPs pollution. The key challenge appears to standarize detection methods along with reducing the MPs contamination from the food products as well as from the environment. Therefore, this review focuses on the occurrence of MPs in several food products, current methods of analysis, potential health impacts, and strategies to mitigate the widespread MPs pollution. It also adds novel findings, knowledge gaps, and recommendations that can guide future research in this field.

The presence of microplastics in edible freshwater fish tissues from Guyana remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the occurrence of microplastics in water, sediments, and tissues of farmed Oreochromis mossambicus (Tilapia), comparing specimens from a fish farm and wild caught counterparts from an open trench at Borlam Plantation, No. 19 Road, Corentyne-Berbice, Guyana. Microplastics were extracted using a potassium hydroxide (KOH) digestion process, followed by density separation and vacuum filtration. Recovered particles were identified by microscopic examination. A total of 68 microplastic particles were recovered from 18 specimens of O. mossambicus, with farmed tilapia exhibiting an average of 8.83 ± 15.68 particles per individual and wild caught tilapia showing an average of 2.50 ± 2.59 particles per individual. Additionally, a total of 61 microplastic particles were found in the environmental samples; with an average of 7.7 ± 8.3 particles/L and 8.7 ± 3.8 particles/L, in water from the fish farm and trench, and an average of 2.3 ± 4.0 particles/g and 1.7 ± 1.2 particles/g in the sediment of the fish farm and trench, respectively. The morphological analysis revealed that blue and black-coloured fibers were predominant in all samples. These findings indicate that microplastics may be ingested and accumulate in the tissues of tilapia, which may potentially impact aquatic organism health and aquaculture production and pose risks to human health through consumption.

Plastic particles resulting from the breakdown of bigger plastics may be introduced directly as micro-and nano-sized particles polluting the marine ecosystem, including ocean-extracted table salt. This study investigated the presence of microplastic (MP)-like particles in table salt from Bangladesh, focusing on both locally refined and commercially branded varieties. Local salt samples from Sadar and Moheshkhali Sub-district of Cox's Bazar contained an average of 23.4 and 12 particles kg-1 , respectively. In contrast, no particles were detected in commercial brands, likely due to their complex refining processes. The study also explored factors influencing local salt consumption, finding it influenced by the economy, availability, education level, occupation, income level, and misperceptions about local salt's health benefits compared to commercial brands. Interestingly, the study found that 71% of local salt consumers believed it to be more beneficial than branded salt, while education level influenced salt preference, with 83% of graduate and 53% of primary-educated individuals opting for commercial brands. These findings provide a valuable foundation for further research on MP exposure in different consumer groups, highlighting the need to investigate potential health risks and inform policy decisions regarding MP contamination in table salt in Bangladesh.

This study examines the occurrence, physical characteristics (size, colour, and shape), and polymer compositions of microplastics (MPs) in beach sediments along the Kuala Langat coastline impacted by tourism and fishing activities. Microplastics particle were isolated using density separation, characterized using microscopy and Spectroscopy technique. Microplastic concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 0.21 particles/g in tourist sites and 0.01 to 0.03 particles/g in non-tourist sites, indicating significantly higher MP pollution in tourism-affected areas. The longest MP particle (4951.5 μm) was found in a non-tourist area, while the shortest (84.7 μm) was detected on a tourist beach. Fragment-shaped MPs (82.40 %) were the most dominant, exhibiting a variety of colors and diverse plastic sources. Polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene comprised 80 % of the detected polymers, suggesting that single-use plastics contribute substantially to MP pollution in both sampling sites. These findings provide critical insights for targeted strategies for plastic waste management in tropical coastal areas.

Many canals carry wastewater into the community. Chemicals and microorganisms in water supply contamination cause effluent that harms humans and the environment. Unregulated waste water disposal can spread infectious hepatitis, cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. Sanitary waste water disposal protects public health and prevents infectious diseases. Integrated food waste and waste water treatment modeling is efficient for addressing rising food waste. Conventional food waste treatment can produce significant levels of total nitrogen (T-N), which can degrade effluent water quality. Due to their lack of expertise and equipment, operators and engineers struggle to extract usable data from huge databases. Unfortunately, much digital data is never used. In recent years, many data analytics methods have evolved. Methods yield accurate findings on huge datasets. However, these technologies have not been extensively studied for wastewater treatment. To do this, we created a machine learning-enabled water quality analysis and prediction platform. Before using deep learning models, data must be reduced, integrated, purified, and transformed. It uses feature selection to improve qualities. The HCNN-BiGRU-A models predicted best. These findings suggest that ensemble learning models suit nonlinear data better. The HCNN-BiGRU-A model also examined how input factors affected sludge generation. The daily wastewater intake and ambient temperature had the biggest impact. This work is unusual in using ML to estimate wastewater treatment facility sludge production.

Microplastics (MPs), less than 5 mm in length, have become a major environmental issue due to their hazardous physical and chemical properties. The research investigated 54 sediment samples collected from three different zones of the beaches, namely the wrack line, beach face, and swash zone. This study aims to enumerate the number and polymeric variety of microplastics found in beach sediments from coastal islands of Bangladesh, including Sandwip, Kutubdia, and Saint Martin's Island in the northeastern Bay of Bengal. NaCl solution with the density of 1.2 g/cm 3 was used as a density-separating solvent. Microplastics were extracted using conventional protocols, yielding an average of 193 ± 68.9, 175.5 ± 63.1, and 266.3 ± 232 particles per kg from the collected samples of Sandwip, Kutubdia, and Saint Martin's Island respectively, with five morphotypes: fiber, film, fragment, foam, and pellet, where fiber dominated each island. White microplastics were most spread in both Sandwip and Saint Martin's Island, whereas translucent and blue were most abundant in Kutubdia. Moreover, polypropylene (PP) was shown to be the greatest number of polymer groups among those analyzed microplastic particles using ATR-FTIR (Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared) spectrometer. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it was also possible to detect surface degradation, rupture, or fracture that was probably caused by the environment. The study emphasizes the critical need for continued research and monitoring to better understand the dynamics of microplastic pollution and its longterm impacts. By tackling the underlying causes and implementing effective management practices, we can achieve a cleaner and more sustainable future for coastal communities and marine ecosystems.

Synthetic polymer microplastics are minuscule plastic particles that contaminate the environment. They have been found in aquatic and terrestrial settings, and even in the atmosphere. They can enter the human food chain through aquatic organisms. Aquaculture species in inland water systems are exposed to microplastics from diverse sources. Bangladesh is the fifth largest aquaculture producer in the world, and uses commercial fish feeds extensively. Previous studies have detected microplastics in fish feed ingredients, fish rearing water, and aquaculture fish. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate the extent of microplastic contamination in commercially available fish feeds in Bangladesh. We collected five different commercial fish feed samples from three stages (pre-starter, starter, and grower) from markets and analyzed them in the laboratory following the NOAA protocol for microplastic assessment. We detected and identified microplastic particles by microscopic examination. Our study provides evidence of the presence of microplastics in commercial fish feed in Bangladesh. All feed samples contained microplastic particles, with a mean abundance of 567±296.18 particles/kg. The average size of particles was 744.03±242.55μm. We found seven types of particles (fiber, film, fragments, foam, pellets, micro beads, & nurdles), with fiber (52%) being the most common, followed by film (21%) and fragment (15%). We identified eight different colors of particles, with brown (24%) being the most frequent, followed by black (22%) and blue (17%). Our study suggests that commercial fish feed is a source of microplastic pollution in aquaculture fish in Bangladesh. This could have negative impacts on fish health and human consumption. We recommend raising awareness about the presence of microplastics in fish feed and conducting further research to monitor their effects on fish physiology and food chain transfer. We also suggest investigating the origins of microplastics in fish feed by examining the feed ingredients and manufacturing processes.

Food trays are often made from extruded polystyrene (XPS), and quantities of millimetre-sized particles of this material are trapped between the meat they contain and the sealing film. The purpose of this study is to identify the chemical nature of these particles and quantify them. Furthermore, the quantification of synthetic or organic fibres was also carried out. The results show that XPS microplastics (MP-XPS) contaminate food products at a level ranging from 4.0 to 18.7 MP-XPS/kg of packaged meat. Analysis shows that these microplastics are likely to come from the XPS trays. These particles are difficult to remove by mere rinsing and are probably cooked before being consumed. However, at this stage, it is not clear from the scientific literature whether there is a potential risk to humans associated with the ingestion of MP-XPS. In addition to these MP-XPS, it should also be pointed out that fibres can also contaminate meat.

The ubiquity of anthropogenic debris in hundreds of species of wildlife and the toxicity of chemicals associated with it has begun to raise concerns regarding the presence of anthropogenic debris in seafood. We assessed the presence of anthropogenic debris in fishes and shellfish on sale for human consumption. We sampled from markets in Makassar, Indonesia, and from California, USA. All fish and shellfish were identified to species where possible. Anthropogenic debris was extracted from the digestive tracts of fish and whole shellfish using a 10% KOH solution and quantified under a dissecting microscope. In Indonesia, anthropogenic debris was found in 28% of individual fish and in 55% of all species. Similarly, in the USA, anthropogenic debris was found in 25% of individual fish and in 67% of all species. Anthropogenic debris was also found in 33% of individual shellfish sampled. All of the anthropogenic debris recovered from fish in Indonesia was plastic, whereas anthropogenic debris recovered from fish in the USA was primarily fibers. Variations in debris types likely reflect different sources and waste management strategies between countries. We report some of the first findings of plastic debris in fishes directly sold for human consumption raising concerns regarding human health. The ubiquity of anthropogenic marine debris and the toxicity of chemicals associated with the material have begun to raise concerns regarding how the ingestion of anthropogenic debris by marine animals may impact human health 1. These concerns have prompted a concerted effort from government and private organizations to assess the impacts of marine debris on human and environmental health, including organizations such as NCEAS (National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis), UNEP (United National Environment Programme), US EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), GESAMP (Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection) and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Almost every report from these groups concluded further research is required to elucidate how marine debris may be affecting humans, and thus, whether inadequate waste management strategies are coming back to haunt us in our seafood. Due to the large presence of anthropogenic marine debris in aquatic habitats 2-5 and wildlife 6-8 , we hypothesized that anthropogenic debris would be present in marine animals sold for human consumption. Anthropogenic marine debris is seemingly found across all habitats in the ocean, including coral reefs 9 , shallow bays 10,11 , estuaries 12 , the open ocean 13,14 and the deep sea 15,16. Anthropogenic marine

Background: Microplastics (MPs) are nowadays found in the air and in various terrestrial and aquatic environments and have become emerging pollutants. These particles can absorb other chemicals and microbial contaminants and release them into the environment and food chain. Despite the high efficiency of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in removing MPs, WWTPs are still one of the major sources of MPs discharge to the environment. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of MPs removal in a municipal WWTP with conventional activated sludge in Iran. Methods: MPs particles were counted using a stereomicroscope after the initial preparation steps (sieving, chemical digestion with the catalytic wet peroxidation-oxidation and density separation with NaCl) and then analyzed for particle composition using a Raman micro-spectrometer. Results: MPs concentration in the influent, grit chamber, primary sedimentation tank, and effluent were 843.2 ± 147.5, 315.5 ± 54.7, 80.2 ± 19.1, and 11.13 ± 3.14 items/L, respectively. The overall MPs removal efficiency of the WWTP was 98.7%, with the grit chamber, primary sedimentation tank, and secondary sedimentation tank removed 62.6%, 27.9%, and 8.2% of the total MPs, respectively. The most abundant polymers were polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). Conclusion: Despite the effective removal of MPs in WWTP, on average 4.47 × 10 11 ± 1.03 × 10 11 MPs are discharged into the receiving waters through the effluent of this WWTP annually. This means that WWTPs can be one of the major sources of MPs in the environment and efforts should be made to increase the efficiency of WWTPs and equip them with advanced technologies.

Textile microfibers are the most commonly reported type of anthropogenic particle found by microplastic pollution surveys around the globe, often representing 80–90% of all particle counts. Significant concentrations of this emerging pollutant have been detected in most marine ecosystems surveyed to date, including sea ice, deep sea sediments, surface and subsurface waters, and coastal environments. Recent studies revealed the presence of microfibers in the digestive systems of numerous marine organisms, including seabirds, deep-sea crustaceans, and commercial fish species, as well as in both wet and dry atmospheric deposition samples. Ingestion of microfibers has been linked to negative health effects in marine invertebrates, but there is currently no evidence of harm to wild creatures exposed to environmentally relevant fiber concentrations. At the same time, we still have a very limited understanding of how they affect wild populations. Additionally, a wide range of chemicals, such as dyes, additives, and flame retardants, are employed in the manufacture of both natural and synthetic textiles, raising questions regarding the function of fibers as vectors of dangerous substances in the marine environment. This chapter aims to provide state-of-the-art information on the sources, transport, degradation, uptake, toxicity, and persistence of synthetic and natural fibers in the marine environment. Special consideration is given to sampling and analytical methods as well as to future areas for potential research.

Food trays are often made from extruded polystyrene (XPS), and quantities of millimetre-sized particles of this material are trapped between the meat they contain and the sealing film. The purpose of this study is to identify the chemical nature of these particles and quantify them. Furthermore, the quantification of synthetic or organic fibres was also carried out. The results show that XPS microplastics (MP-XPS) contaminate food products at a level ranging from 4.0 to 18.7 MP-XPS/kg of packaged meat. Analysis shows that these microplastics are likely to come from the XPS trays. These particles are difficult to remove by mere rinsing and are probably cooked before being consumed. However, at this stage, it is not clear from the scientific literature whether there is a potential risk to humans associated with the ingestion of MP-XPS. In addition to these MP-XPS, it should also be pointed out that fibres can also contaminate meat.

Food trays are often made from extruded polystyrene (XPS), and quantities of millimetre-sized particles of this material are trapped between the meat they contain and the sealing film. The purpose of this study is to identify the chemical nature of these particles and quantify them. Furthermore, the quantification of synthetic or organic fibres was also carried out. The results show that XPS microplastics (MP-XPS) contaminate food products at a level ranging from 4.0 to 18.7 MP-XPS/kg of packaged meat. Analysis shows that these microplastics are likely to come from the XPS trays. These particles are difficult to remove by mere rinsing and are probably cooked before being consumed. However, at this stage, it is not clear from the scientific literature whether there is a potential risk to humans associated with the ingestion of MP-XPS. In addition to these MP-XPS, it should also be pointed out that fibres can also contaminate meat.

The environmental impact of plastic pollution, especially in the form of microplastics, has raised significant concerns. The historical evolution of plastics from Parkesine and celluloid to the discovery of synthetic polymers like Bakelite and Nylon underscores the transformative journey of these materials. However, the widespread use of plastics, particularly after World War II, has led to a staggering production volume of around 390 million metric tons in 2021, posing significant challenges in terms of waste management and environmental sustainability. Microplastics, particles smaller than 5 mm, have been categorized into primary and secondary types based on their origin. The issue of plastic pollution, especially in marine environments, is a growing concern. Rivers are identified as significant contributors, transporting 70-80% of plastics into oceans. Various studies have highlighted the presence of microplastics in different marine organisms, indicating the pervasive nature of this pollution. The detrimental effects on marine life, from ingestion to entanglement, highlight the urgent need for effective solutions. The manuscript explores methods for isolating, identifying, and verifying microplastics, crucial for understanding their distribution and impact. The effects of microplastics on marine life, including bioaccumulation of contaminants, physical damage, and potential transfer through the food chain, underscore the urgency of addressing this environmental challenge. Sustainable solutions for microplastics pollution are discussed, emphasizing the importance of integrated waste management systems, recycling and international cooperation. While source-collection, recycling and responsible waste management are the preferred strategies, the manuscript acknowledges the challenges, especially in developing nations. The manuscript concludes by highlighting the significance of global collaboration in addressing the complex issue of microplastics pollution.

This study investigates microplastic (MP) removal by flotation, and by settling units of a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that consisted of coarse screens, fine screens, aerated grit chambers (AGCs), and the conventional activated sludge (CAS) system. AGCs operate with rigorous mixing and short hydraulic residence times (HRT) that cause AGCs to remove MPs moderately, while settling tanks operate with long HRTs and steady flow conditions that favor sedimentation of MPs. MP characteristics such as flat shape (e.g., films), large size (1-5 mm), and low density support MP removal by flotation, while MPs with large 3D structures (1-5 mm) and high material density settle quickly. As the highest rates of MP removal by relevant units, AGCs removed 59% of influent concentration of large size films (1-5 mm), while settling tanks removed around 90% of the influent concentration of fragments. The observed MP removal rates by the WWTP followed the order of fragments > films > fibers as 90% > 85% > 70%, respectively. For improvement of MP removal by WWTPs, addition of gravity-based settling units, installation of inclined-plate and/or tube-settlers into existing settling tanks, and use of coagulants in settling process are among the feasible options.

Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles with less than 5 mm in size that are considered global environmental pollutants. The MPs present in the environment result from the successive breakdown of larger plastic pieces or from the direct input of micro-and nano-sized particles used in various industries and products available to consumers. Such MPs have been found in several wild species and other natural resources, including some consumed as food by humans, with possible adverse effects on ecosystem and human health. The central aim of this work was to review the published literature regarding the contamination of sea commercial salts (sea and terrestrial origins) and its possible impacts on human health. Moreover, to lead to a comprehensive understanding of the paradigm, a short introduction and revision of the environmental contamination by MPs and its effects are included. MPs have been found in commercial salts from 128 brands, from 38 different countries spanning over five continents. The concentration of MPs found in the samples analysed is lower than the concentrations of MPs reported in other resources, such as blue mussels. However, as commercial salts are used every day and by all humans, they constitute a long-term exposure route for the general

Microplastics are considered to be ubiquitous and widespread emerging contaminants. They are persistent in the nature and pose considerable harm to the environment. Their omnipresence is documented in almost all aquatic habitats, several atmospheric and terrestrial environments, and also in human consumables. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the environmental prevalence of the microplastics in all environmental compartments, and their possible adverse impacts. It also presents review of the studies conducted in India and the epitome of potential mitigation measures. The need and direction of future research are highlighted. The review will help in determining the exposure levels, environmental consequences, and risk estimations, and will guide the researchers and policymakers.

Nowadays, environmental pollution by microplastics (< 5mm; MP) is a major issue. MP are contaminating marine organisms consumed by humans. This work studied MP contamination in two bivalve species of commercial interest: blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) and common cockle (Cerastoderma edule) sampled on the Channel coastlines (France). In parallel, 13 plastic additives and 27 hydrophobic organic compounds (HOC) were quantified in bivalves flesh using SBSE-TD-GS-MS/MS to explore a possible relationship between their concentrations and MP contamination levels. MP were extracted using a 10% potassium hydroxide digestion method then identified by µ-Raman spectroscopy. The proportion of contaminated bivalves by MP ranged from 34 to 58%. Blue mussels and common cockles exhibited 0.76 ± 0.40 and 2.46 ± 1.16 MP/individual and between 0.15 ± 0.06 and 0.74 ± 0.35 MP/g of tissue wet weight. Some HOC and plastic additives were detected in bivalves. However, no significant Pearson or Spearman correlation was found between MP loads and plastic additives or HOC concentrations in bivalve tissues for the two species.

Microplastics (MPs) is Present everywhere from the great Himalayas to deep oceans. It is a new type of pollutant in our environment. Microplastics are polymers plastic particles that are synthetic or semisynthetic and have an average size of less than 5mm. On an average 11kg of plastic is consumed per capita in India which is 9 times smaller than per capita consumption in America. 100 million plastic bottles are used per day by the whole world. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an overabundance of microfiber waste, Personal Protective Waste (PPE), primarily from hospitals, homes, schools, streets, river garbage, and other locations throughout the world. There are several types of analysis and quantification methods used to accurately determination of microplastics Such as microscope, µ-FTIR spectroscopy, µ-Raman spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, Pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, etc. Microplastic contamination becomes a growing concern in every aspect of our environment yet there have been comparatively few studies in India. Marine systems have received much more attention than other compartments such as fresh water, air, terrestrial, and human consumables in the overall number of studies published on microplastic prevalence in Indian Habitats. The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the evaluation of previously conducted studies. We intend to make a significant step towards the harmonization of microplastic particle analysis in all environment matrices.

Triboelectric separation as an inexpensive and environmentally friendly technique could contribute to material-specific sorting. However, the application as a widespread method is limited due to the complexity of the process. In particle wall collisions, various parameters like collision energy and angle, work function of the contact partners, humidity, surface roughness, etc. influence the particle charging in a hardly predictable way. This study investigates the possibilities of forced triboelectric particle charging by applying an electrical potential to the metal contact partner (copper/steel pipe). The variations included different pipe lengths (0.5 m–3 m), particle materials, and particle sizes for limestone. A distinction is made between the net charge of the particles and the positive, negative, and neutral mass fractions. The work functions of the investigated materials vary from about 3.2 eV to &gt;8.5 eV for glass, limestone, artificial slag, and lithium aluminate particl...

Microplastics are classified as emerging pollutants of the aquatic environment, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their properties for successful management and treatment. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) serve as point sources of microplastic pollution of the aquatic and terrestrial (eco)systems. The first part of this review explores the basic definitions of microplastics, sources, types, physical and chemical methods of identifying and characterizing microplastics in WWTPs. The next part of the review details the occurrence of microplastics in various unit processes of WWTPs and sewage sludge. Followed by this, various methods for removing microplastics from wastewater are presented. Finally, the research gaps in this area were identified, and suggestions for future perspectives were provided.

Microplastics are classified as emerging pollutants of the aquatic environment, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their properties for successful management and treatment. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) serve as point sources of microplastic pollution of the aquatic and terrestrial (eco)systems. The first part of this review explores the basic definitions of microplastics, sources, types, physical and chemical methods of identifying and characterizing microplastics in WWTPs. The next part of the review details the occurrence of microplastics in various unit processes of WWTPs and sewage sludge. Followed by this, various methods for removing microplastics from wastewater are presented. Finally, the research gaps in this area were identified, and suggestions for future perspectives were provided.

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Occurrence of microplastics (plastic debris b5 mm) along the coast is a growing concern worldwide, due to increased input of discarded wastes from various sources. In order to evaluate the extent of microplastic pollution on the sandy beaches (25 locations) along Tamil Nadu coast (1076 km), India, microplastic debris were quantified and categorized into four different size classes. The beaches were classified according to potential sources of pollution i.e. riverine, tourism and fisheries. Beach samples collected from the high tide line contained significantly higher abundance of microplastic than at the low tide line. Beaches adjacent to rivers exhibited relatively higher microplastic abundance compared to those influenced by tourism and fishing activities. Out of the total detected debris, plastic fragments were the maximum (47-50%), followed by line/fibres (24-27%) and foam (10-19%) materials. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed that polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene were the main types of microplastics present in these beaches. Gut content analysis of commercially important fishes, collected from the coastal waters, revealed microplastics ingestion in 10.1% of fishes. The results indicate that microplastics accumulation in the coastal environment, especially close to the river mouths, may be a serious concern, due to its ability to enter into the marine food web and highlights the necessity of microplastics screening from estuarine, coastal waters and other potential sources.

Besides visible plastic pollution, there is also a microplastic threat. Microplastics are ultrasmall plastic items, smaller than 5 mm in size. The presence of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems is increasing at an exponential rate posing a direct or indirect threat to all biodiversity on the planet This paper highlights the Indian scenario of microplastic pollution in comparison with developed regions of the globe while primarily focusing on impacts on human health. Microplastic particles are not metabolised by living organisms and thus they keep bioaccumulating. These tiny plastics also sorb a wide plethora of chemical substances that may have severe effects on life forms. Pathogenic bacteria may also adhere to microplastics affecting health. Exposure to microplastics has become impossible to avoid as these tiny plastics can enter through food, cosmetics and even via air. Besides bioaccumulating microplastics have been proven to interfere with cellular processes and normal physiological functioning of the human body. Very few papers have been published to date highlighting this issue, more research needs to be done on sources, distribution patterns and effects of microplastics on the ecosystem and humans.

Commercial fisheries yield essential foods, sustain cultural practices, and provide widespread employment around the globe. Commercially harvested species face a myriad of anthropogenic threats including degraded habitats, changing climate, overharvest, and pollution. Microplastics are pollutants of increasing concern, which are pervasive in the environment and can harbor or adsorb pollutants from surrounding waters. Aquatic organisms, including commercial species, encounter and ingest microplastics, but there is a paucity of data about those caught and cultured in North America. Additional research is needed to determine prevalence, physiological effects, and population‐level implications of microplastics in commercial species from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Investigations into possible human health effects of microplastic exposure from seafood are also greatly needed. This synthesis summarizes current knowledge, identifies data gaps, and provides future research direct...

Antarctic pristine environment is threatened by the presence of microplastics that occur in a variety of shapes and sizes, from fibers to irregular fragments. The aim of this study is to assess the abundance, distribution, and the characterization of the microfibers in zooplankton samples found in ocean waters in Admiralty Bay, Antarctica. The samples were collected at five points in Admiralty Bay during the XXIX Brazilian Antarctic Expedition in the austral summer of 2010-2011. A total of 603 microfibers were collected in 60 samples, with an average abundance of 2.40 (± 4.57) microfibers 100 m −3. Microfiber size ranging from ca. 10 to 22 μm in diameter of various lengths and colors (blue, red, black, and clear) was collected and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Most of these microfibers were entangled in various different zooplankton species and were identified as polymers composed mostly by polyethyleneglycols, polyurethanes, polyethylene terephthalates, and polyamides. The presence of such microfibers may cause the loss of biodiversity in the Antarctic continent, and the results presented herein can contribute to a better understanding of the impact caused by them within the food chain and human health.

The abundance of microplastics (MPs) in surface water and beach sediment in Southern Sri Lanka covering a distance of 91 km of coastline is reported. MPs were classified according to polymer type, geometry and color of the sites tested 60% showed MP contamination in sand and 70% in surface waters off the coast. The size range of MPs from surface waters and beaches were to 1.5-2.5 mm and 3-4.5 mm, respectively. Majority of these were identified as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) with some polystyrene (PS) foam at a few sites. Fragments derived from larger debris appears to be the dominant type of MP at most sites and only 2 sites showed virgin pellets that accounted for 14% of the samples collected.

Microplastic pollution is a pervasive problem. Many species have been found to ingest microplastics and this poses a risk to biodiversity (Fauna and Flora International, 2013). In Nova Scotia, there are few quantitative data on microplastic pollution. As quantifying microplastic pollution has only recently attained attention in Nova Scotia, no standardized methods for collection and analysis have been established. This project, although limited in scope, identified and quantified microplastic pollution on McNabs Island and Lake Banook beaches using established sampling and processing methods. The samples were evaluated using a combination of density separation, microscopic identification and RamanTM spectroscopy. This provided information to compare with other research.

The present study is the first attempt to investigate the occurrence and distribution pattern of microplastics (MPs) in the beach sediments covering a 36 km long beach at Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify the MP particles (> 300 μm). The mean abundance of plastics in this study site was 8.1 ± 2.9 particles kg −1. The abundance of MPs in the sediments was found in the following order: Fragments > Fibers > Foams > Beads > Films. The most abundant polymer types were Polypropylene (PP) (47%) and Polyethylene (PE) (23%). Most of the PP was atactic, while the low-density and high-density PE were in the balance. A higher abundance of MPs was observed in the wrack line compared to the other zones across the shore. The designated public tourist spots corresponding to few sampling sites showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher MPs than the sites with no tourist activity.

The present study is the first attempt to investigate the occurrence and distribution pattern of microplastics (MPs) in the beach sediments covering a 36 km long beach at Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify the MP particles (> 300 μm). The mean abundance of plastics in this study site was 8.1 ± 2.9 particles kg −1. The abundance of MPs in the sediments was found in the following order: Fragments > Fibers > Foams > Beads > Films. The most abundant polymer types were Polypropylene (PP) (47%) and Polyethylene (PE) (23%). Most of the PP was atactic, while the low-density and high-density PE were in the balance. A higher abundance of MPs was observed in the wrack line compared to the other zones across the shore. The designated public tourist spots corresponding to few sampling sites showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher MPs than the sites with no tourist activity.

Four sandy beaches on the island of Malta were regularly sampled for Large MicroPlastic (LMP) particles having a diameter between 1mm and 5mm, at stations located at the waterline, and 10m inshore. The extracted LMPs were characterised (dimensions, surface roughness, colour) by microscopic analyses, as well as by a developed algorithm. Two-thirds of the isolated particles were smooth and the majority of these belonged to the grey -white colour category suggesting that these were preproduction pellets. Roughly six times as many particles were recorded within the inshore sampling stations as the particles recorded at the waterline stations. The automated image processing algorithm performed well when the dimension and colour parameter values it delivered were compared with those obtained by microscopic analyses.peer-reviewe

Microplastics (MP) in sediments from discharge sites for wastewater and deposition sites in deep regions in an urban fjord in Norway were extracted by density separation in a Microplastic Sediment Separator with ZnCl 2. Particles (> 11 μm) were identified using FTIR. Twenty different polymer types were identified, at concentrations from 12,000 to 200,000 particles kg −1 dw. Over 95% of the MP were smaller than 100 μm. High deposition of small MP agreed with known areas for organic deposition. Polyurethane acrylate resins dominated the small MP while polyamide fibers dominated the larger MP. Particles > 500 μm showed different maximum concentrations and spatial distribution from the smaller particles. This study is the first to report concentration ranges of identified plastic particles from a Norwegian fjord, down to sizes below the limit of visual identification. The results provides a baseline for future comparison, and point at relevant sizes for environmental risk assessments.

• Microfibers of different sizes and colors were found sinking through the deep subtropical North Atlantic. • Small fiber lengths (0.2-0.4 mm) dominated in the sediment trap materials of N2000 m depth. • A mean microfiber flux rate of 94 fibers m −2 day −1 was calculated in the NASG. • No relationship between total particle flux and the flux of microfibers was seen.

Marine litter, including microplastics, is a current global challenge. Determining the existing distributions and quantities of microplastics in the ocean is an urgent task. A comparison of reported microplastic abundances, however, is difficult due to diverse monitoring methods. Hence, harmonization of monitoring methods for marine litter, including microplastics, is recognized as an important task/activity. To remedy the situation, the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (below, MOEJ) has been promoting efforts to ascertain the actual state of marine pollution by encouraging horizontal distribution mapping of microplastic densities at the ocean surface worldwide. The MOEJ has developed Guidelines(Version 1.0) to harmonize ocean surface layer microplastic sampling and analytical methods in 2019, based on the results of two projects implemented by scientists. These Guidelines were prepared to enable anyone implementing ocean surface-layer microplastics-monitoring to design their moni...

Microplastic pollution is a topic of scientific interest globally. The environmental impacts caused by microplastics have spurred research focusing on separation and quantification of microplastics from soil and sediments in both fresh and marine waters. Different approaches are used for studies and continuous improvements are made, thus developing a reliable, standardized separation and quantification method has been a challenge. The Bauta microplastic-sediment separator, based on the concept of Munich plasticsediment separator, was constructed at NGI, Oslo. An optimized separation protocol was developed using different dense solutions, and a range of laboratory microplastics (lab MP): LDPE pellets, PE fibers, HDPE pellets and PET powder. Optimized method includes the use of Zinc chloride and Calcium chloride solution (d ~1.6 g/mL) as separation solution and a steel mesh (45µm) as filter. Laboratory sand (0.2-0.7 mm, d =2.6 g/mL) and beach sand (> 200 µm, d > 1.6 g/mL) were spiked with the lab MP to obtain recovery rates. Organic matter separated with the MP were dissolved following a digestion protocol which uses sodium hydroxide: urea: thiourea solution for dissolution, followed by 30% hydrogen peroxide and 10M sodium hydroxide for oxidization of organic matter. Microplastics (< 8mm and > 45m) from environmental samples: beach plastic debris from Bygdøy sjøbad and effluent sediment from Bekkelaget WWTP were also separated. Spiking resulted in lower recovery rates of PE fibers from lab sand and beach sand (77 ± 0.05 (s.d) % and 82 ± 0.10% respectively). The beach sand from Bygdøy sjøbad had a significant difference (p < 0.05) for the concentration of MP and hard-to-digest organic matter; the difference was found between the high-water mark (HWM) region and HWM-6m region, also between HWM and HWM +6m region. Bekkelaget WWTP samples had an average MP concentration of 27.92 ± 37.37 mg/kg. This novel technique is a reliable approach to separate microplastics from soil and sediments. Microplastics were present in Bekkelaget WWTP sediment and Bygdøy sjøbad debris samples. The concentration of MP was highest at the high-water zone. Advanced quantification of the separated microplastics based on their polymers should be performed using available identification techniques. This study will aid as an information tool for further optimization and development of more accurate separation, filtration, quantification and identification methods for microplastics from soil and sediments.

Microplastics pose threats to aquatic environments because they serve as hard-substrate for microbial community colonization and biofilm formation due to their long-life span and hydrophobic surface which can impact on aquatic ecosystems. However, the association between microplastics and other pollutants, particularly nutrients and metals in river sediments are largely unknown. In this study, microplastics abundance and hazard scores which are the risks arising from chemical compounds used for plastics manufacture, and the correlations between microplastics and the concentrations of total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and metals commonly present in the urban environment such as Al, As, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Cd, Se, Sr, Zn, Pb, in Brisbane River sediments were investigated. The study confirmed that the risk associated with microplastics is based on their monomer composition rather than the quantities present. Sediments having relatively higher abundance of microplastics with a relatively lower hazard score result in higher nutrient concentrations. The concentrations of metals in river sediments are more dependent on their original sources rather than the concentration of microplastics. Nevertheless, leachate from plastics should be considered in risk assessment in relation to the association between metals and plastics in aquatic environments.

Microfibers (MFs) are ubiquitous in natural environments and are considered as an anthropogenic litter that has become a global concern. Approximately 2 million tons of MFs are released into the ocean every year and once in the marine environment, it can be hypothesized that their accumulation and transport are largely controlled by oceanographic processes. We collected water column samples for MFs separation and polymeric characterization at 38 stations located in the Central-Western Mediterranean Sea. The aim of our study was to investigate MFs distribution in different water masses and transport through different Mediterranean basins. MFs were detected in all samples with a median concentration of 3.8MFs/L. Polymeric analysis highlighted cellulosic-based fibers as the dominant polymer (85%) over synthetic fibers (5%) and processed cellulose (8%), while animal fibers were detected occasionally. MF concentration was locally characterized by vertical variations according to water masses, and by changes in size, with surface and deep fibers being longer and larger than mid-water fibers. Mediterranean surface waters showed homogeneous MF content (range 3.0-4.9MFs/L), while intermediate and deep waters were characterized by opposite trends. Intermediate-waters showed decreasing MFs concentration moving from the Eastern to the Western Mediterranean basin (9.6-1.6MFs/L) while MF content increased in deep waters at the same stations (3.7-9.1MFs/L). Along the Sardinia Channel, we estimated a negative MF flux of 6 Trillion MF/day entering the Tyrrhenian Sea at intermediate depths, and a positive flux of 12 Trillion MF/day in the deep-water mass. We also estimate a 10-fold flux of synthetic fibers leaving the Tyrrhenian Sea, compared with the daily inflow. Our findings suggest that: i)there is a predominant MFs input on surface waters by atmospheric deposition; ii)MFs vertical distribution is size-dependent; iii)MFs transport between Mediterranean basins is mediated by Levantine waters; iv)a potential export of MFs to deep waters occurs in the Tyrrhenian Sea.