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AbstractTribo-charging of plastic particles plays a critical role in the electrostatic separation industry, particularly for sorting millimeter-sized particles. The optimal charge/mass ratio can result in significant particle deviation in high intensity electric fields, making tribo-charging an important area of study. This work examines a modified tribo-electrostatic charging device that utilizes rotating propellers and an added air blower to increase particle charging. Through experimental analysis, the impact of air blower speed, rotating propeller speed, and sample mass was investigated using five different types of millimeter-sized particles. The results of the optimization study indicate a significant improvement in the charge/mass ratio, with the introduction of the air blower increasing the ratio by over 2.5 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) accumulate in sediments, yet guidelines for evaluating MP risks in dredged sediments are lacking. The objective of this study was to review existing literature on MPs in sediments to improve fundamental knowledge of MP exposures and develop a publicly available database of MPs in sediments. Twelve percent of the reviewed papers (nine studies) included sediment core samples with MP concentrations generally decreasing with depth, peaking in the top 15 cm. The remaining papers evaluated surficial grab samples (0 to 15 cm depth) from various water bodies with MPs detected in almost every sample. Median MP concentrations (items/kg dry sediment) increased in this order: lakes and reservoirs (184), estuarine (263), Great Lakes nearshore areas and tributaries (290), riverine (410), nearshore marine areas (487), dredge activities (817), and harbors (948). Dredging of recurrent shoaling sediments could be expected to contain MPs at various depths with concentrations influenced by the time elapsed since the last dredging event. These results offer key insights into the presence and variability of MPs in dredged sediments, informing environmental monitoring and risk assessment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human exposure to plastic particles has raised great concern among all relevant stakeholders involved in the protection of human health due to the contamination of the food chain, surface waters, and even drinking water as well as due to their persistence and bioaccumulation. Now more than ever, it is critical that we understand the biological fate of plastics and their interaction with different biological systems. Because of the ubiquity of plastic materials in the environment and their toxic potential, it is imperative to gain reliable, regulatory-relevant, science-based data on the effects of plastic micro- and nanoparticles (PMNPs) on human health in order to implement reliable risk assessment and management strategies in the circular economy of plastics. This review presents current knowledge of human-relevant PMNP exposure doses, pathways, and toxic effects. It addresses difficulties in properly assessing plastic exposure and current knowledge gaps and proposes steps that can be taken to underpin health risk perception, assessment, and mitigation through rigorous science-based evidence. Based on the existing scientific data on PMNP adverse health effects, this review brings recommendations on the development of PMNP-specific adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) following the AOP Users’ Handbook of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Copyright of Archives of Industrial Hygiene & Toxicology / Arhiv za Higijenu Rada I Toksikologiju is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: The environmental issue posed by the distribution of plastic is largely due to their fragmentation into micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), which are spread across aquatic, atmospheric, and terrestrial ecosystems. The discovery that these particles can easily accumulate in aquatic organisms and edible plants has rapidly drawn global attention to their potential impact on human health. Therefore, based on the One Health approach, this paper will first provide an overview of soil contamination as well as human exposure routes and toxicity pathways of MNPs. It then describes the significant role of livestock animals as a critical link between soil and human exposure, focusing on the lack of the available literature and on the role of livestock animals as reservoirs and carriers of MNP contamination along the food chain. The lack of a standardized method to detect, quantify, and characterize plastic particles in different matrices prevents the determination of their realistic load. For this reason, the development of a database where researchers can document data, both on MNP characteristics and assessment procedures, is also suggested with the perspective of training, in the future, artificial intelligence (AI) tools capable of predicting the most abundant/dangerous polymer(s) and help in guiding decisions to reduce risks to global health. Plastic pollution is a global diffuse threat, especially considering its fragmentation into microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). Since the contamination of the aquatic environment is already well studied, most studies have now focused on the soil. Moreover, the number of studies on the exposure routes and toxic effects of MNPs in humans is continuously increasing. Although MNPs can cause inflammation, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and immune toxicity in livestock animals, which can accumulate ingested/inhaled plastic particles and transfer them to humans through the food chain, research on this topic is still lacking. In considering farm animals as the missing link between soil/plant contamination and human health effects, this paper aims to describe their importance as carriers and vectors of MNP contamination. As research on this topic is in its early stages, there is no standard method to quantify the amount and the characteristics of MNPs in different matrices. Therefore, the creation of a common database where researchers can report data on MNP characteristics and quantification methods could be helpful for both method standardization and the future training of an AI tool for predicting the most abundant/dangerous polymer(s), thus supporting policy decisions to reduce plastic pollution and perfectly fitting with One Health principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new OpenFOAM solver has been developed for computing the spatial variation of particle concentrations in flowing water. The new solver was programmed in C ++ using OpenFOAM libraries, and the source code has been made openly available. The current article describes the coding of how the water flow and particle movements are computed. The solver is based on a Eulearian approach, where the particles are computed as concentrations in cells of a grid that resolves the computational domain. The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations are solved by simpleFoam, using the k-ε turbulence model. The new solver uses a drift-flux approach to take the fall or rise velocity of the particles into account in a convection-diffusion equation. The model is therefore called sediDriftFoam. The results from the solver were tested on two cases with different types of particles. The first case was a sand trap with sand particles. The geometry was three-dimensional with a recirculation zone. The computed sediment concentrations in three vertical profiles compared well with earlier numerical studies and laboratory measurements. The second case was a straight channel flume with plastic particles that had a positive rise velocity. In this case, the results also compared well with the laboratory measurements. HIGHLIGHTS Open source 3D sediment model.; Based on OpenFOAM.; Simple and easy to learn.; Tested on computing trap efficiency of a sand trap.; Tested on computing suspended plastic particles in a channel.;

Micro/nanoplastics (MNP) are ubiquitous in the environment and multiple living organisms. The toxicity of some common types of MNP, e.g., polyethersulfone (PES) MNP, remains poorly understood. Multi-omics approaches were used in this study to determine the effects of foodborne and airborne PES MNP on liver and lung, respectively. Foodborne MNP were capable of inducing gut microbial dysbiosis, gut and serum metabolic disruption, and liver transcriptomic dysregulation, and affecting serum antioxidant activity and liver function, resulting in liver injury. As for the airborne MNP, they were found to induce nasal and lung microbial dysbiosis, serum and lung metabolic disruption, and liver transcriptome disturbance, and cause disrupted serum antioxidant activity and lung injury. Foodborne and airborne PES NP were found to respectively induce greater liver and lung toxicity than MP, which could be associated with the differences between NP and MP exposures. The relevant results suggest that foodborne PES MNP could disrupt the “gut microbiota-gut-liver” axis and induce hepatic injury, while airborne PES MNP could affect the “airborne microbiota-lung” axis and cause lung injury. The findings could benefit the diagnoses of liver and lung injury respectively induced by foodborne and airborne PES MNP, as well as the proper use of PES in human living environment.

Microplastics (MPs), small plastic particles resulting from the degradation of larger plastic items and from primary sources such as textiles, engineered plastic pellets, etc., have become a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. As their prevalence in the natural environment grows, concerns about their potential impacts on human health have escalated. This review discusses current research findings on the presence of MPs in organs such as the liver, blood, heart, placenta, breast milk, sputum, semen, testis, and urine, while also exploring plausible mechanisms of translocation. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the importance of understanding the potential toxicological effects of MPs on various physiological processes within these organs and their broader implications for human health. This review also examines the pathways through which MPs can enter and accumulate in human organs and bodily fluids, shedding light on the intricate routes of exposure and potential health implications. It is worth noting that the invasive medical procedures may permit direct access of MPs to the bloodstream and tissues, serving as a potential contamination source. However, it is evident that a comprehensive understanding of MPs' invasion into human organs is vital for effective mitigation strategies and the preservation of both human health and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic is one of the most widely used materials. It is expected that there will be about 12 billion tons of debris dispersed into the environment by 2050. This, combined with marine littering, pollution and climate change will threaten our ability to sustainably use oceans, seas and coasts. In this regard, it is important to understand transport mechanisms and predict hotspots of plastic pollution. Physical models are a valid support to achieve such a goal. In this regard, it is necessary to adopt specific techniques which allow the movement of plastic to be monitored. Considering the relatively high size of plastic particles that could be used during experimental campaigns, new approaches based on image processing could be implemented. This study presents a simplified method to estimate the transport of particle debris under sea waves by 2D image processing, avoiding any disturbance of the dynamic field. The proposed method, based on the blob analysis, was implemented and calibrated within the wave flume of the Hydraulics Laboratory at the University of Messina. After a calibration process, the method was used to study the behaviour of the plastic debris under several hydrodynamic conditions. The results obtained in terms of displacement and velocity of the analysed sample showed a great reliability of the used methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nano- and microplastic particles (NMP) are strong environmental contaminants affecting marine ecosystems and human health. The negligible use of biodegradable plastics and the lack of knowledge about plastic uptake, accumulation, and functional consequences led us to investigate the short- and long-term effects in freshly isolated skin cells from mice. Using fluorescent NMP of several sizes (200 nm to 6 µm), efficient cellular uptake was observed, causing, however, only minor acute toxicity as metabolic activity and apoptosis data suggested, albeit changes in intracellular reactive species and thiol levels were observed. The internalized NMP induced an altered expression of various targets of the nuclear factor-2-related transcription factor 2 pathway and were accompanied by changed antioxidant and oxidative stress signaling responses, as suggested by altered heme oxygenase 1 and glutathione peroxide 2 levels. A highly increased beta-catenin expression under acute but not chronic NMP exposure was concomitant with a strong translocation from membrane to the nucleus and subsequent transcription activation of Wnt signaling target genes after both single-dose and chronic long-term NMP exposure. Moreover, fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation accompanied by an increase of α smooth muscle actin and collagen expression was observed. Together with several NMP-induced changes in junctional and adherence protein expression, our study for the first time elucidates the acute and chronic effects of NMP of different sizes in primary skin cells' signaling and functional biology, contributing to a better understanding of nano- and microplastic to health risks in higher vertebrates.

In the present study we report for the first time, the presence of plastic particles on the gastrointestinal tracts of the examined commercial fish species: Sardinella aurita (n=60), Sardina pilchardus (n=60), Pagellus acarne (n=45), Trachurus trachurus (n=38), Boops boops (n=40), Sparus aurata (n=6). The sampled fish species (n=249) inhabiting in demersal, benthopelagic and pelagic marine ecosystems (Gulf of Bejaia) were examined to test eventual differences in micro and macro plastic particles. Overall, results showed that 58.63% of gastrointestinal tracts were contained plastic particles. An average 8.45 ± 14.69 items per fish were recorded. The most common morphotype particles were fiber (85%) whereas dominant colors of plastic debris were the blue and the red among three types of particle colors. Our results shows that are no significant differences between females and males specimens in terms of ingested plastic particles. The highest abundance of plastic particles in fish gastrointestinal tracts was recorded in wet season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics have been detected in the aquatic environment. These recycled microparticles contain chemicals that are released into the environment reaching different organisms. Although the problem of the presence of recycled PVC microparticles in the environment is evident, the toxicological consequences of this contaminant to exposed organisms remains to be better determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the toxicity attributed to exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of recycled PVC microplastics in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). The experimental groups were: negative control, vehicle control, positive control, and recycled microplastics (20 ± 5 μm) at 5, 10 or 20 μg/L. Zebrafish (D. rerio) were exposed to respective treatments for 96 hr. Locomotion and oxidative status parameters were measured and mortality recorded. The positive control group presented increased mortality rates and decreased locomotor activity. Animals from the vehicle group did not show marked differences. Finally, no significant disturbances were found in survival rate, locomotion pattern and oxidative status of animals exposed to recycled PVC microparticles at 5, 10 or 20 μg/L. Taken together our results suggest that recycled PVC microplastics in this particle size range do not appear to exert harmful effects on exposed adult D. rerio. However, these results need to be carefully observed due to limitations including size of particle and duration of exposure parameters that might affect ecological consequences. It is suggested that additional studies applying other particles sizes and chronic exposure are needed to more comprehensively verify the toxicity of the contaminant investigated here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Plastics Science & Technology / Suliao Ke-Ji is the property of Plastics Science & Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Plastic pollution is a global diffuse threat, especially considering its fragmentation into microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). Since the contamination of the aquatic environment is already well studied, most studies have now focused on the soil. Moreover, the number of studies on the exposure routes and toxic effects of MNPs in humans is continuously increasing. Although MNPs can cause inflammation, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and immune toxicity in livestock animals, which can accumulate ingested/inhaled plastic particles and transfer them to humans through the food chain, research on this topic is still lacking. In considering farm animals as the missing link between soil/plant contamination and human health effects, this paper aims to describe their importance as carriers and vectors of MNP contamination. As research on this topic is in its early stages, there is no standard method to quantify the amount and the characteristics of MNPs in different matrices. Therefore, the creation of a common database where researchers can report data on MNP characteristics and quantification methods could be helpful for both method standardization and the future training of an AI tool for predicting the most abundant/dangerous polymer(s), thus supporting policy decisions to reduce plastic pollution and perfectly fitting with One Health principles.

Simple Summary: Microplastics are widespread environmental contaminants comprised of plastic pieces <5 mm. Human exposure to microplastics has been confirmed by their presence in multiple tissues. Terrestrial domestic animals may be relevant to human exposure, as they are also subjected to the same environmental contaminants, possibly acting as sentinels (i.e., help estimate exposure and risk to humans) or by being an integral part of the human food chain, as in the case of livestock. This work addresses how microplastics may impact terrestrial domestic animals, leading to consequences for food security (i.e., the availability of food) and food safety (i.e., the prevention of foodborne illnesses) and how companion animals may help estimate environmental human exposure. Terrestrial domestic animals are exposed to microplastics, therefore, contaminating the food chain, in the case of livestock, or acting as sentinels for human exposure, in the case of companion animals. The aim of this review was to address the importance of terrestrial domestic animals on human exposure to microplastics. Animal products may already show some microplastics contamination, which may occur during their lifetime, possibly also compromising productivity, and during processing, originating from equipment and packaging. Moreover, release of microplastics in animal feces (or manure) leads to the contamination of agricultural fields, with possible impacts and internalization in plants. Therefore, microplastics pose a threat to food security, compromising food productivity, and food safety, by being a foreign material found in animal products. Conversely, in urban environments, companion animals (cats and dogs) may be relevant sentinels for human exposure. While oral exposure may vary in pets compared to humans, due to indiscriminate ingestion and chewing or licking behaviors, airborne exposure is likely to be a good indicator for human exposure. Therefore, future studies should address the importance of terrestrial domestic animals for human exposure of microplastics, both in the food chain and as sentinels for environmental exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polystyrene nano- and micro-sized plastic particles (NMP) are one of the common plastic materials produced that dramatically pollute the environment, water, and oceanic habitats worldwide. NMP are continuously absorbed by the body through a number of routes, especially via intestinal ingestion, dermal uptake, and inhalation into the lung. Several studies provided evidence of NMP provoking oxidative stress and affecting cellular responses. Yet, the NMP effects on primary lung cells have not been studied. To this end, we isolated and cultured murine lung cells and exposed them short-term or long-term to polystyrene 0.2–6.0 µm-sized NMP. We studied cellular consequences regarding oxidative stress, morphology, and secretion profiling. Visualization, distribution, and expression analyses confirmed lung cells accumulating NMP and showed several significant correlations with particle size. Moreover, we found substantial evidence of biological consequences of small-scale NMP uptake in lung cells. Besides alterations of cytokine secretion profiles resulting in inflammatory responses, indicators of oxidative stress were identified that were accompanied by Nrf2 and β-catenin signaling changes. Our results serve as an important basis to point out the potential hazards of plastic contaminations and uptake in lung cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano- and microplastic particles (NMP) are strong environmental contaminants affecting marine ecosystems and human health. The negligible use of biodegradable plastics and the lack of knowledge about plastic uptake, accumulation, and functional consequences led us to investigate the short- and long-term effects in freshly isolated skin cells from mice. Using fluorescent NMP of several sizes (200 nm to 6 µm), efficient cellular uptake was observed, causing, however, only minor acute toxicity as metabolic activity and apoptosis data suggested, albeit changes in intracellular reactive species and thiol levels were observed. The internalized NMP induced an altered expression of various targets of the nuclear factor-2-related transcription factor 2 pathway and were accompanied by changed antioxidant and oxidative stress signaling responses, as suggested by altered heme oxygenase 1 and glutathione peroxide 2 levels. A highly increased beta-catenin expression under acute but not chronic NMP exposure was concomitant with a strong translocation from membrane to the nucleus and subsequent transcription activation of Wnt signaling target genes after both single-dose and chronic long-term NMP exposure. Moreover, fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation accompanied by an increase of α smooth muscle actin and collagen expression was observed. Together with several NMP-induced changes in junctional and adherence protein expression, our study for the first time elucidates the acute and chronic effects of NMP of different sizes in primary skin cells' signaling and functional biology, contributing to a better understanding of nano- and microplastic to health risks in higher vertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research into the properties of input materials and the setup of equipment for polymer process technology is the first step in any development and innovation. Considering the requirements of reducing energy consumption, time and recyclability of materials, it is desirable to develop a tool for setting the mechanical and physical properties of binary mixtures of plastic granulates. Therefore, a dataset containing the particle size distribution, internal friction angle and spreading angle of eight different polymer granulates and their blends was created. If the internal angle of the material does not suit the technology, there is the possibility to change the technology itself or to modify the material passing through the technology at the input. It is also important to know the dependence of particle shape on internal friction. Based on the measured mixing values of the plastic granules, a dataset was created from which the computer program can draw input data to generate a new mixture setting for the desired friction value. Knowing the ingredient ratios to set the desired friction is the technology of the future. Once the input shape parameters of the individual components in the mixture have been given, the model can also be used in reverse, where in turn an idea of the internal friction angles of the input mixture components can be obtained. [Display omitted] • Novel method for predicting the angle of internal friction. • The mixing curves was generated from three key data points. • The change in internal angle from spherical to rod particles is shown. • Practical use demonstrated in a hopper experiment. • The mixed sample confirms the change in flowability and internal friction angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the extent and implications of microplastic (MP) pollution along the São Paulo State coastline in southeastern Brazil is crucial, considering the significant environmental burden imposed by industrial and port activities in this region. This research aims to understand the complex dynamics of MP deposition on sandy beaches, which poses severe environmental risks to coastal ecosystems, marine organisms, and humans. Using a comprehensive five-step methodology—geodetic surveys, sediment collection, μ-RAMAN spectrometry for polymer identification, and multivariate statistical models—we analyzed the distribution of MPs across six coastal compartments (C1 to C6). The results (128 samples from 34 profiles) revealed relatively high MP concentrations in C3 and C2, which were likely influenced by local human activities. Various shape types of MPs, such as pellets, fragments, and fibers, present distinct distribution patterns based on their physical properties and emission sources. Fragments and foam were the most prevalent, accounting for 42 % and 35 %, respectively, of the 1026 MP items identified in total. Statistical analyses revealed significant correlations between MP types and beach morphometric features, with higher elevations correlating with increased MP concentrations, particularly for pellets and foam. Beaches with intermediate slopes (0.05 < tanβ <0.12) and openings to the southern quadrant tended to accumulate more MPs. This research underscores the importance of tailored management strategies that consider the unique characteristics of each coastal region to mitigate the impacts of MP pollution. The findings contribute to the development of targeted monitoring and environmental remediation strategies, which are crucial for protecting marine life and maintaining the integrity of coastal environments. • Different types/forms of microplastics tend to accumulate in distinct beach locations. • This deposition is influenced by microplastic and environmental characteristics, as demonstrated by statistical associations. • A robust data analysis can indicate hotspots of microplastic accumulation on sandy beaches. • The present article presents a broad study on microplastic deposition on sandy beaches in a Brazilian state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro- and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) constitute emerging and widely-distributed environmental contaminants to which humans are highly exposed. They possibly represent a threat for human health. In order to identify cellular/molecular targets for these plastic particles, we have analysed the effects of exposure to manufactured polystyrene (PS) MPs and NPs on in vitro activity and expression of human membrane drug transporters, known to interact with chemical pollutants. PS MPs and NPs, used at various concentrations (1, 10 or 100 µg/mL), failed to inhibit efflux activities of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters P-glycoprotein, MRPs and BCRP in ABC transporter-expressing cells. Furthermore, PS particles did not impair the transport of P-glycoprotein or BCRP substrates across intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers. Uptake activities of solute carriers (SLCs) such as OCT1 and OCT2 (handling organic cations) or OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OATP2B1, OAT1 and OAT3 (handling organic anions) were additionally not altered by PS MPs/NPs in HEK-293 cells overexpressing these SLCs. mRNA expression of ABC transporters and of the SLCs OCT1 and OATP2B1 in Caco-2 cells and human hepatic HepaRG cells were finally not impaired by a 48-h exposure to MPs/NPs. Altogether, these data indicate that human drug transporters are unlikely to be direct and univocal targets for synthetic PS MPs/NPs. • Synthetic polystyrene (PS) microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) were studied. • Synthetic PS MPs and NPs did not inhibit activities of human drug transporters. • Transport across intestinal Caco-2 cells was not impaired by synthetic PS MPs and NPs. • Synthetic PS MPs and NPs failed to alter human drug transporter mRNA expression. • Human drug transporters are unlikely to be direct targets for synthetic PS particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seafloor sediments have been defined as sinks for microplastics in the marine environment and could therefore represent suitable matrices for their long-term monitoring. On a regional aspect, the adoption of a common indicator for microplastics in seafloor sediments would allow regional monitoring and assessments through international frameworks such as OSPAR. This study presents the findings of a research and development project monitoring the occurrence and abundance of microplastics in UK seafloor sediments for the period 2013-2021, supporting the development of a national monitoring programme for microplastics in seafloor sediments for the UK (England and Wales). A fast-screening technique based on Nile Red staining of polymers coupled with µ-FTIR was applied and validated using µ-FTIR-FPA. Microplastic particles were detected in all 189 sediment samples from 15 stations selected around the UK for each investigated year (2013 - 2021). Microplastic concentrations (20 – 5000 µm) ranged from 133 – 6,933 particles kg-1 dry weight sediment for 2020-2021. Microplastics mainly consisted of fragments (73%), fibres (19%) and spheres (8%). Plastic fragments ranged from 46 to 3276 µm and plastic fibres from 300 to 1731 µm in length with a mean diameter of 16 µm. Single particle analysis using µ-FTIR indicated a prevalence of Rayon, PP, Rayon/Nylon/Polyester blends, Rubber, PS, PE, PA, PVC, Acrylic, EMAA and PET. Fragments were mainly white in colour (46%) followed by brown (38%), black (1%), blue (1%) and orange (1%). Fibres were mainly white in colour (57%) followed by black (14%), orange (14%) and red (14%). A trend assessment at the UK regional seas levels indicated little visual evidence of any trends in the abundance of microplastics over time in any of the regional seas – with the possible exception of the Northern North Sea with a reduction in abundance over time for the time-period 2013-2021.

The research results revealed the presence of microplastics in bottled water exposed to the sun. The effect of direct sunlight on standard plastic bottle samples was studied and reused to estimate microplastic particles. Samples of standard plastic bottles made of water-packed polyethylene terephthalate (bottled water) were collected and compared with plastic bottle samples packed with wastewater. The number of microplastics was estimated through the sample filtration process, and then the number of particles was calculated using a microscope. The average number of microplastics measured in standard samples of bottled bottles exposed to sunlight was 180.7 microplastics/L. While the average number of particles for water-packed plastic bottles that have been reused several times and exposed under direct sunlight and the effect of the same conditions for standard samples was 326.2 microplastics/liter, and the results proved that there were obvious differences in the number of plastic particles as the research results showed that there were clear differences in the number of plastic particles between the water bottled in the standard polyethylene terephthalate bottles exposed to sunlight and the bottles reused several times. After their laboratory observation, the results of verifying the presence of plastic particles revealed the degradation of those particles in the nutrient liquid. This may be due, among other things, to the manufacture and packaging of these canals and the bottle from which they may be produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) have emerged as pervasive environmental pollutants, and they ubiquitously distribute in ecosystems and accumulate within organisms, thereby posing a substantial threat to global ecology. Though the disruptive effects of NPs and MPs on physiology and behavior in some aquatic species have been extensively documented, the potential impacts of them on a widespread sea cucumber, Holothuria leucospilota, remain unexplored. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation to reveal the effect of polyethylene NPs (200 nm) and MPs (20 μm) on the health of the sea cucumber. The results indicated that the exposure to NPs and MPs deeply altered the gut microbiota, wherein a substantial alternation of core gut microorganisms such as Rhodobacteraceae and Flavobacteriaceae was observed. NPs and MPs induced oxidative stress in the gut of sea cucumbers, which may be linked to intraspecific variations in the abundance of Rhodobacteraceae, Arcobacteraceae, and Spirochaetaceae, as well as an immune imbalance associated with shifts in Rhodobacteraceae and Arcobacteraceae populations within the gut microbiota. Notably, NPs exerting a more pronounced effect on oxidative stress levels compared to MPs. Additionally, obvious transmission and accumulation of plastic particles could be observed in the gut tissues, and therefore it likely contributed to histological damage, immunological dysregulation, and oxidative stress. These findings clearly demonstrated that NPs and MPs exert harmful impacts on the health of the sea cucumber. This study provides valuable and deep insights into the broader ecological hazards caused by the contamination of plastic particles in marine ecosystems., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The single-use plastic packaging for traditional Chinese herbal decoction is prevalent for its convenience. However, concerns have been raised regarding the biosafety implications of dissolved plastic particles from such food contact materials and their potential impact on drug efficacy. To initially investigate the release characteristics of micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs) from Chinese herbal decoction packages under different usage scenarios, 100 mL of water was filled at temperatures ranging from 40 ℃ to 100 ℃ and stored at 4 ℃ for 1 to 14 days before reheating at 60 ℃ prior to consumption. Fluorescence microscopy and nano flow cytometry revealed that one package could release 0.15-1.21 million MPs (over 60 % of MPs < 2 µm) and 0.48-4.32 billion NPs (over 40 % of NPs < 100 nm). The quantity of MPs decreased while NPs increased with higher filling temperatures, peaking after one day and seven days respectively. Exposure modeling estimated a daily intake of 2115-17,300 MPs/kg·day and 6.90-61.68 million NPs/kg·day from consuming one dose of Chinese herbal decoction. Furthermore, exposure of RAW264.7 cells to these plastic particles resulted in elevated levels of ROS and IL-6, aligning with dissolved NPs concentration trends. These findings cause apprehensions when utilizing plastic food packages due to M/NPs releases and potential proinflammatory risks., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Plastic is one of the most widely used materials. It is expected that there will be about 12 billion tons of debris dispersed into the environment by 2050. This, combined with marine littering, pollution and climate change will threaten our ability to sustainably use oceans, seas and coasts. In this regard, it is important to understand transport mechanisms and predict hotspots of plastic pollution. Physical models are a valid support to achieve such a goal. In this regard, it is necessary to adopt specific techniques which allow the movement of plastic to be monitored. Considering the relatively high size of plastic particles that could be used during experimental campaigns, new approaches based on image processing could be implemented. This study presents a simplified method to estimate the transport of particle debris under sea waves by 2D image processing, avoiding any disturbance of the dynamic field. The proposed method, based on the blob analysis, was implemented and calibrated within the wave flume of the Hydraulics Laboratory at the University of Messina. After a calibration process, the method was used to study the behaviour of the plastic debris under several hydrodynamic conditions. The results obtained in terms of displacement and velocity of the analysed sample showed a great reliability of the used methodology.

This study presents a new electrostatic separation device for recovering high-purity metals and plastics from waste electrical and electronic equipment. The device is constituted by a rotating plate conveyor, an air suction system, and a vibrating hopper. It utilizes electro-adhesion force to selectively attract metal particles onto the conveyor surface, while precisely calibrated suction air effectively collects plastic particles into a dedicated box. A key feature is the employment of a low-level AC high voltage, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and safety compared to conventional electrostatic methods. Experimental results demonstrate high performance, achieving recovery and purity rates of up to 100 % depending on applied voltage and airflow settings. • A double-side electrostatic actuator was used with electrodes on both sides. • Constituted by rotating plates, air suction system, and vibrating hopper. • Utilizes electro-adhesion force for metal particles and calibrated suction for plastics. • Employs low-level AC high voltage for enhanced safety and efficiency. • Achieves recovery and purity rates of up to 100 % in experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the possible ecotoxicological effect of co -exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) and diclofenac (DCF) in zebrafish (Danio rerio). After six days of exposure, we noticed that the co-exposure to PS-NP (100 μg/L) and DCF (at 50 and 500 μg/L) decreased the hatching rate and increased the mortality rate compared to the control group. Furthermore, we noted that larvae exposed to combined pollutants showed a higher frequency of morphological abnormalities and increased oxidative stress, apoptosis, and lipid peroxidation. In adults, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were also impaired in the intestine, and the co-exposure groups showed more histopathological alterations. Furthermore, the TNF-α , COX-2 , and IL-1β expressions were significantly upregulated in the adult zebrafish co-exposed to pollutants. Based on these findings, the co-exposure to PS-NPs and DCF has shown an adverse effect on the intestinal region, supporting the notion that PS-NPs synergistically exacerbate DCF toxicity in zebrafish. [Display omitted] • PS-NPs, in combination with DCF, induce an embryogenic effect in zebrafish larvae. • Co-exposure to PS-NPs and DCF increases oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis in zebrafish larvae. • Adult zebrafish co-exposed to PS-NPs and DCF shows intestinal antioxidant deficits. • Upregulation of proinflammatory genes is observed in the adult zebrafish co-exposed to pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holothurians are marine invertebrates that are among the most widespread benthic megafauna communities by both biomass and abundance in shallow‐water and deep‐sea ecosystems, their functions supporting important ecological services worldwide. Despite their simple appearance as sea cucumbers, holothurians show a wide range of feeding practices. However, information on what and how these animals eat is scattered and potentially confusing. We provide a comprehensive review of holothurian nutrition in coastal and deep‐sea ecosystems. First, we describe morphological aspects of holothurian feeding and the ultrastructure of tentacles. We discuss the two processes for food capture, concluding that mucus adhesion is likely the main method; two mucous cells, type‐1 and type‐2, possibly allow the adhesion and de‐adhesion, respectively, of food particles. Secondly, this review aims to clarify behavioural aspects of holothurian suspension‐ and deposit‐feeding. We discuss the daily feeding cycle, and selective feeding strategies. We conclude that there is selectivity for fine and organically rich particles, and that feeding through the cloaca is also a route for nutrient absorption. Third, we provide a wide description of the diet of holothurians, which can be split into two categories: living and non‐living material. We suggest that Synallactida, Molpadida, Persiculida, Holothuriida and Elasipodida, ingest the same fractions, and emphasise the importance of bacteria in the diet of holothurians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive production and use of plastic materials, followed by the mismanagement of plastic waste have favoured the increase of plastic particles occurrence in aquatic ecosystems. Ingestion of plastic fragments (especially micro- and nanoplastics) by aquatic fauna can lead to various diseases and disorders, which is why monitoring of plastics presence in the aquatic environment is vital. To identify the presence of plastic particles in environmental samples, several methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, microscopy, thermal extraction desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry have been applied in the literature. In the present paper, attenuated total reflectance - FTIR spectroscopy was used to identify and characterize plastics debris found in the Lower Danube water, near the Galati City. Plastic particles collected had different shapes (i.e fragments, films, granules) and colours (blue, red, colourless). Based on infrared spectra obtained, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) were the main polymers identified in the collected samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the fate and toxicity of microplastics (MPs, < 5 mm plastic particles) is limited by quantification methods. This paper summarizes the methods in use and presents new ones. First, sampling and pretreatment processes of MPs, including sample collection, digestion, density separation, and quality control are reviewed. Then the promising and convenient staining procedures and quantification methods for MPs using fluorescence dyes are reviewed. The factors that influence the staining of MPs, including their physicochemical properties, are summarized to provide an optimal operation procedure. In general, the digestion step is crucial to eliminate natural organic matter (NOM) to avoid interference in quantification. Chloroform was reported to be the most appropriate solvent, and 10–20 μg/mL are recommended as optimal dye concentrations. In addition, a heating and cooling procedure is recommended to maintain the fluorescence intensity of MPs for two months. After staining, a fluorescence microscope is usually used to characterize the morphology, mass, or number of MPs, but compositional analysis cannot be determined with it. These fluorescence staining methods have been implemented to study MP abundance, transport, and toxicity and have been combined with other chemical characterization techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. More studies are needed to focus on the synthesis of novel dyes to avoid NOM’s interference. They need to be combined with other spectroscopic techniques to characterize plastic composition and to develop image-analysis methods. The stability of stained MPs needs to be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimentalinvestigation of the effect of particle geometry on the values of hydraulic conductivity using 5 plastic particle fractions ofdifferent shapes and sizes is presented in this paper. Conducted experiments serveasabackgroundfor ongoing researchfocused onsediment transport of erodible bed in tilting flume. When a flowing mixture of water and particles evolves above astationary bed, thedetermination of flow rate of waterfiltered through stationary bed is very important in order to estimatethe inaccuracyof total flow ratetroughtheflume.In order to evaluate the amount of infiltrate water,experimentswere carried out inbothlaminar and turbulent flowregimes. The transition area was identified,and the results show only small effect of particle geometry on the transition between regimes. Experimentally identified valuesofhydraulic conductivity wereused to calculatethe amountof infiltrate water inthetiltingflumefor different inclination angles.Experimentally identified values of hydraulic conductivityare, for example,useful in designing industrial water filters,as the materials used to conduct experiments and those in filters are similar.

Abstract Given the global abundance and environmental persistence, exposure of humans and (aquatic) animals to micro- and nanoplastics is unavoidable. Current evidence indicates that micro- and nanoplastics can be taken up by aquatic organism as well as by mammals. Upon uptake, micro- and nanoplastics can reach the brain, although there is limited information regarding the number of particles that reaches the brain and the potential neurotoxicity of these small plastic particles. Earlier studies indicated that metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles, such as gold (Au) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, can also reach the brain to exert a range of neurotoxic effects. Given the similarities between these chemically inert metal(oxide) nanoparticles and plastic particles, this review aims to provide an overview of the reported neurotoxic effects of micro- and nanoplastics in different species and in vitro. The combined data, although fragmentary, indicate that exposure to micro- and nanoplastics can induce oxidative stress, potentially resulting in cellular damage and an increased vulnerability to develop neuronal disorders. Additionally, exposure to micro- and nanoplastics can result in inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and altered neurotransmitter levels, which both may contribute to the reported behavioral changes. Currently, a systematic comparison of the neurotoxic effects of different particle types, shapes, sizes at different exposure concentrations and durations is lacking, but urgently needed to further elucidate the neurotoxic hazard and risk of exposure to micro- and nanoplastics.

Terrestrial domestic animals are exposed to microplastics, therefore, contaminating the food chain, in the case of livestock, or acting as sentinels for human exposure, in the case of companion animals. The aim of this review was to address the importance of terrestrial domestic animals on human exposure to microplastics. Animal products may already show some microplastics contamination, which may occur during their lifetime, possibly also compromising productivity, and during processing, originating from equipment and packaging. Moreover, release of microplastics in animal feces (or manure) leads to the contamination of agricultural fields, with possible impacts and internalization in plants. Therefore, microplastics pose a threat to food security, compromising food productivity, and food safety, by being a foreign material found in animal products. Conversely, in urban environments, companion animals (cats and dogs) may be relevant sentinels for human exposure. While oral exposure may vary in pets compared to humans, due to indiscriminate ingestion and chewing or licking behaviors, airborne exposure is likely to be a good indicator for human exposure. Therefore, future studies should address the importance of terrestrial domestic animals for human exposure of microplastics, both in the food chain and as sentinels for environmental exposure.

Polystyrene nano- and micro-sized plastic particles (NMP) are one of the common plastic materials produced that dramatically pollute the environment, water, and oceanic habitats worldwide. NMP are continuously absorbed by the body through a number of routes, especially via intestinal ingestion, dermal uptake, and inhalation into the lung. Several studies provided evidence of NMP provoking oxidative stress and affecting cellular responses. Yet, the NMP effects on primary lung cells have not been studied. To this end, we isolated and cultured murine lung cells and exposed them short-term or long-term to polystyrene 0.2–6.0 µm-sized NMP. We studied cellular consequences regarding oxidative stress, morphology, and secretion profiling. Visualization, distribution, and expression analyses confirmed lung cells accumulating NMP and showed several significant correlations with particle size. Moreover, we found substantial evidence of biological consequences of small-scale NMP uptake in lung cells. Besides alterations of cytokine secretion profiles resulting in inflammatory responses, indicators of oxidative stress were identified that were accompanied by Nrf2 and β-catenin signaling changes. Our results serve as an important basis to point out the potential hazards of plastic contaminations and uptake in lung cells.

Microplastics (MP) have several negative effects on biodiversity, from the ecosystem to individual levels, and can be easily consumed by small invertebrates and fish. The increased production of plastic and absence of efficient management systems for these residues facilitate their presence in aquatic environments. In this study, we evaluated the presence of MP in the stomach contents of four species of Characidae in rural streams in the upper portion of the Uruguay River watershed (northern Rio Grande do Sul). Among the total of collected organisms (n=121), the presence of MP was observed in 72% of the analyzed stomach contents. Bryconamericus iheringii had the highest occurrence of MP (85.7%), followed by Astyanax lacustris (69.4%), Astyanax henseli (69.1%) and Oligosarchus breviostris (66.7%). Our results demonstrate the high occurrence of MP in freshwater aquatic environments, especially rural streams. The results observed in this study confirm the importance of conservation of streams, from the maintenance of riparian vegetation as a way to reduce the input of MP in these ecosystems.

Plastics are used all over the world. Unfortunately, due to limited biodegradation, plastics cause a significant level of environmental pollution. The smallest recognized to date are termed nanoplastics (1 nm [nm] up to 1 μm [μm]) and microplastics (1 μm–5 mm). These nano- and microplastics can enter the human body through the respiratory system via inhalation, the digestive tract via consumption of contaminated food and water, or penetration through the skin via cosmetics and clothes contact. Bioaccumulation of plastics in the human body can potentially lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory disorders like lung cancer, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, neurological symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness, inflammatory bowel disease and even disturbances in gut microbiota. Most studies to date have confirmed that nano- and microplastics can induce apoptosis in cells and have genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of plastics' actions may help extrapolate the risks to humans. The article provides a comprehensive review of articles in databases regarding the impact of nano- and microplastics on human health. The review included retrospective studies and case reports of people exposed to nanoplastics and microplastics. This research highlights the need for further research to fully understand the extent of the impact of plastics on human health. [Display omitted] • Exposure to nano- and microplastics in humans potentially leads to serious health issues, including various cancers, respiratory disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease. • Understanding molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction of plastics with human cells may help extrapolate the risks to humans. • In vitro studies show nano- and microplastics induce apoptosis and cytotoxic effects, with cell damage influenced by particle characteristics like type, size, and charge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The billions of tons of plastic released into the environment mostly fragment into smaller particles that reach rivers and oceans, posing toxicity risks to aquatic organisms. As fish serve as excellent environmental indicator organisms, this study aims to comprehensively review and quantify published data regarding the abundance of microplastics (MPs) ingested by fish through scientometric analysis. Systematic analysis reveals that global aquatic ecosystems are contaminated by MPs, with the characteristics of these contaminants stemming from inadequate disposal management practices. The abundance of MPs was recorded in several fish species, notably Cyprinus carpio in natural environments and Danio rerio in controlled environments. According to the surveyed studies, laboratory experiments do not accurately represent the conditions found in natural environments. The results suggest that, in natural environments, the predominant colors of MPs are blue, black, and red. Fibers emerged as the most prevalent type, with polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) being the most frequently identified chemical compositions. On the other hand, laboratory studies showed that the spheres and fragments ingested were predominantly polystyrene (PS) green, followed by the colors blue and red. This discrepancy complicates drawing accurate conclusions regarding the actual effects of plastic particles on aquatic biota. Given the enduring presence of plastic in the environment, it is imperative to consider and implement environmental monitoring for effective, long-term management. [Display omitted] • Microplastics (MP) are emerging contaminants highly concentrated in the environment. • Danio rerio and Cyprinius carpio are the main species for studies of MP in fish. • Marine environments and field studies remain at the forefront of MP research. • Lab studies: predominantly green Polystyrene followed by blue and red colors. • Field studies: mainly blue, black, and red fiber, polyethylene and polypropylene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Plastic particles affect nitrogen removal while mitigating the release of N 2 O. • Large plastics reduce N 2 O release by impeding CO 2 assimilation and NH 2 OH reduction. • Nanoplastics affect N metabolism by disrupting N-ion transmembrane transport. • Nanoplastics block the key N-removing enzyme activity, hindering N 2 O production. Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been proven to effectively immobilize plastic particles. However, little is known about the differences in the impact of varying sized plastic particles on nitrous oxide (N 2 O) release, as well as the intervention mechanisms in CWs. Here, we built a lab-scale wetland model and introduced plastic particles of macro-, micro-, and nano-size at 100 μg/L for 370 days. The results showed that plastic particles of all sizes reduced N 2 O release in CWs, with the degrees being the strongest for the Nano group, followed by Micro and Macro groups. Meanwhile, 15N- and 18O-tracing experiment revealed that the ammoxidation process contributed the most N 2 O production, followed by denitrification. While for every N 2 O-releasing process, the contributing proportion of N 2 O in nitrification-coupled denitrification were most significantly cut down under exposing to macro-sized plastics and had an obvious increase in nitrifier denitrification in all groups, respectively. Finally, we revealed the three mechanism pathways of N 2 O release reduction with macro-, micro-, and nano-sized plastics by impacting carbon assimilation (RubisCO activity), ammonia oxidation (gene amo abundance and HAO activity), and N-ion transmembrane and reductase activities, respectively. Our findings thus provided novel insights into the potential effects of plastic particles in CWs as an eco-technology. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Plastic pollution affects all ecosystems, and detrimental effects to animals have been reported in a growing number of studies. However, there is a paucity of evidence for effects on terrestrial animals in comparison to those in the marine realm. Methods We used the fly Drosophila melanogaster to study the effects that exposure to plastics may have on life history traits and immune response. We reared flies in four conditions: In media containing 1% virgin polyethylene, with no chemical additives; in media supplemented with 1% or 4% polyvinyl chloride, known to have a high content of added chemicals; and control flies in non-supplemented media. Plastic particle size ranged from 23–500 µm. We studied fly survival to viral infection, the length of the larval and pupal stage, sex ratios, fertility and the size of the resultant adult flies. We then performed crossings of F1 flies in non-supplemented media and looked at the life history traits of the F2. Results Flies treated with plastics in the food media showed changes in fertility and sex ratio, but showed no differences in developmental times, adult size or the capacity to fight infections in comparison with controls. However, the offspring of treated flies reared in non-supplemented food had shorter life cycles, and those coming from both polyvinyl chloride treatments were smaller than those offspring of controls.

Triboelectrostatic separation of millimeter-size particles is widely used in the recycling industry of plastics. However, the separation of micronized particles needs still improvement due to the aerodynamic forces of such small particles. This paper is aimed to carry out an experimental investigation of a triboelectrostatic separation process based on a pair of rotating disks supplied by two highvoltage DC supplies of opposite polarities. The granular samples used in this paper are composed of micronized white pure virgin PolyVinyl Chloride particles (WPVC) and gray PolyVinyl Chloride particles (GPVC) of average size 50 µm. Moreover, the methodology of experimental designs was used for the experimental modelling and optimization of the separation process. It was deduced that the separation recovery is efficient and depends on several factors: the high-voltage level, the rotating speed of the disks, the fluidization rate and inter-electrodes spacing. The results obtained showed that the applied voltage remains the most significant factor in the separation process. The best separation performance was obtained for an applied voltage of 20 kV and a disk rotation speed of 100 rpm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Plastic pollution affects all ecosystems, and detrimental effects to animals have been reported in a growing number of studies. However, there is a paucity of evidence for effects on terrestrial animals in comparison to those in the marine realm. Methods. We used the fly Drosophila melanogaster to study the effects that exposure to plastics may have on life history traits and immune response. We reared flies in four conditions: In media containing 1% virgin polyethylene, with no chemical additives; in media supplemented with 1% or 4% polyvinyl chloride, known to have a high content of added chemicals; and control flies in non-supplemented media. Plastic particle size ranged from 23 μ500 mm. We studied fly survival to viral infection, the length of the larval and pupal stage, sex ratios, fertility and the size of the resultant adult flies. We then performed crossings of F1 flies in non-supplemented media and looked at the life history traits of the F2. Results. Flies treated with plastics in the food media showed changes in fertility and sex ratio, but showed no differences in developmental times, adult size or the capacity to fight infections in comparison with controls. However, the offspring of treated flies reared in non-supplemented food had shorter life cycles, and those coming from both polyvinyl chloride treatments were smaller than those offspring of controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil pollution by microplastics (MPs, 0.1 μm ~ 5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs, ≤0.1 μm) has drawn much attention in recent years due to its potential ecological and human health risks; however, there are very limited studies and a general lack of consensus regarding the transport and transformation of MPs/NPs in soil environment. This review critically discusses the environmental behaviour of soil MPs/NPs, including the homo‐aggregation or hetero‐aggregation with other particles, sorption of pollutants and the photoaging process. The physicochemical property change of aggregated and aged MPs and its effect on the transport of other pollutants in soil has also been reviewed. Critical factors that affect the fate of MPs/NPs, including the physicochemical properties of MPs/NPs, physicochemical properties of soil and environmental factors, are reviewed to understand the latest progress in the environmental behaviour of soil MPs. Finally, we identify important research gaps, which include standard uniformity of quantification method, transformation mechanism elucidation and long‐term field studies. The review provides an overview of current findings for transport and transformation of MPs/NPs in natural soil environment and gives comments for future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]