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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Comparative Responses of Invasive and Native Plant Species to Combined Cd and Microplastic Pollution.

The co-occurrence of heavy metal contamination and biodegradable microplastic (polylactic acid, PLA) pollution poses increasing risks to terrestrial plant communities and soil functioning, yet species-specific responses to combined stress remain poorly understood. Cd and microplastics frequently co-occur in agricultural soils, where microplastics can alter cadmium mobility, bioavailability, and transport pathways, potentially modifying metal toxicity and plant stress responses compared with single-pollutant exposure. We investigated the responses of the invasive Bidens pilosa and the native Solanum nigrum grown in monoculture and mixed culture under combined cadmium (Cd) and biodegradable microplastic (PLA) stress by integrating plant growth, photosynthetic performance, oxidative physiology, and rhizosphere biochemical processes. Combined Cd-MP exposure markedly reduced plant growth, chlorophyll content (SPAD), photosystem II efficiency (Fv/Fm), nitrogen accumulation, biomass production, and rhizosphere enzyme activities associated with carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling. However, B. pilosa maintained greater physiological stability under stress, characterized by higher antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, POD), lower reactive oxygen species (H2O2, O2˙-) accumulation, and reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA), whereas S. nigrum exhibited stronger oxidative damage and functional impairment. Multivariate analyses further revealed that root antioxidant capacity was closely associated with rhizosphere microbial enzyme activity, suggesting a root-centered regulatory mechanism linking plant stress tolerance to soil functioning. Overall, the invasive species showed greater tolerance to combined contamination and maintained relatively higher rhizosphere functional activity than the native species, indicating that multi-pollutant stress may alter competitive interactions between invasive and native plants in contaminated environments.

Cadmium↗

PubMed2026

Microplastic contamination in South Asian commercially important seafood: A comprehensive assessment of occurrence, source, and human health risk.

Seafood is a cornerstone of global food security and human nutrition, serving as the primary source of animal protein for more than one-fourth of the global population, with South Asia representing one of the world's fastest-growing seafood-consuming regions. However, escalating microplastic (MP) pollution in marine ecosystems poses an emerging threat to seafood safety and human health, yet a comprehensive regional assessment of MP contamination in South Asian seafood remains lacking. This study presents the first region-wide systematic synthesis of the literature on MP contamination in commercially important seafood across South Asia, integrating occurrence patterns, human exposure assessment, polymer-specific hazard evaluation, and bibliometric analysis to address this critical knowledge gap. The meta-analysis estimated an average microplastic exposure of 145 particles/person/day through seafood consumption in South Asia, with fish contributing the highest intake (121 particles/person/day). The detected polymers were classified into PHI hazard levels I-IV, with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), and polyacrylamide (PAM) representing the highest hazard categories. The mean pollution load index (PLI) was 7.71 (Category I), with crustaceans exhibiting the highest contamination (PLI = 10.07). Polypropylene was the predominant polymer, whereas fragments and blue particles were the most frequently reported microplastic characteristics. These findings provide the first regional baseline for assessing microplastic contamination, polymer-associated hazards, and human exposure through seafood consumption in South Asia, underscoring the need for standardized monitoring and targeted mitigation strategies to safeguard seafood safety and public health.

Animals↗

PubMed2024

A review focusing on mechanisms and ecological risks of enrichment and propagation of antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements by microplastic biofilms.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging ubiquitous pollutants in aquatic environment and have received extensive global attention. In addition to the traditional studies related to the toxicity of MPs and their carrier effects, their unique surface-induced biofilm formation also increases the ecotoxicity potential of MPs from multiple perspectives. In this review, the ecological risks of MPs biofilms were summarized and assessed in detail from several aspects, including the formation and factors affecting the development of MPs biofilms, the selective enrichment and propagation mechanisms of current pollution status of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in MPs biofilms, the dominant bacterial communities in MPs biofilms, as well as the potential risks of ARGs and MGEs transferring from MPs biofilms to aquatic organisms. On this basis, this paper also put forward the inadequacy and prospects of the current research and revealed that the MGEs-mediated ARG propagation on MPs under actual environmental conditions and the ecological risk of the transmission of ARGs and MGEs to aquatic organisms and human beings are hot spots for future research. Relevant research from the perspective of MPs biofilm should be carried out as soon as possible to provide support for the ecological pollution prevention and control of MPs.

Biofilms↗

PubMed2026

Urban stormwater infrastructure as a microplastic superhighway: a critical review of transport dynamics, modelling, and mitigation across pavements and drainage networks.

This review examines the transport, fate, modelling, and mitigation of Microplastics (MPs) in urban stormwater infrastructure, with emphasis on pavements, runoff pathways, micro-drainage, and macro-drainage systems. Following a systematic review approach, more than 1000 records were screened and approximately 50 core studies were retained when they addressed urban stormwater or drainage-related MP transport with adequate methodological reporting; marine-only studies and biological-effect studies without direct relevance to transport processes were excluded. The evidence shows that stormwater systems function not merely as passive conduits but as dynamic reactive transport systems with temporary storage, where particle mobilisation, sedimentation, resuspension, and temporary retention regulate MP export. Road surfaces, especially high-traffic areas, are major reservoirs of tyre wear, road-marking, atmospheric, and litter-derived particles that are rapidly mobilised during rainfall. Conventional grab sampling may underestimate MP loads, which in some cases exceed treated wastewater effluent loads by up to six-fold. Drainage structures such as manholes can immobilise up to 17.3% of near-neutrally buoyant particles, while biofouling and aggregation may shift buoyant polymers from wash-load to bedload. Mitigation systems, including permeable pavements, bioretention, wetlands, and technical inserts, can achieve high removal of coarse MPs, but performance declines for fine particles below 100 µm. The review highlights the need for standardised flow-proportional sampling, physically informed modelling, and treatment-train strategies targeting both surface sources and in-network storage.

Microplastics↗

PubMed2024

Metagenomic analysis reveals gene taxonomic and functional diversity response to microplastics and cadmium in an agricultural soil.

Both microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals are common soil pollutants and can interact to generate combined toxicity to soil ecosystems, but their impact on soil microbial communities (e.g., archaea and viruses) remains poorly studied. Here, metagenomic analysis was used to explore the response of soil microbiome in an agricultural soil exposed to MPs [i.e., polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polylactic acid (PLA)] and/or Cd. Results showed that MPs had more profound effects on microbial community composition, diversity, and gene abundances when compared to Cd or their combination. Metagenomic analysis indicated that the gene taxonomic diversity and functional diversity of microbial communities varied with MPs type and dose. MPs affected the relative abundance of major microbial phyla and genera, while their coexistence with Cd influenced dominant fungi and viruses. Nitrogen-transforming and pathogenic genera, which were more sensitive to MPs variations, could serve as the indicative taxa for MPs contamination. High-dose PLA treatments (10%, w/w) not only elevated nitrogen metabolism and pathogenic genes, but also enriched copiotrophic microbes from the Proteobacteria phylum. Overall, MPs and Cd showed minimal interactions on soil microbial communities. This study highlights the microbial shifts due to co-occurring MPs and Cd, providing evidence for understanding their environmental risks.

Soil Microbiology↗

PubMed2025

Influence of soil types with different soil-forming process on the qualitative and quantitative detection of microplastics by near-infrared spectroscopy.

Microplastics (MPs) have become a pressing global environmental threat, with soils-acting as sinks for MPs from multiple sources-gaining increasing attention. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy offers a promising tool for MPs detection due to its rapid, non-destructive, and field-applicable features. Although previous studies have focused on the effects of individual soil components on the NIR detection performance of MPs, there is still a lack of systematic research on how the complex background-formed by the coupling of multiple physicochemical properties in natural soils-affects detection performance. This study focuses on soil types with different soil-forming processes, selected five representative agricultural soils to systematically evaluate how the combinations of physicochemical properties they represented affect the performance of NIR-based qualitative and quantitative analysis of MPs in soils. The results demonstrated that soil type significantly affected both the spectral response and detection performance of MPs. Brown Pedocals and Brown Earth exhibited clearer characteristic absorption and stronger linear responses, achieving higher identification accuracy under low (<1.5 %) or zero MPs concentrations and the best quantitative performance (R2 ≥ 0.988, prediction set root mean square error (RMSEP) ≤ 0.110 %). In contrast, Phaeozem and Red Soil were more prone to misclassification at low concentrations, while Fluvo-aquic Soil showed the poorest quantitative performance. This study is the first to reveal, at a holistic level, the critical constraints posed by natural soil complexity on the NIR detection of MPs, offering targeted empirical evidence to support the application of NIR technology in real-world soil environments.

Soil↗

PubMed2025

Tracking microplastic contamination across seasons in a freshwater reservoir: Evidence from surface water, sediments, and fishes.

Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent contaminants in aquatic environments, posing substantial ecological and health risks. These particles migrate within the different layers of aquatic bodies with time and affect the respective biota. Thus, to get an in-depth understanding of the particles, this current study investigated the seasonal distribution, morphological and chemical characteristics, along with potential ecological and human health impacts in the samples including surface water, sediment, and fish from a drinking water supplying reservoir in eastern India. Across three different seasons, pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon samples were collected using optimized methods. Results revealed distinct seasonal trends: MP abundance in surface water peaked during the monsoon (mean: 1.15 MPs/L), while sediment showed the highest concentrations in the pre-monsoon (mean: 596 MPs/kg), indicating temporal accumulation dynamics influenced by runoff, hydrodynamics, and sedimentation. Fish gut analysis confirmed ingestion of MPs across five species, with concentrations ranging from 26 to 100 MPs/kg, depending on feeding habits. The most dominant MP type were fragments, followed by fibers, films, and beads. Polymer analysis via µFTIR identified polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride as prevalent, with hazard assessments (i.e., Polymer Hazard Index (PHI)) indicating medium to very high ecological risks. Heavy metal association was more dominant in the MPs isolated from sediments than the waterborne MPs. Pollution Load Index (PLI) values were > 1 in most seasons, confirming contamination. Health risk analysis suggested potential exposure through both drinking water and fish consumption. This study emphasizes the need for seasonal monitoring, improved waste management, and mitigation strategies to address MP pollution in freshwater ecosystems.

Microplastics↗

PubMed2026

Influence of microplastics on microalgal performance during wastewater polishing.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants that are increasingly accumulating in aquatic ecosystems due to excessive anthropogenic activity and insufficient mitigation strategies, posing serious environmental and public health risks. Their impact on wastewater (WW) treatment processes remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of five MPs commonly found in WW - polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, low-density polyethylene, and high-density polyethylene - on the physiology and bioremediation performance of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris in synthetic WW (SWW). Metabolic responses were assessed via esterase activity and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), while nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and glucose removal were monitored to evaluate bioremediation efficiency. MPs inhibited esterase activity and elevated ROS levels, indicating oxidative stress. Nevertheless, C. vulgaris maintained a high bioremediation capacity (> 75 % N, > 60 % P, and > 70 % for glucose). Environmental conditions modulated microalga response to MPs exposure. Under N-limited conditions, C. vulgaris exhibited enhanced nutrient uptake and biomass production, but a 12 h/12 h light/dark photoperiod reduced N removal but stimulated glucose consumption via heterotrophic metabolism. In contrast, C-limited conditions exacerbated oxidative stress and compromised nutrient removal, resulting in residual concentrations exceeding legal limits. These findings highlight that environmental factors can either mitigate or exacerbate the physiological stress induced by MPs, ultimately affecting WW polishing. This work provides a comprehensive insight into the cellular and metabolic effects of MPs on microalgae and supports C. vulgaris as a resilient and sustainable approach for nutrient and carbon removal in MP-contaminated WW systems.

Microalgae↗

PubMed2026

Towards microplastic bioremediation: Fungal degradation of pristine and pretreated high-density polyethylene and polystyrene.

Microplastic (MP) contamination has become a significant ecological issue because of its enduring existence in the ecosystem and its possible negative impacts. Therefore, using degrading strategies to eliminate these stubborn polymers has been a subject of scientific research. However, the currently used degradation methods are relatively inefficient. Given the pervasiveness of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polystyrene (PS) and their resistance to biodegradability, disposal strategies are critical and must be addressed. This manuscript examines the biodegradation of pristine and UV-treated HDPE and PS MPs by Aspergillus flavus species in minimal growth media over 70 days. The maximum weight loss observed at 70 days for pristine HDPE and PS in sole carbon source (SCS) media was (29.33 ± 0.28) % and (17.67 ± 0.35) %, respectively. Whereas, for UV-treated HDPE and PS MPs, the % weight reduction was (33 ± 0.21) % and (25 ± 0.19) %, respectively. UV-treated MPs exhibited greater weight reduction, as UV induced oxygenated functional groups enhance polymer susceptibility to enzymes, thereby promoting biodegradation. HDPE MPs typically show a higher proportion of particles in the lower size range compared to PS MPs. This assertion was based on the weight loss, particle size distribution, and SEM analysis. Furthermore, chemical changes were evaluated using Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, which also displayed chemical oxidation occurring during biodegradation. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) results indicate that UV pretreatment enhances biodegradability by promoting chain scission. These findings further suggest that this fungus's natural and ubiquitous occurrence in terrestrial and marine environments may actively contribute to MP biodegradation while requiring few nutrients.

Microplastics↗

PubMed2026

Polystyrene microplastics induce auditory neurotoxicity in mammals: Integrated multi-omics profiling reveals oxidative damage and synaptic molecular dysregulation.

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants, yet their neurotoxic effects on the auditory system remain poorly understood. This study develops an integrated multi-level analytical framework combining auditory neurophysiology, behavioral assessment, tissue biochemistry, transcriptomics, and proteomics to investigate polystyrene (PS)-MPs-induced auditory neurotoxicity in rats. PS-MPs infiltrate the auditory system and significantly impair auditory processing, with central dysfunction emerging earlier and more prominently than peripheral alterations. Multi-omics analyses reveal coordinated suppression of glutamatergic synapse and Wnt signaling pathways in the cochlear nucleus. Mechanistically, PS-MPs perturb the crosstalk between glutamatergic synaptic and Wnt signaling, promoting AMPA receptor (AMPAR) internalization and potentially affecting synaptic plasticity-related processes and neuronal responsiveness. In parallel, PS-MPs trigger oxidative stress, apoptosis, and glial activation, reflecting pronounced neuroinflammatory and redox imbalance. In primary cochlear nucleus neurons (PCNNs), these mechanisms were further validated in vitro, where activation of Wnt signaling by Wnt3a significantly alleviated oxidative injury and reduced AMPAR internalization. Collectively, these findings provide comprehensive preclinical evidence for the neurotoxic potential of MPs and reveal a previously unrecognized PS-MPs-induced auditory neurotoxicity, although further studies are needed for human relevance. Results from the rat model further implicate Wnt-mediated signaling as a potential modulatory pathway underlying MPs-induced synaptic molecular alterations and redox dysfunction.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Microplastics as vectors for microbial pollutants: Biofilm-associated transfer of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes in zebrafish intestine.

As composite carriers of microorganisms and pollutants, biofilm-attached microplastics (MPs) serve as potential vectors for the environmental migration and biotransmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and pathogens. In this study, traditional polypropylene (PP) and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) MPs were used to investigate the interference effects of biofilms-attached MPs on gut microbiota and ARGs transmission, through a combination of laboratory biofilm cultivation, zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposure simulations, metagenomic sequencing, and metabolomic profiling. Results showed that MP biofilms likely induced gut dysbiosis and were associated with altered diversity and abundance of pathogens and ARGs. At the phylum level, Nitrospira was transferred from PP biofilms to the gut. At the genus level, 23 genera were transferred from MP biofilms, with PLA (23 genera) showing higher transfer capacity than PP (4 genera). Notably, two human pathogens, one opportunistic pathogen, and two ARGs (adeF and oqxB) were specifically transferred from PLA biofilms, highlighting the unique dissemination risk of biodegradable MPs. Mechanistically, MPs may activate mobile genetic elements (e.g., Tn916 transposon) through metabolic remodeling and quorum sensing, thereby promoting horizontal gene transfer and ARGs dissemination within the gut. Our findings highlight the potential role of MPs as carriers of microorganisms and ARGs, underscoring the biotransmission risks of antibiotic resistance caused by composite pollution.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Microplastic aging drives convergence of the plastisphere microbiome and resistome toward agricultural soils.

The degree of microplastic (MP) aging varies substantially in agricultural soils; however, how this common aging gradient influences the plastisphere microbiome and resistome remains largely unknown. We therefore collected polyethylene MPs from long‑term mulched farmlands and classified them into low‑aged plastispheres (LAPs) and high‑aged plastispheres (HAPs). Bacterial community dissimilarity to soil decreased progressively from LAPs to HAPs, accompanied by broadening niche breadth, increasing bacterial diversity, and a shift toward more stochastic community assembly. The diversity and abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) declined significantly along the aging gradient, with clinically relevant high-risk ARGs (e.g., vanR, ugd, and aac(6')-I) decreasing by 53.34-84.01%. Furthermore, the ARG hosts shifted from Actinomycetota in LAPs to Pseudomonadota in soils. Variance partitioning showed that the carbonyl index uniquely explained 57.03% of the variation in plastisphere ARG profile distance toward soil, identifying MP aging as the primary driver of resistome convergence. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that natural MP aging drives a progressive convergence of the plastisphere resistome toward that of the surrounding soil, indicating that aged MPs may pose a reduced risk of antibiotic resistance compared to newly formed MPs. This convergence underscores the need to incorporate plastic aging into future risk assessment frameworks for plastisphere-associated ARGs.

Soil Microbiology↗

PubMed2026

Thermal analysis techniques for microplastic mass quantification: Methodological challenges and standardization needs.

Microplastics (MPs, 1 μm-5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs, <1 μm) are ubiquitous contaminants requiring standardized quantification methods. This systematic review evaluates thermal analysis techniques for mass-based MP detection, including pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), thermogravimetry-MS (TGA-MS), thermal extraction desorption-GC-MS (TED-GC-MS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Database searches (Web of Science, from inception to December 1, 2025) following PRISMA guidelines identified studies across seven environmental matrices (water, soil/sediment, atmosphere, biota, human tissues). We identify critical standardization gaps: inconsistent marker ion selection, unvalidated conversion factors for tire and road wear particles (TRWPs), and the absence of certified reference materials for complex matrices. Py-GC-MS demonstrates versatility but suffers from lipid interference in biological samples; TED-GC-MS offers superior sensitivity (sample capacity ∼200× Py-GC-MS) but lacks real-time chromatographic monitoring. To advance data comparability, we propose: (i) harmonized ion selection hierarchies based on specificity-sensitivity balance, (ii) matrix-specific TRWP quantification protocols, and (iii) inter-laboratory validation using environmental reference materials. This review provides a methodological roadmap for standardizing thermal analysis in MP research.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

UVB-aged polystyrene microplastics induce enhanced stress responses in human proximal tubular cells.

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly detected in human biological matrices, raising concerns about their potential systemic effects, including on the kidney. However, the cellular responses of renal tubular epithelium to MPs and the role of environmental aging processes in modulating their biological activity remain poorly defined. Under environmental conditions, MPs undergo photo-oxidative transformations that alter their surface chemistry and may influence their interactions with biological systems. In this study, we investigated the effects of 1 µm polystyrene MPs in virgin (MPsV) and UVB-oxidised (MPsOx) forms in a human renal proximal tubular cell line (HK-2). Cells were exposed to MPs (25 and 50 µg/mL), and multiple endpoints related to cellular stress and genomic stability were evaluated, including lysosome-associated responses, oxidative damage, DNA integrity, micronucleus formation, DNA-content distribution profiles as an indirect proxy of proliferative status, and cytoskeletal organisation. Exposure to MPs induced measurable stress responses in tubular cells, with oxidised particles generally eliciting stronger effects than MPsV. These responses were consistent with increased oxidative stress, lysosome-associated cellular responses, genomic instability-associated alterations, activation of stress-responsive molecular pathways, and cytoskeletal perturbation. Collectively, these findings indicate that environmentally aged polystyrene MPs elicit more evident cellular stress responses than their virgin counterparts in HK-2 cells. Our results highlight the importance of incorporating environmentally transformed MPs into toxicological testing frameworks to improve the biological relevance of hazard assessment.

Genotoxicity↗

PubMed2026

Microplastics and nanoplastics-related genes signature predicts prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and functional validation of interleukin 1 alpha.

BACKGROUND: Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs), as emerging environmental pollutants, have garnered significant attention from the global scientific community due to their potential threats to human health, particularly their association with the occurrence and development of cancer. The goal of our study is to create a predictive marker for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PAAD) based on MNPs-related genes, with the purposes of predicting survival outcomes and assessing the tumor immune microenvironment. METHODS: Using multi-cohort data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), we assessed the association between MNPs and PAAD prognosis through the Xiantao Academic (https://www.xiantao.love/). The development of a prognostic signature was followed by an assessment of its significance through the Kaplan-Meier method, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and decision curve analysis (DCA). The validity of the risk model was confirmed through the ICGC and GSE71729 cohorts. The model was then assessed for levels of tumor immune infiltration. To explore MNPs-related genes expression characteristics within immune cells in PAAD, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics analysis through the Sparkle Platform (https://grswsci.top/). Finally, in vitro experiments were conducted to investigate the biological function of interleukin 1 alpha (IL1A). RESULTS: A four-gene signature comprising XDH, IL1A, KIF20A, and ASPM, based on MNPs, was developed to stratify PAAD patients into two distinct risk groups. The high-risk group showed a significantly poorer prognosis. A similar trend was verified in the external cohorts ICGC and GSE71729. The signature risk score affected immune cell infiltration in the PAAD microenvironment. The infiltration of B cells, CD8+ T cells, cytotoxic cells, immature dendritic cells (iDCs), mast cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC), T cells, Tem cells, T follicular helper (TFH) cells, and T helper 17 (Th17) cells had a positive correlation with the low-risk group. In contrast, high-risk patients tended to have increased number of T helper (Th2) cells and higher expression of SIGLEC15, CD274, IGSF8. Knockdown of IL1A in PAAD cells inhibited their tumor proliferation ability in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Using MNPs-related genes, we built a prognostic model for PAAD, revealing that patients with high-risk scores are likely to have a worse prognosis. This model is designed to develop personalized treatment strategies tailored to the specific needs of each patient, thereby improving clinical outcomes for PAAD patients. Furthermore, IL1A could be a promising therapeutic candidate for PAAD.

Microplastics↗

PubMed2025

Multi-Omics Platforms Reveal Synergistic Intestinal Toxicity in Tilapia from Acute Co-Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastics, Sulfamethoxazole, and BDE153.

Polystyrene microplastic (MP) and its co-existing contaminants may exert different toxic effects on its surrounding aquatic organisms. In order to detect the intestinal harmful responses, tilapia were subjected to exposure with 75 nm of MPs, 100 ng·L-1 of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ), 5 ng·L-1 of BDE153, and combinations thereof over periods of 2, 4, and 8 days. Enzymatic assays, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics were employed to evaluate intestinal histopathological effects. Results showed that significant reductions were observed in ATP, ROS, SOD, EROD, lipid metabolism-related enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-1β), and apoptosis marker caspase 3 across all groups at day 8. Histological evaluation revealed diminished goblet cell density, with distinct vacuole formation in the BDE153+MPs group. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted disruptions in endocytosis, MAPK signaling, phagosome formation, and actin cytoskeleton regulation. Proteomic findings indicated notable enrichment in endocytosis (decreased sorting nexin-2; increased Si:dkey-13a21.4), MAPK/PPAR signaling, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum (Sec61 subunit gamma), and cytoskeletal modulation (reduced fibronectin; elevated activation peptide fragment 1), with or without SMZ and BDE153. Metabolomic profiling showed significant alterations in ABC transporters, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, protein digestion and absorption, and linoleic acid metabolism. In summary, these findings suggest that BDE153 and MPs synergistically exacerbate intestinal damage and gene/protein expression over time, while SMZ appears to exert an antagonistic, mitigating effect.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Phenacetin inhibited but acetaminophen stabilized partial nitrification/anammox system: Studies on microbial metabolism and resistance genes in biofilm and plastisphere.

Partial nitrification (PN) inhibitors, such as phenacetin (PNCT) and acetaminophen (APAP), ensure a stable nitrite supply for anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox). But the unknown impact of inhibitors on anammox limit the application of inhibitors. In addition to the biofilm carriers used in biological nitrogen removal systems, microplastics (MPs) (a type of emerging contaminants) are the common substrate for microbial colonization, even enriched resistance genes (RGs). This research compared the effects of 0.5, 1 and 5 mg/L PNCT or APAP on partial nitrification-anammox (PN/A) biofilm and plastisphere. 1 mg/L PNCT inhibited the nitrogen removal functional bacteria (Nitrosomonas, Candidatus Kuenenia, Candidatus Brocadia and Nitrospira), resulting in the sharp deteriorated performance of PN/A system. 5 mg/L PNCT inhibited multiple metabolism pathways, resulting in the absence of electrons and energy supply of microorganisms. 0.5-1 mg/L APAP maintained the stable operation of PN/A system. Nitrospira abundances declined from 2.8% to 1.1% after 0.5 mg/L APAP exposure. But 5 mg/L APAP inhibited the abundance of amoA and the production of extracellular polymeric substances, which caused the slight fluctuation of PN/A performance. PN inhibitors did not cause the sharp increase of most RGs in biofilm and water. However, MPs exhibited the huge capacity of enriching RGs, which should be removed. This study proposed that 0.5 mg/L of APAP was suitable for the PN/A system to control dosage for practical application.

Biofilms↗

PubMed2024

Metagenomic insights into ecological risk of antibiotic resistome and mobilome in riverine plastisphere under impact of urbanization.

Microplastics (MPs) are of increasing concern due to their role as reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and pathogens. To date, few studies have explored the influence of anthropogenic activities on ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) within various riverine MPs, in comparison to their natural counterparts. Here an in-situ incubation was conducted along heavily anthropogenically-impacted Houxi River to characterize the geographical pattern of antibiotic resistome, mobilome and pathogens inhabiting MPs- and leaf-biofilms. The metagenomics result showed a clear urbanization-driven profile in the distribution of ARGs, MGEs and pathogens, with their abundances sharply increasing 4.77 to 19.90 times from sparsely to densely populated regions. The significant correlation between human fecal marker crAssphage and ARG (R2 = 0.67, P=0.003) indicated the influence of anthropogenic activity on ARG proliferation in plastisphere and natural leaf surfaces. And mantel tests and random forest analysis revealed the impact of 17 socio-environmental factors, e.g., population density, antibiotic concentrations, and pore volume of materials, on the dissemination of ARGs. Partial least squares-path modeling further unveiled that intensifying human activities not only directly boosted ARGs abundance but also exerted a comparable indirect impact on ARGs propagation. Furthermore, the polyvinylchloride plastisphere created a pathogen-friendly habitat, harboring higher abundances of ARGs and MGEs, while polylactic acid are not likely to serve as vectors for pathogens in river, with a lower resistome risk score than that in leaf-biofilms. This study highlights the diverse ecological risks associated with the dissemination of ARGs and pathogens in varied MPs, offering insights for the policymaking of usage and control of plastics within urbanization.

Urbanization↗