Articles tagged with "microplastics"
Which Water Filters Reduce Microplastics? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights growing concerns about microplastics in drinking water and their potential health impacts. Studies have found a high correlation between microplastic presence in human brains and dementia, alongside other serious health risks such as cancer, heart attacks, reproductive issues, inflammation, hormone disruption, and organ damage. Microplastics, which originate from the breakdown of plastic products, are ingested frequently—estimated at the equivalent of one credit card per week for adults—and are present in large quantities even in bottled water. Despite these risks, direct scientific evidence on the full extent of microplastics’ harm to human health remains limited. To mitigate exposure, the article suggests reducing the use of plastic food and beverage containers and employing water filtration systems. However, not all home water filters are effective against microplastics. Common inexpensive plastic pitchers with carbon filters often lack certification and may not reliably remove microplastics. The article emphasizes the importance of choosing water filters that have been independently tested and certified by organizations such
materialsmicroplasticswater-filtrationenvironmental-healthpollutionplastic-contaminationwater-qualityArtist imagines fungi-made organ to extract microplastics from humans
Designer Odette Dierkx has conceptualized a futuristic fungi-based prosthetic called the "79th Organ," intended to filter and break down microplastics inside the human body. Drawing on research that certain mushrooms, such as Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom), can digest plastics, this living organ uses fungal mycelium to enzymatically degrade microplastics through bioremediation. The organ would extract microplastics from the bloodstream, breaking them into harmless components, effectively acting as a detox system for pollutants the body cannot naturally process. Dierkx envisions this innovation as a necessary adaptation by 2110, reflecting the growing severity of plastic pollution and its infiltration into human health. The 79th Organ is designed with a domed capsule shape featuring internal gills and attaches to the lower abdomen via suction. It includes a magnifying glass to observe microplastic processing and a contamination dial to alert users to pollution levels. Dierkx has imagined multiple versions tailored to
materialsbioremediationfungimicroplasticsenvironmental-healthprosthetic-organsustainable-materialsMicroplastics linked to gut changes, raise depression and cancer risk
A recent study led by Austria’s Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed) has demonstrated that microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5mm—can alter the human gut microbiome in ways linked to serious health conditions such as depression and colorectal cancer. Using ex vivo gut microbiome cultures derived from stool samples of five healthy volunteers, researchers exposed these cultures to five common types of microplastics at concentrations ranging from typical human exposure to higher doses. While total bacterial counts remained stable, the microplastics caused a drop in pH, indicating altered bacterial metabolism, and induced shifts in the composition of key bacterial families within the gut, particularly those in the Bacillota phylum, which plays a crucial role in digestion and gut health. These bacterial changes corresponded with altered levels of metabolic compounds like valeric acid and lactic acid, suggesting that microplastics may interfere chemically or physically with bacterial processes, possibly by providing new niches through biofilm formation. The observed microbiome alterations
materialsmicroplasticsgut-microbiomehuman-healthenvironmental-impactplastic-pollutionmicrobiologyMicroplastics Could Be Weakening Your Bones, Research Suggests
Recent research published in Osteoporosis International suggests that microplastics may contribute to the rising global incidence of osteoporosis by disrupting bone health. The study reviewed 62 scientific articles involving laboratory and animal experiments, finding that microplastics interfere with bone marrow stem cells responsible for maintaining and repairing bone tissue. Specifically, microplastics stimulate osteoclast formation—cells that break down bone—while reducing cell viability, inducing premature aging, altering gene expression, and triggering inflammation. This imbalance accelerates bone degradation, weakening bone structure and increasing fracture risk. Animal studies further indicated that microplastic accumulation lowers white blood cell counts, signaling impaired bone marrow function, and leads to deterioration of bone microstructure and abnormal cell formations. These effects were severe enough to interrupt skeletal growth in animals. The research team, led by Rodrigo Bueno de Oliveira at the State University of Campinas in Brazil, is now conducting further studies on rodents to better establish the link between microplastic exposure and bone deterioration. They aim to clarify microplastics as a
materialsmicroplasticsbone-healthosteoporosisnanoplasticscellular-agingbone-marrow-cellsCOVID-era masks morph into microplastic pollution time bombs
A recent study by Coventry University reveals that disposable face masks used extensively during the COVID-19 pandemic are becoming significant sources of microplastic pollution. Even unused masks, when immersed in water, release microplastic particles—primarily polypropylene—along with other plastics like polyethylene, polyester, nylon, and PVC. Filtering facepiece masks emit three to four times more microplastics than standard surgical masks, with most particles smaller than 100 micrometres. These materials resist natural degradation, posing long-term environmental risks as they accumulate in ecosystems and potentially enter the food chain, threatening biodiversity and human health. The research also identified harmful chemical additives such as Bisphenol B leaching from masks, which can disrupt hormones and harm aquatic life. The combined impact of microplastics and chemical pollutants remains poorly understood but is considered potentially severe. With an estimated 129 billion masks used monthly during the pandemic—many discarded improperly—the study highlights the urgent need for sustainable mask alternatives and improved waste management. Experts advocate for reusable
microplasticsenvironmental-pollutionpolypropyleneplastic-wastetoxic-chemicalswater-contaminationsustainable-materialsYou may be inhaling 68,000 microplastics a day inside your home
A recent study by French scientists reveals that people may be inhaling up to 68,000 microplastic particles daily inside their homes and cars, far exceeding previous estimates. Using advanced Raman spectroscopy, researchers detected plastic particles predominantly smaller than 10 micrometers—tiny enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream. These microplastics originate from the degradation of common household items such as carpets, curtains, paint, textiles, and especially car interiors, which contain numerous plastic-based materials that shed particles due to heat, friction, and sunlight exposure. The study highlights a significant but overlooked source of microplastic pollution: indoor air, where people spend about 90% of their time. Unlike prior research focused on oceans or outdoor environments, this work emphasizes the intimate exposure risks within everyday living spaces. The health implications are concerning, as inhaled microplastics may cause respiratory inflammation and carry toxic additives like bisphenol A and phthalates, which are linked to various health problems including endocrine
materialsmicroplasticsindoor-air-pollutionplastic-pollutionhealth-risksenvironmental-scienceair-qualityLet's Consider A Couple Of Workable Solutions To The Plastic Crisis - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica addresses the ongoing global plastic crisis, focusing particularly on plastic bag pollution and microplastics. It highlights how plastic bags, due to their lightweight and widespread use, pose significant environmental threats by harming wildlife and eventually breaking down into microplastics that enter ecosystems and human bodies. The article references a June 2025 Science study that analyzed data from over 45,000 shoreline cleanups to evaluate the effectiveness of plastic bag policies worldwide. The study found that full bans and fees on plastic bags lead to a substantial reduction—between 25% and 47%—in plastic bag litter on beaches compared to areas without such policies. State-level policies were especially effective, and these measures also correlated with a 30-37% decrease in wildlife entanglement incidents. Beyond plastic bags, the article touches on the pervasive issue of microplastic pollution across various environments, including aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric habitats. Microplastics are closely tied to human activity and pose increasing health risks
materialsplastic-pollutionenvironmental-policymicroplasticswaste-reductionsustainabilityplastic-bag-bansGlass bottles leak 50x more microplastics than plastic: study
A recent French study conducted by ANSES has revealed that drinks sold in glass bottles contain significantly higher levels of microplastics—5 to 50 times more—compared to those in plastic bottles or metal cans. The research, published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, analyzed various beverages including beer, soda, lemonade, water, and wine sold in France. Beer showed the highest contamination, averaging 60 microplastic particles per liter, followed by lemonade and soft drinks. In contrast, water and wine had much lower levels of microplastics. Surprisingly, the source of microplastics in glass bottles was traced not to the glass itself but to the paint on the bottle caps, which sheds particles due to microscopic scratches from friction during storage. While the health risks of microplastic ingestion remain uncertain, the study highlights growing concerns as microplastics have been found in human tissues, including the brain, with some research linking higher plastic accumulation to dementia. ANSES noted there is no established safe threshold
materialsmicroplasticsglass-bottlespackaging-contaminationfood-safetypolymer-analysisenvironmental-pollutionOkra and fenugreek extracts remove 90% of microplastics from water
Researchers at Tarleton State University, led by Rajani Srinivasan, have discovered that extracts from okra and fenugreek plants can remove up to 90% of microplastics from water, outperforming synthetic chemicals currently used in wastewater treatment. The team developed a simple method by soaking okra pods and fenugreek seeds to produce powders rich in natural polysaccharides, which effectively trap microplastic particles. Fenugreek powder removed 93% of microplastics within an hour, okra removed 67%, and a blend of both achieved 70% removal in just 30 minutes. This plant-based approach offers a low-cost, biodegradable alternative that avoids the harmful residues associated with synthetic polymers like polyacrylamide. Testing in real-world water samples from oceans, groundwater, and freshwater around Texas showed varying but consistently high removal efficiencies: okra was most effective in ocean water (about 80%), fenugreek excelled in groundwater (80-90%), and the blend
materialsmicroplasticswater-treatmentnatural-polymersenvironmental-technologybiodegradable-materialspollution-controlBiodegradable microplastics could pose diabetes threat, harm gut
A recent study highlights potential health risks posed by biodegradable microplastics, specifically polylactic acid (PLA), widely used in eco-friendly food packaging and disposable tableware. Unlike conventional plastics, PLA is derived from renewable resources like corn starch and sugar cane and has been considered a sustainable alternative. However, the study reveals that PLA microplastics do not merely pass through the digestive system but enter the metabolic cycle of gut bacteria and intestinal cells. Using mouse models, researchers found that certain gut bacteria secrete enzymes that break down PLA microplastics, turning them into carbon sources that may contribute to metabolic disorders such as diabetes and hyperuricemia, which can lead to gout and kidney stones. Additionally, PLA microplastic fragments in gut epithelial cells reduce the production of linear short-chain fatty acids, essential energy sources for these cells, resulting in decreased appetite and weight loss in mice. The study also suggests that PLA microplastics may promote harmful bacteria like Helicobacter muridarum, potentially disrupting the gut microbiome balance by displacing beneficial microbes. While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, the researchers propose that frequent plastic consumption may have conditioned gut microbiota to recognize and metabolize these particles. Importantly, the study notes that the adverse effects might be reversible if exposure to PLA microplastics ceases for six to twelve months. This research raises concerns about the hidden health impacts of biodegradable plastics previously regarded as safe alternatives to conventional plastics.
materialsbiodegradable-plasticsmicroplasticspolylactic-acideco-friendly-materialshealth-impactgut-bacteriaWorld Environment Day Calls On You To #BeatPlasticPollution - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the urgent call by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) for global action to #BeatPlasticPollution, the theme of World Environment Day 2025. It emphasizes the critical importance of addressing the full lifecycle of plastics—from production to disposal—rather than relying solely on recycling. With over 460 million tons of plastic produced annually, plastics and microplastics have become pervasive pollutants, infiltrating terrestrial and marine ecosystems, soils, the atmosphere, and even human bodies, including lungs, blood, and fetuses. This widespread contamination poses serious threats to human health, planetary ecosystems, and economic stability. The article also notes that plastics contribute significantly to carbon emissions and are filling oceans, harming marine life and coastal communities. South Korea, the 2025 World Environment Day host, is identified as the fourth largest producer of plastic polymers globally, underscoring the challenge of plastic pollution even among environmentally engaged nations. The article draws attention to the prevalence of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, which constitute about 50% of microplastics in wastewater and 12% of global solid waste, highlighting ongoing research into biodegradation methods. Looking ahead, plastic production is projected to triple by 2060 unless decisive global measures are taken. A key upcoming event is the August 2025 vote in Geneva on a global plastics treaty aimed at banning certain plastics, though progress faces resistance from petrochemical-producing countries. Advocates stress the need to “turn off the plastics tap” and implement systemic changes to reduce plastic pollution worldwide.
materialsplastic-pollutionmicroplasticscircular-economysustainable-materialsenvironmental-impactpolymer-production