Microplastic and nanoplastic exposure and risk of diabetes mellitus

The issue of plastic pollutants has become a growing concern.Both microplastics(MPs)(particle size<5 mm)and nanoplastics(NPs)(particle size<1μm)can cause DNA damage,cytotoxicity,and oxidative stress in various organisms.The primary known impacts of microplastic/nanoplastic are observed in the liver and respiratory system,leading to hepatotoxicity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Although research on the effects of MPs and NPs on diabetes is still in its early stages,there are potential concerns.This editorial highlights the risk to diabetics from co-exposure to contaminants and MPs/NPs,supported by evidence from animal studies and the various chemical compositions of MPs/NPs.

Impact of microplastics on the human digestive system:From basic to clinical

As a new type of pollutant,the harm caused by microplastics(MPs)to organisms has been the research focus.Recently,the proportion of MPs ingested through the digestive tract has gradually increased with the popularity of fast-food products,such as takeout.The damage to the digestive system has attracted increasing attention.We reviewed the literature regarding toxicity of MPs and observed that they have different effects on multiple organs of the digestive system.The mechanism may be related to the toxic effects of MPs themselves,interactions with various substances in the biological body,and participation in various signaling pathways to induce adverse reactions as a carrier of toxins to increase the time and amount of body absorption.Based on the toxicity mechanism of MPs,we propose specific suggestions to provide a theoretical reference for the government and relevant departments.

MPS型磨煤机制粉系统动态模型与瞬态运行优化控制研究

为提升MPS型磨煤机制粉系统变出力过程关键参数的控制精度,该文建立并验证制粉系统动态模型,开展控制策略优化研究。在原逻辑基础上,提出考虑煤质水分信息的前馈磨煤机入口一次风温控制回路,以优化控制策略。开展煤质水分增加、给煤速率增加、磨煤机变出力等瞬态过程模拟研究,获得制粉系统关键参数瞬态特征和能耗特性,验证所提出策略的优越性。结果表明:采用优化的控制逻辑后,系统在应对煤质水分突变、煤量突变等扰动时的响应速率增加、磨煤机出口风粉温度波动范围减小50%以上、瞬态能耗下降2.4%。磨煤机在变出力过程中,稳态能耗可降低100 kW以上,制粉过程能耗降低6.82%,瞬态过程中磨煤机出口风温的波动幅度下降50%、响应时间缩短10%以上、可实现瞬态节能5.43%,保障制粉系统的运行安全并降低能耗。在燃煤发电机组中应用提出的制粉系统优化控制逻辑,可降低燃煤发电机组变负荷瞬态过程中负荷率、主汽压力等关键参数的运行偏差,提高机组的运行灵活性。

一种具有低泄漏电流和高浪涌电流能力的1200 V/20 A SiC MPS

通过离子注入优化,成功研制了一款六角形元胞设计的1 200 V/20 A的具有低泄漏电流和高浪涌电流能力的SiC MPS芯片。在25℃和175℃下的测试结果表明,导通压降VF分别为1.48 V和2.03 V;归功于优化的离子注入和元胞设计,1 200 V耐压时,肖特基界面的最强电场强度仅为1.25 MV/cm。研制的MPS的泄漏电流仅为4.3μA(@25℃)和13.7μA(@175℃)。并且25℃和150℃下测试的浪涌电流高达258 A和252 A,约为额定电流的13倍。

Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Microplastics in Snow in the Inner Mongolia Plateau, China

Microplastics(MPs;<5 mm)have become one of the most prominent global environmental pollution problems.MPs can spread to high altitudes through atmospheric transport and can be deposited by rainfall or snowfall,potentially threatening the structure and function of natural ecosystems.MPs in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems alter the growth and functional characteristics of organisms.However,little attention has been given to the possible harm associated with MPs deposited in snow,particularly in the context of global climate warming.MPs collected from surface snow in the Inner Mongolia Plateau,China,were used for quantitative analysis and identification.The results showed that MPs were easily detected,and the related concentration was approximately(68±10)–(199±22)MPsL1 in snow samples.Fibers were the most common morphology,the polymer composition was largely varied,and the abundance and composition of MPs were linked to human activity to a great extent.High-throughput sequencing results showed that the composition and abundance of microorganisms also differed in snow samples from areas with different MP pollution characteristics,indicating a considerable difference in microbial functional diversity.MPs may have an interference effect on the individual growth and functional expression of microorganisms in snow.In addition,the results showed that functional living areas(e.g.,landfills and suburban areas)in cities play an important role in the properties of MPs.For instance,the highest abundance of MPs was found in thermal power plants,whereas the abundance of polymers per sample was significantly lower in the suburban area.The MP contaminants hidden in snow can alter microbial structure and function and are therefore a potential threat to ecosystem health.

Impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on liver health:Current understanding and future research directions

With continuous population and economic growth in the 21st century,plastic pollution is a major global issue.However,the health concern of microplastics/nanoplastics(MPs/NPs)decomposed from plastic wastes has drawn public attention only in the recent decade.This article summarizes recent works dedicated to understanding the impact of MPs/NPs on the liver-the largest digestive organ,which is one of the primary routes that MPs/NPs enter human bodies.The interrelated mechanisms including oxidative stress,hepatocyte energy re-distribution,cell death and autophagy,as well as immune responses and inflammation,were also featured.In addition,the disturbance of microbiome and gut-liver axis,and the association with clinical diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease,steatohepatitis,liver fibrosis,and cirrhosis were briefly discussed.Finally,we discussed potential directions in regard to this trending topic,highlighted current challenges in research,and proposed possible solutions.

具有沟槽氧化物和P-屏蔽层的4H-SiC MPS的设计与仿真

利用TCAD仿真研究了一种具有沟槽氧化物和P-屏蔽层结构的新型4H-SiC TP-MPS二极管。通过在传统MPS中引入沟槽氧化物和P-屏蔽层,能够有效地抑制器件的迅回效应和改善其反向恢复特性。分别仿真了漂移区掺杂浓度、P-区深度及SiO2厚度等关键参数对迅回效应和反向恢复特性的影响。研究结果表明:增加金属功函数、P-区厚度和SiO2厚度,以及减小漂移区掺杂浓度,均可以有效抑制MPS二极管的迅回效应;而增加SiO2厚度、减小P-区厚度和漂移区掺杂浓度均可以改善其反向恢复特性。对比传统MPS结构,TP-MPS结构在SiO2厚度为2.5μm、P-区厚度为2μm、漂移区掺杂浓度为4×10^(15)cm^(-3)的条件下,转折电压降低了34.8%,反向恢复峰值电流降低了23.5%,反向恢复软度因子增加了80%。TP-MPS二极管对迅回效应有明显抑制作用,并且其反向恢复特性得到改善。

基于MPS方法的固定半潜式平台波浪爬升数值模拟

在波浪与半潜式平台相互作用的情况下,波浪会沿着平台立柱爬升,并对平台立柱产生砰击作用。在极端情况下,波浪甚至可能砰击至平台下甲板,严重影响平台的安全。因此,对于半潜式平台设计来说,准确预测平台在波浪中的波浪爬升和砰击效应具有重要意义。采用无网格粒子法求解器MPSGPU-SJTU对波浪作用下的固定半潜式平台问题进行了数值研究,将MPS(moving particle semi-implicit)方法与GPU(graphics processing unit)并行加速技术相结合,并将其应用于规则波作用下的固定半潜式平台波浪爬升与波浪砰击问题的数值模拟。3种不同波高的规则波波浪被应用于半潜式平台数值模拟中,随着波高的增加,平台下甲板更多区域受到了波浪的砰击,同时平台设置的测压点处压力峰值也随之增大。

Utilization of Bubbles and Oil for Microplastic Capture from Water

The removal of microplastics(MPs)from water using oil has shown early promise;however,incorporation of this technique into a feasible in situ method has yet to be developed.Here,a simple yet effective method of MP capture from water using vegetable oil with bubbles is demonstrated to achieve high removal efficiencies of>98%.Comparisons are made with other methods of agitation,and higher removal efficiencies are observed when bubbles are used.Due to the low agitation provided by the bubbles,the oil layer remains unbroken,meaning that no oil is released into the bulk water phase.In this way,secondary contamination is avoided—unlike membrane filtration,another effective removal method,in which polymer-based membranes can break down due to chemical backwashing and ageing.It is demonstrated that variation in MP size within the micrometer range(50–170 lm)has minor impact on the removal efficiency;however,100%removal is achieved for larger,millimeter-sized MPs(500–5000 lm).Similarly,a high removal efficiency of greater than 99%is achieved in the capture of microfibers.Other factors such as oil volume and water salinity are also investigated and discussed.Based on these results,the proposed method can be introduced into multiple setting types as a passive and continuous method of MP capture.

Microplastics and microbiota:Unraveling the hidden environmental challenge

This editorial explores the intricate relationship between microplastics(MPs)and gut microbiota,emphasizing the complexity and environmental health implications.The gut microbiota,a crucial component of gastrointestinal health,is examined in the context of potential microbial degradation of MPs.Furthermore,dysbiosis induced by MPs emerges as a consensus,disrupting the balance of gut microbiota and decreasing diversity.The mechanisms triggering dysbiosis,including physical interactions and chemical composition,are under investigation.Ongoing research addresses the consequences of MPs on immune function,nutrient metabolism,and overall host health.The bidirectional relationship between MPs and gut microbiota has significant implications for environmental and human health.Despite uncertainties,MPs negatively impact gut microbiota and health.Further research is essential to unravel the complex interactions and assess the long-term consequences of MPs on both environmental and human well-being.

Occurrence of microplastics in natural and farmland soil in the Qilian Mountains of the Northern Tibetan Plateau

Microplastics(MPs)become ubiquitous in soil and are an environmental and public health concern worldwide.However,the status of MPs in natural and farmland soils in remote areas remains poorly understood.In this study,we investigated the characteristics of MPs in natural and farmland soils along two transects in the Qilian Mountains of the northern Tibetan Plateau.The average abundance of MPs in natural and farmland soils was 29,778 and 56,123 items kg^(-1),respectively,with a detection size range of 10-1000μm.MPs in the size range of 10-100μm accounted for 84.1%of particles detected.Among the 21 polymers detected,polyethylene dominated in both farmland and natural soils.The shape of MPs was dominated by fragments(95.8%),followed by fibers(3.8%)and beads(0.4%).The abundance of MPs was positively correlated with increasing altitude in natural soils.There was no significant correlation between the abundance of MPs and soil physicochemical properties due to the narrow range of values of soil physicochemical properties.With the growing concern regarding MPs pollution,research on the status of MPs in high altitude and remote areas is critical to understanding their global cycle.

Microplastic exposure disturbs sleep structure,reduces lifespan,and decreases ovary size in Drosophila melanogaster

The organ-specific toxicity resulting from microplastic(MP)exposure has been extensively explored,particularly concerning the gut,liver,testis,and lung.However,under natural conditions,these effects are not restricted to specific organs or tissues.Investigating whether MP exposure presents a systemic threat to an entire organism,impacting factors such as lifespan,sleep,and fecundity,is essential.In this study,we investigated the effects of dietary exposure to two different doses of MPs(1–5μm)using the terrestrial model organism Drosophila melanogaster.Results indicated that the particles caused gut damage and remained within the digestive system.Continuous MP exposure significantly shortened the lifespan of adult flies.Even short-term exposure disrupted sleep patterns,increasing the length of daytime sleep episodes.Additionally,one week of MP exposure reduced ovary size,with a trend towards decreased egg-laying in mated females.Although MPs did not penetrate the brain or ovaries,transcriptome analysis revealed altered gene expression in these tissues.In the ovary,Gene Ontology(GO)analysis indicated genotoxic effects impacting inflammation,circadian regulation,and metabolic processes,with significant impacts on extracellular structure-related pathways.In the brain,GO analysis identified changes in pathways associated with proteolysis and carbohydrate metabolism.Overall,this study provides compelling evidence of the systemic negative effects of MP exposure,highlighting the urgent need to address and mitigate environmental MP pollution.

Fairy shrimp Branchinella kugenumaensis displays sensitivity to microplastic exposure

The increasing global concern regarding plastic pollution has prompted the research into the consequences of microplastics(MPs)on aquatic ecosystems.Fairy shrimp Branchinella kugenumaensis are freshwater planktonic organisms that have existed for 250 million years.This study aimed to uncover the harmful effects of MPs,with a particular focus on their size variations(0.1,1,and 5μm),on the fairy shrimp.We focused on how MPs could significantly affect the survival and growth of fairy shrimp.Notably,larger MPs,especially those measuring 5μm,caused higher mortality rates and hindered the growth compared to smaller ones.The impact of MPs continued even subsequent to depuration in clean water.The accumulation of MPs within the intestines of fairy shrimp resulted in intestinal blockages,disrupted excretory functions,and harmed intestinal epithelial cells.Examinations at the histological,cellular,and molecular levels showed that exposure to MPs triggered necroptosis in intestinal cells,accompanied by alterations in pathways related to transcription,translation,digestion,energy metabolism,and neurological functions.Furthermore,the effects of MPs on gene expression and pathways varied based on particle size,with larger MPs having a more significant effect and causing a strong response in xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism pathways.We suggest that the increasing severity of MPs pollution could pose a significant threat to the survival of fairy shrimp.This study provided vital insights into the complex relationship between microplastics and aquatic organisms,and highlighted the urgent need to address the potential devastating impact of plastic pollution on freshwater ecosystems.Additionally,due to their rapid growth,strong reproductive capacity,sensitivity,and ease of cultivation,fairy shrimp hold the potential candidate to serve as a model organism for studying the effects of MPs and other pollutants on freshwater ecosystems.

Microplastics in sediment of the Three Gorges Reservoir:abundance and characteristics under different environmental conditions

Freshwater microplastic pollution is an urgent issue of global concern,and research on the distribution in reservoirs is lacking.We investigated the microplastic pollution levels in wet sediments collected from the Three Gorges Reservoir,the largest reservoir of China.Results show that microplastics were ubiquitous in the sediments of the Three Gorges Reservoir,and their abundance ranged from 59 to 276 pp/kg(plastic particles per kg,dry weight).Economic development and total population were important factors affecting the spatial heterogeneity of microplastic abundance,and the contribution of large cities along the reservoir to microplastic pollution should be paid with more attention.Fibrous microplastics were the most abundant type of microplastic particles in reservoir sediments,whereas polystyrene,polypropylene,and polyamide were the main types of polymers.The apparent spatial heterogeneity in morphology and color of microplastics is attributed to different anthropogenic or landbased pollution sources.Moreover,the accumulation of microplastics near the inlet of tributaries reflects the role of potential contributors of tributaries.More importantly,multiple bisphenols(BPs)and heavy metals detected at the microplastic surfaces indicate that microplastics can act as carriers of these pollutants in the environment in the same way as sediments did,which may alter the environmental fate and toxicity of these pollutants.Therefore,we conclude that the Three Gorges Reservoir had been contaminated with microplastics,which posed a stress risk for organisms who ingest them along with their associated pollutants(BPs,heavy metals).

Microplastic and Heavy Metals Distributions in Urban Rivers Sediments,China

This study investigated the distribution of microplastics and heavy metals,along with the interaction between the two in the sediments of urban rivers in China.Results showed that the abundance of microplastics ranged from 2412±187.5 to 7638±1312items kg^(-1)dry sediment across different survey stations,with an average abundance at(4388±713)items kg^(-1)dry sediment.Upon further categorization,it was found that transparent fragments were the primary color and type of microplastics present.The potential ecological risk index(RI)of heavy metals in sediments suggested a low level of ecological risk within a majority of the urban rivers studied.Cd was identified as the main potential ecological risk factor in the sediments of the studied areas.There was a relatively good significant linear relationship between the RI of heavy metals and the abundance of microplastics,bolstering the linkage between these two environmental pollutants.However,the concentrations of heavy metals in microplastics were not dependent on their corresponding contents in sediments.In fact,the concentration of Cu,Cd,and As in microplastics were higher than those in the sediments.This finding confirmed that microplastics could serve as carriers of heavy metals and introduce potential risks to aquatic wildlife and human through the food chain.

Detection and Identification of Microplastics from Locally Sold Fishes in Borongan City, Samar Island, Philippines

Microplastics, a prevailing modern contaminant, were detected on fish caught in Brgy. Mayangdan and Brgy. Tabunan, Borongan City, Eastern Samar. Fish samples were collected from markets and barangays, with 1 representative species per species, irrespective of location. The digestive channel, including the gills, was utilized as an anatomy of concern in fishes as the digestive systems are used in the feeding process while gills are primarily exposed to the water around them. Results found a few microplastics, mostly micro fragments that are irregularly shaped and colored either red or transparent/white. This concludes the presence of microplastics in the area of the two barangays in Borongan City. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the presence of microplastics in the water and mangrove areas of the said barangay be assessed to lessen the contamination of water systems with different plastic garbage.

The Uptake and Distribution Evidence of Nano-and Microplastics in vivo after a Single High Dose of Oral Exposure

Objective Tissue uptake and distribution of nano-/microplastics was studied at a single high dose by gavage in vivo.Methods Fluorescent microspheres(100 nm,3μm,and 10μm)were given once at a dose of 200 mg/(kg∙body weight).The fluorescence intensity(FI)in observed organs was measured using the IVIS Spectrum at 0.5,1,2,and 4 h after administration.Histopathology was performed to corroborate these findings.Results In the 100 nm group,the FI of the stomach and small intestine were highest at 0.5 h,and the FI of the large intestine,excrement,lung,kidney,liver,and skeletal muscles were highest at 4 h compared with the control group(P<0.05).In the 3μm group,the FI only increased in the lung at 2 h(P<0.05).In the 10μm group,the FI increased in the large intestine and excrement at 2 h,and in the kidney at 4 h(P<0.05).The presence of nano-/microplastics in tissues was further verified by histopathology.The peak time of nanoplastic absorption in blood was confirmed.Conclusion Nanoplastics translocated rapidly to observed organs/tissues through blood circulation;however,only small amounts of MPs could penetrate the organs.

Microplastics Detection and Identification in the Waters along Coastal Areas of Borongan City

This study detects the presence of microplastics in the coastal areas of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, this specifically implies the microplastics present in the waters along coastal areas of Borongan City. Two (2) sampling areas were identified and selected for the presence of these microcontaminants using density separation, filtration and microscopic identification. Results reveal a total of 35 microplastics observed from the water samples collected, with this the microplastics from Baybay boulevard with an average of 0.79 microplastics per Liter, while the average microplastic contamination in Hilangagan beach resort was calculated at 0.43 microplastics per Liter. This sums up to an average of 0.49 microplastics per Liter for both sampling sites in Borongan City.

Responses of soil enzyme and microbial community under co-loading of different microplastics and sulfamethoxazole

Polyamide/polyethylene(PA/PE)microplastics were injected into soil containing sulfamethoxazole(SMX)to investigate their combined effects on SMX removal,soil enzyme activity,and microbial communities.The results show that both PA and PE transiently increase SMX removal and inhibite the stimulation of microbial species diversity by SMX.The effect of PE is more significant.Meanwhile,PE combined with SMX increases the relative abundances of Actinobacteria and Pseudomonas,while PA combined with SMX decreases the relative abundances of Nocardioides and Streptomyces.In addition,PA/PE combined with SMX can increase dehydrogenase,urease,ammonia monooxygenase,and nitrate reductase activities in the soil while inhibiting the activity of laccase.Compared with PA combined with SMX,the activities of dehydrogenase,urease,ammonia monooxygenase,and laccase of PE combined with SMX increase by 9.82%,10.41%,8.07%,and 5.47%,while the activities of nitrate reductase and neutral phosphatase decrease by 1.47%and 6.78%.

New Insights into Microplastic Contamination in Different Types of Leachates: Abundances, Characteristics, and Potential Sources

Municipal solid waste(MSW)is an important destination for abandoned plastics.During the waste disposal process,large plastic debris is broken down into microplastics(MPs)and released into the leachate.However,current research only focuses on landfill leachates,and the occurrence of MPs in other leachates has not been studied.Therefore,herein,the abundance and characteristics of MPs in three types of leachates,namely,landfill leachate,residual waste leachate,and household food waste leachate,were studied,all leachates were collected from the largest waste disposal center in China.The results showed that the average MP abundances in the different types of leachates ranged from(129±54)to(1288±184)MP particles per liter(particlesL1)and the household food waste leachate exhibited the highest MP abundance(p<0.05).Polyethylene(PE)and fragments were the dominant polymer type and shape in MPs,respectively.The characteristic polymer types of MPs in individual leachates were different.Furthermore,the conditional fragmentation model indicated that the landfilling process considerably affected the size distribution of MPs in leachates,leading to a higher percentage(>80%)of small MPs(20–100 lm)in landfill leachates compared to other leachates.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first study discussing the sources of MPs in different leachates,which is important for MP pollution control during MSW disposal.