Aleksandar Brezar is a journalist, factchecker and debunker with experience in a variety of media outlets, ranging from print and radio to television and online/new media. He also co-hosts Sarajevo Calling, a podcast on Western Balkans affairs. His work was featured in The Guardian, The Washington ...

The Invisible Threat: How Microplastics Are Taking Over Our World

27 Nov 2023  |  euronews  |  English  |  Microplastics and Human Health

The article discusses the pervasive issue of plastic pollution and its impact on human health and the environment. It highlights the findings of studies from the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Rhode Island, which show the presence of microplastics in human organs and their potential to cause health issues such as inflammation, immune response, and even behavioral changes. Rosalie Mann, founder and president of No More Plastic, is interviewed about society's dependency on plastic, the dangers it poses, and the need for systemic change rather than consumer-focused solutions. Mann criticizes the current recycling practices as ineffective and calls for a shift towards alternative materials and stricter regulations to reduce plastic production and use. The article emphasizes the urgency of addressing the plastic crisis for the health of both humans and wildlife.

Tags:

Microplastics and Human Health Environmental Impact of Plastics Plastic Pollution Alternatives to Plastic Recycling and Plastic Waste Plastic Regulation and Policy

Wenjun Chen, born 1985 in Guangzhou, China. He was photo editor and photographer in magazines before, and now he is a freelance photographer, videographer and co founder of May and June Studio, currently based in Guangzhou, China.

His works focus on the relationship between individual situation ...

Microplastic Transport and Accumulation in Rural Waterbodies: Insights from a Small Catchment in East China

19 Oct 2024  |  MDPI  |  English  |  Microplastics Pollution

The study investigates microplastic (MP) pollution in rural waterbodies within a small catchment in Nanjing, East China, highlighting the distribution and sources of MPs in drainage ditches influenced by pond connectivity, land use, and soil properties. The research identifies six dominant MP materials and reveals that ponds act as MP sinks, with higher concentrations found in ditches above ponds. The study emphasizes the need for targeted strategies to reduce MP pollution, such as reducing plastic use and improving road runoff management. The findings underscore the role of land use in MP distribution and the importance of ponds in retaining MPs, suggesting that agricultural practices and road traffic significantly contribute to MP pollution.

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Microplastics Pollution Environmental Science Agricultural Ecosystems

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James Clark is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom, specialising in sustainable tourism, adventure, and the great outdoors.

The Peril of Plastics: Atmospheric Microplastics in Outdoor, Indoor, and Remote Environments

12 Jun 2024  |  MDPI  |  English  |  Microplastics

Microplastics, a new class of plastic pollutants, pose escalating environmental threats due to their persistence and effects in soil, water, and organisms. This review highlights the largely unexplored area of atmospheric microplastics (AMPs), focusing on the challenges in understanding suspended and deposited AMPs. It emphasizes the need for critical investigation of indoor suspended MP fibers and the transportation of AMPs to isolated locations like cryospheric regions. Major challenges include data inconsistency, limited knowledge, and lack of standardized methodologies for sampling and characterization of AMPs.

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Microplastics Environmental Pollution Human Health

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Khaled Diab is an award-winning freelance journalist, blogger and writer who is currently based in Belgium. He has previously been based in Tunis, Jerusalem, Brussels, Geneva and Cairo. 

Khaled writes for leading publications in Europe, the Middle East, the United States and Asia. He also ...

A sink for microplastics: 14 million tonnes on ocean floor

07 Oct 2020  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Microplastics

An estimated 14 million tonnes of microplastics are present on the ocean floor, according to a study by Australia's CSIRO. The research, which analyzed deep ocean samples off South Australia, found that the seafloor contains more than double the amount of plastic pollution compared to the ocean surface. The study highlights the pervasive issue of plastic pollution, its impact on marine ecosystems, and the potential risks to human health. Researchers emphasize the need for effective plastic pollution solutions, including reducing single-use plastics and improving waste management strategies.

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Microplastics Environmental Pollution Marine Ecosystems

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Isabelle Gerretsen is a freelance journalist based in London, United Kingdom, who writes about climate, the environment and sustainability. She writes for the BBC, CNN, Climate Home News and The Independent.

Is it possible to avoid microplastics?

01 Oct 2023  |  Terra  |  Portuguese  |  Microplastics

Microplastics are pervasive, found in remote locations like the Antarctic Ocean and in everyday items such as bottled water and food. A study by Columbia and Rutgers universities found that bottled water contains significantly more nanoplastic fragments than previously estimated. The World Health Organization has called for more research to determine the health risks of microplastics, which are also found in agricultural lands and various food products. While biodegradable plastics and glass bottles are considered alternatives, they come with their own environmental challenges. Researchers are exploring various methods to mitigate plastic pollution, including the use of fungi, bacteria, and filtration techniques.

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Microplastics Environmental Pollution Health Risks

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Sabela Gonzalez is a researcher journalist specialized in migration, democracy and Human Rights.

Tyre wear – an underestimated source of air pollution that needs to be tackled

05 Jun 2023  |  ecostandard.org  |  English  |  Microplastics

Tyre wear is a significant but often overlooked source of air pollution, contributing around 6.1 million metric tons of tyre dust annually. The EU's Zero Pollution Action Plan aims for a 30% reduction in microplastics by 2030, but ECOS stresses the need for accompanying policies. The European Commission's proposal to reduce vehicle emissions includes limits on tyre particles, but ECOS insists on an international standard for measuring tyre abrasion. Stricter chemical requirements for tyre manufacturers are also necessary to prevent the use of harmful substances. Despite potential regulations, the rise in road transport and larger vehicles may still increase microplastic emissions.

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Microplastics Air Pollution Environmental Regulation

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Eve Hebron is a journalist who writes about lifestyle, with a particular focus on culture and society.
She is based in Paris, France.

Should we worry about microplastics being a risk to our health? Here's what you need to know

07 Apr 2022  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Microplastics

Researchers have found microplastics in human bodies, raising concerns about their health impacts. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, are prevalent in the environment and can enter the human body through inhalation and ingestion. Recent studies indicate potential health risks, including the possibility of cancer. The European Chemicals Agency has proposed restrictions to reduce microplastic exposure, but environmental groups warn of loopholes. Innovative solutions, such as using mussels to filter microplastics from the ocean, are being explored.

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Microplastics Health Risks Environmental Pollution

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James Jackson is a multimedia journalist based in Berlin, Germany. 

James is a self-starting media professional who is comfortable writing news, specialist reports dispatches, op-eds and features. A native English speaker, he is fluent in German and Spanish and covers Central Europe for outlets ...

We’re Eating Plastics From Our Own Dirty Laundry

12 Oct 2017  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Microplastics

Microscopic synthetic fibers from washing synthetic clothing are contaminating our food and water supply. A team from Waterloo, Ontario, has developed PolyGone, a reusable sheet that traps these fibers in the laundry machine. Despite the promising solution, concerns remain about consumer adoption. The issue of microplastics is significant, with synthetic fibers being a major pollutant in the Great Lakes. The team presented their work at the AquaHacking conference, where they finished fourth. They are in talks with washing machine manufacturers to create a built-in filter solution.

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Microplastics Environmental Pollution Water Contamination

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Stephen McGrath is a Romania-based correspondent. His work appears regularly in the international press, for publications including BBC, The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Spectator, New Statesman, Forbes, and others. 

In 2019, he was shortlisted in the Human Trafficking Foundation's ...

Dirty Danube: looming pollution threats to the world’s most international river

13 Nov 2016  |  www.theguardian.com  |  English  |  Microplastics in Rivers

The article discusses the environmental challenges faced by the Danube River, particularly the rise in plastic waste, pesticide runoff, and pharmaceutical waste. Despite improvements since the communist era, the river is threatened by pollutants, with a lack of information on what industries are releasing. Microplastics are a significant concern, with studies showing large amounts being transported through the river. The article highlights the efforts of various stakeholders, including the Hungarian Plastics Association, the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River, and PlasticsEurope, to address these issues. It also mentions a significant investment in agriculture by Monsanto that could increase pollution. Efforts to improve waste management facilities and the development of new technologies to monitor pollutants, such as those by WatchFrog, are also discussed. The article underscores the need for a joint effort to tackle pollution and the importance of recycling and effective waste management.

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Microplastics in Rivers Environmental Pollution Danube River Pollution Waste Management

Ahmed Mohsen is a journalist based in Cairo Governorate, Egypt.

Riverine Microplastic Quantification: A Novel Approach Integrating Satellite Images, Neural Network, and Suspended Sediment Data as a Proxy

29 Nov 2023  |  MDPI  |  English  |  Microplastics

The study develops a novel approach to quantify microplastics in riverine systems by integrating satellite imagery, neural network algorithms, and suspended sediment data. Focusing on the Tisza River in Central Europe, the research utilizes high-resolution images from Sentinel-2 and PlanetScope satellites, along with active sensor data from Sentinel-1. A multilayer perceptron neural network is employed to model the relationship between microplastic concentration and satellite sensor data. The study finds that while direct estimation of microplastics via satellite sensors is challenging due to low abundance and detection limitations, using suspended sediment concentration as a proxy provides a promising alternative, especially during flood conditions. The research contributes to the understanding of microplastic transport in rivers and offers a cost-effective monitoring tool to assist in environmental management.

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Microplastics Remote Sensing Environmental Monitoring Neural Networks Suspended Sediment Concentration River Pollution

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Tram Nguyen is a journalist based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The hidden dangers of microplastics

17 Feb 2019  |  www.campustimes.org  |  English  |  Microplastics

Microplastics, defined as plastic pieces less than five millimeters in diameter, pose significant environmental and health risks. They originate from various sources, including cosmetics, clothing, and industrial waste, and are found in marine life and human drinking water. Studies show that microplastics can accumulate in animal tissues and human bodies, with unknown long-term health impacts. The U.S. has the highest contamination rate of microplastics in tap water among studied countries.

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Microplastics Environmental Pollution

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An award winning journalist covering major breaking news and severe weather both live in-studio, and live on location, across New England, New York, and Canada.

As a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist, particular specialities include climate change, severe weather, and environmental reporting.

...

Local Tools Being Used to Study Ocean Pollution on 2-Year Trip Around the World

01 Oct 2023  |  www.nbcboston.com  |  English  |  Microplastics

An all-women research team is conducting a two-year global voyage to study ocean pollution using tools developed in New England. The eXXpedition trip, which began in England and is currently en route to Panama, focuses on identifying the sources of microplastics in the ocean. Utilizing a portable spectrometer from Waltham-based PerkinElmer, the team can analyze microplastics directly on-site. Preliminary findings indicate that most microplastics originate from food containers, highlighting the impact of consumer lifestyles in the U.S. and Europe. The research aims to inform public and governmental strategies to reduce plastic waste.

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Microplastics Ocean Pollution Environmental Research

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Vishal Rana is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Assessment of Microplastics Pollution on Soil Health and Eco-toxicological Risk in Horticulture

23 Jan 2023  |  MDPI  |  English  |  Microplastics Pollution

The article discusses the increasing presence of microplastics in the food chain and its implications as a food safety issue due to the associated human health and eco-toxicological risks. It reviews the sources of microplastics, their effects on horticultural crops, soil, and microorganisms, and the techniques used to identify microplastics. The research aims to inform environmentalists, biotechnologists, and policymakers about the dynamics of microplastics in soils and edible parts to mitigate potential risks.

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Microplastics Pollution Soil Health Eco-toxicological Risk Horticulture

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Petrus Riski is a journalist based in Surabaya, Indonesia.
I like coverage of the environmental, socio-cultural and innovation fields.
Covering features and in-depth news is my specialty in news writing. I know Surabaya and East Java very well. If my skills are needed to cover the East Java ...

Find Microplastics in Cosmetics, Government Asked to Conduct Inspections

01 Dec 2024  |  www.voaindonesia.com  |  Indonesian  |  Microplastics

Recent findings of microplastics in cosmetics and sweetened beverages have raised public concern in Indonesia. ECOTON's research revealed that half of the 80 cosmetic products tested contained microplastics, which pose long-term health risks. Despite existing regulations, microplastics are still prevalent in many products. ECOTON's Executive Director, Daru Setyotini, urged the government, specifically the BB POM, to enhance monitoring and research on products suspected of containing microplastics. Ni Luh Dewi Aryani from Universitas Surabaya highlighted the potential for replacing microplastic components with biodegradable alternatives. The article emphasizes the need for stricter government oversight and consumer awareness regarding product ingredients.

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Microplastics Cosmetics Public Health

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Svetlana Romanova is a journalist based in Berlin, Germany.

Rebuttal to Correspondence on “Assessing the Release of Microplastics and Nanoplastics from Plastic Containers and Reusable Food Pouches: Implications for Human Health”

09 May 2024  |  pubs.acs.org  |  English  |  Microplastics

The article addresses comments from Sun et al. on a study about microplastics and nanoplastics released from plastic containers and food pouches during microwave heating. It acknowledges the complementary findings of Sun et al., which support the original study's conclusions about temperature's role in releasing microplastics. The article emphasizes the need for caution when using microwaves to heat food in plastic containers due to potential health risks.

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Microplastics Nanoplastics Food Safety

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I am a multimedia journalist based between Catania, Italy and in Geneva, Switzerland. After obtaining a master's degree from City, University of London. I've worked at CNN and the World Economic Forum, where I honed my skills in breaking news, long-form features, and corporate communications. My ...

Microplastics are everywhere, but mostly at home: 5 rules to follow

04 Jul 2024  |  tr.euronews.com  |  Turkish  |  Microplastics

Microplastics are pervasive in daily life, posing health risks such as heart disease and cancer. Research highlights the ingestion of microplastics and their potential to reduce sperm count. CleanHub notes increased interest in microplastics, with Google Trends reaching a peak score. Experts recommend avoiding plastic cutting boards, microwave-safe containers, plastic ice trays, paper cups, and tea bags to reduce exposure. Alternatives include tempered glass cutting boards, stainless steel ice trays, reusable stainless steel bottles, and natural tea leaves. Organizations like the American Chemical Society and Dow Health Sciences University provide research supporting these recommendations.

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Microplastics Health Risks Environmental Pollution

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Julian Ryall is a journalist based in Tokyo, Japan.

Japanese researchers alarmed as microplastic density off Honshu island exceeds highs in Mediterranean Sea

01 Oct 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Microplastics

Researchers have discovered alarming levels of microplastics on the ocean floor off Honshu, Japan, with concentrations surpassing those in the Mediterranean Sea. The study, led by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology and published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, found microplastic densities up to 260 times higher than in the Mediterranean and 5,500 times higher than in the North Atlantic. The Kuroshio Current is identified as a significant contributor, carrying debris from Southeast and East Asia. Experts stress the difficulty of removing microplastics from the seabed and advocate for preventive measures and alternative materials to reduce plastic pollution.

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Microplastics Environmental Pollution Marine Science

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Professional Journalist/Reporter/Producer and Anchor with over 14 years experience in the broadcast news arena for TV and Radio.
General news as well as business and hard news topics.
Based in Connecticut, USA, short distance from New York city and Boston and able to cover stories across New ...

Blumenthal urges EPA to do more to reduce microplastic pollution

21 Aug 2023  |  WSHU  |  English  |  Microplastics

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal is urging the Environmental Protection Agency to intensify efforts against plastic waste, particularly microplastics, which pose significant health and environmental risks. He advocates for phasing out single-use plastics and highlights the increasing production of plastics as a growing concern. Blumenthal emphasizes the need for immediate action beyond the EPA's current initiatives to eliminate plastic waste by 2040.

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Microplastics Environmental Pollution

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