1. Development and evaluation of a pretreatment procedure for single particle ICP-MS quantitative analysis of microplastics in inorganic-carbon-rich water samplesPia Leban, Aljaž Iveković, Janja Vidmar, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: This study evaluates the applicability of single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) for the quantitative detection of small microplastics (MPs) through monitoring of the carbon signal in tap water. To overcome high background signal originating from dissolved inorganic carbon typically present in tap water at elevated levels, a sample pretreatment procedure was developed to remove inorganic dissolved carbon while preserving the physicochemical properties of MPs. The optimized protocol involved mild acidification with 0.05% HNO₃ followed by ultrasonication for 60 min. This treatment effectively reduced the concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon by up to 97%, achieving background carbon levels comparable to those of ultrapure water, and enabling the detection of MPs smaller than 2 μm. The impact of the pretreatment on MPs was evaluated using polystyrene (PS) MPs in the 1 – 4.5 µm size range. In addition, systematic optimization of spICP-MS instrumental parameters was conducted across four configurations differing in sample introduction system and torch injector inner diameter. Among the tested setups, the combination of a conventional concentric nebulizer and a 2.5 mm torch injector provided the most reliable performance for detecting MPs. Under optimized conditions, the spICP-MS method was used for MPs spiked to tap water, followed by the proposed pretreatment, which showed the procedure had negligible effects on particle concentration, size distribution, morphology, and surface characteristics. This was also confirmed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The proposed pretreatment strategy, coupled with optimized spICP-MS conditions, shows potential for the first assessment of the contamination of tap water with MPs.
Ključne besede: microplastics, tap water
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 30.07.2026; Ogledov: 138; Prenosov: 67
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2. From carbon to plastics: partitioning of biogeochemical and anthropogenic particles in penguin guanoErica Sparaventi, Emily Rowlands, Federico Giglio, Araceli Rodriguez-Romero, Antonio Tovar-Sánchez, Clara Manno, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Penguins are emblematic inhabitants of the Antarctic continent and play a significant role in the biogeochemical cycles of the Southern Ocean by transferring essential nutrients to marine ecosystems via guano production. Despite their ecological importance, the contribution of penguin guano to carbon cycling remains largely unexplored. Microplastics (MPs) add complexity to these dynamics. MPs in fecal material can limit carbon export by reducing sinking rates and increasing remineralization. We examined guano from two penguin species, the Chinstrap (P. antarcticus) (n = 25) and Gentoo (P. papua) (n = 7), from the South Shetland Islands. We quantified biogeochemical particulate components (carbon, nitrogen, and biogenic silica) and characterized MP polymeric composition. Both species showed similar values for natural particulate fractions. Microplastics were detected in 91% of samples, dominated by small particles (25–50 μm, 46%). Chinstrap guano contained the highest amount of MPs. Polypropylene was the predominant polymer (34% in Chinstrap, 75% in Gentoo), followed by polyethylene (37% in Chinstrap, not found in Gentoo). This study provides the first survey of the smallest MP fraction (down to 25 μm) in penguin guano, offering new insight into how a shift in the partitioning from natural to MP particles, previously overlooked, may influence guano-mediated carbon pathways.
Ključne besede: carbon, microplastics, penguins, guano, Antarctic, biogeochemical cycle
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.06.2026; Ogledov: 177; Prenosov: 282
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3. Quantification and characterization of microplastics in seven urban wastewater treatment plantsErica Sparaventi, Rafael Nuez, María Pilar Yeste, Miguel Ángel Cauqui, Marta Sendra, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Microplastics (MPs) are routinely detected throughout wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), yet current treatment trains were not designed specifically to remove them. This study quantified and characterized visually identified MPs in influent and effluent waters from seven urban WWTPs in Andalusia (southern Spain) during a six-month monitoring period (July–December 2020). The targeted analytical size range was 45–5000 µm, and a subset of particles was further characterized by FTIR. MPs were detected in all sampling campaigns. Concentrations ranged from 6 to 78 items/L in influent and from 12 to 65 items/L in effluent. Fibers were the dominant morphology, and the 100–500 µm size class was the most represented fraction. Among the subset analyzed by FTIR, PA, PP, PVC and LDPE were the most frequent polymer assignments, with PA predominating in the fiber-rich fraction. However, because influent and effluent 24 h time-composite samples were not hydraulic retention time (HRT)-paired and FTIR interpretation was based on a selected subset of particles, the dataset is best interpreted as describing spatiotemporal variability during the study period rather than robust process-specific removal efficiency. Overall, the results support WWTPs as an ongoing pathway for MP release to receiving environments.
Ključne besede: microplastics, wastewater treatment plants, six-month monitoring, FTIR, fibers, spatiotemporal variability
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 23.06.2026; Ogledov: 229; Prenosov: 161
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4. Fibre-reinforced cement as a source of microplastics and their post-release behaviourKatja Turk, Branka Mušič, 2026, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Povzetek: The construction industry consumes vast amounts of plastics, but has in recent decades embraced the circular economy principles increasingly. Nevertheless, these materials degrade throughout their life cycle, and represent a non-negligible source of microplastics, contributing to one of today’s major environmental challenges. In this study we investigated the generation and properties of microplastics released from cementitious composites reinforced with polypropylene (PP) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) fibres. The two degradation scenarios (simulated wear and demolition) produced distinct particle size ranges, spanning from long fibres to fine fragments. Cement adhesion to the fibres, governed by their surface morphology and functionalisation, was identified as a factor capable of altering key properties such as the contaminant-dependent density. Complementary leaching experiments showed further that functionalised fibres exhibit a high potential for releasing organic substances. Overall, our findings highlight the need to consider multiple aspects of microplastics derived from fibre-reinforced cement when assessing their environmental implications.
Ključne besede: microplastics, fibre-reinforced cement, construction materials, circular economy, environmental impact
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 15.06.2026; Ogledov: 211; Prenosov: 227
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5. Multilevel toxicity assessment of polypropylene microplastics and pyrene on mussels: DNA damage, oxidative stress, and physiological effects : version v1Tatjana Mijošek Pavin, Margareta Kračun-Kolarević, Stoimir Kolarević, Tatjana Simčič, Rajko Martinović, Oliver Bajt, Gabriela Kalčíková, Andreja Ramšak, 2026, zaključena znanstvena zbirka raziskovalnih podatkov Povzetek: The data are produced within the study to investigate the onsequences of microplastic pollution and pyrene on Mytilus galloprovincialis. We present an integrative assessment of polypropylene (PP) and pyrene, individually and in co-exposure, in mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed to 1 mg L- 1 PP (~40 μm) and 50 μg L- 1 of pyrene for 7 and 14 days, representing a scenario relevant to highly polluted coastal areas. The study was published in Marine Pollution Bulletin 222 (2026) 118880.
Ključne besede: mussels, microplastics, PAHs, multi-biomarker approach, co-exposure
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 22.05.2026; Ogledov: 321; Prenosov: 284
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6. Polyethylene microplastics as a vector of tributyltin in Mytilus galloprovincialis and their consequencesTanja Kobal, Tea Zuliani, Stoimir Kolarević, Margareta Kračun-Kolarević, Tatjana Simčič, Tatjana Mijošek Pavin, Andreja Ramšak, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Microplastic pollution is an increasing environmental issue in the marine environment due to its ubiquitous presence and its role as a vector for organic pollutants such as tributyltin (TBT). Adsorption of TBT onto microplastics (MP) can increase its availability to filter-feeding organisms by prolonging its retention time in the water column. We investigated whether polyethylene (PE) MP spheres (10–63 μm) could act as vectors for TBT transfer in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis by exposing it to PE MP (50 mg L− 1 ) and TBT (0.001 mg L− 1 ) separately and in co-exposure for 21 days. Efficient adsorption on PE MP was confirmed, and higher concentration of TBT was observed in the PE MP + TBT group compared to TBT only exposed group, indicating a vector effect. This led to higher toxicity in mussels, as the combined stress conditions in the PE MP + TBT group resulted in a significant decrease in the catalase activity after 14 days of the exposure. Higher ETS activity was observed in both exposed groups after seven days of exposure, followed by lower ETS activity at 14 and 21 days, indicating depletion of energy reserves. Pronounced responses in catalase and electron transport system (ETS) activity were observed in the hepatopancreas compared to the gill tissue. DNA damage was present in all exposed groups and increased over time.
Ključne besede: mytilus galloprovincialis, tributyltin, PE microplastics, mitochondrial respiration, genotoxicity, oxidative stress
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 18.05.2026; Ogledov: 248; Prenosov: 269
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7. When "biodegradable" is not benign: Microplastic-driven disruption of soil processes and plant-microbe interactionsTeja Pelko, Anita Jemec Kokalj, Marjana Regvar, Marina Dermastia, Katarina Vogel-Mikuš, 2026, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The increasing use of biodegradable plastics (BPs) as alternatives to conventional plastics (CPs) is leading to the accumulation of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) in terrestrial environments. Contrary to assumptions of rapid degradation, BMPs can persist in soil long enough to interact with key biological processes. This review advances the field by proposing a mechanistic framework linking BMP aging and degradation, soil physicochemical transformations, plastisphere assembly, rhizosphere interactions, and plant responses, and by critically evaluating the sources of inconsistency across studies. We show that divergent effects of BMPs can be best explained by four interacting determinants: polymer chemistry and additive composition, aging-driven surface transformations, soil physicochemical properties, and rhizosphere processes including plant-mediated effects. Through these coupled pathways, BMPs can alter aggregation, pore architecture, pH, enzyme activity, and carbon and nutrient cycling, thereby reshaping the soil environment in which microorganisms and roots interact. BMP surfaces can also act as dynamic microbial niches that promote biofilm formation, shift microbial community composition and function, and under certain conditions may facilitate pollutant transport, pathogen persistence, and horizontal gene transfer. Plant responses to BMPs are predominantly indirect and emerge from rhizosphere-mediated processes, which helps explain the wide variability in reported plant responses, ranging from subtle metabolic changes to pronounced growth inhibition. However, current evidence is constrained by short-term studies and insufficient consideration of aged materials. Biodegradability should therefore not be equated with low ecological risk in soils. Progress in this field requires integrative approaches linking BMP properties, plastisphere dynamics, and plant–soil interactions over time.
Ključne besede: soil ecosystem, biodegradable microplastics, plant microbiome, plastisphere, rhizosphere, nutrient cycling
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.05.2026; Ogledov: 309; Prenosov: 259
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8. Dataset for the conference paper "Fiber-reinforced cement as a source of microplastics and their post-release behaviour"Katja Turk, Branka Mušič, 2026, zaključena znanstvena zbirka raziskovalnih podatkov Povzetek: The dataset supports the data presented in the tables and figures of the conference paper: "Fiber-reinforced cement as a source of microplastics and their post-release behaviour" (doi: https://doi.org/10.18690/um.fkkt.1.2026.9). It includes mass measurements and calculations used for density determination of (micro)fibres by pycnometer, quantitative results derived from image analysis performed using a custom-made Mathematica program for assessing cement coverage on fibre surfaces, as well as results of leaching experiments, including measured TOC, IC and TC concentrations in leachate samples.
Ključne besede: mikroplastika, vlakno-armirani cement, gradbeni materiali, meritve gostote, ekperiment izluževanja, adhezija ostankov cementa, microplastics, fibre-reinforced cement, construction materials, density measurement, leaching experiment, adhesion of cement residues
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.01.2026; Ogledov: 308; Prenosov: 237
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9. Dataset for the review article "From plastic use in the construction and built environment to state-of-the-art circular economy solutions to combat microplastic pollution"Katja Turk, Gabriela Kalčíková, Anita Jemec Kokalj, Branka Mušič, 2026, zaključena znanstvena zbirka raziskovalnih podatkov Povzetek: The dataset supports the data presented in the article “From plastic use in the construction and built environment to state-of-the-art circular economy solutions to combat microplastic pollution” (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-025-01228-0). It consists of a single Excel worksheet compiling data on the number of published studies related to microplastics in general and to microplastics originating from the building and construction sector to illustrate the evolution of research attention.
Ključne besede: microplastics, building, construction, pollution, circular economy, mikroplastika, gradbeništvo, onesnaževanje, krožno gospodarstvo
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.01.2026; Ogledov: 662; Prenosov: 316
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10. Multilevel toxicity assessment of polypropylene microplastics and pyrene on mussels : DNA damage, oxidative stress, and physiological effectsTatjana Mijošek Pavin, Margareta Kračun-Kolarević, Stoimir Kolarević, Tatjana Simčič, Rajko Martinović, Oliver Bajt, Gabriela Kalčíková, Andreja Ramšak, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Despite extensive research on microplastic pollution, combined biological effects of microplastics and associated pollutants on marine invertebrates remain unclear. We present an integrative assessment of polypropylene (PP) and pyrene, individually and in co-exposure, in mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed to 1 mg L−1 PP (~40 μm) and 50 μg L−1 of pyrene for 7 and 14 days, representing a scenario relevant to highly polluted coastal areas. DNA damage increased significantly in mussels exposed to pyrene or PP alone, but remained at control levels under combined exposure, suggesting an interaction that may reduce genotoxic potential. Lipid peroxidation remained stable across treatments, despite significant changes in antioxidant enzymes. Catalase activity increased in pyrene and pyrene + PP treatments, with tissue-specific trends, indicating enhanced antioxidant protection. Glutathione S-transferase activity was stable in digestive glands but significantly inhibited in gills after seven days under PP exposure. ETS activity increased in pyrene-containing treatments after 14 days, reflecting elevated metabolic demand after prolonged exposure. Respiration rate declined under PP exposure. Heart rate recovery time after the hyposalinity test was the slowest in the pyrene + PP group, indicating compromised physiological resilience. These findings reveal interactive, tissue- and biomarker-specific effects of PP and pyrene. Their combination suggested attenuation of genotoxicity but enhanced physiological stress responses, highlighting the complexity of pollutant interactions and importance of evaluating multiple biomarkers, tissues and pollutants. Presented data provide the first ever biomarker-based evaluation of PP and pyrene co-exposure, offering novel insights into microplastic-pollutant interactions and potential ecological consequences for marine invertebrates.
Ključne besede: mussels, microplastics, PAHs, multi-biomarker approach, co-exposure
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 23.12.2025; Ogledov: 1218; Prenosov: 402
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