The exponential growth in plastic production since the mid-twentieth century has led to the pervasive presence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) across ecosystems and human exposure pathways, coinciding with a rising global burden of neurological disorders. Increasing evidence demonstrates that MNPs are not confined to peripheral tissues but can accumulate even in the human brain, raising concerns about their potential contribution to neurological disease. This structured review synthesizes global trends in plastic production, environmental MNP burden, and human exposure, together with emerging data on brain accumulation, entry pathways, neurotoxic mechanisms, and key translational challenges. We present evidence showing that MNPs may cross brain barriers via multiple routes, including the blood–brain barrier, blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier, olfactory, and circumventricular pathways, particularly under conditions of barrier vulnerability. Experimental studies reveal that once in neural tissue, MNPs may disrupt synaptic function, mitochondrial homeostasis, autophagy, and redox balance, while activating neuroinflammatory and gut–brain axis–mediated pathways. These mechanisms intersect with disease-relevant processes implicated in multiple neurological disorders whose global prevalence and societal burden have sharply increased over recent decades, including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, mood disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions. Despite growing mechanistic plausibility, translational and human epidemiological evidence remains limited by methodological heterogeneity, a lack of standardized detection methods, and the absence of longitudinal clinical data/studies. We highlight critical analytical and translational gaps, public health implications, and priorities for longitudinal, biomarker‑driven studies needed to rigorously test whether MNPs may contribute to population‑level risk of neurological disease. Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) from environmental sources can enter the human body primarily via ingestion and inhalation and may reach the brain by crossing biological barriers. Experimental studies report cellular responses consistent with neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and synaptic dysfunction following MNP exposure. The schematic places these proposed mechanisms within the context of a rising global burden of neurological disease

This work investigates fully bio-based flame-retardant (bioFRs) systems for polypropylene (PP) composites reinforced with flax fabrics, addressing the inherent flammability of natural fibre-reinforced thermoplastics. A dual-phase strategy combining bio-based additives in the matrix with chemically treated fabrics was implemented. Two bio-based flame retardants, phosphorylated carbonized cellulose (PCC) and a phytic acid - piperazine salt (PA–PPN), were prepared, evaluated and compared with a conventional ammonium polyphosphate/pentaerythritol (APP/PER) system. Fire performance was assessed by mass loss cone calorimetry (MLC) to examine the formation of protective intumescent char layers relevant for thermal shielding applications. Treated fabrics significantly influenced fire behaviour, promoting earlier heat release while improving char cohesion and structural integrity. Among the formulations, PA–PPN showed the highest efficiency, enabling the formation of a cohesive and expanded char. When combined with pentaerythritol and melamine, PA–PPN-based system achieved fire performance comparable to APP/PER, with a peak heat release rate of ∼230 kW·m⁻², despite a much lower phosphorus content in the blend (2.8 wt.% vs. 9.45 wt.%). These findings highlight the strong potential of phytic acid-derived systems as sustainable and efficient flame-retardant solutions for natural fabric-reinforced thermoplastic composites.

This work investigates fully bio-based flame-retardant (bioFRs) systems for polypropylene (PP) composites reinforced with flax fabrics, addressing the inherent flammability of natural fibre-reinforced thermoplastics. A dual-phase strategy combining bio-based additives in the matrix with chemically treated fabrics was implemented. Two bio-based flame retardants, phosphorylated carbonized cellulose (PCC) and a phytic acid - piperazine salt (PA–PPN), were prepared, evaluated and compared with a conventional ammonium polyphosphate/pentaerythritol (APP/PER) system. Fire performance was assessed by mass loss cone calorimetry to examine the formation of protective intumescent char layers relevant for thermal shielding applications. Treated fabrics significantly influenced fire behaviour, promoting earlier heat release while improving char cohesion and structural integrity. Among the formulations, PA–PPN showed the highest efficiency, enabling the formation of a cohesive and expanded char. When combined with pentaerythritol and melamine, PA–PPN-based system achieved fire performance comparable to APP/PER, with a peak heat release rate of ~230 kW·m⁻², despite a much lower phosphorus content in the blend (2.8 wt.% vs. 9.45 wt.%). These findings highlight the strong potential of phytic acid-derived systems as sustainable and efficient flame-retardant solutions for natural fabric-reinforced thermoplastic composites.

This study reports on the use of degraded lignin in combination with tannins to develop sustainable, formaldehyde-free, and bio-based phenolic foams. Mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardant properties of the different foams were systematically evaluated using compression testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mass loss cone calorimetry (MLC), and UL-94 flammability tests. Lignin degradation/activation was carried out via a hydrothermal process in the presence of ethanol. Ethanol-induced lignin hydrogenolysis and thermal degradation were deemed a necessary step to obtain foams with satisfactory mechanical, morphological, and thermal insulation properties. Meanwhile, the fire resistance assessed by MLC remains comparable to that of tannin-based foams, with a similarly low peak heat release rate (pHRR).

Polymeric materials play a vital role in everyday life and across a wide range of industrial sectors.However,their extensive production and consumption have raised serious public concerns regarding resource depletion and environmental pollu-tion throughout their entire life cycle.Despite multiple rounds of discussions,global efforts to establish a binding treaty to address plastic pollution remain stalled due to disagreements over plastic-production limits and waste-management frameworks.Therefore,advancing the sustainable development and recycling of polymeric materials is both urgent and imperative.

Highly filled polypropylene composites incorporating low-cost inorganic fillers, calcium carbonate and talc, were prepared by extrusion and injection molding. The balance between processability, density, melt flow, impact, tensile, and flexural properties was evaluated across multiple polypropylene-based formulations, containing either calcium carbonate or talc, with and without selected additives. The incorporation of small amounts of functional additives significantly enhanced processability by increasing the melt flow index and improving impact resistance, while maintaining the high stiffness characteristic of filled PP composites. Industrial-scale injection molding trials using these highly filled formulations confirmed their suitability for complex-shaped products. Furthermore, the mechanical recycling of these formulations was simulated through successive re-extrusion cycles. Despite the elevated level of melt flow index, the formulations demonstrated considerable stability in their key mechanical properties throughout the reprocessing cycles.

Plastic pollution persists due to polymers' resistance to depolymerization, making eco-design and enzymatic recycling essential for sustainability. However, understanding plastic depolymerization is complex, and studies often separate enzymatic from non-enzymatic degradation, despite their interconnectedness in practice. This study aims to simplify this process, unifying key factors into a single mechanism using polylactide (PLA) as a model. We demonstrate that the local glass transition temperature of the soaked material (Tgs) -a novel parameter-is the central factor enabling chain mobility for enzyme interaction, with chain mobility as the primary driver in degradation. Enzymatic hydrolysis initiates perforation, triggering non-enzymatic depolymerization when chain-end density is sufficient. This unified mechanism complements enzymologists' work, providing an innovative pathway to optimize enzymatic plastic recycling and accelerate polyester degradation under practical conditions.

The phosphorylation of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) has been investigated as a strategy to develop bio-based flame retardants, aiming to enhance their charring ability and thermal stability. The modification process was performed using solid-state mechanochemistry, employing varying excesses of phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) to optimize the phosphorus grafting rate. It was discovered that, with a significant P2O5 excess, contact of the recovered blend with a small amount of water induces a vigorous reaction. This reaction leads to cellulose expansion and its conversion into a graphitic structure, while also allowing for the grafting of a high phosphorus content. This phosphorylated graphitic cellulose demonstrated a superior flame retardant effect in polypropylene (PP), achieving a 55 % reduction in peak heat release rate (pHRR) even at a relatively low incorporation content (12.5 wt.%), while also conserving composite ductility.

Cobalt aluminate (CoAl2O4) pigment, synthesized from recycled aluminum obtained from can seals and transformed into the boehmite phase, was combined with ammonium polyphosphate (APP422) to produce an efficient flame-retardant material for polylactide (PLA) while simultaneously imparting coloration to the polymer matrix. The chemical structure of the pigment was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction prior to its integration into PLA in combination with ammonium polyphosphate (APP422). Thermal gravimetric analysis highlights the superior effect of the APP422/CoAl2O4 combination that enables obtaining a greater amount of char, presenting improved thermal stability and an enhanced protective effect, as clearly evidenced by Mass Loss Cone test results. A reduction of 70% in peak heat release was observed when APP422 was combined with CoAl2O4, in contrast to a reduction of 31% when only APP422 was used at a similar incorporation level. The enhanced flame-retardant properties of the combined APP422 and CoAl2O4 additives can be attributed to a rapid formation of a homogeneous char layer at the surface of the burning material when both additives are used together. This results from the interaction between Co3+ and APP422, which leads to the formation of the thermally stable Co3(PO4)2 phase.

AbstractNature's most brilliant hues arise from the interaction of light with multilayered‐ structures of aligned building blocks. Mimicking this hierarchical organization in highly‐ordered thin films of liquid crystalline species has attracted increasing attention for potential applications in sensors and optical switching displays. Due to its intriguing ability to organize into optically active materials, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are attracting a strong interest in the scientific community. This study demonstrates that the shear‐driven convective assembly technique can be used to stratify in a controlled fashion highly ordered multilayers of rod‐like CNC embedded in a protective hydrophobic polymer matrix leading to optically active thin films. The films remain fully transparent even after stratifying 50 layers. Atomic force microscopy analysis reveals that over 87% of the CNCs in the upper layer aligned within ±20° of the withdrawal direction. Notably, the stratification does not disrupt the organization of the underlying layers. The films exhibit strong selective reflections with uniform and intense colors, dependent on the number of stratified layers. This scalable appraoch enables precise control over the optical characteristics of CNC‐polymer composite films, presenting opportunities for environmentally friendly applications in pigment‐free coatings, security papers, and optical devices.

OBJECTIVES:To review the current literature findings dedicated to the toxicity of nano- and microplastics (NMPs) in the upper respiratory tract. DATA SOURCES:PubMED, Cochrane Library and Embase databases. REVIEW METHODS:Three independent investigators conducted the literature search for the documentation and toxicity of NMP in the upper respiratory tract according to the PRISMA statements. Primary outcomes included NMP types, shape, density, sizes, the environment (air, mask wearing, plasticdevice), and the histological and physiological modifications associated with the deposit of NMP. RESULTS:The scoping review included 12 studies (10 clinical, 2 experimental) with 356 human subjects. NMPs were detected in all samples, predominantly as fragments (10-500 μm), except in mask-wearers where fibers predominated. Polypropylene, polycarbonate, and polyurethane were the most common. Clinical studies showed higher NMP density in patients with nasal disorders with an increased permeability of mucosa (rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis) than in healthy controls. Mask wearing and nasal lavage devices contributed to NMP deposition. Experimental studies demonstrated NMP cellular internalization with potential physiological disruption, including oxidative stress, autophagy dysfunction, and respiratory microbiome alterations. There was substantial heterogeneity across studies for NMP detection methods. CONCLUSIONS:The current clinical and experimental studies demonstrate that both exposed and unexposed humans have nasal NMP detected in their nasal tissues and fluids. Mask wearing and the use of old plastic nasal lavage devices can contribute to this deposition. While experimental studies suggest changes in tissue and cell physiology, the toxicity of NMP in nasal tissue remains poorly investigated and has not been conclusively demonstrated.

Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the sub-Antarctic Crozet archipelago is located in a region facing significant environmental changes impacting a poorly known marine biodiversity. Underwater imagery constitutes a valuable non-invasive approach for gathering ecological data and improving our knowledge of ecosystems' vulnerability. We here compiled two datasets, encompassing 17 video-imagery surveys of Crozet nearshore environments conducted in 2021 and 2022 at two sites of Ile de la Possession: Baie du Marin and Crique du Sphinx. Faunal abundance and algal cover data related to each survey are also provided. A total of 755 images were analysed, comprising 52 faunal and 14 algal taxa identified in 2021, as well as 45 faunal and 14 algal taxa identified in 2022. Video-transects were performed in shallow waters by scuba divers using a GoPro®HERO7 multiple camera set-up, and in deeper waters using a remotely operated vehicle. These data provide a first baseline for biodiversity and ecosystem studies, and for monitoring the long-term dynamics of Crozet benthic habitats facing natural and anthropogenic disturbances.

This study investigated factors shaping the thermal sensitivity in antipatharians, a taxon whose members form dense aggregations in all oceans, harbouring a high biodiversity. First, we tested the thermal responses of five sympatric species (Antipathes grandis, Cupressopathes abies, Stichopathes cf. maldivensis, Cirrhipathes anguina and Cirrhipathes cf. spiralis) from the Great Reef of Toliara (Madagascar), using an acute ramping methodology. We then compared the thermal performance curves (TPCs) for oxygen consumption of these five species. Results indicated that phylogeny alone does not explain differences in thermal sensitivity (Antipathidae vs. Myriopathidae). On the contrary, morphology (branched vs. unbranched) appeared as a key factor, with unbranched species (S. cf. maldivensis, C. anguina, C. cf. spiralis) being more tolerant to thermal stress than branched ones (A. grandis and C. abies). Several hypothesis could explain these variations in thermal tolerance across morphology, such as tissue thickness, surface/volume ratio or mass-transfer efficiency. Secondly, we compared the TPC of Stichopathes from Madagascar with those previously obtained in congenerics from the Canary Islands and French Polynesia. This revealed a higher thermal tolerance in the two former than in the latter. It is proposed that it is linked to higher annual temperature variability (but not daily variability) in these two sites compared to French Polynesia. It is concluded that thermal sensitivity in antipatharians is linked to their morphology influencing their physiology and to their thermal history. Phylogeny at the family level plays a less important role in explaining differences in thermal sensitivity in antipatharians.

In this study, a sustainable cellulose-based flame-retardant additive was developed, characterized, and incorporated into polypropylene (PP). Microcrystalline cellulose (Cel) was chemically modified with P2O5 using the solvent-free ball-milling mechanochemistry approach at room temperature. This modification enabled phosphorus grafting onto cellulose, significantly enhancing the cellulose charring ability and improving the thermal stability of the char as revealed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The resulting product, Cel-P, containing 4.15 wt.% phosphorus, was incorporated and uniformly dispersed as a flame-retardant (FR) additive at 30 wt.% in PP through melt processing. The PP+30-Cel-P composite demonstrated improved char formation and FR properties, including reduction of both peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) in mass loss cone calorimetry (MLC). Moreover, lower light absorptivity was obtained by smoke opacity tests as compared to PP filled with unmodified cellulose.

Ecological modelling is widely used in the various fields of ecology but models usually require large datasets, a serious limitation to the approach for application to organisms of remote and little studied regions such as polar seas. Correlative and mechanistic modelling approaches are usually used independently in distinct studies. Using both approaches in integrative, hybrid models however can help better estimate the species realised niche, as mechanistic and correlative models complement each other very well, giving more insights into species potential response to fast changing environmental conditions. In this study, we implemented for the first time an hybrid, correlative and mechanistic model to predict the response of a marine invertebrate endemic to the Southern Ocean, the sea urchin Abatus cordatus (Verrill, 1876). We compared the respective performance of simple and hybrid models by analyzing the effect of seasonality on species distribution, a key feature of ecosystem functioning at high latitudes. Higher performances were obtained for the ‘integrated Bayesian’ approach compared to simple mechanistic and correlative models. The hybrid model more precisely predicts the effect of seasonality on habitat suitability. Such results are promising and show that hybrid approaches can be applied to case studies for which limited datasets are available.

Monitoring water quality in urban rivers is crucial for water resource management since point and non-point source pollution remain a major challenge. However, traditional water quality monitoring methods are costly and limited in frequency and spatial coverage. To optimize the monitoring, techniques such as modeling have been proposed. These methods rely on networks of low-cost multiprobes integrated with IoT networks to offer continuous real-time monitoring, with sufficient spatial coverage. But challenges persist in terms of data quality. Here, we propose a framework to verify the reliability and stability of low-cost sensors, focusing on the implementation of multiparameter probes embedding six sensors. Various tests have been developed to validate these sensors. First of all, a calibration check was carried out, indicating good accuracy. We then analyzed the influence of temperature. This revealed that for the conductivity and the oxygen sensors, a temperature compensation was required, and correction coefficients were identified. Temporal stability was verified in the laboratory and in the field (from 3 h to 3 months), which helped identify the frequency of maintenance procedures. To compensate for the sensor drift, weekly calibration and cleaning were required. This paper also explores the feasibility of LoRa technology for real-time data retrieval. However, with the LoRa gateways tested, the communication distance with the sensing device did not exceed 200 m. Based on these results, we propose a validation method to verify and to assure the performance of the low-cost sensors for water quality monitoring.

Benthic fluxes refer to the exchange rates of nutrients and other compounds between the water column and the sediment bed in aquatic ecosystems. Their quantification contributes to our understanding of aquatic ecosystem functioning. Near-bed hydrodynamics plays an important role at the sediment-water interface, especially in shallow lakes, but it is poorly considered by traditional measuring techniques of flux quantification, such as sediment incubations. Thus, alternative sampling techniques are needed to characterize key benthic fluxes under in-situ hydrodynamic conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of two promising methods: relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) and mass transfer coefficient (MTC). We applied them in a hyper-eutrophic shallow lake to measure the fluxes of ammonium, phosphate, iron, and manganese ions. For the first time, REA revealed hourly nutrient flux variations, indicating a strong lake biogeochemical dynamics at short time-scales. Daily average fluxes are of similar orders of magnitude for REA and MTC for ammonium (24 and 42 mmol m2 d-1), manganese (1.0 and 0.8), and iron (0.8 and 0.7) ions. They are one order of magnitude higher than fluxes estimated from sediment incubations, due to the difficulty in reproducing in-situ oxygen and hydrodynamic conditions in the laboratory. Although the accuracy of both techniques needs to be improved, the results revealed their potential: REA follows the short-term biogeochemical dynamics of sediments, while MTC could be widely used for lake monitoring because of its simpler implementation.

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a crucial role in freshwater ecosystem function. Monitoring of DOM in aquatic environments can be achieved by using fluorescence spectroscopy. Particularly, DOM fluorescence can constitute a signature of microbiological contamination with a potential for high frequency monitoring. However, limited data are available regarding urban waterbodies. This study considers fluorescence data from field campaigns conducted in the Paris metropolitan region: two watercourses (La Villette basin and the river Marne), two stormwater network outlets (SO), and a wastewater treatment plant effluent (WWTP-O). The objectives of the study were to characterize the major fluorescence components in the studied sites, to investigate the impact of local rainfall in such components and to identify a potential fluorescence signature of local microbiological contamination. The components of a PARAFAC model (C1-C7), corresponding to a couple of excitation (ex) and emission (em) wavelengths, and the fluorescence indices HIX and BIX were used for DOM characterization. In parallel, fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) were measured in selected samples. The PARAFAC protein-like components, C6 (ex/em of 280/352 nm) and C7 (ex/em of 305/340 nm), were identified as markers of microbial contamination in the studied sites. In the La Villette basin, where samplings covered a period of more than 2 years, which also included similar numbers of wet and dry weather samples, the protein-like components were significantly higher in wet weather in comparison to dry weather. A positive relationship was obtained between C6 and FIB. In urban rivers, the high frequency monitoring of C6 levels would support the fecal contamination detection in rivers. In addition, it could help targeting specific field campaigns to collect comprehensive dataset of microbiological contamination episodes.

This paper reports the results of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) composites containing 5 and 10 wt.% dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS) synthesized by a hydrothermal process. The objective of this investigation is to provide a better understanding of the relationship between the structure, composition, matrix-nanofiller interfaces, and the properties of these nanocomposites. These materials have been prepared by twin-screw extrusion and injection molding. Their structural, thermal, mechanical, rheological, and electrical properties were evaluated, both alone and when combined with an organic compatibilizing agent. Findings have shown that the unique morphology of fibrous silica nanoparticles was preserved and not altered by melt processing, indicating the high thermal and mechanical stability of these fibrous materials. The nanocomposites containing DFNS alone exhibited higher mechanical performances compared to those containing the surface modifier, with no observable effect on their thermal properties. Findings also showed that the interactions between the nanoparticles and polymer may influence the functional properties of the final nanocomposites, and that they are dependent on both the nature of the host polymer along with the presence of the surface modifier agent.HighlightsWell-defined DFNS were successfully prepared.PE and PP based nanocomposites were successfully designed by twin-screw extrusion.Good interfacial interactions were obtained with PP.Functional properties of the nanocomposites were influenced by the interfacial adhesion. The investigation on effect of the incorporating of dendritic fibrous materials on the thermal, morphological, mechanical, rheological and electrical properties of thermoplastic composites.image

Ocean acidification (OA), which reduces ocean pH and leads to substantial changes in seawater carbonate chemistry, may strongly impact organisms, especially those with carbonate skeletons. In marine molluscs, while the physiological effects of OA are well known, with a reduction of growth and shell calcification, there are few studies on behavioural effects. A large marine gastropod, Haliotis tuberculata, was exposed to ambient (pHT 8.0) or low pH (pHT 7.7) during a 5-month experiment. Because animal fitness can be affected through various behavioural changes, a broad spectrum of behavioural parameters was investigated, including situations involving no stress, responses to predators, righting to evaluate indirectly the level of energy reserves, and finally, reproductive behaviour. In addition, we measured the expression profile of the GABA A-like and serotonin receptor genes, often described as central neuromodulators of sensory performance and behaviour and known to be affected by OA in molluscs. No significant effect of low pH as compared to ambient pH was observed on abalone behaviour for any of these behavioural traits or gene expressions after either one week or several months of exposure to OA. The significance tests were corroborated by estimating the size of pH effects. The behaviour of this mollusc appears not to be affected by pH decrease expected by the end of the century, suggesting some resilience of the species to OA at the adult stage. This is probably related to the ecological niche of this abalone, where important pH variations can be observed at tidal, diurnal or seasonal scales.