Volume 37 Issue 1
24 January 2025
. Preface[J]. Progress in Chemistry, 2025, 37(1): 1-1.
Kefu Ye, Minjie Xie, Xingqi Chen, Zhiyu Zhu, Shixiang Gao. Raman Spectroscopy in the Detection of Environmental Micro- and Nanoplastics: Applications and Challenges[J]. Progress in Chemistry, 2025, 37(1): 2-15.
This review highlights the advantages and research advancements of Raman spectroscopy in detecting micro- and nanoplastics in the environment. With the worsening issue of microplastic pollution, particularly its widespread presence in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a non-destructive, high-resolution analytical technique widely employed for identifying and quantitatively analyzing micro- and nanoplastics. This is attributed to its unique spectral characteristics and reduced susceptibility to water interference compared to infrared spectroscopy. The strengths of Raman spectroscopy in detecting micro- and nanoplastics lie in its high spatial resolution, broad spectral range, and exceptional sensitivity. However, challenges such as fluorescence interference and low signal-to-noise ratios persist in the detection process. To enhance Raman signals, researchers have introduced various approaches, including sample pretreatment, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and nonlinear Raman spectroscopy techniques. Furthermore, this paper underscores the necessity of building a comprehensive Raman spectroscopy database to boost detection accuracy and efficiency. Future research directions include developing more effective preprocessing methods, dynamically monitoring the behavior of micro- and nanoplastics, and integrating intelligent detection systems.
1 Introduction
2 Raman spectroscopy methods for micro-and nanoplastics
2.1 Basic principles and conventional Raman spectroscopy
2.2 Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)
2.3 Coherent Raman spectroscopy (CRS)
2.4 Raman imaging
3 Identification in environmental samples with Raman spectroscopy
3.1 Fluorescence interference and its elimination
3.2 Machine learning applications with Raman spectral databases
4 Quantitative Analysis
4.1 In situ concentration and mass concentration
4.2 Number concentration via µ-Raman and imaging
5 Conclusion and outlook
Xujun Liang, Yujing Ren, Ling Ding, Xinran Qiu, Xuetao Guo, Lingyan Zhu. Detection Methods, Pollution Characteristics, Environmental Behavior and Ecological Risk of Microplastics[J]. Progress in Chemistry, 2025, 37(1): 16-31.
As an emerging pollutant, microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a focal point of global environmental research. MPs are widely detected in various environmental matrices, including the atmosphere, soil, oceans, and inland waters. Once introduced into the environment, MPs undergo a series of transformation and transport processes across different environmental compartments and accumulate in biota, thereby posing significant threats to ecosystems and human health. This review aims to summarize the sampling and detection methods for MPs, followed by an assessment of their pollution levels in different matrices. The inter-compartmental transformation and transport of MPs, along with their ecological effects, are then reviewed and analyzed. Finally, the limitations in understanding the environmental geochemical behaviors and ecological risks of MPs, as well as prospects for future research, are outlined.
1 Introduction
2 Detection methods of microplastics (MPs) in the environment
2.1 Sampling and separation
2.2 Detection
3 Environmental occurrences of MPs
3.1 Oceans
3.2 Freshwater
3.3 Soil
3.4 Atmosphere
4 Environmental behaviors of MPs
4.1 Weathering
4.2 Migration
5 Ecological risks of MPs
5.1 Toxicological effects of MPs on microorganisms
5.2 Toxicological effects of MPs on plants
5.3 Toxicological effects of MPs on fauna
6 Conclusions and future prospects
Hang Liu, Yu Su, Yutao Cheng, Ziyang Lou, Cheng Peng, Jie Wang, Yanhua Wang, Lei Wang, Rong Ji. Environmental Microplastic Pollution Risks Associated with Plastic Waste Landfilling[J]. Progress in Chemistry, 2025, 37(1): 32-45.
Microplastic pollution arising from the aging and decomposition of plastic waste poses a significant challenge to global plastic pollution control. Landfills have been the primary disposal sites for solid waste for a long time, and the considerable amount of plastic waste accumulated in landfills has emerged as a crucial source of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems. This paper mainly reviews the development of plastic waste landfilling and its evolution in the landfilling process, analyzes the external input and internal generation process of microplastics in landfills, and summarizes the abundance and structural composition characteristics of microplastics reported in the landfill piles (580-168 000 items/kg) and leachate (420-291 000 items/m3) and the surrounding soils (4-14 200 items/kg) and groundwater (3000-27 200 items/m3). This paper further reveals the migration of microplastics within the waste-soil-groundwater system, and the exposure routes of humans to microplastics through the contaminated soil, air, and edible plants. As the risks and control measures to the entire environmental process of microplastics in landfills urgently require investigation, this paper puts forward key scientific and technical issues and management suggestions.
1 Introduction
2 Distribution and lifecycle of landfills
2.1 Development and distribution of landfills
2.2 Full lifecycle of landfills
3 Sources and evolution of plastics in landfills
3.1 Primary sources of landfill plastic waste
3.2 Fragmentation of landfilled plastic waste
4 Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in landfills
4.1 Microplastics in waste piles
4.2 Microplastics in leachates
5 Migration and impacts of microplastics in landfills
5.1 Microplastic spread to the environment
5.2 Microplastic transfer to plants
6 Perspectives
Yulong Wang, Yue Li, Fengbang Wang, Maoyong Song. The Impact of Aging on the Physicochemical Properties, Environmental Processes and Toxic Effects of Microplastics[J]. Progress in Chemistry, 2025, 37(1): 46-58.
Microplastic pollution has become a major environmental issue of global concern. Microplastics can undergo aging under various environmental conditions. The aging process will change the physical and chemical properties of microplastics, thereby leading to changes in their environmental behaviors and toxicities. Therefore, exploring the aging process and mechanism of microplastics is of significance for understanding the environmental processes and health risks of microplastics. This article focuses on the aging process of microplastics in the environment and reviews it from the aspects of aging pathways, influencing factors, interactions with pollutants, release of chemical substances, and changes in toxicities. It also looks forward to the existing challenges and future research directions in the current studies on microplastic aging.
1 Introduction
2 Pathways of microplastics aging
2.1 Physical aging of microplastics
2.2 Chemical aging of microplastics
2.3 Biological aging of microplastics
2.4 Artificial aging of microplastics
3 The factors influencing microplastics aging
3.1 The impact of physical and chemical properties on microplastics aging
3.2 The impact of environmental conditions on microplastics aging
4 The impact of aging on microplastics
4.1 The impact of aging on the physical and chemical properties of microplastics
4.2 The impact of aging on the interaction between microplastics and pollutants
4.3 The impact of aging on the release of chemicals from microplastics
4.4 The impact of aging on the toxicities of microplastics
5 Conclusions and perspectives
Yongfeng Deng, Ailin Zhao, Changzhi Shi, Ao Guo, Ruqin Shen, Mingliang Fang. Potential Health Risks Associated with Biodegradable Plastics and Future Research Prospects: A Focus on Biodegradable Microplastics[J]. Progress in Chemistry, 2025, 37(1): 59-75.
The global concern over white pollution and microplastic contamination caused by traditional non-degradable plastic waste has garnered widespread attention. Promoting biodegradable plastics (BPs) as alternatives to non-degradable plastics is a strategic approach to mitigating these forms of plastic pollution. However, under real-world environmental conditions, BPs often face challenges in achieving rapid degradation and may release significant quantities of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) during the degradation process, posing potential environmental and health risks. In this review, we critically examine the environmental risks associated with traditional non-degradable plastic waste and the use of BPs. We systematically evaluate current pre-treatment techniques, analytical methods, and occurrence patterns of BMPs in environmental and biological samples. Furthermore, we highlight recent advancements in understanding the potential impacts of BMPs on organisms across various trophic levels, including human health. Finally, we address the challenges in applying BPs, particularly in identifying, analyzing, assessing health impacts, and developing future regulatory standards and measures for BMPs. This review provides theoretical foundations and technical guidance for advancing environmentally friendly and safe BPs.
1 Introduction
1.1 The importance of plastics in modern human social life and production
1.2 Ecological and environmental risks associated with the use of traditional refractory plastics
1.3 Production, application status, and potential risks of emerging degradable plastics
2 Analytical methods and environmental occurrence of degradable plastics
2.1 Methods for analyzing biodegradable microplastics
2.2 Environmental occurrence of degradable plastics
3 Research progress on potential environmental and health risks of biodegradable plastics
3.1 Potential ecological and environmental risks of degradable plastics
3.2 Potential health risks of biodegradable plastics
4 Conclusion and outlook
4.1 Insufficient public awareness of BPs and BMPs
4.2 Suitable for BMPs extraction and detection method vacancy
4.3 The long-term migration and transformation of BMPs in vivo and its health risks need to be clarified
4.4 Bioplastics and BMPs management and control methods and governance standards are missing
Yuji Huang, Kailin Xu, Boxuan Liang, Yizhou Zhong, Maoyong Song, Zhenlie Huang. Neurotoxicity and Mechanisms of Microplastics and Nanoplastics Exposure in Terrestrial Mammals[J]. Progress in Chemistry, 2025, 37(1): 76-88.
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) pollution has become a serious environmental issue. MNPs can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact, raising significant concerns about their potential risks to the nervous system. This paper reviews the studies on the neurotoxic effects of MNPs in terrestrial mammals, focusing on their possible toxic mechanisms. Studies have shown that MNPs can cause damage to the nervous system by inducing oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, the impact of MNPs on the gut-brain axis is considered a crucial mechanism leading to neurotoxicity. Despite current progress, there are still insufficient data and incomplete understanding of the neurotoxic mechanisms involved. Future research should enhance epidemiological studies on MNP exposure, develop more suitable experimental models, investigate the health effects of different types of MNPs, explore their mechanisms in greater depth, and comprehensively assess various influencing factors. These efforts will provide essential insights for a more thorough understanding of the impact of MNPs on human health.
1 Introduction
2 Human exposure to MNPs
2.1 Routes of human exposure to MNPs
2.2 Detection of MNPs in human tissues and organs
3 Neurotoxic effects of MNPs
3.1 Cognitive impairment
3.2 Behavioral abnormalities
3.3 Neurodevelopmental toxicity
3.4 Alterations in brain structure
3.5 Combined neurotoxic effects of MNPs and other environmental pollutants
4 Mechanisms of toxicity
4.1 Oxidative stress
4.2 Neuroinflammation
4.3 Mitochondrial dysfunction
4.4 Synaptic function and neurotransmitter balance
4.5 Gut-brain axis mechanism
5 Conclusion and outlook
Jie Yang, Chen Tu, Xianzheng Yuan, Yongming Luo. Environmental Processes and Ecological Effects of Micro- and Nano- Plastics in Soil-Plant Systems[J]. Progress in Chemistry, 2025, 37(1): 89-102.
Micro- and nano-plastic pollution is impacting global terrestrial ecosystems. The environmental processes and ecological effects of micro- and nano-plastics in soil-plant systems are gaining increasing attention. This study focuses on elucidating processes such as accumulation and transport, weathering and degradation, additive release and transformation, pollutant interaction, biofilm colonization, heterogeneous agglomeration, and the uptake and transport of micro- and nano-plastics in flora and fauna. It systematically examines the impacts on the physico-chemical properties, plants, invertebrates, microbial community composition and diversity and carbon/nitrogen cycling in soil, as well as the potential risks of agricultural product accumulation and food chain transfer. Future research directions in this field are proposed to advance understanding of the hazards posed by micro- and nano-plastics pollution in terrestrial ecosystems and to support the scientific development of prevention and control strategies.
1 Introduction
2 Environmental processes of micro- and nano- plastics in soil-plant systems
2.1 Accumulation and transport processes of micro- and nano-plastics in soil
2.2 Weathering, fragmentation, and biodegradation of micro- and nano-plastics in soil
2.3 Additive release and transformation of micro- and nano-plastics in soil
2.4 Pollutant interactions with micro- and nano-plastics in soil
2.5 Biofilm formation through microbial colonization of micro- and nano-plastics in soil
2.6 Uptake and transport of micro- and nano-plastics in soil by plants and animals
3 Ecological effects of micro- and nano-plastics in soil-plant systems
3.1 Effects of micro- and nano-plastics on soil physicochemical properties
3.2 Effects of micro- and nano-plastics on carbon/ nitrogen cycle
3.3 Effects of micro- and nano-plastics on plants
3.4 Effects of micro- and nano-plastics on soil invertebrates
3.5 Effects of micro- and nano-plastics on soil microbial community and enzyme activity
4 Potential risks of micro- and nano-plastics on agricultural product safety and food chain transfer
4.1 Accumulation and risks of micro- and nano- plastics in agricultural products
4.2 Food chain transfer and its potential health risks of micro- and nano-plastics
5 Future research prospects
Hongwei Liu, Yuxin Yuan, Tianchi Cao, Tong Zhang, Wei Chen. Key Environmental Behaviors of Tire Wear Particles and Their Influencing Mechanisms[J]. Progress in Chemistry, 2025, 37(1): 103-111.
Due to the rapid growth in the number of vehicles and freight transport, tire wear particles (TWPs), generated from the friction between tires and road surfaces, have become the main source of microplastics in the environment. TWPs are widely detected in various environmental media, including soil, surface water, and sediments. An in-depth mechanistic understanding of the environmental interfacial processes of TWPs is of great significance for the control of microplastic pollution. In this paper, we first summarized recent progress in the interfacial chemical processes of TWPs, including the transport behavior, environmental transformation, release of toxic additives, and the adsorption of co-existing pollutants on TWPs. We then addressed some existing issues in current research and proposed future directions toward a better understanding of the environmental behavior and potential environmental risks of TWPs.
1 Introduction
2 Fate and transport of TWPs in the environment
2.1 Transport via rainfall and runoff
2.2 Atmospheric transport
2.3 Aggregation and sedimentation behavior of TWPs in the aquatic environment
3 Transformations of TWPs in the environment
3.1 Physical and chemical transformations of TWPs
3.2 Microbial transformation of TWPs
4 Release of additives from TWPs
5 Accumulation of contaminants on TWPs
6 Conclusion and outlook
Hongqin Guo, Kai Yang, Li Cui. Microbial Degradation of Environmental Microplastics[J]. Progress in Chemistry, 2025, 37(1): 112-123.
Due to the highly stable chemical properties of plastics, plastic wastes disposed into environments are difficult to degrade and can only be broken down into microplastics with smaller particle size and larger surface area through the weathering process. Microplastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues. There is an urgent need to reduce microplastic pollution in order to protect the ecological and human health. Biodegradation of microplastics can ultimately convert microplastics into environmentally friendly substances such as biomass, CO2, CH4 and H2O or other valuable intermediates. It is thus an environmentally friendly technology to potentially make microplastics harmless and resourceful. This paper reviews the present understanding of microplastics biodegradation processes, the influencing factors, the microbial and enzymatic resources for microplastics degradation, and the up-to-date approaches for mining plastics-degrading microbial resources. It finally provides perspectives on the challenges of current research and the direction of future research on microplastic biodegradation.
1 Introduction
2 Microplastic biodegradation process
2.1 Degradation pathway
2.2 Influence factors
3 Microplastic biodegradation resources
3.1 Degrading bacteria
3.2 Catabolic enzymes
3.3 Synthetic community
4 Mining strategies for microplastics-degrading microorganisms
4.1 Culture-dependent methods
4.2 Culture-independent methods
5 Conclusion and outlook
Mianmo Li, Minghao Sui. Interaction Between Microplastics and Antibiotics in Aquatic Environments and the Characteristics of Composite Pollution Removal by Coagulation and Advanced Oxidation Methods[J]. Progress in Chemistry, 2025, 37(1): 124-132.
As public concern regarding the safety of drinking water continues growing, microplastics and antibiotics have emerged as new contaminants of interest within the field of water treatment. Microplastics and antibiotics not only pollute aquatic environments and endanger both aquatic life and human health, but their coexistence in water can also lead to physical and chemical interactions, such as adsorption. These interactions are influenced by various factors, including the morphology, functional groups, and aging degree of microplastics, as well as the pH, temperature, salinity, heavy metal ions, and organic macromolecules in the water. The resulting microplastic-antibiotic complex pollutants exhibit greater toxicity and are more challenging to remove. This review discusses the hazards of microplastics and antibiotics in water, their interaction mechanisms, and influencing factors. It also highlights the removal characteristics of complex pollutants using two typical water treatment technologies: coagulation and advanced oxidation. The principles and degradation effects of these treatment processes are analyzed in detail.
1 Introduction
2 Hazards of microplastic-antibiotic composite pollutants
3 Mechanisms of interaction between microplastics and antibiotics
4 Factors influencing the interaction between micro- plastics and antibiotics
5 Coagulation removal of microplastic-antibiotic composite pollution
6 Advanced oxidation degradation of microplastic- antibiotic composite pollution
7 Conclusion and outlook