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The pollution caused by micro- (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) in the planet’s ecosystems has gained significant interest in recent years due to their environmental impact and effects on the health of living organisms. Given this, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the actions required to mitigate their impacts. This paper analyzes existing legislation across different countries and regions, including Europe, North America, China, Russia, India, Brazil, Mexico, and the global initiatives undertaken by the United Nations. Furthermore, it highlights the need for additional measures to mitigate the impact of MP/NP in future years, such as the development of technologies for the separation or degradation of these particles in water intended for human consumption and in wastewater treatment plant effluents, studying plastic particulate material in the air considering meteorological parameters, MP/NP detection protocols in human fluid samples, creating truly biodegradable polymers for use as bioplastics, and establishing institutions responsible for the management of plastic waste. The study also shows the current state of abundance (characterization and quantification) of MP/NP in different environmental matrices based on reports from recent years, and identifies key research opportunities and actions required to evaluate the risks and toxicity associated with MP/NP. Socio-economic aspects are considered, including the impact of MP/NP on different regions, by associating economic and human wellness parameters to plastic waste generation by using available data from 148 countries. As result of this analysis, both the most populated and developed countries contribute to MP/NP generation, however, they have different capacities to address this problem due to social circumstances. The solution to this problem requires efforts from authorities, industry, the scientific community, and the active participation of the population, then, resolving social, political, and economic issues between countries and regions of the world is necessary.

The growing global population and increasing water demand have intensified the urgency for efficient wastewater treatment strategies to address environmental pollution and water scarcity. Physicochemical treatment technologies remain among the most widely implemented solutions due to their high removal efficiency, operational simplicity, and relatively low cost. These processes effectively target a broad spectrum of contaminants—including suspended solids, heavy metals, recalcitrant organic compounds, and high salinity—through unit operations such as coagulation, flocculation, adsorption, and filtration. Nevertheless, they often generate concentrated waste streams that present significant disposal and environmental challenges. Applying these technologies within a circular economy framework enables wastewater reuse, resource recovery, and a reduced environmental impact. Circular strategies enable the recovery and reuse of water, energy, and materials, converting waste into valuable resources. Treated water can be safely reused, while by-products such as biogas and nutrients (e.g., phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic carbon) can be recovered and reintegrated into agricultural and industrial processes. Furthermore, advanced methods such as membrane separation and electrochemical treatments allow for the selective recovery of high-value metals. This review analyzes key physicochemical technologies for wastewater treatment and evaluates their integration into circular economy models, with a focus on waste valorization, resource recovery, and environmental impact reduction. By adopting circular approaches, wastewater treatment systems can enhance sustainability, improve economic performance, and contribute to achieving the global water and sanitation target.

The combined effects of three key ozonation process parameters on the integrated ozonation-enzymatic hydrolysis pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) were investigated, with emphasis on the relationship between sugar release and ozone consumption. A lab-scale fixed bed reactor was employed for ozonation at varying ozone doses (50, 75 and 100 mg O3/g SCB), particle sizes (420, 710 and 1000 µm) and moisture contents (30, 45 and 60% w/w) in multifactorial experiments, keeping a residence time of 30 min. The ozonated SCB showed a reduction in the content of acid-insoluble lignin from 26.6 down to 19.1% w/w, while those of cellulose and hemicellulose were retained above 45.5 and 13.6% w/w, with recoveries of 100–89.9 and 83.5–72.7%, respectively. Ozone-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis allowed attaining glucose and xylose yields as high as 45.0 and 37.8%, respectively. The sugars released/ozone expended ratio ranged between 2.3 and 5.7 g sugars/g O3, being the higher value achieved with an applied ozone input of 50 mg O3/g SCB and SCB with 420 µm particle size and 60% moisture. Such operating conditions led to efficient ozone utilization (<2% unreacted ozone) with a yield of 0.29 g sugars/g SCB. Overall, the amount of sugars released relative to the ozone consumed was improved, entailing an estimated cost of ozonation of USD 34.7/ton of SCB, which could enhance the profitability of the process.

The spatial assessments of water supply quality from wells, springs, and surface bodies were performed during the dry and rainy seasons in six municipalities in the eastern regions of Michoacán (Central Mexico). Different physicochemical parameters were used to determine the supplies’ Water Quality Index (WQI); all of the communities presented good quality. The analysis indicates that many water quality parameters were within limits set by the international standards, showing levels of “excellent and good quality” according to WQI, mainly during the dry season (except at San Pedro Jácuaro and Irimbo communities in the rainy season). However, some sites showed “poor quality” and “unsuitable drinking water” related to low pH levels (<5) and high levels of turbidity, color, Fe, Al, Mn, and arsenic. Multivariate statistical analysis techniques (Principal Component and Hierarchical Cluster) and geographic information system (GIS) identify potential sources of water pollution and estimate the geographic extension of parameters with negative effects on human health (mainly in communities without sampling). According to multivariate analysis, the Na+/K+ ratio and water temperature (22–42 °C) in various sites suggest that the WQI values were affected by geological and geothermal conditions and physical changes between seasons, but were not from anthropogenic activity. The GIS established predictions about the probable spatial distribution of arsenic levels, pH, temperature, acidity, and hardness in the study area, which provides valuable information on these parameters in the communities where the sampling was not carried out. The health risk assessment for dermal contact and ingestion showed that the noncancer risk level exceeded the recommended criteria (HQ > 1) in the rainy season for three target groups. At the same time, the carcinogenic risk (1 × 10−3) exceeded the acceptability criterion in the rainy season, which suggests that the As mainly represents a threat to the health of adults, children, and infants.

High-density polyethylene microplastics (HDPE-MPs) represent an emerging threat to aquatic ecosystems and aquaculture species, such as Penaeus vannamei. This study examined the impact of PE-MPs on the survival and growth of shrimp postlarvae and juveniles under controlled laboratory conditions. Bioassays were conducted using HDPE-MPs (34-50 [micro]m) at concentrations ranging from 5 to 625 mg [L.sup.-1]. Survival, specific growth rate (SGR), and [LC.sub.50] values were assessed. Ingestion of MPs was confirmed in postlarvae using fluorescence microscopy with Nile red staining. Postlarvae showed 100% mortality at 625 mg [L.sup.-1], with an [LC.sub.50] of 21.89 mg[L.sup.-1], while juveniles reached 70% mortality at 125 mg[L.sup.-1], with an [LC.sub.50] of 30.6 mg[L.sup.-1]. Both stages exhibited a significant dose-dependent reduction in survival with MPs (P < 0.05). SGR declined markedly at concentrations of [greater than or equal to]100 mg [L.sup.-1]. Behavioral alterations, lethargy, and reduced feeding were observed, along with the accumulation of MPs in the tissues of dead shrimp, indicating physiological disruption. Postlarvae exhibited greater sensitivity to [LC.sub.50] concentrations, although juveniles may have a relatively higher particle ingestion capacity when considering biomass and size proportions. This study provides the first [LC.sub.50] values for P. vannamei postlarvae and juveniles exposed solely to HDPE-MPs, highlighting the role of organism size and developmental stage in susceptibility. These results underscore the urgent need to establish toxicity thresholds for MPs in aquaculture species and inform strategies to mitigate their impact. Understanding MP-related risks is essential for enhancing biosecurity and sustainability in shrimp farming systems.

High-density polyethylene microplastics (HDPE-MPs) represent an emerging threat to aquatic ecosystems and aquaculture species, such as Penaeus vannamei. This study examined the impact of PE-MPs on the survival and growth of shrimp postlarvae and juveniles under controlled laboratory conditions. Bioassays were conducted using HDPE-MPs (34-50 [micro]m) at concentrations ranging from 5 to 625 mg [L.sup.-1]. Survival, specific growth rate (SGR), and [LC.sub.50] values were assessed. Ingestion of MPs was confirmed in postlarvae using fluorescence microscopy with Nile red staining. Postlarvae showed 100% mortality at 625 mg [L.sup.-1], with an [LC.sub.50] of 21.89 mg[L.sup.-1], while juveniles reached 70% mortality at 125 mg[L.sup.-1], with an [LC.sub.50] of 30.6 mg[L.sup.-1]. Both stages exhibited a significant dose-dependent reduction in survival with MPs (P < 0.05). SGR declined markedly at concentrations of [greater than or equal to]100 mg [L.sup.-1]. Behavioral alterations, lethargy, and reduced feeding were observed, along with the accumulation of MPs in the tissues of dead shrimp, indicating physiological disruption. Postlarvae exhibited greater sensitivity to [LC.sub.50] concentrations, although juveniles may have a relatively higher particle ingestion capacity when considering biomass and size proportions. This study provides the first [LC.sub.50] values for P. vannamei postlarvae and juveniles exposed solely to HDPE-MPs, highlighting the role of organism size and developmental stage in susceptibility. These results underscore the urgent need to establish toxicity thresholds for MPs in aquaculture species and inform strategies to mitigate their impact. Understanding MP-related risks is essential for enhancing biosecurity and sustainability in shrimp farming systems.

Growing concern over nanoplastics as emerging pollutants calls for effective treatment methods, with advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) showing strong potential for their degradation. This study examines the interaction between polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics (PET-NPs) and magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) in a heterogeneous Fenton-like system, focusing on colloidal behavior, hydroxyl radicals (●OH) generation, and potential degradation pathways. Zeta potential (ZP) and particle diameter measurements were used to characterize nanoparticle dispersion and aggregation mechanisms over a pH range of 3–9.5. The results revealed a pronounced pH-dependent stability, with MNPs exhibiting larger hydrodynamic diameters (283 nm) and lower stability at pH 3 (ZP: −9.8 mV) compared with neutral or alkaline conditions (189 nm; ZP: −44 to −42 mV). PET-NPs exhibited minimal agglomeration at a pH of 9.5 (ZP: −25.6 mV). Unlike conventional Fenton systems, ●OH production peaked at pH 7–9.5 (0.3–0.35 μM), attributed to preserved Fe2+ sites and reduced particle agglomeration. Although PET-NPs resisted oxidative degradation, their aggregation with MNPs enabled magnetic recovery (46% efficiency at pH 3) through charge screening, Fe3+/Fe2+ bridging, and hydrophobic interactions. These findings highlight MNPs’ potential for sustainable nanoplastic separation and emphasize the need for optimized catalysts to enhance ●OH-driven degradation. Overall, this work advances understanding of nanoplastic–magnetite interactions and offers insights into AOP applications.

High-density polyethylene microplastics (HDPE-MPs) represent an emerging threat to aquatic ecosystems and aquaculture species, such as Penaeus vannamei. This study examined the impact of PE-MPs on the survival and growth of shrimp postlarvae and juveniles under controlled laboratory conditions. Bioassays were conducted using HDPE-MPs (34-50 μm) at concentrations ranging from 5 to 625 mg L-1. Survival, specific growth rate (SGR), and LC50 values were assessed. Ingestion of MPs was confirmed in postlarvae using fluorescence microscopy with Nile red staining. Postlarvae showed 100% mortality at 625 mg L-1, with an LC50 of 21.89 mg L-1, while juveniles reached 70% mortality at 125 mg L-1, with an LC50 of 30.6 mg L-1. Both stages exhibited a significant dose-dependent reduction in survival with MPs (P < 0.05). SGR declined markedly at concentrations of ≥100 mg L-1. Behavioral alterations, lethargy, and reduced feeding were observed, along with the accumulation of MPs in the tissues of dead shrimp, indicating physiological disruption. Postlarvae exhibited greater sensitivity to LC50 concentrations, although juveniles may have a relatively higher particle ingestion capacity when considering biomass and size proportions. This study provides the first LC50 values for P. vannamei postlarvae and juveniles exposed solely to HDPE-MPs, highlighting the role of organism size and developmental stage in susceptibility. These results underscore the urgent need to establish toxicity thresholds for MPs in aquaculture species and inform strategies to mitigate their impact. Understanding MP-related risks is essential for enhancing biosecurity and sustainability in shrimp farming systems.