Multicomponent systems are representative of the most common real situations as many industrial discharges contain a mixture of several pollutants. This study examines the concurrent adsorption of phenol (PHE) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) onto three types of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics (PET MPs): pristine, acid-modified, and thermal-oxidatively aged. Using extended Langmuir (EL), extended Freundlich (EF) isotherms, and a new artificial neural network (ANN) model, equilibrium adsorption capacities were predicted. The EL isotherm fit for pristine and aged PET MPs, while EF fit for modified PET MPs. Monolayer adsorption capacities ranged from 342.10–3715.73 mg/g for PHE and 2518.23–14498.79 mg/g for CIP, exceeding single-component adsorption. The ANN model used one hidden layer with 3 neurons for pristine and aged PET MPs, and 2 hidden layers with five neurons for modified PET MPs, with a hyperbolic tangent activation function. Models showed excellent performance metrics, including R2 values of 0.989–0.999, RMSE of 0.001–0.413, and AAE of 0.009–0.327. Synergistic interactions were observed in the binary system, with PET MPs showing higher selectivity toward CIP. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of PET MPs for binary adsorption of PHE and CIP in aqueous solutions, highlighting their potential for multicomponent pollutant removal.

With the ongoing negotiations for an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, and the frustration at the end of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3), analyzing the zero draft text, which formed the basis for this negotiation round, is crucial. This analysis examines to what extent the zero draft conveys a clear problem definition as the foundation for an internationally legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. We find that the draft lacks a clear problem definition. Additionally, we investigate how the zero draft balances the focus between marine environments and other affected areas and discusses the implications for governance strategies. We find that the draft focuses particularly on fishing gear and hence has a downstream perspective, while upstream measures are equally important. Furthermore, this study delves into the key motivations driving the treaty negotiations, revealing that health and environmental concerns predominate. In comparing our results with previous research, we align with recent publications analyzing INC submissions and onsite statements. In addition, we identify significant differences in key motivations to tackle the plastic pollution issues between the EU and the international level. These disparities, evident in how health and economic arguments are prioritized, reflect varied approaches to combating plastic pollution across political spheres.

Microplastics pollution is a widely recognized issue, although significant analytical challenges remain to be overcome in order to achieve a more comprehensive ecological understanding. The complex nature of this pollutant, with its variable physical and chemical properties, presents considerable challenges when it comes to establishing standardized methods for studying it. One crucial factor that influences its toxicity is particle size, yet even this parameter lacks a well-established framework, especially in the case of nanoplastics. Although the size range limits are already proposed in the literature, where the most acceptable values for microplastics are from 1 to 5,000 μm and for nanoplastics are from 1 to 1,000 nm, we propose narrowing these limits to 0.1–1,000 μm and 10–100 nm, respectively. We based our discussion on conceptual terminology, polymer structure and toxicity, highlighting the significance of accurately defining their size range. The standardization of these limits will allow the development of more efficient approaches to studying this pollutant, enabling a comprehensive understanding of its ecological consequences and potential risks.

After the second Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Plastics Treaty meeting in Paris in June 2023, a Zero Draft of the Treaty was released for comment. Member states involved in the treaty negotiations were to respond to the Zero Draft before the third INC meeting in November 2023 in Nairobi. In this paper, we analyse the content and structure of the Zero Draft. We identify parts of the Zero Draft that work and others that will need further attention. These include applicability to different regions; atmospheric input; recycling and waste management; labelling and standards; harmful chemicals; scientific backing; the circular economy; just transition and climate change. We argue that this draft was a useful starting point for further negotiations for member states and the Revised version of the Zero Draft has resolved some of its shortcomings but not all. These are likely to contribute to further debate during future INC negotiations. We conclude with an overview of INC-3 and INC-4 and how the Zero Draft and Revised Zero Draft were received.

Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental challenge, with significant impacts on ecosystems and human health. Microbes have emerged as a promising tool in the combating against microplastic contamination. However, the complex relationship between microbes and microplastics presents both opportunities and challenges, leading to a nuanced understanding of their applications in degradation. This paper provides critical insights into the multifaceted roles of different microorganisms in microplastic degradation. It begins by highlighting the ‘good’ aspects, where several strains of microorganisms show the potential to break down microplastics through enzymatic activities and the formation of biofilms. Conversely, the ‘bad’ aspects of microbial involvement in microplastic degradation are examined. Microorganisms can facilitate the transport and bioaccumulation of microplastics in various ecosystems, potentially exacerbating their harmful effects. The ‘ugly’ side of microplastic degradation includes the production of harmful byproducts during microbial breakdown, raising concerns about secondary pollution and toxicity. The concept of plastisphere is discussed in this context, focusing on the phototrophs, photoheterotrophs and heterotrophs. Novel technologies involving microbial degradation of microplastics are also explained. The work emphasises the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach regarding the application of microorganisms in microplastic degradation and remediation.

Microplastic fibres are found everywhere that researchers have looked for them, from remote mountains to human lungs. However, data are not yet available to facilitate the design of low-shedding textiles. Effective use of standard test methods could establish the impact of processing variables on textile’s propensity to fragment or shed fibres into the environment, allowing industry to design and select lower-polluting materials. Three new test methods are recommended using the widely accessible accelerated laundering equipment used for colour fastness to wash tests. However, the recommended gravimetric analysis of results takes over 8 h per specimen batch, in addition to specimen preparation, testing and effluent filtration, making analysing test results prohibitively time-consuming, and expensive, for many brands. Visual ‘grey scales’ are very commonly used to grade colour fastness test results, and this article proposes the use of an equivalent ‘fibre fragmentation scale’ to dramatically increase the throughput of fibre fragmentation testing and reduce its cost without compromising accuracy or reliability. Mean fibre fragmentation scale grades given by sets of three observers correlated with gravimetric results at 99% confidence. Subjective grades assigned to test specimens, and photographs of test specimens, had significantly lower variability than gravimetric methods at small, ‘more acceptable’, levels of fibre fragmentation.