My Tiny Feed

tr.euronews.com

Microplastics and Wastewater: A Health Threat

Microplastics in wastewater harbor bacteria, reducing treatment effectiveness and spreading pathogens, posing significant human health risks.

Read original article in Turkish

Turkish

United States

HealthHealth RisksEnvironmental ImpactMicroplasticsWastewaterPathogens

World Health OrganizationPlos OneNorwegian University Of Life Sciences

Ingun Lund Witsø

What is the main threat posed by microplastics in wastewater?: Microplastics in wastewater can harbor bacteria, posing a threat to human health by reducing the effectiveness of wastewater treatment and potentially spreading pathogens.
What is the "plastisphere", and what role does it play in the spread of pathogens?: The study found that microplastics can survive wastewater treatment, carrying microbial biofilms called "plastisphere" which contain harmful pathogens like Listeria, E. coli, and others.
What types of pathogens have been found associated with microplastics in wastewater?: These pathogens can cause foodborne illnesses and infections, and the plastisphere can contribute to the spread of pathogens even from treated wastewater, raising concerns about environmental health and water reuse.
What are the broader implications of this research for environmental health and water reuse?: The research highlights the need for further investigation into mitigating the spread of microplastics and associated pathogens to prevent their re-entry into the ecosystem.
What additional concerns are raised regarding antibiotic resistance in relation to microplastics?: Another study mentioned the role of plastisphere in the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in freshwater, adding another layer of concern given the WHO's classification of antimicrobial resistance as a major global health threat.

Jan 23, 01:10

Microplastics Linked to Brain Blood Clots, Raising Dementia and Stroke Risks

A Peking University study reveals microplastics in the brain trigger immune responses, causing blood clots that may lead to stroke, depression, and possibly dementia; further research is needed.

Jan 23, 04:13

Child Mental Health Admissions to Acute Wards in England Surge by 65%

A study shows a 65% rise in English children's mental health admissions to general acute wards from 2012-2022, reaching 39,925 in 2022; this increase, particularly among girls aged 11-15 (112.8%), strains hospital resources and staff, highlighting underlying societal issues beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jan 23, 01:10

Rare Gene Mutation Linked to Late-Onset Alzheimer's

A study of an Italian family with six members affected by late-onset Alzheimer's disease reveals a rare mutation in the GRIN2C gene as a probable cause, offering a significant advancement in understanding the disease's genetic basis.

Jan 23, 01:10

Danish Medical Data Breach Exposes 130,000 Patient Records

A data breach at a Danish medical practice group exposed the sensitive information of 130,000 patients, including names, addresses, national identification numbers, and treatment protocols, nearly a month after the initial cyberattack, sparking public outrage over the delayed notification.