Study Provides the World's First Evidence of Microplastics in Both Amniotic Fluid and Placental Tissue
A research team from Ostrava has presented the world's first evidence of microplastics in both human amniotic fluid and placental tissue. The findings are another outcome of more than a decade of collaboration between researchers from the Faculty of Mining and Geology and the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology at VSB–Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO), and physicians from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, and University Hospital Ostrava. Researchers in Ostrava have been investigating particles in the human body for many years, contributing important findings to this field.
The results were published in the scientific journal Chemosphere.
Link to publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140301
“We have been conducting research on microplastics at the Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Geology, since 2019, focusing primarily on aquatic environments. The opportunity to examine amniotic fluid and placental samples in collaboration with University Hospital Ostrava represents a further expansion of our research,” says Professor Silvie Heviánková, Head of the Department of Environmental Engineering at the Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB-TUO.
“Investigating microplastics, and particularly identifying them in these samples, was a major challenge for our team. After more than a year of work, we achieved an excellent result, which was published in the scientific journal Chemosphere. The particles most frequently detected were between 10 and 50 micrometres in size, with polyethylene being the most commonly identified material. The presence of polyethylene is not surprising, as it is one of the most widely used plastics in the world,” adds Dr Jan Halfar, an academic researcher at the Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB-TUO.
“Maintaining a strictly plastic-free environment and ensuring that the samples were not contaminated at any stage, from collection to analysis, was extremely demanding. None of the instruments used could be made of plastic, and all areas where the samples were handled had to be kept exceptionally clean,” explains Dr Kristina Čabanová from VSB-TUO.
Microplastics Underground: Our Research Provides the First Evidence of Their Presence in Mine Waters
Our research team has provided the first evidence of microplastics in mine waters within the largest coal basin in the Czech Republic. During the investigation, which included samples collected from underground mine workings and nearby shallow wells, microplastics were identified at every sampling location, at depths ranging from 5 to 700 metres below the surface. These findings may change our understanding of plastic contamination in groundwater, which represents a potential water resource. They also highlight the need for further investigation and measures to protect groundwater from microplastic pollution.
The research was published in the scientific journal Water Research.
Link to publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2023.120538
“Collecting mine water samples from such depths is far from straightforward, as these locations are not easily accessible. In addition, DIAMO personnel had to follow specific instructions during sampling to prevent contamination by plastic materials,” explains Silvie Drabinová from the Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB-TUO.
“Our results confirm that microplastics are present not only in groundwater but also in water from deep underground mines. Their occurrence at such depths is surprisingly substantial, with particle numbers comparable to those found in water samples collected at approximately 5 metres below the surface, where the likelihood of microplastic contamination is undoubtedly higher,” says Kateřina Brožová from the Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB-TUO.
“Using infrared microspectroscopy, we identified a wide range of materials from which the particles originated. These included polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PET, as well as polyester and polypropylene, all of which are widely encountered in everyday life,” explains Jan Halfar from the Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB-TUO.
“Fibres were the most common particle shape, while blue was the predominant colour. Particle widths most frequently ranged from 1 to 50 µm, with lengths ranging from 100 to 500 µm,” explains Kristina Čabanová from the Department of Environmental Engineering and the Centre for Advanced Innovation Technologies, VSB-TUO.
“The results of this study make an important contribution to the existing body of research on microplastic pollution and help us better understand the extent of microplastic contamination and its migration through the environment,” concludes Professor Silvie Heviánková from the Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Geology, and head of the research team.
Engineered Biochar for Microplastic Removal from Aquatic Environments
A review study published in 2026 explores the potential of biochar and its surface modifications for the effective removal of microplastics from aquatic environments. It summarizes the main mechanisms of microplastic capture, including physical retention within porous structures, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonding. Particular attention is given to chemically and magnetically modified biochars, which can significantly enhance microplastic removal efficiency and facilitate the subsequent separation of the sorbent from water.
The study compares the performance of different biochar materials and evaluates their potential applications in wastewater treatment and natural water remediation. It also emphasizes the need to validate these technologies under real-world conditions, as well as to address sorbent regeneration and long-term environmental sustainability.
Link to the publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143085
Interactions Between Microplastics and Heavy Metals in Aquatic Environments
This 2026 review study examines interactions between microplastics and heavy metals in aquatic environments, focusing on the factors that influence metal adsorption and release. Based on an evaluation of experimental data, it demonstrates how metal sorption is affected by microplastic properties, temperature, salinity, and environmental pH. The study also highlights gaps in knowledge regarding the health risks associated with combined exposure to microplastics and heavy metals and presents promising technologies for their simultaneous removal from water.
Link to publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazadv.2025.100984
Microplastics as Potential Carriers of Toxic Thallium in the Environment
A review study published in 2025 focuses on the interactions between microplastics and highly toxic thallium, exploring their potential influence on its mobility, transport, and bioavailability in aquatic environments. Based on an extensive literature review, the study summarizes the mechanisms of thallium adsorption onto microplastic surfaces and evaluates the effects of microplastic properties and environmental conditions, particularly pH, salinity, and ionic strength.
The study also highlights the limited understanding of microplastic–thallium interactions, their potential ecological and human health risks, and the need for further research to reliably assess the environmental implications of their co-occurrence.
Link to the publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119279
Plastic Degradation in Aquatic Environments and the Standardization of Experimental Methods
This 2025 review study examines plastic degradation processes in aquatic environments that contribute to the formation of microplastics. Based on an analysis of more than 100 scientific sources, it highlights significant differences in experimental methods, particularly regarding exposure duration, environmental conditions, and the effects of UV radiation and mechanical stress.
The study identifies key parameters requiring harmonization and proposes recommendations for standardizing long-term degradation tests, with the aim of improving the comparability of research findings and their usefulness in environmental risk assessment.
Link to publication: https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2025.1677793
Occurrence of Microplastics in Drinking Water in the Czech Republic
This 2024 original research study focuses on the occurrence and characterization of microplastics in drinking water supplied by public water distribution systems across the Czech Republic. A total of 58 samples were analysed during two sampling campaigns conducted in 2021 and 2023, with microplastics detected in 57 of them.
The average concentrations were 68.3 and 65 microplastic particles per litre, respectively. Infrared spectroscopy was used to determine the material composition, shape, and colour of the detected particles. The study also evaluates estimated daily microplastic intake through drinking water and emphasizes the importance of standardized analytical procedures for reliable monitoring.
Link to publication: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-024-01036-y
Methods for the Detection and Analysis of Microplastics in Aquatic Environments
This 2021 review study addresses microplastics in aquatic environments, including their sources, pathways into the environment, and degradation processes. Particular attention is given to sampling methods, microplastic determination, and instrumental analysis, highlighting methodological differences that make it difficult to compare findings across individual studies. The review also summarizes relevant legislation and emphasizes the need to harmonize methodological approaches as an essential prerequisite for reliable assessment of environmental microplastic pollution and the development of effective regulatory measures.
Link to publication: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147608