Recent discoveries indicate that several insect larvae

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the stated research gap and abstract and stated challenges and future-work section of the source papers, classified as general, drawn from work published between 2015 and 2026, spanning 6 journals. Those papers have been cited 1,615 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 7 representative gaps

• Deep eutectic solvent-derived hemp and jute cellulose nanopapers: from nanofibril morphology to nanopaper architecture and polyester microplastic filtration (2026) · Cellulose · doi

  The need for sustainable materials capable of efficient microplastic removal. The lack of biobased filtration materials that can efficiently capture fibrous microplastics while minimising environmental burden. The need to develop materials that can address the small size and flexible morphology of microplastics.

  generalstated research gap
  Keywords: need sustainable materials capable efficient microplastic removal lack
• Understanding the Ecological Robustness and Adaptability of the Gut Microbiome in Plastic-Degrading Superworms (Zophobas atratus) in Response to Microplastics and Antibiotics (2024) · Environmental Science & Technology · cited 27× · doi

  Recent discoveries indicate that several insect larvae are capable of ingesting and biodegrading plastics rapidly and symbiotically, but the ecological adaptability of the larval gut microbiome to microplastics (MPs) remains unclear.

  generalabstract
  Keywords: recent discoveries indicate several insect larvae capable ingesting biodegrading plastics rapidly symbiotically ecological adaptability larval
• Spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics and associations with river water physicochemical and hydrological parameters, including risk assessments in four tropical rivers in Sarawak, Malaysia (2026) · Environmental Monitoring and Assessment · doi

  Microplastic pollution is a significant concern in tropical rivers. The presence of high-hazard polymers elevates polymer-based risks and increases PERI values. Effective management of microplastic pollution in tropical rivers is needed.

  generalstated challengesevidence 5/5
  Keywords: microplastic pollution significant concern tropical rivers presence high-hazard
• Understanding Interface Exchanges for Assessing Environmental Sorption of Additives from Microplastics: Current Knowledge and Perspectives (2024) · Molecules · cited 35× · doi

  The lack of understanding of the mechanistic uptake/release of compounds by microplastics. The limited knowledge on the factors influencing the sorption of chemicals by microplastics. The need for further research to assess the potential impacts of microplastics and associated chemicals on the environment.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: lack understanding mechanistic uptake release compounds microplastics limited
• Pathways for degradation of plastic polymers floating in the marine environment (2015) · Environmental Science Processes & Impacts · cited 1,553× · doi

  Some attention has been drawn to additives and persistent organic pollutants that sorb to the plastic surface, but so far the chemicals generated by degradation of the plastic polymers themselves have not been well studied from an environmental perspective.

  generalabstractevidence 4/5
  Keywords: plastic attention drawn additives persistent organic pollutants sorb surface chemicals generated degradation polymers themselves well
• Unpacking the Paradox: Biodegradable Plastics as a Double-Edged Sword in Environmental Pollution (2026) · Water Air & Soil Pollution · doi

  Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of biodegradable plastics on the environment. Studies should investigate the potential negative environmental impacts of biodegradable plastics, such as microplastic formation and greenhouse gas emissions. Research should focus on developing more sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 4/5
  Keywords: further research needed fully understand effects biodegradable plastics
• Unpacking the Paradox: Biodegradable Plastics as a Double-Edged Sword in Environmental Pollution (2026) · Water Air & Soil Pollution · doi

  There is a lack of understanding of the environmental impact of biodegradable plastics. The biodegradability of biodegradable plastics is not always reliable and requires specific conditions. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of biodegradable plastics on the environment.

  generalstated research gapevidence 3/5
  Keywords: there lack understanding environmental impact biodegradable plastics biodegradability

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