Microplastics and Associated Contaminants in the Aquatic Environment: Ecotoxicological Effects and Potential Impacts on Human Health

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Ecotoxicology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 13 September 2024 | Viewed by 75

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
Interests: aquatic ecotoxicology; environmental health assessment; embryotoxicity; cytotoxicity; biomarkers; bivalves; fish; micro- and nanoplastics; environmental pollutants; metabolomics

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
Interests: aquatic ecotoxicology; environmental health assessment; embryotoxicity; cytotoxicity; biomarkers; bivalves; fish; micro- and nanoplastics; environmental pollutants; metabolomics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) pollution has become a growing concern worldwide due to its persistence and widespread distribution, associated with often-inadequate collection and recycling systems, thus representing an emerging threat for the aquatic environment. Its small size and increased surface area lead to high biological reactivity, which can be crucial for the health status of biota. Despite several studies investigating the lethal and sublethal endpoints of manufactured MNPs, the body of knowledge regarding the accumulation and biological effects of environmental MNPs is still significantly limited. Moreover, there are still several aspects that necessitate a deeper investigation such as the release of additives from MNPs, the interactions between MNPs and environmental pollutants, and their impact on embryo development, as well as their transfer through different trophic levels following ingestion, with serious implication for predators, including humans.

Therefore, this Special Issue welcomes any novel exciting research on MNP occurrence in aquatic environments, with a special focus on the impact they might have on the ecosystem and biota, including their transfer through the food web and possible implications for human health. Studies exploring innovative bioremediation strategies for the elimination or mitigation of MNP harmfulness, or focusing on natural biodegradable materials that can replace the use of plastics are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Maria Maisano
Dr. Tiziana Cappello
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • aquatic ecotoxicology
  • micro- and nanoplastics
  • microplastic-adsorbed contaminants
  • environmental risk assessment
  • aquatic organisms
  • cytotoxicity
  • embryotoxicity
  • neurotoxicity
  • metabolism disorders
  • bioremediation strategies

Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.
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