Microplastics in Aquatic and Biotic Systems: Environmental Presence, Health Impacts, and Management Strategies

Microplastics are one of the emerging contaminants that have invaded almost every environmental matrix, including aquatic and biotic systems. The ubiquity of these contaminants has garnered significant attention in recent years, especially as the world continues to grapple with the broader issue of plastic waste. The occurrence of micro- and nano-plastics has necessitated a shift in perspective towards more nuanced management strategies. The complexity associated with the small size of these plastic particles and their interactions with various chemical and biological entities in the environment makes the science of microplastics particularly challenging. Current research has made strides in identifying and characterizing these particles, yet significant gaps remain in understanding their long-term environmental and health impacts. An interdisciplinary approach is essential to fully comprehend microplastics' behavior, chemical interactions, and potential degradation or removal mechanisms.

This research topic aims to synthesize and compile scattered information to present a comprehensive resource for researchers, legislators, policymakers, regulators, and plastic producers. The primary objective is to provide substantial information that can inform policy-making and address associated challenges. By consolidating the latest research, this collection seeks to avoid misconceptions and threats related to microplastics. The goal is to explore possible solutions to the microplastics problem, particularly focusing on freshwater aquatic and biotic matrices. Specific questions to be addressed include the identification, characterization, and quantification of microplastics, their presence in various environments, and their impacts on human health and aquatic ecosystems.

To gather further insights into the complexities of microplastics in aquatic and biotic matrices, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Sampling, identification, characterization, and quantification of microplastics
- Presence of microplastics in aquatic environments and biotic organisms
- Role of microplastics as vectors
- Microplastics: from aquatic environments to human plates
- Human health impacts of microplastics
- Microplastics’ impact on aquatic flora and fauna
- Advancement in removal techniques for microplastics
- Biodegradable plastics: is it the solution for reducing the generation of microplastics?
- Compostable plastics: can it be the solution for minimizing microplastics?
- Importance of behavioral practices for minimizing microplastics in the environment
- Challenges in the science of microplastics

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Biota, Environment, Health, Microplastics, Removal, Water

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.