Climate Change Effects on Metal and Metalloid Ecotoxicity

The field of climate change and its impact on ecotoxicity is gaining increasing attention due to the profound effects on our oceans, including altered water mass flows, biota migration routes, and pollutant transport dynamics. Metals and metalloids, in particular, are pollutants of significant concern because of their high environmental persistence, bioavailability, and potential to bioaccumulate along trophic chains, leading to various toxic effects. Despite the critical nature of this issue, there is a notable gap in studies addressing how climate change scenarios, such as ocean acidification and rising temperatures, influence the ecotoxicity and bioavailability of these pollutants. Recent studies have begun to explore these interactions, but comprehensive assessments remain sparse. Addressing these gaps is essential for understanding the full scope of ecological risks posed by metals and metalloids under changing climatic conditions.

This research topic aims to compile studies that investigate and discuss the effects of climate change on metal and metalloid ecotoxicity. The primary objectives include evaluating how climate change factors, such as ocean acidification and increasing temperatures, impact the toxic effects of metals and metalloids on exposed biota. Additionally, the research seeks to understand modifications in the content and bioavailability of these pollutants in abiotic compartments like sediments and the water column. By addressing these questions, the research aims to provide a clearer picture of the ecological risks and inform mitigation strategies.

To gather further insights into the boundaries of climate change effects on metal and metalloid ecotoxicity, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Experimental assessments of metal and metalloid toxicity under varying climate change scenarios.
• Theoretical models predicting changes in pollutant bioavailability and toxicity.
• Studies on bioaccumulation and biomagnification of metals and metalloids in marine food webs.
• Investigations into the impact of ocean acidification on metal and metalloid speciation.
• Research on the influence of rising temperatures on the mobility and distribution of these pollutants.
• Reviews and meta-analyses summarizing current knowledge and identifying future research directions.

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
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... 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
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Climate Change, Marine Pollution, Marine Pollution Solutions, Ecotoxicity

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.