This Research Topic explores the intersection of ecophysiology and microplastics, aiming to understand how these pollutants affect organisms and ecosystems. Microplastics, plastic particles less than 5mm in size, are pervasive in aquatic and terrestrial environments and pose significant threats to wildlife and human health. By compiling interdisciplinary research, this collection seeks to elucidate the physiological responses to microplastic exposure and assess broader ecological impacts to inform conservation strategies and pollution mitigation.

Microplastics proliferate due to extensive plastic use and inadequate waste management, entering ecosystems via industrial discharges, wastewater effluents, and the breakdown of larger plastics. These particles are ingested by various organisms, leading to physiological and ecological consequences such as impaired growth, reproduction, and survival. Ecophysiology provides crucial insights into how organisms cope with environmental stressors like microplastics, revealing mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels that influence adverse effects and broader ecological implications.

Key areas of focus:

Physiological Impacts on Organisms:
- Toxicological Mechanisms: Chemical toxicity of microplastics, including leaching additives and pollutant adsorption.
- Gastrointestinal Effects: Impact on food intake, nutrient absorption, and gut microbiota.
- Stress Responses: Markers such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances.

Reproduction and Development:
- Reproductive Health: Effects on reproductive systems, gamete quality, and offspring viability.
- Developmental Disruptions: Influence on embryonic and larval development, growth rates, and anomalies.

Ecological Interactions and Trophic Transfer:
- Food Web Dynamics: Microplastics' impact on predator-prey relationships, competition, and energy transfer.
- Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification: Accumulation and magnification of microplastic particles and toxins through trophic levels.

Ecosystem Health and Function:
- Biodiversity Impacts: Effects on species diversity, community structure, and ecosystem services.
- Habitat Alteration: Influence on habitat quality, sediment composition, and water quality.

The objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ecophysiological impacts of microplastics, integrating research from various disciplines to uncover the pathways through which microplastics affect physiological and ecological processes. Contributions will serve scientists, policymakers, and conservationists in addressing the microplastic pollution crisis, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and developing effective solutions to protect biodiversity and ecosystem functions.

Researchers in ecology, physiology, environmental science, toxicology, and conservation biology are invited to contribute, building a body of knowledge to advance our understanding of microplastic impacts and inform sustainable environmental stewardship strategies.

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Ecophysiology and Microplastics: Unveiling the Impacts on Organismal Function and Ecosystem Health