Novel Approaches in Microplastics Detection and Remediation for a Cleaner Marine Future

The field of environmental pollution has increasingly centered on microplastics as a pervasive and pressing issue within marine systems worldwide. Microplastics, defined as plastic fragments less than 5 mm in size, originate from both the breakdown of larger plastics and from primary sources including cosmetics, textiles, and industrial activity. Their persistence and distribution across diverse ecosystems have raised significant concern regarding their impact on marine biodiversity, ecological functions, and potential human health risks. Recent studies have highlighted the widespread occurrence of microplastics in marine and freshwater habitats, as well as their infiltration into soil, food webs, and even drinking water supplies. Despite advances in detection technologies and burgeoning awareness, significant challenges persist in the reliable monitoring of microplastics, quantifying their effects, and deploying effective mitigation strategies. Debates continue around standardizing detection methodologies, the long-term consequences of chronic microplastics exposure, and the balance between preventive and corrective remediation approaches. While a range of innovative solutions has emerged, critical knowledge gaps remain in evaluating their scalability, economic viability, and integration into policy frameworks, necessitating a renewed focus on both detection and remediation.

This Research Topic aims to foster novel advancements in the detection and removal of microplastics from marine environments, supporting the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). The key goals are to identify and evaluate cutting-edge monitoring technologies, to refine remediation methodologies for both preventive and corrective action, and to integrate scientific insights into effective policy and community interventions. This includes exploring the effectiveness of novel analytical tools for real-time monitoring, elucidating the mechanisms by which remediation technologies operate, and assessing the potential for upscaling successful approaches across diverse contexts. Addressing these aims, the Research Topic encourages interdisciplinary exchange among scientists, engineers, policymakers, and community stakeholders.

Research contributions are sought that address the full spectrum of microplastics research but remain focused on marine environments and the development of translatable technologies and frameworks. Submissions may consider laboratory, field, or policy-level research. To gather further insights in these boundaries, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Innovative, rapid, and cost-effective microplastics detection and monitoring methods
• Application of advanced spectroscopy, imaging, and microfluidic technologies
• Remediation approaches using physical, chemical, and biological techniques
• Impact assessment of remediation strategies on marine ecosystems and human health
• Policy, regulatory, and community-based interventions for microplastics management
• Integration of circular economy and nature-based solutions in plastic pollution prevention
• Case studies demonstrating successful upscaling of microplastics interventions

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
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• 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
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• 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: microplastic, marine pollution, SDG6, SDG14, plastic pollution

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.