Topical Collection on "Microplastic Pollution and Its Implications on Ecosystems"

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2024

Collection Editor: 

Prof. Dr. Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, United States
Interests: emerging pollutants; microplastics; climate change; phytoremediation

Topical Collection Information:

Dear Colleagues,

Microplastics have permeated all ecosystems on Earth, even the most remote ones. Their presence in the ecosystems has multiple implications. They can harm wildlife, disrupt food webs, alter nutrient cycles, and carry pollutants and toxins. They can also contaminate food systems and affect human health. The effects of microplastics on different ecosystems could be different and it is crucial to gain an in-depth understanding of the nuances to better characterize the risks posed by microplastics on different ecosystems. This topical collection aims to provide greater insight into the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in different ecosystems globally and their impacts on these ecosystems, as well as the organisms and communities therein. By knowing the implications of microplastics on ecosystems, we can better understand the extent and severity of the problem, and find effective solutions to prevent, reduce, and mitigate the impacts of microplastic pollution.

Papers covering the following topics are welcome. Papers not of the following topics but are related are also welcome.

  • Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in ecosystems;
  • Impacts of microplastic pollution on global marine ecosystems;
  • Impacts of microplastic pollution on terrestrial ecosystems;
  • Impacts of microplastic pollution on freshwater ecosystems;
  • Impacts of microplastic pollution on remote ecosystems;
  • Mitigation of microplastic pollution in ecosystems;
  • Transfer of microplastics in food chains;
  • Ecotoxicities of microplastics;
  • Exposure of organisms or communities in an ecosystem to microplastics;
  • Novel policies and strategies for controlling plastic pollution in particular ecosystems.

Prof. Dr. Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Collection Editor

Keywords:

  • Microplastics
  • Ecosystems
  • Nutrient cycles
  • Food webs
Reviews

Microplastics in seagrass ecosystems: A review of fate and impacts

Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
41-53

Article ID: 6706    DOI：https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v6i3.6706
0  (Abstract) 0  (Download)

Abstract:

Microplastics have been detected in seagrass ecosystems, raising concerns about their potential impacts on the ecological functions of seagrasses. Seagrass meadows are biodiversity hotspots as they provide habitats to diverse fish and invertebrates. They also play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, capturing carbon, and buffering coastal erosion. This review aims to present the fate of microplastics in... More