Impact of Marine Pollution on Ecosystems

Dear Colleagues,

Marine pollution has become a significant environmental crisis on a global scale, originating from both land-based and marine activities. The introduction of pollutants such as chemicals, plastics, heavy metals, and oil into our oceans has had profound effects on marine habitats and poses a threat to the survival of numerous species. The scope of this Special Issue encompasses various aspects of marine pollution, including, but not limited to:

1. Ecotoxicology: Investigating the toxicity of pollutants on marine organisms and their subsequent effects on ecosystem structure and function.
2. CO₂-driven climate change: Exploring the combined consequences of pollutants and increased carbon dioxide absorption by the oceans, including the combined effects with ongoing phenomena such as ocean acidification, increasing temperature and marine heat waves on marine species’ natural populations and ecosystems.
3. Biodiversity loss: Examining the correlation between marine pollution and the decline of biodiversity, focusing on the loss of key species and the subsequent repercussions on ecosystem dynamics.
4. Habitat degradation: Investigating the alteration and destruction of marine habitats due to pollution, including the loss of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, and the implications for associated ecosystems.
5. Trophic interactions: Understanding how marine pollution disrupts food webs and trophic interactions, with implications for energy transfer and ecosystem stability.
6. Ecosystem resilience: Assessing the capacity of marine ecosystems to recover from pollution-induced disturbances and exploring factors that enhance or hinder resilience.

We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions to this Special Issue and further advancing our understanding of the profound effects of marine pollution on ecosystems.

Dr. Marco Munari
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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