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Microplastics
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Micro- and Nanoplastics Beyond the Mainstream: Understudied Dimensions and Emerging...
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Micro- and Nanoplastics Beyond the Mainstream: Understudied Dimensions and Emerging Approaches

A special issue of Microplastics (ISSN 2673-8929).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 6190

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Manuela Piccardo

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
2 Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Piazzale Flaminio, 9, 00196 Roma, Italy
Interests: ecotoxicology; micro- and nanoplastics; emerging pollutants; ecological risk assessment; multi-stressor effects; effect-based tools; ecological status indices; ecotoxicity tests
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Antonio Terlizzi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
Interests: marine biodiversity; marine ecology; experimental monitoring; emerging pollutants; marine litter; micro- and nanoplastics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past two decades, microplastic and, more recently, nanoplastic pollution has become a focal point of global research, culminating in the publication of tens of thousands of studies. This attention has yielded significant progress in our understanding and characterization of the phenomenon, yet key questions remain unresolved, especially regarding nanoplastics. This Special Issue aims to address underexplored areas of investigation in micro- and nanoplastic pollution research, thereby adding new pieces to an inherently complex puzzle.

Original and innovative papers, as well as reviews, meta-analyses, and opinion papers, focused on the following topics are welcomed:

  • Micro- and nanoplastic contamination levels in remote ecosystems;
  • Nanoplastic detection and quantification in environmental samples;
  • Risk assessment perspectives on the potential ecosystem implications of micro- and nanoplastics;
  • Ecological implications of micro- and nanoplastic pollution;
  • Environmentally relevant laboratory exposure studies examining effects in a multi-stressor scenario;
  • Environmentally relevant laboratory exposure studies testing the potential impacts on non-model organisms;
  • Application of innovative approaches (e.g., omics-based techniques).  

Dr. Manuela Piccardo
Prof. Dr. Antonio Terlizzi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microplastics is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • contamination
  • remote ecosystem
  • risk assessment
  • non-model organism
  • multi-stressors
  • omics
  • nanoplastic
  • microplastic
  • environmentally relevant
  • impact

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

22 pages, 4926 KB  
Article
Occurrence, Characteristics, and Risk Implications of Microplastics in Coastal Sediments and Shallow Groundwater: Evidence from Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
by Mohtasim Ahmed, Ashraf Ali Seddique, Mohammed Manik, Habiba Akther, Mohammad Mohinuzzaman, Sharmine Akter Simu, Tanver Hossain, Md. Sahedul Islam, Sk Abu Jahid, Md. Muzammel Hossain and Paolo Pastorino
Microplastics 2026, 5(2), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics5020064 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1904
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent in coastal habitats, but their occurrence in highly vulnerable coastal zones and human exposure risk are poorly understood, especially in developing nations like Bangladesh. This inquiry focused on the prevalence and potential hazards of MPs in surface sediment and [...] Read more.
Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent in coastal habitats, but their occurrence in highly vulnerable coastal zones and human exposure risk are poorly understood, especially in developing nations like Bangladesh. This inquiry focused on the prevalence and potential hazards of MPs in surface sediment and shallow groundwater samples collected from 12 sites in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, from August to October 2023. Using stereomicroscopy and FTIR, MPs were quantified, with concentrations ranging from 60 to 813.33 MPs/kg in surficial sediment and 3.34 to 36.66 MPs/L in shallow groundwater, with mean values of 294.38 ± 26.61 MPs/kg and 18.91 ± 4.75 MPs/L. The dominant MPs were composed of transparent and white fibers, ranging in size from 0 to 0.5 mm, with HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and PP (Polypropylene) identified as the most commonly found polymers. To assess MP exposure in humans and the environment, this investigation used three indices: the polymer hazard index (PHI), the pollutant load index (PLI), and the estimated daily intake (EDI). The findings indicate that children exhibit greater exposure than adults, with observed low contamination levels, alongside a spectrum of toxicity from moderate to extreme. This study enhances understanding of MP contamination in the surficial sediments and shallow groundwater of Bangladesh, highlighting the need for further investigation into ecotoxicology, human health risks, legislation, and related issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro- and Nanoplastics Beyond the Mainstream: Understudied Dimensions and Emerging Approaches)
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23 pages, 3012 KB  
Article
UV–Photocatalytic Degradation of Polyethylene and Polystyrene Microplastics in Water: Rapid Spectroscopic and Thermal Metrics for Early Oxidation
by M. Curcic, I. Stajcic, D. B. Stojanovic, B. Hadzic, P. Mitric, A. Bozic, Z. Lazarevic and P. Kolarz
Microplastics 2026, 5(2), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics5020063 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 877
Abstract
Heterogeneous photocatalysis increasingly requires rapid polymer degradation tests relevant to aqueous conditions. In this study, a multi-technique approach was developed to monitor the early-stage photo-oxidation of polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics in an aqueous ZnO–TiO2 suspension under combined ultraviolet A and [...] Read more.
Heterogeneous photocatalysis increasingly requires rapid polymer degradation tests relevant to aqueous conditions. In this study, a multi-technique approach was developed to monitor the early-stage photo-oxidation of polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics in an aqueous ZnO–TiO2 suspension under combined ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B (UV-A/B) irradiation. The changes were analyzed by ATR-FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, DSC, and gravimetric measurements. For PE, the carbonyl index increased from 0.0189 to 0.1350 after 12 h, mass loss reached 16.98%, and crystallinity decreased from 32.05% to 25.36% after 8 h. The Raman spectra of PE showed band broadening and intensity redistribution, indicating increasing structural disorder. In contrast, PS showed weaker Raman changes, while FTIR revealed a non-monotonic carbonyl-index response, and DSC showed a 2.2 °C increase in Tg after 12 h. Gravimetric analysis also showed measurable mass loss in PS, reaching 18.62% after 12 h. The results demonstrate that the combined use of ATR-FTIR, Raman, DSC, and gravimetry enables reliable distinction between early oxidation, surface modification, and material erosion in photocatalytically treated microplastics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro- and Nanoplastics Beyond the Mainstream: Understudied Dimensions and Emerging Approaches)
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20 pages, 1426 KB  
Article
Impact of Synthetic Microfibers on Cellular and Biochemical Biomarkers in Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis
by Elena-Daniela Pantea, Elena Stoica, Valentina Coatu, Elena Ristea and Andreea-Mădălina Ciucă
Microplastics 2026, 5(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics5010050 - 9 Mar 2026
Viewed by 597
Abstract
Synthetic or plastic microfibers (MFs) are an emerging form of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems, derived from textile degradation and weathering of fishing and aquaculture gear. Despite extensive evidence of MFs in marine organisms, the effects of MFs exposure on mussels remain poorly [...] Read more.
Synthetic or plastic microfibers (MFs) are an emerging form of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems, derived from textile degradation and weathering of fishing and aquaculture gear. Despite extensive evidence of MFs in marine organisms, the effects of MFs exposure on mussels remain poorly understood. This study investigated the impact of synthetic MFs on the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) over a semi-chronic time scale of 14 days, using MFs produced by grinding a microfiber cloth. Adult mussels were exposed to three MFs treatments: 8, 40, and 100 MFs/L, reflecting current and future scenarios in the Black Sea. Biomarkers assessed included lysosomal membrane stability (LMS), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities. Significant lysosomal membrane destabilization (p < 0.05) occurred across all treatments. CAT activity in the digestive gland significantly decreased by 31.2%, 53.3%, and 62.1% at 8, 40, and 100 MFs/L, respectively. GST activity showed inhibition at 8 and 100 MFs/L and stimulation at 40 MFs/L. AChE activity decreased at 8 MFs/L but increased at higher concentrations. These results indicate that even environmentally relevant levels of synthetic MFs can alter cellular stability and enzymatic responses in mussels, suggesting potential ecological risks for marine bivalves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro- and Nanoplastics Beyond the Mainstream: Understudied Dimensions and Emerging Approaches)
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28 pages, 1539 KB  
Article
From Antioxidant Defenses to Transcriptomic Signatures: Concentration-Dependent Responses to Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Reef Fish
by Manuela Piccardo, Mirko Mutalipassi, Lucia Pittura, Rosa Maria Sepe, Pasquale De Luca, Laurence Besseau, Monia Renzi, Stefania Gorbi, Vincent Laudet, Alberto Pallavicini, Paolo Sordino and Antonio Terlizzi
Microplastics 2026, 5(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics5010014 - 16 Jan 2026
Viewed by 942
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) pose significant risks due to their small size and ability to penetrate biological tissues. However, the molecular pathways and cellular mechanisms affected by NP exposure in marine teleosts remain poorly understood, especially in tropical reef fishes. This study examined the impact [...] Read more.
Nanoplastics (NPs) pose significant risks due to their small size and ability to penetrate biological tissues. However, the molecular pathways and cellular mechanisms affected by NP exposure in marine teleosts remain poorly understood, especially in tropical reef fishes. This study examined the impact of short-term (7 days) waterborne exposure of 100 nm-carboxyl-modified polystyrene NPs on the false clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) exposed at two daily concentrations: low (20 µg/L, environmentally relevant) and high (2000 µg/L). A multidisciplinary approach, including biochemical and transcriptomic analyses, was conducted to assess toxic effects. Biochemical assays revealed limited changes in antioxidant defenses (CAT, GR, GST, TOSC). However, the Integrated Biomarker Response index (IBRv2i) suggested a compromised physiological condition, supported by transcriptomic data. Transcriptomic profiling revealed 409 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the high-concentration and 354 DEGs in the low-concentration groups, with 120 shared DEGs mostly upregulated and indicative of a core molecular response. Collectively, the transcriptional profile of the low-concentration group resembled an early-warning, energy-reallocation strategy aimed at preserving essential sensory functions while minimizing expendable functions. The high-concentration group amplified the shared stress signature and recruited an additional 289 unique genes, resulting in pronounced enrichment of Gene Ontology terms related to “muscle contraction”, “oxygen transport”, “hydrogen-peroxide catabolism”, and “extracellular-matrix”. This study demonstrates that PS-NP exposure can alter gene expression and physiology in juvenile reef fish, even at environmentally relevant concentrations. Molecular responses varied with concentrations highlighting the role of exposure level in influencing biological systems and potential long-term impacts of NP pollution in marine environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro- and Nanoplastics Beyond the Mainstream: Understudied Dimensions and Emerging Approaches)
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18 pages, 2782 KB  
Article
Can Cigarette Butt-Derived Cellulose Acetate Nanoplastics Induce Toxicity in Allolobophora caliginosa? Immunological, Biochemical, and Histopathological Insights
by Zeinab Bakr, Shimaa Mohamed Said, Naser A. Elshimy, Mohamed Abd El-Aal and Gehad N. Aboulnasr
Microplastics 2026, 5(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics5010012 - 15 Jan 2026
Viewed by 604
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a major global challenge, especially nanoplastics (NPs) emerging as harmful pollutants due to their small size, reactivity, and persistence in ecosystems. Among them, cigarette butts composed of cellulose acetate (CA) are one of the most widespread and hazardous sources of [...] Read more.
Plastic pollution is a major global challenge, especially nanoplastics (NPs) emerging as harmful pollutants due to their small size, reactivity, and persistence in ecosystems. Among them, cigarette butts composed of cellulose acetate (CA) are one of the most widespread and hazardous sources of terrestrial NPs. In this study, the immunotoxic, biochemical, and histopathological effects of cellulose acetate nanoplastics (CA-NPs) derived from smoked cigarette butts (SCB-NPs), unsmoked cigarette butts (USCB-NPs), and commercial cellulose acetate (CCA-NPs) were evaluated on the earthworm Allolobophora caliginosa. Adult worms were exposed for 30 days to 100 mg/kg CA-NPs in artificial soil under controlled laboratory conditions. Results revealed that SCB-NPs induced the most pronounced alterations, including increased lysozyme and metallothionein levels, reduced phagocytic and peroxidase activities, and depletion of protein and carbohydrate reserves. Histological examination showed vacuoles in epithelial layer vacuolization, space between muscle fiber disruption, and degeneration in gut and body wall, especially under SCB-NP exposure. USCB-NPs and CCA-NPs caused milder but still significant effects. Taken together, these findings highlight that the high toxicity of SCB-NPs is due to the presence of combustion-derived toxicants (nicotine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals), which exacerbate oxidative stress, immune suppression, and tissue damage in soil invertebrates. This study underscores the ecological risk of cigarette butt-derived NPs and calls for urgent policy measures to mitigate their terrestrial impacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro- and Nanoplastics Beyond the Mainstream: Understudied Dimensions and Emerging Approaches)
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Review

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24 pages, 3020 KB  
Review
A Narrative Review of Microplastics in Terrestrial Ecosystems: Impacts on Wild Herbivores and Emerging Conservation Priorities, Supported by Evidence from Livestock and Experimental Mammals
by Subrata Saha, Rachita Saha, Manjil Gupta, Debangana Saha, Ananya Paul, Surovi Roy, Alolika Bose, Sulagna Chandra, Koustav Kundu, Elena I. Korotkova, Muhammad Saqib and Pradip Kumar Kar
Microplastics 2026, 5(2), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics5020079 - 27 Apr 2026
Viewed by 370
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP) pollution has emerged as a pervasive and still insufficiently quantified pressure on terrestrial ecosystems, yet its consequences for wild herbivores remain incompletely understood. As key links between primary producers and higher trophic levels, wild herbivores occupy a critical [...] Read more.
Microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP) pollution has emerged as a pervasive and still insufficiently quantified pressure on terrestrial ecosystems, yet its consequences for wild herbivores remain incompletely understood. As key links between primary producers and higher trophic levels, wild herbivores occupy a critical ecological position and may serve both as exposed receptors and as biological vectors of plastic contamination. This manuscript presents a narrative review that synthesizes recent advances in understanding the physiological, behavioural, and ecological implications of MP and/or NP exposure in free-ranging herbivorous mammals, integrating evidence from field surveys, experimental studies, ecological modelling, and supportive mechanistic findings from livestock and experimental mammalian systems. Available evidence indicates that MPs and NPs are consistently detected in wild herbivores from both human-modified and protected landscapes, demonstrating widespread terrestrial exposure. Reported biological effects include oxidative stress, digestive dysfunction, inflammatory and immune responses, altered gut microbial communities, impaired nutrient assimilation, and organ-level damage, although much of the mechanistic evidence derives from controlled laboratory or livestock-based studies rather than direct wildlife investigations. Behavioural responses remain comparatively underexplored, particularly in large-bodied herbivores, with limited evidence for altered foraging, habitat use, and stress-related behaviours. At the ecosystem level, emerging studies suggest that herbivores may contribute to the landscape-scale redistribution of MPs and NPs through movement and faecal deposition, with potential downstream effects on soil processes, nutrient cycling, and plant–herbivore interactions. However, the current evidence base is constrained by major methodological and conceptual limitations, including the lack of standardized detection and reporting protocols, limited ecological realism in exposure studies, taxonomic and geographic biases, and poor resolution of long-term population-level and food-web consequences. Overall, the available literature indicates that MP and NP pollution represent a multifaceted and emerging risk to wild herbivores and the ecosystems they inhabit. Future research should prioritize standardized contamination-controlled monitoring, non-invasive faecal surveillance, ecologically realistic chronic exposure studies, and integrated conservation frameworks that recognize wild herbivores as sentinel species for terrestrial plastic pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro- and Nanoplastics Beyond the Mainstream: Understudied Dimensions and Emerging Approaches)
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