Advanced Chemical Analysis, Molecular Interactions and Remediation Strategies for Micro- and Nanoplastics
A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2027 | Viewed by 179
Special Issue Editors
Interests: environmental chemistry; microplastics and nanoplastics; advanced spectroscopic analysis; oxidative potential and antioxidant systems; environmental toxicology
Interests: environmental and energy systems; nanomaterials and environmental applications; chemical process modeling; catalysis and remediation technologies; sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have emerged as pervasive environmental contaminants detected in aquatic systems, soils, atmospheric particles and biological matrices. Due to their small size, high surface-area-to-volume ratio and diverse chemical composition, MNPs can interact with a wide range of molecules, including proteins, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, heavy metals and natural organic matter, potentially altering their environmental behavior and biological effects. Understanding these complex interactions requires advanced chemical analyses capable of elucidating molecular-level mechanisms governing adsorption, transformation, transport and toxicity.
This Special Issue aims to highlight recent progress in analytical chemistry, molecular interaction studies and remediation technologies related to micro- and nanoplastics in the following topics:
i) Contributions addressing the chemical characterization, identification and detection of plastics and their degradation products using techniques such as FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, pyrolysis–GC/MS, mass spectrometry, advanced microscopy and single-particle analysis are particularly encouraged. Emerging approaches, including AI-assisted spectral interpretation, microfluidic detection systems and high-resolution imaging techniques for MNP identification and quantification, are also welcome.
ii) In addition to the development and optimization of analytical methods for detecting and quantifying MNPs, studies addressing MNP production techniques, laboratory synthesis and environmentally relevant generation processes for standard materials are encouraged. Research exploring molecular interactions between MNPs and proteins, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, pesticides and other biomacromolecules are also of strong interest.
iii) Furthermore, innovative remediation and mitigation strategies, including catalytic degradation, advanced oxidation processes, adsorption-based removal technologies and bio-inspired materials, are welcomed.
By integrating advanced chemical analysis, methodological innovation and mechanistic insights, this Special Issue aims to advance our understanding of the environmental chemistry of micro- and nanoplastics and support the development of effective detection, remediation and mitigation strategies. We welcome original research articles and comprehensive reviews.
Prof. Dr. Asli Baysal
Prof. Dr. Hasan Saygin
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. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2700 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
- microplastics
- nanoplastics
- advanced chemical analysis
- molecular interactions
- polymer degradation
- contaminant adsorption
- remediation technologies
- advanced oxidation processes
- plastic additive leaching
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
