Advances, Challenges, and Emerging Approaches in Microplastic Detection, Monitoring, and Prevention

Dear Colleagues,

Microplastics have emerged as pervasive contaminants across aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments. Despite the rapid expansion of research in this field, significant methodological challenges remain regarding the detection, identification, quantification, and standardization of microplastic analysis. Variability in sampling strategies, extraction procedures, analytical techniques, and reporting practices often limits comparability across studies and complicates the interpretation of environmental data.

This Special Issue, titled “Advances, Challenges, and Emerging Approaches in Microplastic Detection, Monitoring, and Prevention”, will critically examine the current challenges, caveats, and limitations associated with microplastic detection and monitoring, while also highlighting innovative and non-conventional approaches that may improve our understanding of microplastic occurrence and fate in the environment. Contributions addressing novel analytical tools, emerging monitoring strategies, and applications in non-traditional environmental matrices or settings are particularly encouraged.

In addition to methodological advances, this Special Issue will bridge the gap between science and action by welcoming studies that explore prevention strategies, policy frameworks, mitigation practices, and intervention measures for reducing microplastic pollution. By integrating analytical developments with environmental monitoring and governance perspectives, this Special Issue will provide a comprehensive view of the current state of microplastic research and identify pathways toward the more reliable assessment and effective management of microplastic contamination.

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Methodological limitations in microplastic analysis;
• Innovative detection techniques;
• Monitoring in unconventional environments;
• Strategies for preventing or mitigating microplastic pollution.

Prof. Dr. Deborah Xanat Flores-Cervantes
Prof. Dr. Estefanía Martínez Tavera
Guest Editors

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