Microplastic Research and Environmental Sustainability
A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Waste and Recycling".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 1955
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Microplastics, defined as plastic particles with a diamerer of less than 5 mm, have emerged as a pervasive contaminant in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Originating from various sources, including degraded larger plastics, microbeads in personal care products, and synthetic fibers from clothing, these particles are now ubiquitously detected in oceans, rivers, soils, and even the atmosphere. Their small size allows them to be easily ingested by a wide range of organisms, leading to bioaccumulation and potential biomagnification through the food web, thereby posing significant risks to wildlife and human health. The importance of microplastic research lies in its critical implications for environmental sustainability. Understanding the sources, distribution, and impacts of microplastics is essential for the development of effective mitigation strategies. This research area intersects with multiple disciplines, including environmental science, toxicology, and public policy, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to tackling the issue. Advances in detection and quantification methods are vital to accurately assessing the extent of this kind of pollution and its ecological consequences. Therefore, we are organizing a Special Issue of Sustainability on ‘’Microplastic Research and Environmental Sustainability’’.
This Special Issue focuses on the latest developments in extricating the sources and pathways of microplastics in wildlife and humans, with the aim of informing sustainable management practices and policy frameworks. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and integrating scientific findings with practical solutions, this collection seeks to advance global efforts in combating microplastic pollution and promoting environmental sustainability.
In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome and research areas may include, but are not limited to:
- The sources and pathways of microplastics;
- Microplastics in food and water;
- Biomagnification and biodegradation;
- The ecological impacts of microplastics;
- Human health risks;
- Policy and regulatory frameworks;
- Sustainable management practices.
I look forward to receiving your contributions.
Dr. Ines Kovačić
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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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. Sustainability 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 2400 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
- detection techniques
- transportation in the food web
- microplastic biodegradation
- microplastic regulations
- environmental sustainability
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