Decoding Plastic Behavior in the Environment through Analytical Characterization: Current Advances and Perspectives
A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Chemical Engineering and Technology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 61
Special Issue Editors
Interests: development of biomimicry materials for sensing applications; surface and interface analytical characterization; degradation mechanisms of micro- and nanoplastics; contaminant adsorption on polymeric matrices
Interests: micro and nanoplastics extraction and characterization from environmental matrices; microplastics bioremediation strategies; filter–feeder interactions with micro- and nanoplastics; micro and nanoplastics ecological impacts
Interests: materials chemistry; artificial recognition systems for sensing applications; electrochemistry; surface and interface analytical characterization; development of biomimicry materials for sensing applications; degradation mechanisms of micro- and nanoplastics; contaminant adsorption on polymeric matrices
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Plastics have become ubiquitous in modern life due to their durability and versatility, but their fragmentation into micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) poses critical environmental challenges. As plastics weather, their surface chemistry evolves, enhancing their capacity to sorb hazardous pollutants and magnifying the risks posed to aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Although substantial research has been devoted to understanding these processes, predicting the interplay between plastic degradation and contaminant interactions remains challenging, given the dynamic and varied nature of environmental conditions.
This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest analytical advances in X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), and Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) employed to (i) elucidate surface chemical modifications during plastic aging, (ii) compare spectroscopic and imaging methodologies for the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the formation and pollutant loading of MNPs, (iii) explore the ecological consequences from molecular to community scales,and (iv) propose sustainable approaches to the monitoring and removal of microplastics from the environment.
Contributions that integrate chemical, physical, and ecological perspectives on MNPs' interaction with the natural surroundings will enrich the existing literature by providing new insights into the monitoring, risk assessment, and mitigation of plastic pollution. We welcome the submission of original research articles, reviews, and communications that advance our understanding of plastic fragmentation mechanisms, pollutant adsorption dynamics, MNPs environmental impacts and sustainable remediation strategies.
Dr. Tiziano Di Giulio
Dr. Silvia Fraissinet
Prof. Dr. Elisabetta Mazzotta
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- microplastics
- nanoplastics
- XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy)
- FTIR/Raman spectroscopy
- SEM-EDX
- pyrolysis–GC–MS
- contaminant sorption
- plastic degradation
- ecological impacts
- sustainable remediation strategies
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