Micropollutants in Aquatic Systems: Migration, Transformation, and Ecotoxicological Impacts

Dear Colleagues,

Aquatic ecosystems across the globe are facing heightened pressures from a complex assortment of chemical pollutants, among which micropollutants pose a particularly enduring and widespread challenge. These substances—including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and their transformation products—enter aquatic environments through various pathways and often exist at low concentrations. Nevertheless, they can exert significant ecological impacts and potential risks to human health.

This Special Issue is excited to invite contributions that compile cutting-edge research and critical reviews addressing the fate, behavior, and biological effects of micropollutants in aquatic environments. We warmly welcome submissions that explore the following: Migration Pathways and Transport Mechanisms—research focusing on source identification, hydrological transport, sediment-water interactions, and bioaccumulation dynamics across various aquatic compartments. Transformation Processes—studies investigating abiotic and biotic degradation, advanced oxidation processes, photolysis, hydrolysis, along with the formation, persistence, and toxicity of transformation products. Ecotoxicological Impacts—research delving into chronic and sub-lethal effects across different species and trophic levels, mixture toxicity, endocrine disruption, antibiotic resistance, as well as innovative bioassays and biomarker development. Modeling and Risk Assessment—progress in predictive modeling related to fate and exposure, ecological—and human health—risk frameworks, alongside their regulatory implications. We encourage interdisciplinary submissions that bridge environmental chemistry, hydrology, toxicology, and engineering. Such contributions are essential for offering insights into mitigation strategies, advanced treatment technologies, and sustainable water management policies. By synthesizing recent advances in these areas, this Special Issue aims to enhance our mechanistic understanding while informing effective policies for safeguarding aquatic ecosystems amid the challenges posed by emerging chemical pollution. We are eagerly looking forward to your valuable contributions.

Prof. Dr. Lihui An
Guest Editor

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