Effects of Microplastics Pollution in the Aquatic Environment

Dear Colleagues,

Aquatic organisms are exposed to microplastics worldwide, and most animals examined have been shown to ingest them. However, much of what is ingested is subsequently egested. Exposure can also occur from contact with the surface or contact with respiratory organs. This Special Issue will explore the effects produced in aquatic organisms by exposure to microplastics. We are interested in both field studies and laboratory studies, but laboratory studies should use concentrations of microplastics that are generally similar to levels that are found in the environment. It is also preferred that lab studies use the types of microplastics that are more common in natural ecosystems. The effects studied could be at all levels of biological organization: biochemical, physiological, pathological, behavioral, developmental, reproductive, etc., and effects that can result in changes at the population or community level are particularly welcome. We are interested in studies on all kinds of aquatic organisms including phyto- and zoo-plankton, macroalgae, macrophytes, micro-, meio- and macro-benthos, and nekton. We are also interested in papers that can distinguish the effects of the plastic itself from effects produced from exposure to contaminants that were adsorbed onto the microplastic.

Prof. Dr. Judith S. Weis
Guest Editor

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