Microplastics Across Ecosystems: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Sources, Sinks and Health Sustainable Solutions

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Microplastics pose a complex and pervasive environmental threat, requiring a unified approach that transcends traditional disciplines. This topic seeks contributions that integrate diverse areas of knowledge from environmental science, oceanography, toxicology, economics, and social sciences to elucidate the sources, transport, and ultimate fate of microplastics, as well as their effects on our ecosystems and biota. By fostering a multidisciplinary platform, we encourage collaboration among scientists to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. We invite authors to share their research and perspectives, so that together we can build a robust knowledge base that can shed light on this growing global crisis.

Prof. Dr. Caio Rodrigues Nobre
Prof. Dr. Camilo Dias Seabra Pereira
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Microplastics microplastics	5.1	6.8	2022	24.3 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Polymers polymers	4.9	9.7	2009	14.4 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	7.7	2009	17.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Toxics toxics	4.1	6.4	2013	17.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Water water	3.0	6.0	2009	18.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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All Microplastics Polymers Sustainability Toxics Water

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37 pages, 2121 KB  

Open AccessReview

Research Trends of Microplastics: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis Using the Methodi Ordinatio Approach

by W. Rosado-Martínez, B. Pamplona, K. García-Uitz, J. C. Cruz, L. G. Arriaga, J. Ledesma-García and M. P. Gurrola

Microplastics 2026, 5(2), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics5020090 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2026

Viewed by 175

Abstract

Microplastic pollution is a major environmental concern due to its persistence, global distribution, and potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. This systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, analyzes research trends in microplastics with a focus on physicochemical characterization and removal [...] Read more.

Microplastic pollution is a major environmental concern due to its persistence, global distribution, and potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. This systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, analyzes research trends in microplastics with a focus on physicochemical characterization and removal technologies. A literature search was performed in Scopus and Web of Science (1972–2025) using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. After screening and duplicate removal, 89 studies were included in the final analysis. It is considered that with this dataset, it is possible to capture the main analytical and technological developments in the field. As a bibliometric-oriented study, no formal risk-of-bias assessment was conducted. However, a qualitative consideration of potential biases was undertaken, particularly regarding publication bias, database coverage limitations, and the predominance of English-language peer-reviewed studies. These aspects were considered when interpreting the results. The Methodi Ordinatio approach was then used to rank publications based on scientific relevance and citation impact. Results show the predominance of FTIR and Raman spectroscopy for microplastic characterization, while removal technologies remain heterogeneous and less standardized, with most approaches still at laboratory scale. Key gaps include the lack of standardized analytical protocols and limited integration between detection and remediation strategies. Overall, this review highlights critical research trends and supports the development of scalable solutions for microplastic pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microplastics Across Ecosystems: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Sources, Sinks and Health Sustainable Solutions)

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17 pages, 2152 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Presence and Identification of Microplastics in Commercial Fish from Two RAMSAR Sites in Northwestern Mexico

by Martín Armando Román Vega, Apolinar Santamaría-Miranda, Juan Pablo Apún Molina, Iván Guadalupe Martínez Álvarez, Ricardo de Jesús Aguilar Romero, Karime Anahí Valdez Chávez, Máximo García-Marciano, Mauro Espinoza Ortíz and Luis Parmenio Suescún Bolívar

Microplastics 2026, 5(2), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics5020070 - 10 Apr 2026

Viewed by 583

Abstract

The presence of microplastics (<5 mm) has become a major threat to marine ecosystems and the organisms inhabiting them. This issue affects a wide range of animals, including commercially important marine fish, whose ingestion of microplastics can cause mechanical and metabolic damage. This [...] Read more.

The presence of microplastics (<5 mm) has become a major threat to marine ecosystems and the organisms inhabiting them. This issue affects a wide range of animals, including commercially important marine fish, whose ingestion of microplastics can cause mechanical and metabolic damage. This study aimed to characterize the main types of microplastic-like particles ingested by Centropomus viridis, Cynoscion othonopterus, Pomadasys macracanthus, Diapterus peruvianus, Lutjanus colorado, and Scomberomorus sierra, important commercial fish species in northwestern Mexico. Four sampling events were conducted over an annual cycle (November to August) in the lagoon and insular systems of Navachiste and Ohuira, Sinaloa, Mexico (RAMSAR sites 1826 and 2025). A total of 556 individuals were captured, and their stomach contents were analyzed using stereoscopic microscopy. Systematic sediment sampling was also performed at each capture site (El Coloradito, El Caracol, El Huitussi, El Aparecido, El Cerro Cabezón, Topolobampo, El Cerro Partido, and El Tortugo) by examining the upper 30 cm of sediment to ensure representativeness of the particle inventory. Four of the six analyzed species (C. viridis, C. othonopterus, P. macracanthus, and D. peruvianus) contained microplastic-like particles (MP-p), totaling 163 items, with an average ingestion rate of 0.29 items individual⁻¹. The omnivorous species D. peruvianus showed the highest ingestion (0.52 items individual⁻¹; 0.0029 items g⁻¹ wet weight). Five categories of MP-p were distinguished based on morphology and fluorescence; however, their polymeric identity cannot be confirmed without spectroscopic analyses. Sediment results showed that most microplastic-like fragments occurred at site 2025 during autumn, spring, and summer, while levels at site 1826 did not differ significantly. This study provides the first evidence of microplastic contamination in these fish species and in this region of northwestern Mexico. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microplastics Across Ecosystems: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Sources, Sinks and Health Sustainable Solutions)

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16 pages, 786 KB  

Open AccessPerspective

Iatrogenic Microplastic Exposure: A Possible and Underrecognized Healthcare-Associated Exposure Framework in Human Medicotoxicological Risk

by Hüseyin Çetin Ketenci and Hülya Kılıç

Toxics 2026, 14(4), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14040302 - 31 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants detected not only in water, soil, and air but also in human biological samples. To date, three main exposure routes have been identified. Currently, the principal exposure routes examined in scholarly works are oral, inhalational, and dermal. [...] Read more.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants detected not only in water, soil, and air but also in human biological samples. To date, three main exposure routes have been identified. Currently, the principal exposure routes examined in scholarly works are oral, inhalational, and dermal. This paper explores iatrogenic microplastic exposure (IME) as an underrecognized healthcare-associated source of exposure and suggests that, in certain clinical contexts involving invasive, device-mediated, or direct systemic contact, IME may be considered a possible fourth route of exposure. IME is the introduction of microplastics into the human body through medical interventions. A literature-based conceptual review was conducted focusing on the materials and additives used in pharmaceutical formulations, intravenous systems, and medical devices. Particular attention was given to polymer-based excipients and plasticizers (e.g., phthalates, PEG, triacetin) found in enteric drug coatings and infusion packaging. Findings suggest that polymer-derived particles may enter systemic circulation via intravenous fluids, implantable devices, or oral medications, especially under conditions of heat, pressure, or prolonged contact. Such materials, though deemed biocompatible, may contribute to nanoplastic load and chronic exposure risks. Vulnerable groups such as neonates, oncology patients, and ICU populations may face disproportionate exposure. This calls for re-evaluation of plastic use in medical practice, improved regulatory oversight of pharmaceutical excipients, and innovation in plastic-free biomedical materials. Integrating this route into toxicological and epidemiological frameworks will enrich our understanding of microplastic-related health risks and broaden the scope of environmental health strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microplastics Across Ecosystems: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Sources, Sinks and Health Sustainable Solutions)

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22 pages, 2687 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Biochar as a Soil Amendment for Mulch-Derived Microplastics-Contaminated Soils: Impacts on Raphanus sativus L. Growth Under Greenhouse Conditions

by Honorio Patiño-Galván, María de la Luz Xochilt Negrete-Rodríguez, Dioselina Álvarez-Bernal, Marcos Alfonso Lastiri-Hernández, Guillermo Antonio Silva-Martínez, Fabiola Estefanía Tristán-Flores, Aurea Bernardino-Nicanor, Leopoldo González-Cruz and Eloy Conde-Barajas

Microplastics 2026, 5(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics5010048 - 6 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 787

Abstract

In recent years, microplastics (MPs) pollution in agricultural soils has increased markedly, largely due to the improper management of plastic mulch films used to improve crop growing conditions. In this context, the present study evaluated the use of biochar (BC) as a soil [...] Read more.

In recent years, microplastics (MPs) pollution in agricultural soils has increased markedly, largely due to the improper management of plastic mulch films used to improve crop growing conditions. In this context, the present study evaluated the use of biochar (BC) as a soil amendment for mulch-derived MPs-contaminated soils in a radish (Raphanus sativus L.) crop under greenhouse conditions. A pot experiment was established in soils contaminated with MPs (0.5% w/w) and amended with four BC rates (w/w): 0% (Control), 1% (BC1), 3% (BC3), and 5% (BC5). Soil physicochemical indicators were assessed, together with germination, leaf, and radish bulb growth parameters. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions until the radishes reached commercial maturity. Most of the soil’s physicochemical indicators, such as hydrogen potential (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), water holding capacity (WHC), total organic carbon (TOC), organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), ammonium (N–NH₄⁺) and nitrates (N–NO₃⁻), showed significant differences between treatments (p < 0.05), with the exception of the carbon-nitrogen ratio (C/N), which did not vary significantly (p ≥ 0.05). No significant differences were observed among treatments (p ≥ 0.05) for germination indicators. For leaf traits, dry biomass was significantly lower in BC1 than in the other treatments (p < 0.05). For radish bulb traits, fresh weight was significantly higher in BC3 (p < 0.05) compared with the other treatments. Similarly, total plant fresh weight showed significant differences among treatments, with BC3 exhibiting the highest value (p < 0.05). Overall, the BC3 treatment provided the greatest improvement in radish development in MPs-contaminated soil. However, further research involving different types of MPs, BCs, or other crop species is needed to more comprehensively assess the impact of BC on agricultural soils contaminated with MPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microplastics Across Ecosystems: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Sources, Sinks and Health Sustainable Solutions)

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27 pages, 2656 KB  

Open AccessReview

A Review of the Sampling, Analysis, and Identification Techniques of Microplastics in the Air: Insights into PM_2.5 and PM₁₀

by Leonela Anahis Solórzano, Dayana Gavilanes, Francisco Cadena, Lourdes Irusta, Alba González and Miguel Aldas

Polymers 2025, 17(22), 3045; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17223045 - 17 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4089

Abstract

The massive use of plastics has raised growing environmental concerns, including microplastic (MP) pollution. While most studies have focused on MPs in aquatic environments, research on airborne microplastics has gained increasing attention in recent years. This review discusses the sampling, analytical, and identification [...] Read more.

The massive use of plastics has raised growing environmental concerns, including microplastic (MP) pollution. While most studies have focused on MPs in aquatic environments, research on airborne microplastics has gained increasing attention in recent years. This review discusses the sampling, analytical, and identification techniques used for MPs, with a particular focus on PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ fractions, which have been scarcely addressed in the literature. The main active and passive sampling methods, sample preparation protocols, MP quantification approaches, and chemical characterization techniques applied to airborne plastic particles are compiled. Attention is given to the influence of meteorological conditions on transport and deposition, as well as to the predominant sources of primary and secondary microplastics in both indoor and outdoor environments. The analysis identifies the main research challenges, particularly in the detection of microplastics and in the standardization of protocols. The review highlights the need for standardized methodologies to advance reliable quantification and to better understand the environmental implications of MPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microplastics Across Ecosystems: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Sources, Sinks and Health Sustainable Solutions)

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