Marine Micro & Nanoplastics

Dear Colleagues,

Plastics are the main constituent of the marine litter that is present in the oceans and seas of the planet. The main ecological problem linked to plastic contamination is represented by the direct and indirect impact of the smallest dimensional fraction represented by micro and nanoplastics. In recent years, progress has been made regarding the knowledge on the environmental level and the effects induced by exposure to microplastics; on the contrary, scientific knowledge on nanoplastics is still far from being considered exhaustive. The purpose of this Special Issue is to collect contributions aimed at clarifying the still little-known aspects of the levels of contamination and of the biological effects induced by exposure to micro and nanoplastics, as well as of their role as carriers for chemical micro-contaminants (Trojan-horse effect), biological agents (pathogens) in the contamination of marine ecosystems and food webs and their actions as vectors for the spread of alien species. Papers focusing on these aspects of micro and nanoplastics in marine environments are welcome.

Dr. Monia Renzi
Dr. Cristiana Guerranti
Dr. Manuela Piccardo
Dr. Francesca Provenza
Dr. Andrea Broccoli
Topic Editors

Article processing charge will be waived for all accepted manuscripts in Oceans and Microplastics.