Microplastics and their environmental effects

Microplastics (MPs) are acknowledged as emerging contaminants that pose a substantial threat to the environment. The adverse impacts of MP pollution extend across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, covering regions from the Tropics to the Poles. Although our comprehension of MP behavior has progressed in recent years, it is still difficult to predict exposure hotspots or exposure scenarios. Despite a noteworthy increase in data concerning MP occurrence in different environmental compartments and species, there is a noticeable scarcity of experimental data on MP uptake, accumulation, and effects. This Virtual Special Issue (VSI) received a total of 19 contributions from 11 countries, with a significant majority originating from Italy, India, Spain, and China. These contributions were categorized into three main themes: the occurrence and effects of MPs on aquatic and terrestrial organisms, the presence of chemical additives in plastics, and review articles summarizing previously published research on MPs.

Automated summary

Microplastics (MPs) are recognized as emerging contaminants that pose a substantial threat to the environment, with adverse impacts extending across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. Despite advancements in understanding MP behavior, predicting exposure hotspots or scenarios remains challenging. While there is an increase in data on MP occurrence in various environments and species, there is a noticeable scarcity of experimental data on MP uptake, accumulation, and effects. This Virtual Special Issue received contributions from 11 countries, mainly focusing on the occurrence and effects of MPs on organisms, the presence of chemical additives in plastics, and review articles summarizing previous research on MPs.