Topic: The Effects of Microplastic and Nanoplastic Exposure on Human or Wildlife

The pervasive presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) through the slow degradation of macroplastics in the environment has raised significant global concerns regarding their potential impacts on human and ecological health. These plastic particles have been widely detected in diverse environmental matrices and biota, as a result of mismanaged plastic waste. Consequently, both humans and wildlife are increasingly exposed to these contaminants via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive exposure assessments and risk evaluations. This Special Issue aims to advance our understanding of the effects of MPs and NPs on human and wildlife health. 

This issue brings together cutting-edge research addressing the complexities of exposure, toxicokinetics, biological impacts, and health risks associated with MPs and NPs. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

● Assessment of the exposure of human and wildlife to MPs/NPs through various pathways (e.g., dietary intake, airborne particles, and waterborne exposure);

● Exploration of the presence of MPs/NPs in human consumables, wildlife habitats, and trophic transfer across ecosystems;

● Investigation of the molecular and cellular interactions of MPs and NPs using advanced techniques (such as omics approaches and machine learning); 

● Quantification of MPs/NPs in human tissues, wildlife species, and environmental compartments;   

● Probabilistic risk assessments of MP and NP exposure and policy-oriented recommendations for mitigating exposure.  

● Elucidation of MPs/NPs interaction with co-contaminants, potential endocrine-disrupting effects, and impacts on microbiomes of humans and wildlife.  

We also welcome submissions on any other topics relevant to "The Effects of Microplastic and Nanoplastic Exposure on Human or Wildlife". This Special Issue seeks to bridge knowledge gaps in the field and stimulate dialogue on strategies for mitigating the risks posed by the degradation of plastics in the environment into MPs and NPs. We warmly invite scientists in these fields to submit their articles (including original research papers, review articles, perspectives, commentaries, and editorials) for publication in this Special Issue. We hope that this collective effort will provide actionable insights for policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders dedicated to addressing the challenges, and advance the science and management of microplastic and nanoplastic exposure impacts. 

Microplastics, Nanoplastics, exposure, pathways, environmental toxicology, human, wildlife, health risks