Topic: Microplastics in Terrestrial Environments

Microplastics, plastic particles ranging from 1 μm to 5 mm in size, have emerged as a critical environmental concern in the last decade. Due to their small size, microplastics can be transported through air, water, and soil, leading to a widespread distribution across environmental compartments. Their presence in soil and terrestrial ecosystems signifies a notable yet often overlooked environmental threat. Microplastics can accumulate in the soil matrix, interact with soil microbiota, and be uptaken by plants and invertebrates, among other terrestrial organisms, potentially affecting plant growth, nutrient cycling, soil structure, and ecological consequences. In this Special Issue, a collection of research articles, case studies, critical reviews, and commentaries aimed at addressing the multiple analytical, physiological, and ecological aspects related to microplastics in terrestrial environments will be presented.

Subtopics:

● Detection and quantification of micro(nano)plastics in terrestrial environments;

● Sources, dynamics, and fate of micro(nano)plastics in terrestrial environments;

● Degradation and fragmentation of plastic debris in terrestrial environments;

● Impact of micro(nano)plastics on terrestrial organisms;

● Accumulation of micro(nano)plastics in agricultural lands;

● Uptake and bioaccumulation of micro(nano)plastics by plants;

● Policy solutions to reduce and prevent plastic pollution in terrestrial environments.

30 Oct 2024