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Call for Papers - Microplastics in Aquatic Environments

Guest Editors:
Prof. Dr. Xiaowei Wu: Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, China
Dr. Pradnya D. Rao: Department of Sustainable Packaging, Minerals Technologies Inc., USA
Dr. Ula Rozman: University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Dr. Oriol Rius Ayra: University of Barcelona, Spain

Submission Status: Open from 20th June 2024   |   Submission Deadline: 31st January 2025 


Environmental Systems Research is calling for submissions to our Collection on Microplastics in Aquatic Environments.

This collection aims to advance understanding of the sources, distribution, and ecological impacts of microplastics in freshwater and marine systems. By fostering interdisciplinary research, the collection seeks to highlight innovative methods for detection, quantify risks to biodiversity and human health, and develop strategies for mitigation and policy recommendations. Through comprehensive studies, the collection aspires to inform stakeholders and support the development of sustainable solutions to address the pervasive issue of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.

Image credit: Svetlozar Hristov / Getty Images / iStock

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 6, SDG 13, SDG 14 and SDG 15.

Meet the Guest Editors

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Prof. Dr. Xiaowei Wu: Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, China

Xiaowei Wu is professor at the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (Nuist). He holds a doctorate in environmental chemistry from Nanjing University (2021), and then engaged in two years of post-doctoral research in the State Key Laboratory of Environmental Benchmarking and Risk Assessment of the Chinese Academy of Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on micro- and nanoplastics in aquatic environments, particularly their formation, environmental risks, and the long-term natural weathering, photoaging, and fragmentation of these particles in natural waters.

Dr. Pradnya D. Rao:  Department of Sustainable Packaging, Minerals Technologies Inc., USA
Dr. Pradnya D. Rao, a pioneering research scientist with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Maine, USA. She specializes in development and analysis of sustainable materials to reduce microplastics and traditional polymers in packaging, crucial for environmental preservation. Her work focuses on improvement of biopolymer performance using surface-modified minerals and natural pigments to replace harmful plastics like polyethylene and PFAS. Her impactful research, evident in her prolific publications and conference presentations, includes chairing a session at TAPPICon 2024 and shaping standards with her contributions to ASTM-SSIG. 

Dr. Ula Rozman: University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ula Rozman is a post-doctoral researcher and assistant professor at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. She has a background in chemical engineering, specializing in environmental engineering. Her PhD and post-doctoral research are mainly focused on studying the fate and effects of microplastics in freshwater, with the main aspect being the study of the interactions between microplastics and different biota. She is the author of several papers published in peer-reviewed journals and has contributed to three book chapters.

Dr. Oriol Rius Ayra: University of Barcelona, Spain
Dr. Oriol Rius Ayra, currently a Serra Húnter Lecturer at the Faculty of Chemistry at the Universitat de Barcelona. He earned his PhD in Engineering and Applied Sciences in 2019. His research spans several fascinating areas: developing micro and nanostructures, particularly superhydrophobic surfaces; studying their applications in corrosion resistance, durability, and the removal of immiscible oils and microplastics from water emulsions; investigating environmental properties of High Entropy Alloys (HEA) and Extractive Metallurgy processes; and integrating metal 3D printing into environmental applications. He teaches various undergraduate degrees and supervises final degree and master’s theses. Previously, he conducted postdoctoral research in the field of 3D printing and its environmental and engineering applications as Margarita Salas fellowship.

There are currently no articles in this collection.

About the collection

Environmental Systems Research is calling for submissions to our Collection on Microplastics in Aquatic Environments.

Microplastics pose a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems worldwide, impacting biodiversity, food safety, and human health. Despite increasing global awareness, comprehensive research on the sources, distribution, and effects of microplastics in various aquatic environments remains limited. These small plastic particles originate from various sources including consumer products, industrial processes, and degradation of larger plastics, and they pervade both freshwater and marine ecosystems.

The pervasive nature of microplastics and their complex interactions with environmental and biological systems necessitate a multifaceted research approach. This includes advancing detection methods, understanding ecological impacts, assessing risks to human health, and developing effective mitigation strategies. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts across scientific disciplines and sectors to generate actionable knowledge and inform policy.

This collection aims to compile a comprehensive body of research through original research articles, short communications, or reviews on several aspects of microplastics in aquatic environments including, but not limited to:

  • Identification and quantification of microplastics in different aquatic environments
  • Sources and pathways of microplastic pollution
  • Physical and chemical characterization of microplastics
  • Interaction of microplastics with aquatic organisms and ecosystems
  • Effects of microplastics on biodiversity and food webs
  • Human health risks associated with microplastics in water bodies
  • Advances in detection, monitoring, and analysis techniques for microplastics
  • Development and assessment of mitigation strategies to reduce microplastic pollution
  • Policy and regulatory approaches to managing microplastic pollution
  • Public awareness and educational initiatives on microplastics
  • Interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and addressing microplastic pollution
  • Case studies highlighting successful interventions and best practices
  • Emerging issues and future directions in microplastics research

Submission Guidelines

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This Collection welcomes submission of Research Articles. Before submitting your manuscript, please ensure you have read our submission guidelines. Articles for this Collection should be submitted via our submission system. During the submission process, under the section additional information, you will be asked whether you are submitting to a Collection, please select "Microplastics for Aquatic Environments" from the dropdown menu.

Articles will undergo the journal’s standard peer-review process and are subject to all of the journal’s standard policies. Articles will be added to the Collection as they are published.

The Guest Editors have no competing interests with the submissions which they handle through the peer review process. The peer review of any submissions for which the Guest Editors have competing interests is handled by another Editorial Board Member who has no competing interests.