Microplastics, Nanoplastics, and Crustacea: Uptake and Impacts

Dear Colleagues,

Microplastics and nanoplastics are frequently used catch-all terms for a diverse array of polymers, in combination with their additives and fillers. Observations of the growing abundance of these microplastics in the environment have been accompanied by regular reports of uptake by aquatic species. Key amongst these have been the crustaceans of a range of sizes and feeding modes. Such observations have led to global concern regarding their impacts on the individual species and wider communities, with a particular focus on species at the bottom of the food chain. More recently, improved sampling protocols and detection limits have also highlighted the potential threat posed by nanoplastics, demonstrating the potential for a wider range of impacts on this group.

To date, the effects of uptake of a range of microplastics and nanoplastics (of variable polymer, size, morphology and concentration) by crustaceans have been observed under laboratory conditions. These studies have examined a number of endpoints, including respiration, growth and mortality. This Special Issue of the Journal of Xenobiotics aims to bring together recent research on the uptake and impacts of micro- and nanoplastics by crustacean species. In comparing the observed effects of plastics of a varied sizes, polymers and particle morphologies we hope to highlight the species and particles types of highest concern and to enable extrapolation of secondary effects to the wider environment. 

Dr. Natalie Welden
Guest Editor

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• microplastic
• nanoplastic
• ingestion
• uptake
• bioaccumulation
• trophic transfer
• effects
• impacts
• toxicology
• crustacea
• ecosystems