The State of the Art on Micro- and Nanoplastic Pollution in the Aqueous, Air, and Soil Environments

Dear Colleagues,

Each year, the global influx of plastic waste into the marine environment ranges from 4.8 to 12.7 million tons and, due to environmental factors, plastic waste continuously degrades, leading to the formation of microplastics (MPs) (1–5000 µm) and nanoplastics (NPs) (< 1 µm or < 100 nm). These plastic particles, characterized by their small size, high stability, the adsorption of other toxic pollutants in the environment, and resistance to degradation, are ubiquitously present in the marine, freshwater, air, and soil environments. Data show that micro- and nanoplastic pollution poses a real threat to all forms of life on our planet. While most studies have focused on engineered MPs and NPs in synthetic waters, there is still a need for a better understanding of the prevalence and sources of MPs and NPs, their transport and distribution in different environments, their long-term ecological consequences, and their mechanisms of toxicity. In addition, there are no standardized methodologies for measuring of MPs and NPs in various matrices.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to highlight recent developments in analytical techniques for detecting and identifying these ubiquitous pollutants in different environments, assessing their impact, and exploring innovative technologies for their potential removal.

We would like to kindly invite scientific researchers to contribute original papers and reviews related to innovative solutions for reducing the negative impact of improper plastic waste management. 

Dr. Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Nita
Dr. Maria Râpă
Guest Editors

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• microplastic
• nanoplastic
• impact
• monitoring
• removal technology
• adsorption
• aqueous pollutants
• inhalation
• soil
• decision-makers