Since the term microplastics surfaced in early years of this century its presence in the environment and food chain has become an area of great interest and concern. Contamination by microplastic in air, land, aquatic bodies, flora and fauna are being investigated through multidisciplinary research efforts. In the current research, attention is being given to interactions of microplastic and nanoplastics with human, plant and animal hosts, as well as with other biotic and abiotic contaminants. At this time of COVID-19 pandemic, a considerable increase of microplastic and nanoplastics will probably occur. The high demand for face masks, PPE, and disposable consumer items made of synthetic polymers will generate a high volume of waste. Owing to its durable nature, inertness, and slow degradation, microplastic and nanoplastics will continue to increase in volume and linger when left without mediation. This thematic series focusses on contaminants predominantly in food. Topics are, but not limited to:
- Prevalence of different microplastics in environment and food chain
- Detection methods for micro-and nanoplastics
- Toxicity of micro- and nano-plastics
- Microbial interactions on microplasticsInteraction of microplastics with food and environmental contaminants
- Microplastics as allergens (carriers)
- Legislation
- Risk assessment
- Climate change and microplastics
Lead Guest-Editor
Tanja Cirkovic-Velickovic, University of Belgrade-Facaulty of Chemistry, Serbia
Guest-Editors
Jana Asselman, Ghent University, Belgium
Jaehak Jung, Korea Institute of Analytical Science and Technology, South Korea
Deadline for submissions: 31 December 2022