Hazardous Contaminants Associated with Plastics: Occurrence and Environmental Effects

About this Research Topic

Background

Plastic pollution, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and trace metals are so globally widespread that we can assume no natural environment has been left untouched. Certain POPs and metals are recognized as potentially toxic substances and are known for their ability to adsorb to plastics at concentrations higher than the surrounding environment. These contaminants can thus move together with plastic particles from one environmental compartment to another and climb the trophic chain when plastics (mostly micro and nano-plastics) are mistaken for food and ingested by biota. The same fate is shared by plastic additives, substances employed in the plastic industry to increase the performance of the final products. Several plastic additives are carcinogenic, endocrine-disrupting POPs, and since they are not chemically bound to the macromolecules of the polymers, they can be easily released into the environment.

Studies on the environmental distribution, behavior, and toxicity effects of chemicals associated with plastics that have been improperly discharged into the environment, are a key focus of ongoing research. Despite the attention that the scientific community has been giving to the topic of plastic pollution in the last decade, there are still several knowledge gaps that need to be filled. The effects of chemicals associated with plastics pollution on biota and humans are still poorly understood. Another research aspect that has not been deeply investigated is how the adsorption and release of the contaminants vary according to factors such as the type of polymer, type of contaminant, and duration of environmental exposure.

In light of the potential hazard that plastic pollution might represent for natural ecosystems and human health, it is crucial not only to gain new knowledge on the possible risks but also to take action in developing control and remediation strategies.

The aim of the current Research Topic is to fill the knowledge gap on the impact of chemicals associated with plastic pollution on ecosystems and human health. We want to explore the occurrence, transport, and toxicity of these contaminants, as well as the possible effects and interactions between the chemicals and the environment, biota, and humans. Therefore, we welcome original research, review, mini review, and perspective submissions on themes including, but not limited to:

• Occurrence, transport, and adsorption mechanisms of plasticizers and other POPs associated with plastic pollution.
• Interaction, transport, and adsorption mechanisms that may change the bioavailability and toxicity of metals associated with plastic pollution.
• The different contributions to adsorption and release of contaminants for various polymer-contaminant combinations.
• Exposure, bioaccumulation, toxic effect, and risk assessment of hazardous pollutants linked to plastics.
• Interactions of contaminants transported and released by plastic pollution with the environment and living systems including humans.
• Novel methods or techniques for analyzing chemicals linked to plastics.

Keywords: contaminant transfer, plastic pollution, plastic, additives, microplastics, nanoplastics, environmental impact, toxicity, vector, exposure, environmental fate, risk assessment, trace metals

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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