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Editorial: Biogeochemical behavior and biological response of environmental contaminants
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This editorial introduces a research collection on the biogeochemical behavior of environmental contaminants including microplastics and their biological effects on aquatic organisms. Understanding how contaminants cycle through ecosystems is essential for assessing human exposure and health risks.
human activity, underscoring the importance of studying the biogeochemical behaviors and biological responses to these contaminants. This provides the essential theoretical groundwork for addressing and mitigating environmental contamination. By understanding the migration and transformation of contaminants across various environmental media, we can better manage and potentially alleviate these issues.Studies in this realm aim to discern the distribution, behavior, and toxic effects of environmental contaminants. It is imperative to comprehend the biogeochemical behavior and biological repercussions of these contaminants to effectively control and manage them. Doing so aids researchers in better gauging potential risks and crafting interventions. For instance, delving into the mechanisms by which contaminants affect organisms can inform the creation of preventive measures to shield organisms from harm.Many contaminants pose toxicity risks to various organisms, highlighting the pressing need for research aimed at ensuring ecological safety and protecting human health. A seminal study by Guo et al. employed a comprehensive quantitative analysis of numerous peer-reviewed articles, revealing the deleterious effects of microplastics on earthworms. Their research underscored histopathological damage and oxidative stress as primary toxic mechanisms. Moreover, they identified critical concentrations of microplastics that trigger neural and DNA damage in earthworms due to oxidative stress. Their findings contribute significantly to the theoretical foundation necessary for fostering an ecologically sustainable soil environment.Furthermore, environmental contamination can spur the adaptive evolution of microorganisms.Notably, certain microorganisms, with the potential to effectively break down pesticides, can be isolated from pesticide-contaminated soils (Sun et al., 2022). In a pivotal study, Zhang et al. This approach facilitated the identification and quantification of multiple contamination sources, paving the way for a more nuanced understanding of the source, movement, and alteration of nitrogen within the Cao'e River basin.However, understanding contaminants in the environment isn't straightforward. Often, it isn't a singular contaminant but a combination, necessitating bespoke experimental approaches.Given the vast array of contaminants, comprehensive sample analysis can be costly and timeintensive. Consequently, establishing contamination models using extensive data for simulation becomes a viable strategy (Zhang et al., 2023). Yet, the absence of authoritative databases limits the potential of such modeling. Additionally, the use of experimental animal models is indispensable for understanding the behavioral responses to contaminants. The integrity of these models is paramount, as it directly impacts the accuracy and reliability of research findings (Zhang et al., 2022).
More Papers Like This
Migration, transformation, and ecological effects of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems
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Researchers reviewed how microplastics migrate, transform, and affect aquatic ecosystems, summarizing evidence that physical aging, photochemical weathering, and biofouling reshape particle surfaces and enhance co-contaminant uptake, while ecological effects span oxidative stress and genotoxicity at the organism level to disrupted biogeochemical cycling at the ecosystem level.
The prevalence of microplastics on the earth and resulting increased imbalances in biogeochemical cycling
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This study examines how microplastics are disrupting natural biogeochemical cycles, finding that plastic particles can block elemental transfers between reservoirs and create novel shortcuts in nutrient cycling, altering the flow of matter and energy through Earth's ecosystems.
Environmental Impact of Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems: A Review of Current Research and Future Directions
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This review examines microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems, covering chemical, biological, and ecological processes beyond simple physical contamination and identifying priority areas for future research directions.
Micro(nano)plastics: Unignorable vectors for organisms
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This review examines the role of micro- and nanoplastics as vectors for contaminants — including heavy metals, organic pollutants, and pathogens — in aquatic and terrestrial environments. It synthesizes evidence on how plastic particles can adsorb, transport, and release harmful substances, amplifying their ecological and health risks beyond the physical effects of the particles alone.
Effect of microplastics on the environmental behavior of emerging contaminants in aquatic matrices
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This study examines how microplastics affect the environmental behavior of emerging contaminants in aquatic systems. Microplastics can adsorb other pollutants and alter their bioavailability, potentially increasing or decreasing toxic effects depending on the chemicals and environmental conditions.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.