Emerging Challenges and Integrated Solutions for Anthropogenic Marine Pollution

Anthropogenic marine pollution presents a complex, multi-faceted threat to ecosystem integrity and planetary health. While historical contaminants remain a concern, the accelerating influx of emerging stressors—including micro and nanoplastics, chemical cocktails, and pharmaceutical residues—introduces significant uncertainties regarding synergistic toxicity and long-term biogeochemical impacts. These pressures are compounded by the climate crisis, which alters pollutant transport pathways and exacerbates effects such as ocean acidification and deoxygenation. Effective mitigation is further challenged by fragmented governance frameworks that struggle to keep up to speed with the rapid evolution of industrial byproducts. Addressing this intricate web of ecological and societal risks requires a paradigm shift towards integrated, cross-disciplinary solutions. This Research Topic aims to bridge the critical gap between pollution and the development of adaptive, enforceable policy mechanisms to safeguard marine resources for future generations.This Research Topic aims to advance the scientific frontier by curating a collection of high-impact studies that holistically address the evolving crisis of anthropogenic marine pollution. The primary goal is to move beyond traditional pollutant inventories and foster a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between emerging contaminants, climate-induced stressors, and marine ecosystem functioning. We seek contributions that elucidate the sources, transport pathways, transformation processes, and ecological consequences of pollutants, with a particular emphasis on understudied contaminants and their potential for chronic, sub-lethal, or synergistic effects. Furthermore, this collection strives to bridge the persistent gap between scientific discovery and actionable governance. We invite interdisciplinary work that evaluates the efficacy of current remediation strategies, explores nature-based solutions, and critically assesses the socioeconomic drivers and barriers to pollution mitigation. By integrating insights from environmental chemistry, toxicology, oceanography, and policy science, this collection aspires to inform the development of robust, forward-looking management frameworks. Ultimately, the goal is to catalyze the transition towards a sustainable blue economy by providing the evidence base necessary for adaptive policies that protect marine biodiversity and human well-being in an era of rapid global change.This Research Topic welcomes contributions addressing the multifaceted dimensions of anthropogenic marine degradation. We encourage submissions examining emerging chemical and biological contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceutical residues, and plastic derivatives. Of particular interest are studies exploring the marine impacts of nuclear-related activities, encompassing radionuclide transport, food web bioaccumulation, and ecosystem recovery following incidents or routine discharges. Investigations bridging pollution dynamics with climate-induced stressors are highly encouraged. We seek Original Research, Reviews, and Policy and Practice Reviews that advance monitoring technologies, assess ecological risks, or evaluate governance frameworks. Contributions proposing nature-based solutions, circular economy approaches, or adaptive management strategies to mitigate pollution sources and effects are welcome. Interdisciplinary submissions that integrate natural and social science perspectives to inform evidence-based decision-making for ocean health are particularly encouraged. Topic editors: Zhongchuang Liu, Nsikak U. Benson, Omowunmi H. Fred-Ahmadu Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81187/emerging-challenges-and-integrated-solutions-for-anthropogenic-marine-pollution