Microplastics in Coastal Systems: Transport Dynamics and Impacts on Membrane Filtration Processes

Microplastics are increasingly prevalent in coastal and aquatic environments, where their distribution and transport are shaped by sediment dynamics, hydrodynamics, and human activity. Beyond their environmental persistence, these particles present a growing challenge for membrane-based water treatment systems, influencing fouling behavior, permeability, selectivity, and operational stability.This Research Topic brings together studies on the transport, monitoring, and characterization of microplastics in coastal systems, alongside their interactions with membrane filtration processes. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding how microplastics and associated organic matter, biofilms, and co-contaminants affect membrane performance in microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), and reverse osmosis (RO) systems.We welcome contributions that bridge environmental processes and membrane engineering, including experimental, field-based, and modeling studies that provide mechanistic insight and practical relevance. Submissions should demonstrate a clear connection between microplastic behavior and membrane system performance or operation.Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:Transport, fate, and distribution of microplastics in coastal and nearshore environmentsMonitoring and analytical methods for microplastic detection and characterizationMicroplastic-induced fouling mechanisms and cake layer formationInteractions between microplastics, natural organic matter, and biofilmsImpacts on membrane flux, selectivity, and cleaning strategiesPerformance of MF, UF, NF, and RO systems under microplastic exposurePilot-scale and field studies linking environmental occurrence to treatment challengesMitigation strategies for microplastic removal and membrane system resilienceArticle types include original research, reviews, short communications, and case studies with a strong focus on membrane processes and applications. Topic editors: Corinne Corbau, Philippe Le Coustumer Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77387/microplastics-in-coastal-systems-transport-dynamics-and-impacts-on-membrane-filtration-processes