Nano- and Microplastics as Vectors: Co-contaminant Interactions, Mixture Toxicity, and the Trojan Horse Effect in Marine Systems

Nano- and microplastics are now recognized as persistent contaminants in marine environments, with growing evidence that their environmental impact extends beyond their physical presence alone. Increasing attention has focused on the ability of these materials to interact with heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, pharmaceuticals, pathogens, and other emerging contaminants. Through adsorption, desorption, and surface-mediated interactions, nano- and microplastics may alter contaminant transport, bioavailability, trophic transfer, and toxicity across marine systems.This Research Topic aims to provide a focused platform for recent advances addressing the role of nano- and microplastics as environmental vectors and mediators of complex contaminant interactions in marine ecosystems. Particular emphasis will be placed on mechanistic understanding of the “Trojan horse” effect, where contaminants associated with plastics may enhance uptake, accumulation, or biological effects in marine organisms. The collection also seeks to address how aging, weathering, biofilm formation, and environmental transformation processes modify the surface chemistry and vector behavior of plastics under realistic marine conditions.We welcome interdisciplinary contributions spanning environmental chemistry, marine ecotoxicology, microbiology, analytical science, environmental engineering, and environmental risk assessment.Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: - Sorption and desorption dynamics of co-contaminants on nano- and microplastics- Interactions between plastics and pathogens within the plastisphere- Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of contaminant-loaded plastics across marine food webs- Synergistic or mixture toxicity effects in marine organisms- Impacts of polymer type, particle size, aging state, and surface modification on contaminant behavior- Analytical and modeling approaches for studying plastic-associated pollutants- Regulatory or risk-assessment frameworks addressing complex contaminant mixtures in marine environments.The Research Topic further encourages studies that bridge laboratory observations with field-based evidence and environmental relevance. Contributions exploring environmentally realistic concentrations, chronic exposure scenarios, and ecosystem-level implications are especially encouraged.By bringing together diverse perspectives across marine pollution science, this collection aims to strengthen understanding of the environmental fate and ecological consequences of nano- and microplastic-associated contaminants and support the development of improved monitoring, mitigation, and regulatory strategies for marine ecosystems. Topic editors: Manjinder Kour, Kuok Ho Daniel Tang, Sapana Jadoun Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82368/nano--and-microplastics-as-vectors-co-contaminant-interactions-mixture-toxicity-and-the-trojan-horse-effect-in-marine-systems