Special Issue on MicroplasticsThis special Issue of the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC) represents an important milestone in the national scientific effort to understand and try to minimize the growing challenge of microplastic pollution. It emerges directly from the work developed within the Academia Brasileira de Ciências’ (2025) Working Group on Plastics (2023-2024), whose comprehensive report: “Microplásticos: um problema complexo e urgente”, highlighted the pressing need for coordinated scientific, social, and governmental action to address the increasing production, use, and improper disposal of plastic materials in Brazil and worldwide.
This Special Issue contains 20 papers that reflects the Brazilian Academy’s commitment to advancing knowledge on the origins, behavior, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to microplastics formation, due to irregular disposal of plastics products. The studies compiled here address the different studies on this global problem, which arises from industrial, commercial, and domestic activities and poses urgent environmental and public health challenges.
The articles presented in this volume illustrate the dedication of a wide community of researchers who have worked tirelessly to generate high-quality scientific evidence, advance environmental education, raise public awareness, and proposing practical, evidence-based recommendations to support policymaking. Together, these authors demonstrate the indispensable role of science in guiding decision-makers and fostering sustainable solutions to reduce plastic pollution while safeguarding ecosystems and human well-being.
References
-
ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIÊNCIAS. 2025. Microplásticos: um problema complexo e urgente. Rio de Janeiro: Academia Brasileira de Ciências. Available at: https://www.abc.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/microplastico.pdf
» https://www.abc.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/microplastico.pdf
