Effects of Heavy Metals and Microplastics on Wetland Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function

Dear Colleagues,

Wetlands are frequently considered as biodiversity hotspots and living laboratories due to their high species richness and diversity. They provide habitat for a wide range of plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Many species, including rare and endangered ones, depend on wetlands for breeding, feeding, and shelter. Many bird species, particularly waterfowl, rely on wetlands as critical stopover points during their migration from one to another place. Overall, they play a critical role in maintaining the health and functioning of our earth's ecosystems. Nonetheless, the adverse impact of increased human activities, which leads to excess levels of heavy metals and microplastics, has negative consequences for these precious wetland ecosystems, posing a significant threat to their fragile balance and the myriad life forms they sustain. Heavy metals (e.g., Pb, Hg, and Cd) accumulate in sediments and water, harming aquatic plants, animals, and even micro-organisms. This disturbs the food chain, impairs reproductive success, and jeopardizes the health of various species. Microplastics, on the other hand, intrude wetlands as minute particles that are ingested by various organisms, leading to internal damage and inhibiting growth and reproduction. These pollutants alter wetland habitats' physical and chemical properties, compromising water quality, reducing biodiversity, and impairing ecosystem services. The negative cascade effect of heavy metal and microplastic pollution stresses the urgency of comprehensive research and proactive management strategies to mitigate these threats and ensure the preservation of these invaluable ecosystems. Hence, we cordially invite you to contribute to this Special Issue by submitting your manuscripts focusing on the sources, transport, risk, and impacts of heavy metals and microplastics on wetlands' biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Hualong Hong
Prof. Dr. Mohammad Belal Hossain
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• heavy metals
• microplastics
• wetland ecosystems
• ecology
• risk assessment
• food chain
• health risk
• emerging contaminants
• water and sediment contamination
• ecosystem health
• exposure
• polythelene