Ecotoxicological Effects of Anthropogenic Contaminants in Aquatic Organisms
A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Ecotoxicology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 550
Special Issue Editors
Interests: invertebrate models; behavioral toxicity; histological alterations; environmental pollutants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: Xenopus laevis; gene expression; embryo toxicology; embryogenesis; heavy metals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue focuses on the ecotoxicological impacts of anthropogenic contaminants on aquatic organisms, highlighting the complex interplay between pollutants and biological systems. Its scope encompasses molecular, cellular, and organismal levels of biological organization to provide a holistic understanding of contaminant-induced effects. It aims to bridge gaps in the existing literature by emphasizing under-represented species, particularly invertebrates and lower vertebrates, whose responses to pollutants remain underexplored. Studies regarding the effects on plants irrigated with contaminated water are equally welcome.
We seek contributions examining gene expression changes, epigenetic modifications, and alterations in signaling pathways and receptor interactions caused by contaminants. Research addressing behavioral disruptions as biomarkers of environmental toxicity is also encouraged. This Special Issue will contextualize findings within broader ecotoxicological paradigms by incorporating diverse methodologies and model systems, offering novel insights into mechanistic pathways and adaptive responses.
This issue builds on the existing literature by expanding the range of studied species, complementing work primarily focused on higher vertebrates. It will highlight emerging contaminants and innovative approaches to assess sub-lethal effects, positioning itself as an important resource for understanding ecotoxicological risks and informing conservation and regulatory policies. Through this interdisciplinary lens, this Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of how anthropogenic activities shape aquatic ecosystems.
Prof. Dr. Chiara Maria Motta
Prof. Dr. Rosa Carotenuto
Guest Editors
Dr. Chiara Fogliano
Guest Editor Assistant
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 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.
Keywords
- emerging pollutants
- health assessment
- aquatic ecosystems
- behavioural alterations
- histological alterations
- gene expression
- aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates
- reproductive toxicology
- interferences with metabolism
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