Collection 

Ending plastic pollution

Submission status
Open
Submission deadline

Plastics are a crucial part of modern life, however tens of millions of tones of plastic waste is disposed of each year, much of which ultimately ends up in the ocean. Microplastics have been found in the deepest parts of the ocean, the remote Antarctic, and may even reach the stratosphere. Nanoplastics, small enough to enter the bloodstream, are now ubiquitous in air, water, and soil.

In this Collection we welcome submissions on (micro)plastic pollution, with a special focus on reducing plastic waste in the environment to coincide with 2024's upcoming binding UN treaty on Ending Plastic Pollution. Observational and modelling studies understanding the extent, distribution and effects of (micro)plastic pollution, as well as studies and opinion pieces on the transition to a more sustainable use of plastics will be considered.

This Collection supports and amplifies research directly related to:
SDG 3 - Good health and well-being
SDG 6 - Clean water and sanitation
SDG 12 - Responsible consumption and production
SDG 14 - Industry, innovation and infrastructure
SDG 15 - Industry, innovation and infrastructure

To submit, see the participating journals
Close-up side shot of hands shows microplastic waste contaminated with the seaside sand. Microplastics are contaminated in the sea. Concept of water pollution and global warming.

This Collection is open for submissions from all authors – and not by invitation only – on the condition that the manuscripts fall within the scope of the Collection and the participating journals more generally.

All manuscripts will be considered for publication according to the editorial policies of the specific participating journal through which they are submitted. Visit Nature portfolio’s Collections guidelines for more details.

When submitting your manuscript to a participating journal via our online submission system, please choose the appropriate Collection title from the drop-down menu on the submission form. Please be sure to express your interest in the Collection in your cover letter. Please only submit to one journal, but note that authors have the option to transfer to another participating journal following the editors’ recommendation.

This Collection has not been supported by sponsorship.