Confirmed Symposia

Microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5 mm—have become a pervasive pollutant across the globe, raising significant concerns about their long-term effects on both ecosystems and human health. Despite their small size, microplastics can have far-reaching impacts, infiltrating soil, freshwater, marine environments, the atmosphere, and food chains.
This symposium aims to bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to explore the sources, distribution, and consequences of microplastic pollution. With growing evidence of their presence in organisms ranging from plankton to humans, there is an urgent need to understand their ecological consequences, toxicological effects, and socioeconomic implications.
Topics to be covered in the symposium include: (i) Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in terrestrial and aquatic environments; (ii) Detection, identification, and characterization techniques for microplastics; (iii) Transport, accumulation, and degradation of microplastics in natural systems; (iv) Effects of microplastics on biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and food webs; (v) Human exposure pathways and potential health impacts; (vi) Mitigation strategies, public awareness, and behavioral interventions; (vii) Policy frameworks and regulatory measures addressing microplastic pollution
By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, the symposium will highlight recent research findings and innovative approaches to tackle this growing environmental and health threat. The goal is to contribute to evidence-based solutions and promote collaborative actions at local, regional, and global levels.