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external page Editorial: Biogeochemistry of Anthropogenic Particles https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2021.667140

external page The collection of articles published in the Research Topic Biogeochemistry of Anthropogenic Particles in Frontiers in Environmental Science has provided a comprehensive perspective on the biogeochemical cycle of anthropogenic particles in the environment with an emphasis on nano- and microscale materials. The term anthropogenic particles covers a wide range of materials, including those which are manufactured or generated incidentally, or from the degradation of synthetic materials, and subsequently disseminated in(to) the environment. The aims of this Research Topic were thus to explore the state of knowledge, including major advances and challenges, with regards to the sources, occurrence, transformations, and transport of particles, as well as the interactive effects between particles and their environment including living systems. Therefore, we have brought together research papers and reviews on anthropogenic particles, regardless of their origin and nature. This integrative approach has helped to draw parallels between the knowledge already acquired in the field of anthropogenic colloids, not limited to specific chemistry or source of particles, and thus to bridge these different investigation axes to fertilize the research area dedicated to particulate contaminants. Our summary groups the articles published in the Research Topic on four levels; 1) analytical methodologies to assess particles in complex matrices, 2) connecting research across particle chemistries and sources, 3) connecting fate and transport pathways across environmental compartments and 4) connecting research across ecological impacts.