Submit Your Article: Microplastics in Drinking Water

We can all agree that microplastics in our drinking water are a growing concern.

This article provides an opportunity to submit your research on this critical issue for potential publication.

You'll find details on article guidelines, the submission process, and key areas of interest, including detection methods, toxicity assessments, treatment strategies, and policy recommendations.By sharing your expertise, you can advance the scientific discourse essential to protecting public health.

An Overview of Microplastics and Drinking Water

Microplastics are small plastic particles under 5 mm in size that have become ubiquitous environmental contaminants. Their presence in drinking water sources is an emerging concern due to potential human health impacts. This section provides background on microplastics to set context for why further research submissions on this topic are being solicited.

Defining Microplastics

Microplastics are commonly categorized into two types:

Primary microplastics - Intentionally manufactured small plastic particles used in products like facial scrubs or industrial abrasives. Size range is usually 1 μm to 1 mm.
Secondary microplastics - Formed when larger plastic debris fragments into smaller pieces through environmental weathering processes. Size range is 1 μm to 5 mm.

Both primary and secondary microplastics are found in drinking water sources globally.

Sources of Microplastic Water Contamination

Major pathways leading to microplastic contamination of drinking water include:

Wastewater treatment plant effluent discharging microplastics into surface waters used for drinking water abstraction
Synthetic textile fibers and tire wear particles entering waterways via urban runoff
Plastic bottle and packaging debris breaking down into secondary microplastics
Atmospheric fallout depositing airborne microplastics
Agricultural plastic sheeting degrading into fragments

Potential Health Effects

While research is still ongoing, some potential human health impacts linked to microplastic ingestion include:

Physical hazards - Microplastics could accumulate in organs or cause intestinal injury
Toxic effects - Chemical additives and environmental pollutants adsorbed to microplastics may desorb in the body
Inflammation - Microparticles can trigger inflammatory immune responses
Microbial risk - Plastics could potentially harbor pathogenic bacteria

However, many unknowns remain regarding microplastics' fate and toxicity in humans.

Addressing Public Concerns

Increasing awareness of microplastic pollution has led to growing public interest and concern over potential contamination of drinking water. Access to clean, safe drinking water is considered a basic human right. The possibility of invisible plastic particles in tap water that could pose health risks has become a mainstream environmental worry needing greater scientific clarity.

Call for Further Research

While the presence of microplastics in global drinking water supplies is established, major knowledge gaps persist regarding their levels, sources, environmental transport pathways, human exposure, and potential toxicological impacts. Further research submissions delving into these areas or evaluating microplastic removal solutions for drinking water treatment would help address these pressing public and scientific concerns over the issue of microplastics in drinking water.

How do I submit my article?

Submitting an article for publication in a magazine, journal, or online publication can seem daunting, but following these key steps can help streamline the process:

Choose a Publication

Research publications that align with your article's subject matter and intended audience. Consider reach, credibility, submission guidelines, etc. Our directory of microplastics publications may help you find the right fit.

Craft Your Pitch

Write a short pitch summarizing your article's key details and value proposition. Tailor this specifically to each publication you submit to. Highlight relevant credentials.

Prepare Your Article

Ensure your article meets the publication's requirements for word count, formatting, citations, etc. Thoroughly proofread before submitting. Our article preparation guide offers helpful tips.

Submit Your Article

Follow the publication's submission instructions carefully. This usually involves emailing your pitch and article draft. Be sure to include any requested info like author bio, headshot, etc.

The publication's editors will review your submission and let you know if it has been accepted for publication. This process can take weeks or months. Don't get discouraged by rejection - just keep trying!

Submitting thoughtful, well-researched articles aligned to each publication's needs takes time and effort, but it's a rewarding way to share important information with engaged readers. We'd love to consider an article submission from you on the crucial topic of microplastics in drinking water.

What is a submission article?

A submission article refers to the original version of an article that an author submits for publication in a journal or other media outlet. When you submit an article about microplastics in drinking water to our platform, you are sending us your original unpublished work to consider publishing on our site.

Here are some key things to know about submission articles:

You retain ownership and copyright of your submission. By submitting your article to us, you are not transferring any rights.
Your submission will go through our editorial review process before a decision is made on publication. This typically involves having editors and peer reviewers assess factors like accuracy, quality of research, and fit for our audience.
Getting published provides an opportunity to share your insights with a wider audience interested in the topic of microplastics. Researchers, journalists, advocates and more visit our site.
There is no fee to submit an article. We welcome submissions from all authors with expertise or original research to contribute.

To submit an article for consideration:

- Carefully review our submission guidelines first. This covers technical specifications for files, structure expectations, ethical policies, and more that will smooth the process. - Send your article via our online submission form. This allows you to provide details like an abstract, keywords, and author bio.

We welcome submissions shining light on the emerging understanding of microplastics in drinking water. Whether you have conducted novel research or want to analyze existing findings, share your work to educate and inspire change towards a plastic-free future.

Where I can publish my article for free?

Medium, HubPages, Vocal, LinkedIn, Quora, EzineArticles, and WriterAccess are all great platforms for new writers to publish their articles for free.

When deciding where to submit your article, consider factors like:

Reach and audience - platforms like Medium and LinkedIn enable you to tap into large existing audiences interested in a wide range of topics.
Ease of use - sites like Medium, Vocal, and HubPages make it simple to format and submit content through their online tools and interfaces.
Topics - some sites like Quora and EzineArticles focus on specific content categories and audiences. Make sure your article aligns.
Copyright and licensing - understand the policies around publishing rights and whether you retain ownership of your content. Many sites allow non-exclusive rights.

Here's a quick overview of each platform:

Medium - General blogging platform. Easy to use. Broad reach. You own your content.
HubPages - Multi-topic publishing. Revenue sharing program. You retain copyright.
Vocal - Creative writing and blogging. Customizable sites. Great exposure.
LinkedIn - Professional platform. Expand your industry connections. Retain rights.
Quora - Q&A focused. Targeted expert audiences per topic.
EzineArticles - Article directory. Focused on search and distribution. Non-exclusive rights.
WriterAccess - Get paid for custom articles. Build professional portfolio.

The choice depends on your goals. Weigh factors like audience, rights, and focus. Many new writers find Medium, Vocal and HubPages the easiest to start.

Submit your article to the platform that best aligns with your topic, goals, and target readership. Consider reach, ease of use, audience, rights policies and customization options.

What do you write when submitting an article?

When submitting an article for publication, there are several key pieces of information to include:

Editor's name (when known) - If you know the name of the editor you are submitting to, include it in your submission email. This helps personalize your pitch.
Name of the journal to which you are submitting - Clearly state the name and any identifying details (e.g. Microplastic Free Future Digest) of the journal you are targeting.
Your manuscript's title - Include a descriptive, attention-grabbing title that summarizes your article's main focus or findings.
Article type - Specify whether your submission is a review, research article, case study, etc. This sets clear expectations.
Submission date - Note the date you are submitting the article.
Brief background of your study - Give 1-2 sentences of context about the study or research described in your article. What gap does it aim to address?
Brief overview of methodology - In 1-2 sentences, summarize the approach, methods, or process used in your research or analysis. This provides key details upfront.

Essential details like these help editors and reviewers quickly assess if your submission matches their publication's focus and guidelines. Being concise yet thorough sets your article up for success. Check the journal's author instructions for any additional requirements to include.

How to Submit Your Article for Publication: Guidelines and Tips

Submit Your Article Online: Step-by-Step Process

To submit your article online, first create an account on our submission portal. This allows you to manage and track articles throughout the review process. Once logged in, click the "Submit Article" button to begin.

You will be asked to provide information including:

Article title
List of authors and affiliations
Abstract
Main manuscript document
Cover letter

The system allows file uploads in common formats like .doc, .pdf, etc. After entering the details, agree to the publication terms and click submit. You will receive a confirmation email, and can check the status of your submission by logging back into your account.

Formatting Requirements

For manuscript formatting, please follow these guidelines:

12 point Times New Roman font
Double spaced
1 inch margins on all sides
3000-5000 words in length
Chicago Manual of Style citations

Co-Author and Affiliation Policies

You may collaborate with multiple co-authors across institutions. Ensure all co-authors are listed with their associated affiliations on the manuscript.

The corresponding author handles submission and edits. They must confirm all co-authors have approved the final manuscript prior to publication.

Review Process and Timeline

After submission, manuscripts undergo initial editorial checks. If selected, it will then go to peer review by independent experts in the field.

The typical review process timeline is:

Immediate confirmation of submission
Initial editorial decision: 2-4 weeks
Peer review: 4-6 weeks
Final editorial decision: 2-4 weeks
Publication: 2-3 months after acceptance

Authors will receive status notifications by email throughout this process.

Copyright and Open Access

For accepted articles, authors must sign a copyright license agreement before formal publication.

We offer open access options to make articles freely available to readers under Creative Commons licenses. Select this during the submission process for a publishing fee.

Studying Microplastic Occurrence in Drinking Water

Sampling Methodologies

When sampling for microplastics in drinking water, using consistent, standardized methodologies is key to producing comparable, validated results. Studies suggest grab sampling or passive sampling techniques may be most appropriate for drinking water sources. Grab sampling involves directly collecting a water sample, while passive sampling uses equipment to concentrate microplastics over time. Consider sample volume, equipment blanks, replicate samples, and field blanks to control contamination. Compare merits of various techniques to determine optimal methodology.

Integrating the secondary keyword, studies looking at how to submit an article on sampling methodologies could help establish best practices.

Detection and Identification Methods

Spectroscopic techniques like FTIR and Raman spectroscopy reliably detect and identify polymer types of microplastics as small as 20 μm. These methods surpass visual identification alone, providing detailed chemical characterization. Assess optimal parameters like spectral range, resolution, number of scans, and sampling mode. Complement spectroscopic analysis with imaging techniques like light or electron microscopy to visualize size, shape and surface morphology. Standardize instrumentation, analytical methods and reporting limits across studies.

Those wanting to submit your article for publication could consider comparing detection techniques.

Recommendations for Standard Methods

Variability in methods across studies makes comparing occurrence and effects of microplastics difficult. Developing standard practices for sampling, processing, identification and reporting would significantly advance the field. How to submit an article reviewing current methodologies and making specific recommendations could support developing accepted standard methods. This may require a collaborative effort across academia, industry, government and other stakeholders.

Integrating another secondary keyword, submit your article proposing standard methods for microplastic water studies.

Study Design Considerations

Careful experimental design establishes study validity and data quality. Consider parameters including:

Sample size, replicates
Field/lab blanks
Contamination controls
Statistical rigor
Validation through inter-lab studies

Submit your article online detailing study design best practices.

Data Analysis and Reporting Standards

Clear, consistent reporting lends credibility to results. Recommendations:

Report all data fully, including blanks
Contextualize results against controls
Visualize data effectively
Use consistent metrics like particles/liter
Note study limitations
Validate analyses through inter-lab comparisons
Establish data repositories to enable re-analysis

Those wanting to submit your article for free could analyze reporting standards across occurrence studies.

Toxicity and Human Exposure Assessment

Microplastic Bioavailability

When submitting an article on microplastic bioavailability, focus on how size, shape, and polymer type influences the ability of microplastics to be absorbed and utilized by the human body after ingestion through drinking water. Compare and contrast the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of various microplastic types and size ranges. Discuss factors like surface charge, hydrophobicity, degradation rates, and protein corona formation that mediate microplastic-cell interactions and uptake. Suggest experimental methods for quantifying microplastic bioaccumulation and distribution to organs after repeated exposure scenarios relevant to drinking water ingestion.

Toxicity Endpoints and Models

Articles summarizing toxicity endpoints and experimental models are encouraged, especially highlighting merits of various in vitro and in vivo systems for assessing mechanisms of microplastic toxicity in humans. Discuss key endpoints like inflammatory markers, genotoxicity and epigenetic alterations, developmental effects, gastrointestinal damage, and microbiome dysbiosis. Compare advantages and limitations of cell culture models versus whole organism models in predicting potential health consequences from microplastic ingestion through drinking water. Consider providing recommendations on experimental design elements like microplastic preparation, exposure levels, and assay time points.

Exposure Assessment Framework

We welcome contributions proposing tiered frameworks for assessing human exposure to microplastics specifically through drinking water. Suggest coupling occurrence measurements in source and finished drinking waters with consumption rate data for vulnerable populations to estimate exposure distributions. Discuss environmental fate considerations during drinking water treatment and distribution as factors influencing exposure. Provide examples applying the framework to model predicted exposure scenarios under different source water conditions and treatment technologies.

Risk Assessment Methodologies

Articles reviewing methodologies for quantitative human health risk assessment of microplastics in drinking water are encouraged. Discuss integration of exposure assessment data with dose-response models to estimate potential population risks. Suggest best practices for risk characterization based on toxicity endpoints of concern. Emphasize the utility of risk assessment as a decision-making framework for regulation and management of microplastics in drinking water. Consider comparing different risk assessment approaches and highlighting key sources of uncertainty.

Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis

Contributions focusing on uncertainty and sensitivity analysis are valuable for identifying data gaps contributing the most to variability in human health risk estimates for microplastics. Discuss probabilistic analysis of population exposure estimates based on distributions for occurrence, fate, and consumption data. Evaluate influence of toxicity endpoint selection and dose-response model choice on risk characterization. Suggest targeted research strategies for acquiring additional data to reduce uncertainty in priority parameters influencing population risk.

Treatment and Mitigation Strategies

Assessing Conventional Water Treatment Efficacy

Conventional drinking water treatment processes like coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration remove some microplastics from source waters. However, their efficacy depends on microplastic size, density, and other physicochemical properties. More research is needed to optimize these processes for microplastic removal. When submitting articles, include details on:

Size ranges and types of microplastics targeted
Water quality parameters like turbidity, pH, etc.
Dosages and type of coagulant/flocculant used
Flow rates and contact times
Removal rates across unit process trains

Advanced Treatment Technologies

Innovative technologies like membrane bioreactors, advanced oxidation, activated carbon adsorption, and ultrafiltration show promise for removing microplastics. Submit articles evaluating:

Removal rates for different microplastic types and size fractions
Operating parameters like membrane pore size, oxidant dose, etc.
Cost analyses and life cycle assessments
Scalability challenges and practical limitations

Point-of-Use Treatment Options

Point-of-use devices like specialty filters, ultraviolet units, and reverse osmosis systems can remove microplastics at residential or commercial taps. Submit articles covering:

Removal performance across microplastic types/sizes
Real-world field testing and operational considerations
Consumer perspectives on costs, convenience, and adoption

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Submit articles providing frameworks and models for assessing the economic viability of microplastic treatment technologies, considering:

Capital, operating, and maintenance expenses
Microplastic removal performance and health benefits
Cost per volume treated or per microplastic particle removed
Life cycle costs and environmental impacts

Policy and Funding Considerations

Articles are invited discussing policy mechanisms that could incentivize microplastic treatment. This includes:

Contaminant candidate lists to spur technology innovation
Grant programs funding research and demonstration projects
Tax credits or rebates to improve adoption rates

Conclusions and Next Steps for Science and Policy

Summary of Current State of the Science

The submissions received provide valuable insights into the latest research on microplastics in drinking water. Key takeaways include:

Microplastics are ubiquitous - they have been detected in tap water and bottled water around the world. The most common polymers found are polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene.
There is no scientific consensus yet on potential health risks from ingesting microplastics. Some studies show effects on cell health, inflammation, and gut microbiota in animals. More research is needed, especially on lower dose, chronic exposures.
Wastewater treatment plants and plastic bottle degradation are major pathways for microplastics entering drinking water supplies. There may also be contributions from atmospheric fallout.
Advanced treatment methods can reduce microplastic levels substantially, but not completely. Promising techniques include membrane filtration, coagulation/flocculation, activated carbon adsorption, and advanced oxidation.

Uncertainties remain regarding microplastic toxicity thresholds in humans, relative importance of different exposure pathways, and the feasibility of removing microplastics 100% at water treatment plants.

Future Research Priorities

Priorities for future research should include:

Epidemiology studies monitoring for potential human health impacts associated with microplastic exposure. These are lacking currently.
Lifecycle tracking through environmental fate models to clarify dominant routes and processes influencing drinking water contamination.
Standardized extraction and characterization methodology to improve inter-study comparability.
Further evaluation of treatment options tailored to diverse water sources and plastic types.

Filling these knowledge gaps will better inform risk analysis and strengthen the scientific basis for policy action.

Recommendations for Policy Action

We recommend policy-makers consider:

Listing microplastics as a drinking water contaminant of concern to mandate monitoring and drive research on health implications.
Offering subsidies for water treatment plant upgrades to install advanced filtration systems that remove microplastics.
Implementing public education campaigns to raise awareness and promote reductions of plastic waste entering the environment.

Such interventions align with the precautionary principle for emerging contaminants and could mitigate potential harms.

Opportunities for Industry Innovation

Companies developing novel treatment solutions for microplastics may find significant commercial opportunities. Most current systems still allow microplastics to pass through. We see prospects across membrane technology, adsorbents, chemical additives, and integrated hybrid systems. Consulting for water treatment plant upgrades also offers prospects if regulations tighten. We recommend focusing on cost-effectiveness and technical reliability.

Call for Ongoing Contributions and Dialogue

This site provides a hub to aggregate and share the latest science and policy innovations related to microplastics in drinking water. We welcome ongoing article submissions, commentary, and interdisciplinary discussions toward building consensus on this critical issue. Let's keep the momentum going toward evidence-based solutions that safeguard global water security.

How to Submit an Article to a Magazine or Journal: A Guide for Researchers

Understanding the Editorial Landscape

When preparing to submit your article on microplastics in drinking water, first consider whether you want to target a magazine or journal. Magazines generally cater to a broader, more public audience, while academic journals have a more specialized readership focused on a particular field or discipline.

Before submitting, familiarize yourself with the publication's aims, scope, and readership to ensure your article aligns. Think about how your research findings might impact or interest their audience. For example, a public health magazine would appreciate discussing potential health implications, while an environmental journal may want more detail on ecosystem impacts.

Preparing Your Manuscript for Submission

Carefully review the publication's author guidelines to tailor your article appropriately. This includes following specific style formatting, word count parameters, image requirements, and other submission protocols.

For magazines, focus on highlighting key takeaways from your research in clear, compelling language accessible to a lay audience. Define terminology and explain concepts simply. For journals, use precise disciplinary language and delve more deeply into academic analysis.

Regardless of venue, ensure your methods and conclusions are robust, ethical, and properly cited. Declare any conflicts of interest. Follow best practices around data transparency and integrity.

Navigating the Submission Portal

Many publications now use online submission platforms that standardize the process. Create an author account and input metadata like article title, authors, contact info, abstract, and keywords.

Carefully complete any additional sections on conflicts, funding disclosures, data availability statements, etc. These promote transparency around potential ethical concerns or biases.

Follow all instructions thoroughly. Upload manuscript file(s) in the requested format. Confirm automated acknowledgement of receipt from the journal. Most portals allow you to track status through the review and production process.

Responding to Reviewer Feedback

Expect rigorous peer review scrutinizing your methods, findings, and conclusions. Reviewers may request clarification, additional experiments, or edits to the manuscript.

Address all feedback professionally and constructively. Explain how you revised the manuscript to satisfy concerns. If you disagree, justify clearly while avoiding confrontation.

Significant changes may require another round of review prior to a final accept/reject decision. Be prepared to patiently navigate this process. Publication can indicate your article meets high standards.

Ethical Considerations in Publishing

Scientific publishing relies on trust in the integrity of research. Breaches like falsifying data or plagiarism betray reader trust and damage credibility.

Always give proper credit to previous work via citations. If reusing elements like charts or passages, obtain permission and follow fair use doctrine. Disclose relevant funding sources or other potential conflicts of interest.

Adhere to best practices around data collection, management, and availability. Scientific discourse depends on transparency, honesty, and accountability throughout the research and publication process. Upholding ethics preserves integrity.

How to Publish an Article Online: Embracing Digital Platforms

As researchers seek to disseminate their work on microplastics in drinking water more broadly, online publishing provides valuable opportunities to reach wider audiences. Choosing the right platform, understanding open access models, maximizing visibility, clarifying digital rights, and leveraging social media can help expand the impact of your research.

Choosing the Right Digital Platform

When deciding where to publish your article online, consider factors like:

Open access - Does the journal or platform allow free access to read and share articles? This increases visibility.
Indexing - Is the journal indexed in databases like PubMed or Web of Science? This aids discoverability.
Metrics - What readership stats, altmetrics, and citation data does the platform provide? This indicates influence.
Peer review - Does the journal conduct rigorous peer review? This verifies quality.
Author rights - What rights does the author retain, like copyright or commercial use? This affects control.

Evaluate platforms on these criteria to choose the best home for publishing your microplastics research.

The Benefits of Open Access Publishing

Opting for open access means anyone can freely read your article online without subscriptions or paywalls. This allows your insights on microplastics in drinking water to reach more readers like:

Researchers seeking the latest studies
Policy makers evaluating evidence
Journalists reporting on the issue
Educators teaching students
Advocates pushing for change

Wider access accelerates discovery, enables collaboration, and magnifies your impact - up to 250% higher citation rates!

Maximizing Visibility and Impact Online

To extend the reach of your published article:

Use descriptive titles and abstracts with key terms to aid search visibility
Link to your paper from your site, profiles, and presentations
Promote new publications through email lists and social media
Track altmetrics like views, downloads, and online mentions
Build an online profile highlighting your expertise

These digital tactics boost discovery so more people engage with your microplastics research.

Understanding Digital Rights Management

Before publishing in a journal, check the copyright policy on issues like:

Can you archive preprints or postprints?
Are you allowed to share the published PDF?
Can you reuse parts of the text for other publications?
Are commercial reuse rights retained or transferred?

Understanding these digital rights helps ensure you can share and build on your own research output.

Social platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn enable you to directly promote published articles to wider networks. Useful tactics include:

Post snippets, graphics, or videos introducing the research
Tag research collaborators to widen the reach
Use hashtags like #microplastics and #OpenAccess
Link to the full open access text
Monitor engagement and amplify messages
Build discussions highlighting implications

Wielding social media expands who learns about and applies your latest findings on microplastics in drinking water sources.