Journals in Ecology
Journals in Ecology
- ISSN: 0367-2530
Flora
Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of PlantsFLORA, the scientific botanical journal with the longest uninterrupted publication sequence (since 1818), considers manuscripts in a range of areas of botany which appeal to a broad international scientific readership. The journal publishes original contributions and review articles on plant structure (morphology and anatomy), plant developmental biology (ontogeny), phytogeography (including phylogeography), plant population genetics, plant functional ecology (including ecophysiology), plant population ecology, biotic interactions between plants and other organisms, plant community ecology, and ecosystem ecology. Suggestions for Special Issues are welcome, as are compilations of manuscripts (both original and review articles) for Special Features on a specific topic. Manuscripts on the following subjects are highly welcome, especially when they integrate between areas or research approaches: comparative and evolutionary aspects of morphology, anatomy and development, ecophysiology of plant species related to their distribution, mechanisms of ecological interactions in plant communities (e.g. plant-plant interactions, plant-soil feedback, and plant-animal interactions), reproductive ecology including plant-pollinator interactions, genetic and spatial structure of plant populations, and functional diversity in plant communities. Manuscripts focused on floristics or vegetation studies will only be considered if they go beyond a purely descriptive approach and have relevance for interpreting plant structure, distribution or ecology. Manuscripts whose content is restricted to taxonomy, phylogeny, nomenclature, or geobotany of local interest, or applied agricultural, horticultural, pharmacological or silvicultural aspects, or experimental studies dealing exclusively with investigations at the cellular or subcellular level will not be considered for publication.Article typesResearch article: Reporting original results of a theoretical, explorative or experimental botanical research. Typically, 6000-8000 words in length, but longer articles are also being considered, when the content justifies the extent. See formatting guidelines for the structure of the article in the manuscript preparation guidelines below.Review article: The review articles providing an up-to-date overview of a research area and/or scientific problem fitting into the scope of the journal. Review article should go further than the simple summary of published literature and should provide an in-depth analysis of the selected topic and should indicate research gaps or further directions of research. Should be drafted up to 8000 words, but longer manuscripts also being considered when the content justifies the extent. Potential authors are invited to submit an outline, abstract and list of authors first before the full submission of the manuscript.Opinion article: short pieces with a word count to 3000 words of the main text, presenting new ideas and insights, commentaries, opinion responses or new analyses to a published paper of the journal. Opinion article submissions will be assessed first by the editors and in case the topic is of broad interest of the journals potential readership will undergo regular review process for the journal. Commentaries are possible to papers published in the last 12 months in the journal and considered when they provide constructive and well-founded critiques or provide useful arguments for further development of a formerly published research idea. Opinion articles can convey new research ideas or hypotheses for discussion, and it is not necessary to support the idea with own-data-driven analyses. Opinion articles can be single-authored or multi-authored but no more than five authors. Potential authors are invited to submit an outline, abstract and list of authors first before the full submission of the manuscript.Editorial article (for editors, editorial board members and guest editors only)Humboldt Review article (by invitation only): The “Humboldt Review” article type was named after the German scientist Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859), who was the first describer of the phenomenon of climatic zonation of plant communities and the describer of the first plant functional types among other numerous discoveries. The “Humboldt Review” article type has been established in 2025 to honour eminent researchers in any field covered by the journal’s scope. In each year, 1-2 researchers will be selected by the chief editor(s) based on the nominations of the section editors of the journal for being invited to provide an opinion-review or synthesis paper on their field of research. The guidelines for drafting a Humboldt Review are the same as for a review paper with the exception that the review candidate should also provide a bio sketch up to 250 words and a photograph of her- or himself, which is published together with the accepted manuscript. The Humboldt Reviews are also peer-reviewed publications assessed by invited researchers for scientific rigour and quality.Submission of Papers with Graduate or Undergraduate Students as Lead Authors FLORA has initiated a section in its journal dedicated to highlighting exceptional, original research publications that are part of PhD, graduate, or undergraduate student theses and carry the name of the student, preferably as the lead author.Papers in this category will be published under the heading "Highlighted Student Research" and will be marked accordingly in the table of content of the volume in which it is published.The papers must be recommended for this honor by FLORA Handling Editors, following the normal peer review process and additionally taking the following criteria into account:the student contribution to the work is substantialinnovativ... research question or methodologyhigh quality of study / experimental design and dataabove-average quality of data analysis, presentation and discussionwell written textStudents who wish their papers to be considered for the honor have to explain in the cover letter the main reasons why the paper represents an outstanding contribution to the field, referring to the criteria above, and should indicate such a wish by marking the appropriate box as a FLORA Highlighted Student Research paper during the online submission process. The supervisor should confirm in the cover letter that research was generated during a BSc, MSc, or PhD degree.
- ISSN: 0305-1978
Biochemical Systematics and Ecology
Biochemical Systematics and Ecology is devoted to the publication of original papers and reviews, both submitted and invited, in two subject areas: I) the application of biochemistry to problems relating to systematic biology of organisms (biochemical systematics); II) the role of biochemistry in interactions between organisms or between an organism and its environment (biochemical ecology).In the Biochemical Systematics subject area, comparative studies of the distribution of (secondary) metabolites within a wider taxon (e.g. genus or family) are welcome. Comparative studies, encompassing multiple accessions of each of the taxa within their distribution are particularly encouraged. Welcome are also studies combining classical chemosystematic studies (such as comparative HPLC-MS or GC-MS investigations) with (macro-) molecular phylogenetic studies. Studies that involve the comparative use of compounds to help differentiate among species such as adulterants or substitutes that illustrate the applied use of chemosystematics are welcome. In contrast, studies solely employing macromolecular phylogenetic techniques (gene sequences, RAPD studies etc.) will be considered out of scope. Discouraged are manuscripts that report known or new compounds from a single source taxon without addressing a systematic hypothesis. Also considered out of scope are studies using outdated and hard to reproduce macromolecular techniques such as RAPDs in combination with standard chemosystematic techniques such as GC-FID and GC-MS.In the Biochemical Ecology subject area, studies addressing the role compounds play in the ecology of the organisms producing them are invited. Moreover, manuscripts that address hypothesis associated with the influence of factors such as altitude, geography, and seasonal variation on the expression of primary and secondary metabolites are encouraged.Research papers should generally represent a complete investigation and not preliminary data. Preliminary reports will only be considered where findings are of sufficient interest to justify rapid publication. New Source Reports will only be considered in cases where a significant chemosystematic or ecological finding is reported. New Source Reports have to be written in a standard format (Example).
- ISSN: 0269-7491
Environmental Pollution
Environmental Pollution is an international peer-reviewed journal that publishes high quality research papers and review articles about all aspects of pollution in the environment and its effects on ecosystems and human health. The journal welcomes high-quality process-oriented and hypothesis-driven submissions that report results from original and novel research and contribute new knowledge to help address problems related to environmental pollution at a regional or global scale.Subject areas include, but are not limited to:Sources and occurrences of pollutants that are clearly defined and measured in environmental compartments, food and food-related items, and human bodies;Interlinks between contaminant exposure and biological, ecological, and human health effects, including those of climate change;Contaminants of emerging and re-emerging concerns (including but not limited to antibiotic resistant genes, PFAS, mercury, microplastics/nanopl... light, and noise) and/or their biological, ecological, or human health effects;Modelling of pollution processes, patterns, or trends that is of clear environmental and/or human health interest;New techniques that measure and examine environmental occurrences, transport, behaviour, and effects of pollutants within the environment or the laboratory, provided that they can be clearly used to address problems within regional or global environmental compartments.Papers focusing on the following areas are likely to be returned to the authors without review: wastewater treatment technologies, materials for remediation, plant physiology, biochar, observational and similar analyses of human health;Routine surveys or monitoring programs primarily of local or regional interest; Descriptions of well-known contaminants, such as legacy pollutants, in yet another location;Studies relating to waste treatment that do not have specific relevance to pollution within the environment; Laboratory studies that do use environmentally relevant concentrations and that do not have empirical data or a thorough discussion in relation to environmental state-of-the-art knowledge;Studies of air pollution and health combining datasets susceptible to confounders i.e. case-control, cross-sectional and ecological studies;Synthesis/fa... of new materials solely for remediation and/or mitigation of pollution without direct environmental relevance;Nitrogen or phosphorus deposition or biogeochemical processes with little or no relation to environmental consequences and/or climate change;Studies on eutrophication and secondary pollution by eutrophication without illuminating their governing mechanisms and factors; Studies within which the concentrations of toxicants used are higher than those that are typically found in an environmental pollution context. Authors of toxicology studies must justify the concentrations that they are using by reference to environmentally relevant concentrations that have been reported in the literature.Bibliomet... reviews are no longer published in Environmental PollutionPlease DO NOT ask the Editors-in-Chief for permission before submitting a manuscript. Kindly check the guidelines to determine whether your manuscript is within the scope of the journal; if yes, please go ahead and submit it.
- ISSN: 0038-0717
Soil Biology & Biochemistry
AIMS Soil Biology & Biochemistry publishes original, scientifically challenging research articles of international significance that describe and provide insight into biological processes occurring in soil. These include the possible applications of such knowledge to issues of soil and environmental quality - insofar as such studies inform our understanding of the role of soil biology and biochemistry in mediating soil functions, agricultural sustainability and ecosystem services. The ecology and biochemical processes of soil organisms, their effects on the environment and their interactions with plants are major topics. The applications of new molecular, microscopic and analytical techniques to understanding and explaining population and community dynamics is of great interest. The journal also publishes state-of-the-art reviews of contemporary research that present significant and novel hypotheses, as well as comments and arguments about specific and often controversial aspects of life in the soil.SCOPE The scope of Soil Biology & Biochemistry publishes scientific research articles of international significance which describe and explain fundamental biological and biochemical features and processes occurring in soil systems.The emphasis is on original research which substantively advances or directs our understanding of the mechanistic basis of how soils function. Articles may involve applications of basic knowledge to applied issues if they provide distinct insight into the role of soil biology and biochemistry in regulating soil functions. Some examples of major topics include:The ecology of all soil organisms (including viruses)How soil biology interacts with soil physical and chemical properties and processes to regulate belowground functionsRelationshi... and functional interactions between soil biota and plantsThe effects of soil organisms on ecosystem dynamics across spatial and temporal scalesSBB also emphasizes the application of molecular, microscopic, and analytical techniques and modelling approaches to understand, explain and visualise soil functioning. Technique-focused papers must involve a particularly high degree of novelty or significance.In addition, the journal publishes state-of-the-art reviews that consider contemporary research and synthesise knowledge to provide enhanced understanding of biotic roles in soil system functioning.The Editors-in-Chief do not accept pre-submission enquiries to determine if a manuscript is likely to be of interest to the journal. Please submit your paper straight to the platform for consideration.Benefi... to authors We also provide many author benefits, such as free PDFs, a liberal copyright policy, special discounts on Elsevier publications and much more. Please click here for more information on our author services.Please see our Guide for Authors for information on article submission. If you require any further information or help, please visit our Support Center.
- ISSN: 0921-8009
Ecological Economics
The Transdisciplinary Journal of the International Society for Ecological Economics (ISEE)The journal is concerned with extending and integrating the understanding of the interfaces and interplay between "nature's household" (ecosystems) and "humanity's household" (the economy). Ecological economics is an interdisciplinary field defined by a set of concrete problems or challenges related to governing economic activity in a way that promotes human well-being, sustainability, and justice. The journal thus emphasizes critical work that draws on and integrates elements of ecological science, economics, and the analysis of values, behaviors, cultural practices, institutional structures, and societal dynamics. The journal is transdisciplinary in spirit and methodologically open, drawing on the insights offered by a variety of intellectual traditions, and appealing to a diverse readership.Specific research areas covered include: valuation of natural resources, sustainable agriculture and development, ecologically integrated technology, integrated ecologic-economic modelling at scales from local to regional to global, implications of thermodynamics for economics and ecology, renewable resource management and conservation, critical assessments of the basic assumptions underlying current economic and ecological paradigms and the implications of alternative assumptions, economic and ecological consequences of genetically engineered organisms, and gene pool inventory and management, alternative principles for valuing natural wealth, integrating natural resources and environmental services into national income and wealth accounts, methods of implementing efficient environmental policies, case studies of economic-ecologic conflict or harmony, etc. New issues in this area are rapidly emerging and will find a ready forum in Ecological Economics.Ecological Economics Sections All submissions to Ecological Economics are reviewed using the general criteria of quality, creativity, originality, accuracy, and contribution to the field. There are several categories of articles to allow for a full range of constructive dialogue.News and Views Topical and timely short pieces reviewed by the editor and/or one outside reviewer at the editor's discretion. May include editorials, letters to the editor, news items, and policy discussions. Maximum 1500 words (600 words for letters).Commentary Essays discussing critical issues. Reviewed by two outside reviewers with the criteria weighted toward quality of the exposition and importance of the issue. Maximum 5000 words.Surveys Examination and review of important general subject areas. Reviewed by two outside reviewers with the criteria weighted toward importance of the subject and clarity of exposition. Maximum 8000 words.Methodological and Ideological Options Research articles devoted to developing new methodologies or investigating the implications of various ideological assumptions. Reviewed by two outside reviewers with criteria weighted toward originality and potential usefulness of the methodology or ideological option. Maximum 8000 words.Analysis Research articles devoted to analysis of important questions in the field. Reviewed by two outside reviewers with the criteria weighted toward originality, quality, and accuracy of the analysis, andimportance of the question. Maximum 8000 words.Book Reviews Reviews of recent books in the field. Reviewed by one outside reviewer with criteria weighted toward clarity and accuracy of the review, and importance of the book to the field. Maximum 1200 words.
- ISSN: 1146-609X
Acta Oecologica
Acta Oecologica is venue for the publication of original research articles in ecology. We encourage studies in all areas of ecology, including ecosystem ecology, community ecology, population ecology, conservation ecology and evolutionary ecology. There is no bias with respect to taxon, biome or geographic area. Both theoretical and empirical papers are welcome, but combinations are particularly sought. Priority is given to papers based on explicitly stated hypotheses. Acta Oecologica also accepts review papers.The forum section is reserved for short papers with critical discussion of current issues in ecology, as well as comments and viewpoints on previously published papers. Acta Oecologica does not publish book reviews, but comments on new books are welcome in the forum section.Benefits to authors We also provide many author benefits, such as free PDFs, a liberal copyright policy, special discounts on Elsevier publications and much more. Please click here for more information on our author services.Please see our Guide for Authors for information on article submission. If you require any further information or help, please visit our Support Center
- ISSN: 0304-3770
Aquatic Botany
An International Scientific Journal dealing with Applied and Fundamental Research on Macroscopic Submerged, Floating and Emergent Plants in Marine and Freshwater EcosystemsAquatic Botany offers a platform for papers relevant to a broad international readership on fundamental and applied aspects of marine and freshwater macroscopic plants in a context of ecology or environmental biology. This includes molecular, biochemical and physiological aspects of macroscopic aquatic plants as well as the classification, structure, function, dynamics and ecological interactions in plant-dominated aquatic communities and ecosystems. It is an outlet for papers dealing with research on the consequences of disturbance and stressors (e.g. environmental fluctuations and climate change, pollution, grazing and pathogens), use and management of aquatic plants (plant production and decomposition, commercial harvest, plant control) and the conservation of aquatic plant communities (breeding, transplantation and restoration). Specialized publications on certain rare taxa or papers on aquatic macroscopic plants from under-represented regions in the world can also find their place, subject to editor evaluation. Studies on fungi or microalgae will remain outside the scope of Aquatic Botany.Interesting for further reading:Editorial: What is a plant? and what is aquatic botany?Elisabeth M. Gross, Thomas Wernberg, Jorge Terrados http://dx.doi.org/10... Aquatic botany since 1975: Have our views changed?Jan E. Vermaat, Elisabeth M. Gross http://dx.doi.org/10...
- ISSN: 0925-8574
Ecological Engineering
The Journal of Ecosystem RestorationEcologica... engineering has been defined as the design of ecosystems for the mutual benefit of humans and nature. The journal is for those involved in designing, monitoring, or restoring ecosystems, and serves as a bridge between the fields of ecology and engineeringSpecific topics covered in the journal include: habitat reconstruction; ecotechnology; synthetic ecology; bioengineering; restoration ecology; ecology conservation; ecosystem rehabilitation; stream and river restoration; reclamation ecology; non-renewable resource conservation. Descriptions of specific applications of ecological engineering are acceptable only when situated within context of adding novelty to current research and emphasizing ecosystem restoration. We do not accept purely descriptive reports on ecosystem structures (such as vegetation surveys), purely physical assessment of materials that can be used for ecological restoration, small-model studies carried out in the laboratory or greenhouse with artificial (waste)water or crop studies, or case studies on conventional wastewater treatment and eutrophication that do not offer an ecosystem restoration approach within the paper.The journal welcomes full papers, short communications, reviews, and letters to the editor. We are pleased to publish papers from multidisciplinary approaches that are pertinent to a wide range of scholars, managers, practitioners, and policymakers across ecological sciences.All papers will be subject to peer review and they will be dealt with as speedily as is compatible with a high standard of presentation.
- ISSN: 0964-8305
International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation
The Official Journal of the International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation SocietyInternational Biodeterioration and Biodegradation publishes original research papers and reviews on the biological causes of deterioration or degradation.– The causes may be macro– or microbiological, whose origins may be aerial, aquatic, or terrestrial.– The effects may include corrosion, fouling, rotting, decay, infection, disfigurement, toxification, weakening or processes that liquefy, detoxify, or mineralize.– The materials affected may include natural, synthetic or refined materials [such as metals, hydrocarbons and oils, foodstuffs and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cellulose and wood, plastics and polymers, fibres, paper, leather, waste materials or any other material of commercial importance]; and structures or systems [such as buildings, works of art, processing equipment, etc.] as well as hazardous wastes, and includes environmental and occupational health aspects resulting from the activities of the biological agents described above.Papers on all aspects of cause, mode of action, treatment, protection and prevention, analysis and testing, detoxification, upgrading, commercial implications, biocides and substitutes and related areas are welcome. However, papers that are strictly related to engineering aspects of biotechnological processes and those that aim at developing or assessing mathematical-based predictive models used in the designing of biotechnological processes are excluded.Internation... Biodeterioration and Biodegradation is the Official Journal of the International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Society.For more information visit the International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Society website.We encourage those interested in organizing a special issue or a virtual special issue within the scope of the journal to contact the EiC or inbi.journal@elsevie... for more information. Additionally, we encourage potential organizers to carefully review the relevant requirements in the Guide for Authors before proceeding. Please note that each special issue can only accept up to three guest editors (GEs).
- ISSN: 0075-9511
Limnologica
Limnologica publishes peer-reviewed articles that provide new insights into biological, physical and chemical aspects of freshwater ecosystems and adjacent habitats, both from basic and applied research. We welcome original contributions and reviews to understanding mechanisms that govern ecosystem responses to environmental change (e.g. trophic state, climate, usage, impoundment) or to problem-solving (e.g. ecological engineering, bioindication, restoration and conservation) as well as contributions on aquatic ecosystems or world regions that have been less frequently studied. Limnologica is a primary journal for limnologists, aquatic ecologists, freshwater biologists, aquatic geochemists and environmental engineers working with freshwater ecosystems and their catchments.