Remediation of Heavy Metals-Contaminated Soils

Anthropogenic and natural processes have led to the spread of chemical contamination in soils. Soil pollution with heavy metals (HMs) has become one of the most serious problems in agriculture, as it not only reduces crop yield, but also negatively affects human and animal health. The main threat of HMs is their tendency to accumulate in the soil and their weak degradation over time, which result in toxicity. Currently, there are many methods that can be used for remediation, both ex situ and in situ approaches, but they are unable to fully eliminate toxic elements. Ex situ approaches involve the removal of the contaminated soil layer and its further disposal, storage, or purification and return. In situ methods are widely used; they have many implementation options and are more accessible. In situ treatments make use of a variety of both organic and inorganic sorbents. Phytoremediation using HM hyperaccumulator plants and bioremediation using destructor microorganisms are also possible and widely used. Remediation methods should be cost-effective and environmentally friendly, and should reduce HMs’ mobility and bioavailability in soils. Each of the many remediation methods used has both advantages and disadvantages. The search for optimal ways to obtain and use the best method is a priority and urgent task facing researchers in solving the problem of soil pollution with heavy metals.

This Special Issue focuses on the development all remediation methods established to purify soils from HM pollution, reduce the availability of HMs in soils, improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil and, in general, increase soil fertility and the quality and quantity of crops. we welcome the submission of all types of articles, including original research, opinions, and reviews.

Prof. Dr. Marina V. Burachevskaya
Dr. Arpna Kumari
Guest Editors

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