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Environments
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Advances in Heavy Metal Remediation Technologies
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Advances in Heavy Metal Remediation Technologies

A Special Issue of Environments (ISSN 2076-3298) belonging to the section "Environmental Pollution, Toxicology and Restoration".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2027 | Viewed by 5689

Editors

Dr. Meng Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Interests: advanced oxidation process; electrochemical oxidation; microbial electrolysis cell; PMS activation; electrochemical reduction; new pollutants degradation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Sicheng Shao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
Interests: biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal; biodegradation and remediation of toxic and refractory organic pollutants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Heavy metal contamination poses a threat to ecosystems and human health due to its toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation potential. Anthropogenic activities such as industrial discharges, mining, agricultural runoff, and improper electronic waste disposal have exacerbated the global burden of heavy metals in soil, water, and air. Despite advancements in remediation strategies, challenges remain in achieving efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions, particularly for large-scale or complex contamination scenarios. Ongoing research is critical to address knowledge gaps in contaminant behavior, technology scalability, and long-term environmental impacts.

This Special Issue seeks contributions that explore innovative approaches and emerging technologies for heavy metal remediation. We welcome studies on novel materials (e.g., biochar, nanomaterials, or metal–organic frameworks), biological methods (e.g., phytoremediation and microbial remediation), and integrated engineering solutions (e.g., electrochemical techniques or hybrid systems). Research evaluating the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of remediation practices, policy frameworks for contamination management, or advancements in real-time monitoring and risk assessment tools is also encouraged. Both fundamental investigations and applied case studies are invited, with a focus on scalability, sustainability, and interdisciplinary synergies between environmental science, biotechnology, and engineering.

We look forward to your submissions to advance the scientific and practical discourse on mitigating heavy metal pollution worldwide.

Dr. Meng Li
Dr. Sicheng Shao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Environments is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • wastewater treatment
  • heavy metal removal
  • biological remediation
  • adsorption
  • electrochemical remediation
  • bioelectrochemcial remediation
  • membrane remediaiton
  • advanced oxidation process

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4951 KB  
Article
Characterization of Drilling Slurry and Drilling Fluids from Natural Gas Extraction: Environmental Risk Assessment and Comparison of Conventional and Unconventional Drilling Methods
by Andrei Tudor Rusu, Cristina Horju Deac and Tiberiu Rusu
Environments 2026, 13(8), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13080420 - 25 Jul 2026
Viewed by 329
Abstract
Background: Drilling slurry, a waste material generated during natural gas extraction, requires careful chemical characterization to determine its environmental hazard classification and inform appropriate management strategies. Methods: This study characterizes the drilling fluid used as raw material and the resulting drilling slurry waste, [...] Read more.
Background: Drilling slurry, a waste material generated during natural gas extraction, requires careful chemical characterization to determine its environmental hazard classification and inform appropriate management strategies. Methods: This study characterizes the drilling fluid used as raw material and the resulting drilling slurry waste, using a case study sample from the Buzău extraction area (Well 1 Florica, S.N.G.N. Romgaz S.A.), including total composition analysis, three-stage leaching tests, linear regression of leaching kinetics, and standardized geoaccumulation indices (Igeo, CF, PLI). Results: Total composition analysis confirmed low heavy metal concentrations (Cd = 0.02, Cr = 0.05, Pb = 0.64, Zn = 2.82 mg/kg dry matter). All leachate parameters remained below non-hazardous waste thresholds (Order No. 95/2005), with safety factors of 20–100× for regulated metals and 1.2–2.7× for chlorides, sulphates, and dissolved organic carbon. Standardized pollution indices confirmed Class 0 (unpolluted) status for all five metals, with a composite Pollution Load Index of 0.0124. Leaching regression analysis revealed dissolution-controlled release for chlorides, sulphates, and zinc (R2 > 0.93) versus matrix-retention behavior for copper, nickel, cadmium, and chromium. Comparative analysis showed horizontal drilling generates approximately 146% more waste volume than conventional vertical drilling (170 m3 versus 69 m3 at 2100 m depth). Conclusions: The analyzed drilling slurry meets non-hazardous waste classification with substantial safety margins, corroborated by three independent analytical frameworks. Waste minimization strategies and biodegradable fluid substitution offer practical pathways to reduce the environmental footprint of natural gas drilling operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Heavy Metal Remediation Technologies)
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21 pages, 8345 KB  
Article
Phytoremediation Potential of Native Species in Arid Soils Impacted by Gold Mining
by Belén Heredia, Brian Jonathan Young, Pablo Pacheco, Hernán P. Burrieza, María Inés Mercado and Gonzalo Roqueiro
Environments 2026, 13(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030131 - 1 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1369
Abstract
Growing concern over soil degradation and the demand for sustainable solutions have driven research into remediation technologies. This study aimed to evaluate the morphological, physiological, and phytochemical responses of Larrea cuneifolia, Bulnesia retama, Plectrocarpa tetracantha, and Neltuma flexuosa seedlings exposed [...] Read more.
Growing concern over soil degradation and the demand for sustainable solutions have driven research into remediation technologies. This study aimed to evaluate the morphological, physiological, and phytochemical responses of Larrea cuneifolia, Bulnesia retama, Plectrocarpa tetracantha, and Neltuma flexuosa seedlings exposed to mining waste contaminated soil during early developmental stages. Plants were cultivated for 90 days in soils amended with increasing concentrations of mining waste. Higher waste proportions resulted in a dose-dependent increase in metal(loid)s concentrations and soil acidification. All species survived in soils containing up to 1572.6 mg kg−1 As, 25.6 mg kg−1 Cu, 33.0 mg kg−1 Cd, and 742.6 mg kg−1 Zn. Metal(loid)s accumulation occurred predominantly in roots, reaching 1895.1 mg kg−1 Zn in P. tetracantha and 2223.2 mg kg−1 As in B. retama. The presence of metal(loid)s in leaf and stem tissues was confirmed by SEM-EDX analysis. Elevated MDA levels, combined with low POX and APX activities, indicated a limited antioxidant response. Additionally, the abundance of yeast and bacterial colonies increased across all soil treatments associated with the studied native species. These results demonstrate remarkable tolerance of native species to multi-metal contamination and underscore their potential for cost-effective, nature-based strategies to restore mining-impacted soils in arid regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Heavy Metal Remediation Technologies)
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20 pages, 7249 KB  
Article
Enhanced Degradation of 4-Nitrophenol via a Two-Stage Co-Catalytic Fenton Packed-Bed Reactor with External Circulation
by Yan Liu, Jingyu Liu, Yongyou Hu, Yueyue Shi, Chaoyang Tang, Jianhua Cheng, Xiaoqiang Zhu, Guobin Wang and Jieyun Xie
Environments 2025, 12(8), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12080280 - 14 Aug 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1561
Abstract
To mitigate the consumption of active sites on co-catalysts by H2O2 and to enhance the efficiency and stability of co-catalytic Fenton reactions, an external circulation two-stage packed-bed reactor (ECTPBR) was developed using DPW (diatomite plate@polydopamine@WC) as a co-catalyst to degrade [...] Read more.
To mitigate the consumption of active sites on co-catalysts by H2O2 and to enhance the efficiency and stability of co-catalytic Fenton reactions, an external circulation two-stage packed-bed reactor (ECTPBR) was developed using DPW (diatomite plate@polydopamine@WC) as a co-catalyst to degrade 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Under suitable conditions, the ECTPBR could achieve over 91.97% 4-NP degradation, with low iron sludge production (11.97 mg/L) and minimal tungsten leaching (3.6363 mg/L). The two-stage strategy enabled spatial separation of Fe3+ reduction and Fenton reactions, minimizing the loss of active sites on DPW, ensuring long-term system stability, and reducing the toxicity of 4-NPdegradation products. In addition, external circulation enhanced mass transfer and improved resistance to shock loads. These advantages suggest that the ECTPBR may serve as an effective strategy for applying co-catalytic Fenton reactions in the treatment of toxic and refractory organic wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Heavy Metal Remediation Technologies)
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Review

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31 pages, 8840 KB  
Review
Mechanisms and Effectiveness of Biochar, Zeolite and Attapulgite for Heavy Metal Immobilization in Soils: A Comparative Review
by Anna Derstila, Alkiviadis Stamatakis, Traianos Minos and Evangelia E. Golia
Environments 2026, 13(7), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070375 - 2 Jul 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1003
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination of soils represents a persistent environmental challenge, for which in situ immobilization has emerged as a cost-effective and technically viable alternative to conventional invasive remediation technologies. This review comparatively evaluates three distinct categories of soil amendments—biochar, zeolite and attapulgite—within a [...] Read more.
Heavy metal contamination of soils represents a persistent environmental challenge, for which in situ immobilization has emerged as a cost-effective and technically viable alternative to conventional invasive remediation technologies. This review comparatively evaluates three distinct categories of soil amendments—biochar, zeolite and attapulgite—within a unified analytical framework integrating extractable fractions (TCLP, DTPA, and CaCl2) and geochemical fractionation approaches (BCR and Tessier). The novelty of this study lies in the systematic assessment of the dominant immobilization mechanisms associated with each amendment in relation to soil properties and the chemical speciation of the target metal, as well as in distinguishing between an apparent reduction in metal extractability and a genuine shift toward more stable geochemical fractions. The findings identify ion exchange as the primary immobilization mechanism in zeolites (NaA zeolite, 1–5% w/w, 96% reduction in TCLP-extractable Pb and 91% reduction in TCLP-extractable Cd), the synergistic action of adsorption, complexation, and precipitation in biochar systems (manure-derived biochar, 0–5% w/w, 97.4% reduction in the exchangeable Pb fraction according to the Tessier scheme), and the critical role of surface modification in attapulgite-based amendments (C-ATP, 4% w/w, 95.1% and 74.3% reductions in TCLP-extractable Pb and Cd, respectively). Because these efficiencies were obtained using different extraction protocols, they are not directly comparable. At the same time, cases of adverse responses were identified, including increased As extractability following the application of phosphate-modified biochar and the redistribution of Pb and Cd after amendment with natural zeolite in industrially contaminated soil. These observations highlight that amendment performance is not an intrinsic property of the material itself, but rather the outcome of specific geochemical interactions occurring within the soil system. Increased soil pH emerged as the principal common factor promoting metal stabilization across all amendment categories, whereas substantial variability in amendment dosage, incubation period, and analytical methodology limited direct quantitative comparisons among studies. Consequently, the selection of an appropriate soil amendment should be based on the integrated evaluation of soil physicochemical properties, contaminant speciation, and the intended scale of application, supported by long-term monitoring under field conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Heavy Metal Remediation Technologies)
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Other

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23 pages, 3203 KB  
Systematic Review
Harnessing Silicon-Based Growing Media for Sustainable Heavy Metal Remediation in Agricultural and Urban Green Systems: A Systematic Review
by Mehak Shehzad, Adnan Younis, Samreen Nazeer and Muhammad Zubair Akram
Environments 2026, 13(9), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090493 - 2 Sep 2026
Viewed by 481
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils and urban green spaces has become a major environmental concern, threatening ecosystem functioning, food safety, and sustainable land management. Silicon-based growing media have emerged as an environmentally friendly approach for reducing metal mobility while enhancing plant establishment [...] Read more.
Heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils and urban green spaces has become a major environmental concern, threatening ecosystem functioning, food safety, and sustainable land management. Silicon-based growing media have emerged as an environmentally friendly approach for reducing metal mobility while enhancing plant establishment in contaminated environments. Despite growing research interest, a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanisms, effectiveness, and practical applications of silicon-amended growing media across diverse plant systems remains lacking. This systematic review addresses this gap by synthesizing current evidence following the PRISMA 2020 framework. A systematic search of Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ResearchGate and Google Scholar identified 247 publications published between 2010 and 2025, of which 32 peer-reviewed studies met the predefined inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis. The reviewed literature demonstrates that silicon incorporation into growing media improves substrate functionality by modifying physicochemical properties, immobilizing heavy metals, regulating metal transport within plants, strengthening antioxidant and osmo-protective defense systems, preserving photosynthetic activity, and improving nutrient acquisition and water-use efficiency. Furthermore, silicon influences molecular signaling pathways and promotes beneficial rhizosphere interactions that collectively enhance plant resilience under metal stress. Among the evaluated materials, silicon nanoparticles consistently exhibited greater remediation efficiency than conventional silicon sources because of their higher surface reactivity and improved bioavailability. Overall, silicon-based substrate engineering represents a multifunctional and sustainable strategy for mitigating heavy metal contamination while improving the performance of agricultural crops and urban vegetation. Future research should focus on validating these findings under long-term field conditions, optimizing silicon formulations for different substrate types and contamination scenarios, evaluating environmental safety, and integrating silicon-based technologies into climate-resilient agricultural practices and urban green infrastructure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Heavy Metal Remediation Technologies)
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