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Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Soil Contamination and Remediation

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A special issue of Environments (ISSN 2076-3298).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 March 2026 | Viewed by 20061

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gianniantonio Petruzzelli

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Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
Interests: soil pollution with particular reference to heavy metals; phytoremediation of soil contaminated by organic and inorganic contaminants disposal; use and environmental effects of different types of waste, on quality and vulnerability of the soil
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Joaquim Esteves Da Silva

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Chemistry Research Unit (CIQUP), Institute of Molecular Sciences (IMS), Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (FCUP), Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
Interests: environmental sciences; soil physical chemistry; climate change
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Soil contamination poses a significant environmental challenge with implications for ecosystems, human health, and global sustainability, and human activities, such as industrial operations, intensive agriculture, improper waste management, and resource extraction, have led to widespread soil pollution, often accompanied by groundwater contamination. These pollutants include heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and emerging contaminants such as microplastics, nanoparticles, and pharmaceuticals. Addressing soil contamination requires the development of effective, sustainable remediation technologies. Innovations in physical, chemical, and biological approaches are essential to mitigate risks and restore degraded soils. Furthermore, research into emerging contaminants, where data on occurrence, transformation, and ecological impacts remain sparse, is crucial for informed decision-making. Beyond technical solutions, adopting sustainability frameworks and integrating multidisciplinary perspectives can enhance remediation efforts and contribute to long-term environmental protection.

This Special Issue aims to advance the understanding and application of soil remediation technologies and we welcome contributions exploring fundamental studies on contaminant behavior in soils, novel remediation materials, and innovative technologies for addressing the challenges posed by the chemical substances found in contaminated soils. Submissions may include lab-scale experiments, field applications, sustainability assessments, and all other approaches addressing the environmental, human health, and social dimensions of soil contamination. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of cost-effective, multidisciplinary site management strategies for managing soil-critical functions that prioritize environmental sustainability.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

The monitoring, assessment, pathways, and transformation of soil contaminants;
The risks, toxicity, and health impacts of soil pollutants;
New materials and technologies for sustainable soil remediation;
Single and integrated remediation technologies for addressing emerging contaminants in the soil;
Advancements in LCA methods for evaluating soil remediation.

Dr. Gianniantonio Petruzzelli
Prof. Dr. Joaquim Esteves Da Silva
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-blind 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

nature-based solutions
physicochemical technologies
long-lasting pollutants
new emerging contaminants
fate and transport
phytomanagement
effective communication of risk
pollution and human health

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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13 pages, 1063 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reducing the Gap Between Chemical and Biological Assessment of Petroleum-Contaminated Soils: An FTIR-Based Method Using Aqueous Dimethyl Sulfoxide Extraction

by Guzel R. Farrahova, Natalya G. Tanykova, Elizaveta M. Kolosova, Yuliya Yu. Petrova, Ruslan Ya. Bajbulatov and Oleg S. Sutormin

Environments 2026, 13(3), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030140 - 5 Mar 2026

Viewed by 381

Abstract

Chemical and biological approaches are widely applied to assess petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in soils; however, their results are often difficult to compare due to the use of fundamentally different extraction media. Chemical analytical methods typically rely on non-polar organic solvents, whereas biological toxicity assessments are based on aqueous soil extracts, reflecting water-soluble fractions of contaminants. This methodological discrepancy complicates the integrated evaluation of soil contamination and the assessment of remediation effectiveness. This study proposes an FTIR-based approach for assessing petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in sandy podzolic soil based on extraction with aqueous dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The proposed method aims to reduce the methodological gap between classical chemical monitoring and aqueous-based biological assessment frameworks. The extraction performance of distilled water and aqueous DMSO solutions with different concentrations was evaluated using model soil samples artificially contaminated with crude oil. Crude oil was used as a multicomponent contaminant, whereas “petroleum hydrocarbons” refers to the operationally defined hydrocarbon fraction extracted from the soil–oil system and detected by FTIR in the C–H stretching region. Hydrocarbon extraction efficiency was assessed based on characteristic C–H stretching absorption bands in the 2800–3100 cm⁻¹ infrared region. Distilled water exhibited limited extraction capacity and rapidly reached saturation, resulting in weak and concentration-independent absorption responses. In contrast, aqueous DMSO increased the apparent solubility of hydrocarbons and yielded reproducible, concentration-dependent spectral responses. A 75% (v/v) aqueous DMSO solution was selected as a practical compromise extraction medium, increasing analytical sensitivity while remaining more compatible with aqueous conditions than conventional non-polar organic solvents. The proposed method provides a lower-hazard and methodologically coherent extraction approach for FTIR-based chemical monitoring of petroleum-contaminated soils and may facilitate improved comparability between chemical measurements and aqueous-based biological assessment approaches in integrated soil contamination and remediation studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Soil Contamination and Remediation)

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14 pages, 1110 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Elemental Distribution in Sunflower, Wheat, and Maize Grown in Soil with a Distinct Geochemical Profile

by Faith Machabe and Michael Klink

Environments 2026, 13(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13010033 - 2 Jan 2026

Viewed by 535

Abstract

Documenting baseline elemental distribution patterns in crops under non-contaminated conditions provides a physiological reference for understanding constitutive metal homeostasis. This study compared the internal allocation of elements in sunflower (Helianthus annuus), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and maize (Zea mays) grown in soil with a specific geochemical profile. Soil was characterized using X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Plants were grown under controlled conditions, and elemental concentrations in roots and shoots were quantified to calculate Bioaccumulation (BCF) and Translocation (TF) Factors. Soil analysis confirmed nickel (42.6 mg kg⁻¹) and copper (32.8 mg kg⁻¹) concentrations within typical global ranges for uncontaminated soils. Species exhibited different distribution tendencies: sunflower showed balanced root–shoot allocation for nickel (TF = 1.00); wheat demonstrated pronounced root retention of nickel and copper (TF < 0.5); and maize exhibited preferential translocation of copper (TF = 0.76) alongside root retention of nickel. Concentrations of lead, selenium, and silver were minimal across all species. The study delineates different species-specific tendencies in internal elemental allocation under given growth conditions. These patterns represent baseline physiological behaviors rather than responses to contamination, providing a comparative dataset that contributes to the understanding of crop ionomics and informs the interpretation of tissue metal concentrations in relation to soil conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Soil Contamination and Remediation)

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23 pages, 4896 KB

Open AccessArticle

Induced Phytoextraction of Heavy Metals from Soils Using Brassica juncea and EDTA: An Efficient Approach to the Remedy of Zinc, Copper and Lead

by Augustina Pruteanu, Mihaela Nițu, Valentin Vlăduț, Mihai Matache, Iulian Voicea, Gageanu Iuliana, Nicoleta Vanghele, Florin Nenciu, Dan Cujbescu and Daniel Onuț Badea

Environments 2026, 13(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13010023 - 1 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1146

Abstract

Contamination of agricultural soils with heavy metals, such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and lead (Pb), is a major problem for food safety and environmental sustainability. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of phytoremediation induced with Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in reducing the content of heavy metals in contaminated soils. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, using soil polluted with Zn, Cu and Pb, to which different treatments were applied, using: the biological method (Indian mustard only), the chemical method (EDTA in three concentrations: 0.5–1.0–2.0 mmol·kg⁻¹) and the mixed method (Indian mustard and EDTA in three concentrations: 0.5–1.0–2.0 mmol·kg⁻¹). The determinations included the analysis of the residual metal content by atomic absorption spectroscopy, as well as the evaluation of the physiological parameters of the plants (biomass, chlorophyll content in leaves, humidity, height). The results of unifactorial and bifactorial ANOVA revealed highly significant differences (p < 0.001) between the treatments and the types of metals, confirming the synergistic interaction between the chelation and phytoextraction processes. The combined treatments Indian mustard and EDTA in concentrations of 1.0 mmol·kg⁻¹ and 2.0 mmol·kg⁻¹, ensured the highest decontamination efficiency, with reductions of 51.5% for Zn, 36.3% for Pb and 27.5% for Cu. In conclusion, the mixed method represents a viable, ecological and reproducible strategy for the remediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Soil Contamination and Remediation)

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14 pages, 1139 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phytoremediation of Nickel-Contamination Using Helianthus annuus L. in Mediterranean Conditions

by Ada Cristina Ranieri, Luigi Lopopolo, Gianfranco D’Onghia, José Alberto Herrera Melián, Francesca Ranieri, Sarah Gregorio and Ezio Ranieri

Environments 2025, 12(12), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120487 - 11 Dec 2025

Viewed by 728

Abstract

Nickel contamination poses a serious risk to ecosystems and human health. Phytoremediation provides a sustainable solution. This study evaluates the ability of Helinathus annuus L. to tolerate and accumulate nickel under simulated Mediterranean and semi-arid conditions, representing a short-term contamination event with nickel-enriched irrigation. Laboratory experiments assessed growth, tolerance, and Ni distribution within plant tissues. Results showed that Ni uptake increased with concentration, mainly in roots, while translocation to aerial parts remained limited. The bioconcentration factors ranged from 1.32 to 2.55, and the translocation factors from 0.46 to 0.60, indicating efficient uptake but restricted metal mobility. Higher water availability enhanced Ni absorption, suggesting that soil moisture facilitates metal transport and root activity. Helinathus annuus L. demonstrated good tolerance at moderate Ni levels but reduced growth and accumulation efficiency at higher concentrations, confirming its potential for phytostabilization in Mediterranean soils affected by metal contamination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Soil Contamination and Remediation)

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14 pages, 2126 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biological Assessment of Soils Following Waste Tyre Fires and Potential Remediation—A Case Study

by Markéta Škrabalová, Dana Adamcová and Milada Šťastná

Environments 2025, 12(12), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120464 - 1 Dec 2025

Viewed by 1120

Abstract

Waste tyre fires are a significant environmental issue that leads to the release of toxic substances into the soil, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals. These contaminants can adversely affect the physicochemical properties of the soil, its microbial activity, and plant growth. The aim of this study is to assess the degree of phytotoxicity in soils affected by tyre waste fires using acute and biological tests, while simultaneously measuring microbial respiration as an indicator of soil biological activity. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the application of a 5% dose of biochar as a remediation measure was evaluated. The results showed that leachates from contaminated soils exhibited phytotoxic effects, with growth inhibition of 26.94–28.12% and reduced seed germination of 55.6–55.9%. The application of biochar to the soil under study significantly reduced phytotoxicity-induced growth inhibition (20–23.11%) and improved seed germination rates (79.76–83.71%). Microbial respiration gradually increased following the application of biochar; after 28 days it was over 30% higher compared to soils without biochar amendment. This study confirms that biochar can be an effective amendment that improves the biological quality of soils impacted by tyre waste fires. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Soil Contamination and Remediation)

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19 pages, 6437 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria on Photosynthetic Parameters of One-Year-Old Sessile Oak Seedlings

by Sanja Lazić, Tanja Berić, Slobodan Milanović, Olja Medić, Aleksandar Vemić, Aleksandar Lučić, Slaviša Stanković, Ljubinko Rakonjac and Vladan Popović

Environments 2025, 12(11), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12110409 - 1 Nov 2025

Viewed by 971

Abstract

Soil contamination is a major contemporary issue. In light of increasing efforts to align seedling production with the sustainable use and preservation of soil resources, this study aimed to explore the potential of selected plant-growth-promoting bacteria as natural alternatives to mineral fertilizers, a major soil pollutant in the forestry sector. The experiment involved inoculating one-year-old sessile oak (Quercus petraea) seedlings with multiple single bacterial treatments and a consortia derived from sessile oak rhizosphere and monitoring their effects on plant physiological parameters such as chlorophyll, carotenoid, and nitrogen content, along with selected parameters of the rapid chlorophyll a fluorescence induction curve (an OJIP curve). The results indicated that the selected bacterial strains improved specific plant physiological parameters at certain points during the monitoring period; however, further research is necessary to draw statistically significant conclusions. Although these bacteria did not directly enhance photosynthetic parameters, their potential remains evident and could be harnessed through improved application methods. Future studies should focus on identifying site conditions that support the proliferation of the introduced bacterial populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Soil Contamination and Remediation)

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19 pages, 587 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Environmental and Human Health Risks from Heavy Metal Contamination in Community Garden Soils Affected by an Industrial Fire Hazard in New Brunswick, Canada

by Hassan Ikrema, Innocent Mugudamani and Saheed Adeyinka Oke

Environments 2025, 12(10), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100362 - 7 Oct 2025

Viewed by 2007

Abstract

Urban community gardens are valued for promoting sustainable food production, yet the accumulation of toxic heavy metals in city soils can present both ecological and public health risks. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the environmental and health risks of toxic heavy metals in community gardens soil contaminated by an industrial fire hazard in New Brunswick, Canada. Both top and subsoil soil samples were collected at Carleton community garden. The collected samples were examined for toxic heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Ecological risks were evaluated through the ecological risk factor and the potential ecological risk index, while human health risks were determined using a standard human health risk assessment approach. The mean concentration of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Sn exceeded permissible limits when compared to the Canadian soil quality guidelines and upper continental crust values. Findings from the ecological risk assessment showed that all metals were associated with low risk, except for nickel, which posed a high ecological risk across both soil layers. PERI results revealed a low overall ecological threat. The human health risk analysis indicated that children could face non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from As exposure, while adults were not at risk from any of the studied metals. These findings identify arsenic as the primary contaminant of concern, with children representing the most vulnerable population, emphasizing the necessity for targeted mitigation strategies and protective measures to reduce their exposure. The results of this study can inform interventions aimed at safeguarding both environmental and public health, while also raising awareness about the presence and risks of toxic heavy metals, ultimately contributing to the protection of human health and the broader ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Soil Contamination and Remediation)

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15 pages, 860 KB

Open AccessArticle

Classification of Agricultural Soils in Manica and Sussundenga (Mozambique)

by Mário J. S. L. Pereira, João M. M. Leitão and Joaquim Esteves da Silva

Environments 2025, 12(8), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12080265 - 31 Jul 2025

Viewed by 1755

Abstract

Mozambique soils are known for having an unbalanced agronomic and environmental composition that results in poor agricultural production yields. However, agriculture is the main economic activity of Mozambique, and soils must be characterised for their elemental deficiencies and/or excesses. This paper sampled nine farms from the Manica and Sussundenga districts (Manica province) in three campaigns in 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2023/2024 (before and after the rainy seasons). They were subjected to a physical–chemical analysis to assess their quality from the fertility and environmental contamination point of view. Attending to the physical–chemical properties analysed, and for all the soils and sampling campaigns, a low concentration below the limit of detection for B of <0.2 mg/Kg for the majority of soils and a low concentration of Al < 0.025 mg/Kg for all the soils were obtained. Also, higher concentrations for the majority of soils for the Ca between 270 and 1634 mg/Kg, for the Mg between 41 and 601 mg/Kg, for the K between 17 and 406 mg/Kg, for the Mn between 13.6 and 522 mg/Kg, for the Fe between 66.3 and 243 mg/Kg, and for the P between <20 and 132 mg/Kg were estimated. In terms of texture and for the sand, a high percentage between 6.1 and 79% was found. In terms of metal concentrations and for all the soils of the Sussundenga district and sampling campaigns, a concentration above the reference value concentration for the Cr (76–1400 mg/Kg) and a concentration below the reference value concentration for the Pb (5–19 mg/Kg), Ba (13–120 mg/Kg) and for the Zn (10–61 mg/Kg) were evaluated. A multivariate data analysis methodology was used based on cluster and discriminant analysis. The analysis of twenty-three physical–chemical variables of the soils suggested four clusters of soils characterised by deficiencies and excess elements that must be corrected to improve the yield and quality of agricultural production. Moreover, the multivariate analysis of the metal composition of soil samples from the second and third campaigns, before and after the rainy season, suggested five clusters with a pristine composition and different metal pollutant compositions and concentrations. The information obtained in this study allows for the scientific comprehension of agricultural soil quality, which is crucial for designing agronomic and environmental corrective measures to improve food quality and quantity in the Manica and Sussundenga districts and ensure environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Soil Contamination and Remediation)

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21 pages, 3740 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mineral Condition Changes in Amended Soils and Woody Vegetation Installed on a Polluted Soil with Trace Metals in Lubumbashi (DR Congo): Results of a Four-Year Trial

by Serge Langunu, Jacques Kilela Mwanasomwe, Dieu-donné N’Tambwe Nghonda, Gilles Colinet and Mylor Ngoy Shutcha

Environments 2025, 12(7), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12070224 - 30 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1679

Abstract

The use of trees to revegetate urban areas contaminated by mining activity is a low-cost, low-maintenance technique, of which the success will depend on the plant species, planting methods, and geochemical processes at the soil-plant interface. This study analyzed the evolution of mineral composition in the rooting soil, tree, and herbaceous vegetation on soils contaminated by As, Cd, Cu, Co, Pb, and Zn. An in-situ experiment was carried out in Lubumbashi (South-eastern DR Congo) with six tree species (Acacia auriculiformis, Albizia lebbeck, Delonix regia, Leucaena leucocephala, Mangifera indica, and Syzygium guineense), in 0.187 m³ pits amended with municipal compost and limestone. After planting in the amended and unamended (control) pits, soil samples were taken for chemical analysis. Eighteen months after planting, a floristic inventory was carried out to assess the spontaneous colonization of herbaceous species. The results show an increase in metal concentrations in the rooting soil between 2019 and 2023 (Cu: 725 ± 136 to 6141 ± 1853 mg kg⁻¹; As: 16.2 ± 1.4 to 95 ± 28.5 mg kg⁻¹; Cd: 2.7 ± 1.3 to 8.7 ± 2.0 mg kg⁻¹; Co: 151 ± 36.3 to 182 ± 113 mg kg⁻¹; Zn: 558 ± 418 to 1098 ± 1037 mg kg⁻¹), with a stable pH and a decrease in nutrients (P, K, Ca, and Fe). The trees planted in the amended pits showed better height and diameter growth and greater survival than the controls, reaching average heights of 8 m and a DBH of up to 22 cm four years after planting. A total of 13 spontaneous herbaceous species were recorded, with an increased abundance during the second inventory. These results confirm the effectiveness of pit amendment for the rapid revegetation of urban soils polluted by trace metals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Soil Contamination and Remediation)

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16 pages, 2288 KB

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling Heavy Metal Distribution in Different Agricultural Soils and Associated Health Risks Among Farming Communities of Bangladesh

by Sumaya Sharmin, Qingyue Wang, Md. Rezwanul Islam, Yogo Isobe, Christian Ebere Enyoh and Wu Shangrong

Environments 2025, 12(6), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12060198 - 11 Jun 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2759

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution is a growing public health concern owing to rising environmental pollution throughout the world. The situation is more vulnerable in Bangladesh; therefore, this study assessed contamination levels in different land use categories such as rural, local market, industrial, research, and coastal areas, as well as the related health risks for farmers in Bangladesh. A total of 45 soil samples were considered from three depths (0–5 cm, 5–10 cm, and 10–15 cm) across five different areas, with three replications per depth, following the monsoon season. Samples were prepared using a diacid mixture, and heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Mn, Cr, Zn, Pb) were investigated using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Health risks were evaluated using standard assessment models. The results showed that coastal agricultural soils had the highest heavy metal concentrations (except Pb), while rural areas had the lowest (except Cu and Ni), with no clear depth-based pattern. Two contamination sources were identified: component 1 (Cu, Ni, Mn, Cr, Zn) and component 2 (Pb, Zn), indicating mixed and anthropogenic sources, respectively. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) was highest in coastal areas and lowest in rural areas. The average daily intake of metals followed the order of inhalation > dermal > ingestion, with inhalation being the primary exposure route. The highest cumulative cancer risk (CCR) was observed in coastal agricultural soils (5.82 × 10⁻⁹), while rural soils had the lowest CCR (8.24 × 10⁻¹⁰), highlighting significant regional differences in health risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Soil Contamination and Remediation)

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24 pages, 2228 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Bioremediation and Soil Fertility Study: Effects of Vermiremediation on Soil Contaminated by Chlorpyrifos

by Francesca Tagliabue, Enrica Marini, Arianna De Bernardi, Costantino Vischetti, Gianluca Brunetti and Cristiano Casucci

Environments 2025, 12(5), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12050136 - 24 Apr 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2283

Abstract

Although the broad-spectrum pesticide chlorpyrifos (CP) was banned in many developed countries, it is still widely used in developing countries. Its residues persist in the environment for unpredictable times. CP is toxic to various non-target organisms and humans and inhibits soil enzyme activity and bacterial and fungal abundance. This paper aimed to evaluate the effect of vermiremediation on soil chlorpyrifos content and soil fertility. The application of Eisenia fetida or vermicompost was studied in terms of soil chlorpyrifos concentration, microbial biomass content, and enzymatic activities in a 120-day trial. Pesticide application rates were 0, 25, and 50 ppm. The CP did not affect the earthworm survival rate at the tested doses. The earthworms markedly increased microbial biomass carbon and the activity of β-glucosamminidase, while the vermicompost had a noticeably positive effect mainly on alkaline phosphatase activity. Finally, although the vermiremediation techniques studied did not perform a bioremediation activity, they proved effective in improving the biological fertility of the soil in the presence of high concentrations of chlorpyrifos. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Soil Contamination and Remediation)

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27 pages, 1336 KB

Open AccessReview

Contaminated Soils as Potential Secondary Sources of Critical Metals: Remediation Technologies and Recovery Perspectives

by Gianniantonio Petruzzelli, Francesca Pedron, Elisabetta Franchi, Danilo Fusini and Meri Barbafieri

Environments 2026, 13(3), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030132 - 1 Mar 2026

Viewed by 428

Abstract

Critical metals play a crucial role in advancing sustainable energy technologies, with their demand steadily increasing due to the global push for a circular economy. At present, critical metals are primarily extracted from mineral resources, but critical metal-contaminated soils could often be considered as an alternative source of these elements. There is a growing need for remediation approaches that not only decontaminate soils but also recover valuable metals, thereby aligning with the principles of a circular economy. This review aims to suggest soil remediation strategies able to tackle critical metals contamination, particularly those capable of extracting these elements (dual-purpose technologies). Existing studies indicate that critical metal-contaminated soils are commonly found near mining sites, but their increasing use is spreading these elements into the whole environment. Considering nickel as an example of critical metal, we examine some consolidated technologies which, in addition to remediation, enable the recovery of this critical metal from the soil. Phytomining demonstrated significant potential in extracting nickel from contaminated soils. Electrokinetic treatment and soil washing can be considered as a promising methodology to clean up soils, also facilitating nickel recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Soil Contamination and Remediation)

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21 pages, 621 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Arsenic in Soil: A Critical and Scoping Review of Exposure Pathways and Health Impacts

by Catherine Irwin, Sajni Gudka, Sofie De Meyer, Martine Dennekamp, Pacian Netherway, Maryam Moslehi, Timothy Chaston, Antti Mikkonen, Jen Martin, Mark Patrick Taylor and Suzanne Mavoa

Environments 2025, 12(5), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12050161 - 14 May 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3389

Abstract

Arsenic (As) in soil, such as mining waste, is a concern for communities with legacy contamination. While the chronic health effects of As exposure through drinking water are well documented, the association between As in soil and population-wide health impacts is complex, involving factors like soil accessibility, soil properties, and exposure modes. This review summarizes evidence of associations between As in soil and human health, as well as biomarker and bioaccessibility evidence of exposure pathways. Fourteen studies were included in the final analysis. Reviewed studies reported associations between As in soil and birth outcomes, neurological effects, DNA damage, and cancer. Some of these health outcomes are not known to be linked to As in drinking water and were reported over a range of soil concentrations, indicating inconsistencies. Higher soil As concentrations are associated with higher As in human biospecimens, suggesting direct and indirect soil ingestion as primary exposure pathways. The subpopulations more likely to be exposed include younger children and those involved in soil-based activities. Future research should focus on standardized epidemiological studies, longitudinal studies, soil exposure and mitigating factors, combined exposure biomarker studies, the behavior of the different As species, soil dose related to bioavailability/bioaccessibility, and effects with other elements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Soil Contamination and Remediation)

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