Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Soil Contamination and Remediation

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2025 | Viewed by 743

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
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
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Guest Editor
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

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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 (2 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 2228 KiB  
Article
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
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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 [...] Read more.
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
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Review

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21 pages, 621 KiB  
Review
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
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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 [...] Read more.
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
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