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Environments
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Advanced Research on the Removal of Emerging Pollutants
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Advanced Research on the Removal of Emerging Pollutants

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 6609

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jonathan Suazo-Hernández

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Sede Concepción, Chile
Interests: environmental chemistry; nanotechnology; pollutans; water tretments; microplastics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Lizethly Cáceres Jensen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Ñuñoa, Chile
Interests: analytical environmental chemistry; adsorption kinetic modeling; adsorption-desorption modeling; transport modeling; soil chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Pamela Sepúlveda Ortiz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centro de Nanotecnología Aplicada, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
Interests: nanotechnology; nanomaterials; organic and inorganic pollutants; water contamination; adsorption; advanced oxidation processes

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Environments journal, published by MDPI, is excited to announce an upcoming Special Issue titled "Advanced Research on the Removal of Emerging Pollutants". This Issue will compile pioneering research focused on detecting, treating, and removing emerging pollutants, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, micro(nano)plastics, endocrine disruptors, and industrial chemicals. We welcome contributions that advance innovative technologies and materials—such as advanced oxidation processes, functionalized biochar, engineered nanomaterials, high-performance membrane filtration, and bioremediation strategies—to maximize removal efficiency across aqueous, terrestrial, and atmospheric compartments. Contributions may also include mechanistic insights (adsorption/desorption kinetics; degradation, transport, and transformation pathways), environmental fate, risk assessment, and the scalability of treatment systems. This Special Issue aims to bridge laboratory advances and practical applications, integrating interdisciplinary approaches to address the growing concern of emerging contaminants in the environment. 

This Special Issue invites contributions that address a wide range of topics related to the following:

  1. Development of innovative materials and technologies for efficiently removing emerging pollutants (e.g., nanomaterials, biochar, and membranes).
  2. Mechanistic studies on the interaction between pollutants and removal agents, including adsorption, degradation, and transformation pathways.
  3. Environmental fate, transport, and behavior of emerging contaminants in aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric systems.
  4. Biological and hybrid treatment approaches, including bioremediation, microbial consortia, and enzyme-based degradation.
  5. Assessment of toxicity, risks, and regulatory challenges associated with emerging pollutants and their by-products.
  6. Scaling up and real-world applications of removal technologies, including techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessments.

This Special Issue aims to unite research across the detection, understanding, and removal of emerging pollutants from environmental systems to advance sustainable and effective solutions for mitigating their ecological and human health impacts. Chemistry, biogeochemistry, and ecotoxicology promote a deeper understanding of the diverse roles of pollutants within ecosystems.

We look forward to receiving your contributions to this impactful collection.

Dr. Jonathan Suazo-Hernández
Prof. Dr. Lizethly Cáceres Jensen
Dr. Pamela Sepúlveda Ortiz
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

  • emerging contaminants
  • adsorption technologies
  • advanced oxidation processes (AOPs)
  • wastewater treatment
  • nanomaterials
  • environmental remediation

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 849 KB  
Article
Use of Denitrifying Sludge for the Removal of Acetaminophen in Water
by Liliana Rodríguez-Flores, César Camacho-López, Claudia Romo-Gómez, Otilio A. Acevedo-Sandoval, Fernando Salas-Martínez, José B. Leyva-Morales and César. A González-Ramírez
Environments 2026, 13(4), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13040210 - 10 Apr 2026
Viewed by 843
Abstract
Acetaminophen, more commonly known as paracetamol (APAP), is one of the most widely used analgesics and antipyretic drugs worldwide. Its presence in the environment poses a risk to the organisms it comes into contact with, which is why it has been classified as [...] Read more.
Acetaminophen, more commonly known as paracetamol (APAP), is one of the most widely used analgesics and antipyretic drugs worldwide. Its presence in the environment poses a risk to the organisms it comes into contact with, which is why it has been classified as an emerging contaminant. Given its adverse effects and continuous discharge into water bodies, it is necessary to study efficient, environmentally sustainable processes for its complete removal. Denitrification is a biological process that has been studied for the biodegradation of recalcitrant compounds and certain pharmaceuticals such as 17β-estradiol and ampicillin, transforming them into harmless products such as N2 and HCO3−. In the present study, the biodegradation of 6 mg L−1 of APAP-C was evaluated through a denitrifying process. Batch experiments were conducted, achieving acetaminophen (APAP) removal efficiencies (EAPAP-C) of 83.3 ± 0.86% and nitrate removal efficiencies (EN-NO3−) of 100%. The substrates were predominantly converted into HCO3− and N2, with yields greater than 0.9, while intermediates such as NO2− were observed only transiently during the reaction. At the end of the experimental period, no secondary metabolites were detected, indicating that intermediates did not accumulate to quantifiable levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Removal of Emerging Pollutants)
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30 pages, 2530 KB  
Article
Insights into the Transcriptomic Response of Two Aspergillus Fungi Growing in the Presence of Microplastics of Polyethylene Terephthalate Residues Unveil the Presence of Fungal Machinery for Possible PET Bioconversion into High-Value Chemicals
by Leticia Narciso-Ortiz, Carolina Peña-Montes, Cristina Escobedo-Fregoso, Manuel A. Lizardi-Jiménez, Eliel Ruíz-May, Belkis Sulbarán-Rangel, Arturo García-Bórquez, Graciela Espinosa-Luna and Rosa M. Oliart-Ros
Environments 2026, 13(3), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030127 - 25 Feb 2026
Viewed by 778
Abstract
PET biodegradation remains limited due to its intrinsic properties—high crystallinity, hydrophobicity, and strong chemical stability. These characteristics lead to extremely slow degradation rates and contribute to PET’s persistence in the environment. Understanding how microorganisms respond at the molecular level when exposed to such [...] Read more.
PET biodegradation remains limited due to its intrinsic properties—high crystallinity, hydrophobicity, and strong chemical stability. These characteristics lead to extremely slow degradation rates and contribute to PET’s persistence in the environment. Understanding how microorganisms respond at the molecular level when exposed to such a recalcitrant polymer is therefore essential. Living organisms express genes in response to their needs during development. When microbes are under critical conditions, such as when contaminants are present, they express genes encoding specific enzymes that attack the pollutant. In this study, a fungus isolated from the infected fruit of the plant Randia monantha was identified as Aspergillus terreus. It was tested for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degradation, and the fungus Aspergillus nidulans was evaluated due to its previously reported recombinant cutinases for PET degradation. A microplastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET-MP) particle size of <355 μm for degradation was established, and a PET weight loss of 1.62% for A. nidulans and 1.01% for A. terreus was found. Additionally, the degradation of PET was confirmed by FTIR and SEM. This study also compares the transcriptomic profiles of Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus terreus during cultivation with PET-MP residues, which serve as a replacement for the carbon source. We present the first evidence of chitinase overexpression during direct exposure of PET to Aspergillus fungi. Interestingly, chitinase expression was detected in the crude extracts of A. nidulans and A. terreus during culture in the presence of PET residues, which replaced the carbon source. The chitinase produced by each fungus has a similar molecular weight of approximately 44 kDa. Chitinase activity was monitored over a 14-day cultivation period; from day 2, chitinase activity was detected in both cultures and continued to increase until day 14, when the highest values reported in this work were 24.88 ± 4.17 U mg−1 and 10.41 ± 0.47 U mg−1 for A. nidulans and A. terreus, respectively. Finally, we proposed a pathway for PET degradation by Aspergillus fungi that involves mycelial adherence and the secretion of hydrophobins, followed by the production of intermediates and monomers via esterase hydrolysis, and ultimately, the entry of monomers to the ethylene glycol (EG) and terephthalic acid (TPA) pathways, further suggesting these Aspergillus as candidates to produce valuable compounds under these conditions, such as muconic acid, gallic acid, and vanillic acid. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Removal of Emerging Pollutants)
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16 pages, 3652 KB  
Article
Preliminary Study of Cellulose and Polycaprolactone-Based Materials for Enhancing Bacteriological and Physicochemical Quality of Contaminated Water
by Belkis Sulbarán-Rangel, Hasbleidy Palacios-Hinestroza, Anahí Arreaga-Cancino, Edgar Mauricio Santos-Ventura, Orlando Hernández-Cristóbal and Florentina Zurita
Environments 2025, 12(10), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100355 - 1 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1185
Abstract
As water scarcity and pollution increase in rural communities in some parts of developing countries, there is a need to find simple ways to improve the quality of contaminated water. In this research, bagasse-based cellulose membranes were prepared and evaluated in a simple [...] Read more.
As water scarcity and pollution increase in rural communities in some parts of developing countries, there is a need to find simple ways to improve the quality of contaminated water. In this research, bagasse-based cellulose membranes were prepared and evaluated in a simple filtration system and compared with polycaprolactone membranes (PCL) and bagasse-based cellulose/PCL membranes for the removal of total coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli and other physical and chemical contaminants from contaminated water. Cellulose offers many opportunities in filtration technology due to its physical and chemical characteristics that allow its use in the design of membranes with flexible capabilities and specific applications. The membranes were characterized physically, chemically and mechanically, finding similarity in mechanical properties and differences in porosity. The membranes were tested in a filtration system and PCL membranes were more effective in removing turbidity (94.5%), color removal (70%) and phosphorus removal (50%), while cellulose membranes were better at retaining fecal coliforms (84.5%) and E. coli (90.8%). Statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05) confirmed significant differences among the three membrane types for turbidity, apparent color, and nitrate, while no significant differences were observed for pH, conductivity, and phosphorus. These results suggest that the use of the membranes could help to improve the quality of polluted water and more studies are needed in order to improve their efficiencies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Removal of Emerging Pollutants)
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Review

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25 pages, 7884 KB  
Review
Graphene-Based Aerogels for Adsorption of Organic Contaminants: Synthesis Methods, Classification, and Property–Performance Relationships
by Jesus A. Martínez-Espinosa, Gustavo Ruiz-Pulido, José Navarro-Antonio, Mario J. Romellón-Cerino, Raquel Murillo-Ortíz, Dora I. Medina and Heriberto Cruz-Martínez
Environments 2026, 13(4), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13040232 (registering DOI) - 21 Apr 2026
Abstract
Graphene-based aerogels (GAs) exhibit outstanding performance in the adsorption of organic contaminants. Consequently, numerous studies have investigated the use of GAs for this purpose. In this work, the synthesis methods commonly used to produce GAs are first briefly described, and their key characteristics [...] Read more.
Graphene-based aerogels (GAs) exhibit outstanding performance in the adsorption of organic contaminants. Consequently, numerous studies have investigated the use of GAs for this purpose. In this work, the synthesis methods commonly used to produce GAs are first briefly described, and their key characteristics are summarized. Subsequently, GAs are classified according to the modifications applied to improve their adsorption properties toward organic pollutants. Furthermore, the quantitative relationships between surface area, density, surface chemistry, and adsorption performance for organic contaminants are systematically reviewed. The analysis revealed that the adsorption of two representative organic contaminants, toluene and methylene blue, is not dependent on the surface area of GAs. In contrast, GAs with lower density exhibit an improved adsorption capacity for toluene. Additionally, the relationship between the surface chemistry of GAs and their adsorption capacity toward methylene blue was analyzed considering the concentration of carboxylic sites. The available data suggests a potential correlation between the concentration of carboxylic groups on the surface of GAs and their adsorption capacity for methylene blue. This observation is supported by the analysis of methylene blue species in aqueous solution and the pH at the point of zero charge of GAs, which indicate that the interaction occurs mainly through electrostatic attractions resulting from the deprotonation of acidic surface sites. Finally, several opportunity areas and future research directions regarding the use of GAs for pollutant adsorption are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Removal of Emerging Pollutants)
37 pages, 2498 KB  
Review
Membrane Technologies at the Frontier: A Review of Advanced Solutions for Microplastics and Emerging Contaminants in Wastewater
by Yousef Tayeh, Tharaa M. Al-Zghoul, Mohammed J. K. Bashir, Motasem Y. D. Alazaiza and Salahaldin Abuabdou
Environments 2026, 13(2), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13020118 - 19 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1117
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and emerging contaminants (ECs) are increasingly prevalent in environments due to their persistence, toxicity, and resilience against standard wastewater treatment methods. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of contemporary and advanced membrane-based techniques, highlighting their removal efficacy, recovery potential, and fundamental [...] Read more.
Microplastics (MPs) and emerging contaminants (ECs) are increasingly prevalent in environments due to their persistence, toxicity, and resilience against standard wastewater treatment methods. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of contemporary and advanced membrane-based techniques, highlighting their removal efficacy, recovery potential, and fundamental mechanisms such as size exclusion, adsorption, electrostatic interactions, and biodegradation. This review emphasizes the physicochemical properties of MPs, including particle size, shape, polymer type, and hydrophobicity, and their significant impact on membrane performance and fouling behavior. Key findings reveal that membrane fouling is a primary constraint affecting operational efficiency. This study identifies the types of fouling standard, total, intermediate, and cake formation that contribute to flux deterioration and necessitate increased energy expenditures during prolonged operation. Additionally, this research highlights the detrimental effects of mechanical abrasion and scaling on membrane integrity and lifespan. Future prospects for membrane technology are explored, positioning it as a leading solution for sustainable wastewater treatment. Essential directives include the development of intelligent membranes responsive to environmental stimuli, AI-driven monitoring systems, and modular and decentralized treatment units. Moreover, the implementation of circular economy principles is discussed, emphasizing concurrent treatment and resource recovery, such as nutrients, biogas, and clean water. The regulatory and legislative implications of membrane-based treatment are also addressed, underscoring the importance of standardization, performance evaluation, and sustainability. Ultimately, this analysis positions membrane technologies as pivotal instruments in the advancement of intelligent, energy-efficient, and regenerative wastewater management systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Removal of Emerging Pollutants)
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44 pages, 3678 KB  
Review
Advanced Oxidation Processes in Water Treatment: Mapping 15 Years of Scientific Progress and Collaboration
by Motasem Y. D. Alazaiza, Tharaa M. Alzghoul, Obie Farobie, Al-Anoud Al-Yazeedi, Salem S. Abu Amr and Mohammed J. K. Bashir
Environments 2026, 13(2), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13020103 - 12 Feb 2026
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1790
Abstract
Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) are pivotal technologies for the effective degradation of a wide variety of organic and inorganic pollutants in water and wastewater treatment. This bibliometric analysis evaluates 481 publications from the Scopus database, covering the period from 2010 to November 2025, [...] Read more.
Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) are pivotal technologies for the effective degradation of a wide variety of organic and inorganic pollutants in water and wastewater treatment. This bibliometric analysis evaluates 481 publications from the Scopus database, covering the period from 2010 to November 2025, to explore research trends and developments in the field. The findings reveal a substantial increase in research output, with an average annual growth rate of 22.7%. China leads in publication count with 192 documents, followed closely by the United States with 64 publications, demonstrating their substantial contributions to AOP research. Prominent institutions include Tongji University and Università Degli Studi Di Salerno, emphasizing the global collaboration among 2335 authors from 158 institutions across 74 countries. Key themes emerging from the analysis include high oxidative efficiency of AOPs, their hybrid applications with biological and adsorption methods, and their adaptability in treating persistent pollutants and emerging contaminants. However, challenges such as high operational costs, hazardous byproduct formation, and reliance on specific water matrix conditions remain significant obstacles. Funding sources, notably the National Natural Science Foundation of China, play a crucial role, supporting numerous studies, while journals like “Water Research,” “Chemical Engineering Journal,” and “Science of the Total Environment” are identified as primary venues for disseminating impactful research. Overall, this study underscores the need for innovative strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the efficacy and application of AOP technologies in addressing the growing challenges in water treatment and environmental sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Removal of Emerging Pollutants)
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