Geostatistics in Environmental Pollution and Risk Assessment

Dear Colleagues,

Pollutants in the environment, such as in soil, air and water, occasionally exhibit complex spatial variations and patterns that may complicate efforts to identify the characteristics of the pollutants, particularly in developing areas. Such complex variations and patterns influence the exposure to risk and the development of public health policies at a certain level. Therefore, spatial mapping of polluted areas and assessment of pollution risks are essential because the derived information can contribute significantly to efforts to formulate environmental action strategies and public health policies.

Geostatistics provides various effective methods that can (1) quantify the spatial distribution of a pollutant; (2) improve spatial estimates or simulate exposure concentrations; and (3) spatially quantify and characterize pollution risks for the environment and health risks for humans by using geostatistical methods that exploit the derived geospatial data. In recent years, geostatistical methods have been widely applied in studies of environmental pollution, such as in soil, air and water, to characterize the spatial structures of pollutants, delineate polluted areas, assess pollution risks, and even characterize the spatial patterns of diseases. Accordingly, this special issue focuses on applications of geostatistical methods in environmental pollution and risk assessment studies. Research papers on novel geostatistical techniques that improve such studies are particularly welcome.

Prof. Dr. Yu-Pin Lin
Guest Editor