Water Pollution Solutions: From Ecological Risk Assessment to Biological Restoration

Dear Colleagues,

Recently, we launched a Special Issue titled “Water Pollution Solutions: From Ecological Risk Assessment to Biological Restoration”. Water pollution poses a critical global challenge, threatening human health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Despite advancements in conventional treatment methods, escalating pressures from urbanization, industrialization, and climate change demand innovative, sustainable solutions. Biological restoration—a multifaceted approach integrating ecological, microbiological, and biotechnological strategies—offers a promising pathway to address water quality degradation, rehabilitate aquatic environments, and restore functional ecosystems. This Special Issue invites cutting-edge research and perspectives to explore the potential of biological restoration in mitigating water pollution and fostering environmental resilience.

The aims of this Special Issue are fourfold. First, it seeks to highlight advancements in water quality improvement through biological and/or biomimetic mechanisms, such as microbial bioremediation, phytoremediation, biochar applications, enzyme/nanozyme -driven pollutant degradation, and biomimetic membrane rejection, etc. Submissions on novel bio-based technologies for removing contaminants like microplastics, heavy metals, emerging organic pollutants, and pharmaceutical residues are particularly encouraged.

Second, the Special Issue emphasizes aquatic environment restoration, including habitat reconstruction, wetland rehabilitation, and the role of biofilms or engineered ecosystems in reducing nutrient loading and hypoxia. Research on integrative approaches combining ecological engineering with climate adaptation strategies will be prioritized.

Third, the Special Issue focuses on aquatic ecosystem restoration, exploring how biological restoration fosters biodiversity recovery, food web dynamics, and ecosystem resilience. Contributions addressing the interplay between ecological restoration and socio-economic factors, such as community engagement or policy frameworks, are welcome to underscore holistic solutions.

Fourth, we also cover the study of ecological risk assessment of water pollution. Ecological risk assessment plays a crucial role in evaluating the potential impacts of water pollution on aquatic ecosystems and human health. It helps identify vulnerable species, habitats, and communities, enabling the development of targeted and effective restoration strategies. Submissions on risk assessment methodologies, including the use of bioindicators, toxicity tests, and predictive modeling, are encouraged. Research on the ecological risks posed by emerging contaminants, invasive species, and climate change interactions will also be prioritized. Furthermore, studies integrating ecological risk assessment with biological restoration efforts can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and sustainability of restoration practices, helping to optimize outcomes and minimize unintended consequences.

Additionally, interdisciplinary studies are encouraged, including molecular microbiology, environmental genomics, ecological modeling, and innovative monitoring techniques. Submissions may also address challenges in scaling up bio-restoration projects, managing invasive species, or integrating nature-based solutions into urban and industrial frameworks.

This Special Issue aims to bridge scientific inquiry and practical application, serving as a platform for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to collaborate on advancing biological restoration as a cornerstone of water resource management. By synthesizing global insights, the Special Issue will catalyze progress toward cleaner waterways, healthier ecosystems, and sustainable development goals. Potential authors are invited to contribute original research, reviews, case studies, or opinion pieces that illuminate pathways for transformative biological restoration strategies.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Hydrobiology.

Dr. Lei Wang
Guest Editor

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Life 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 2600 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.

• water pollution
• emerging contaminants
• biological restoration
• ecological risk assessment
• microbial bioremediation
• phytoremediation
• aquatic ecosystem restoration
• bio-based technologies
• biomimetic technologies