Applications of Materials in Environmental Improvement

Dear Colleagues,

The growing environmental pressures associated with agricultural intensification, industrialization, and urban development have necessitated the adoption of material-based strategies for environmental improvement. This Special Issue aims to publish research featuring interdisciplinary approaches combining materials science, agricultural chemistry, and environmental chemistry to mitigate pollution, enhance resource efficiency, and promote ecosystem health.

Recent research has highlighted the efficacy of novel materials—such as biochar, zeolites, lignite, leonardite, composts, clay-based composites, functionalized nanoparticles, and biodegradable polymers—in improving the physicochemical properties of soils, reducing nutrient leaching, and immobilizing heavy metals and organic contaminants. These materials not only improve soil fertility and crop productivity but also serve as reactive barriers and sorbents in wastewater treatment systems. Furthermore, engineered nanomaterials have shown promising results in catalysing the degradation of agrochemicals and emerging pollutants, while bio-based materials offer sustainable alternatives for environmental remediation.

This Special Issue aims to bring together contributions that address both the fundamental mechanisms of material–pollutant interactions and field-scale applications. Particular emphasis is placed on material modifications that enhance environmental compatibility, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. The submission of studies integrating life cycle assessment, ecotoxicological evaluation, and policy implications is also encouraged to provide a holistic perspective on the environmental deployment of these materials.

Ultimately, we aim to support the transition toward more sustainable agro-environmental practices by showcasing innovations in material-based environmental management.

Dr. Monika Mierzwa-Hersztek
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 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. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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.