Elemental Concentration and Pollution in Soil, Water, and Sediment

Dear Colleagues,

Certain elements are essential to the growth and health of living organisms with specific biochemical functions or processes in their metabolisms. However, when the amount of a trace element exceeds a certain threshold, it can become toxic, as “the dose makes the poison” (Paracelsus, 1567). Therefore, the environmental levels of various trace elements in soil, water, or sediment are of major concern due to their potential adverse health effects.

This Special Issue aims to cover a broad range of topics relevant to the presence of trace elements in different ecosystems, such as:

• mobilization of trace elements in the environment;
• presence of trace elements associated with natural and anthropogenic sources;
• transport of trace elements among different environmental compartments;
• natural geochemical and biological processes that govern metal transportation;
• weathering of trace-element-bearing rocks;
• release of metal(loids) and technology-critical elements (TCEs) into the environment;
• toxicity for living organisms, and the bioaccumulative potential of trace elements;
• trophic transfer in aquatic and terrestrial food chains/webs; and
• environmental and health concerns with trace elements.

The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together researchers from different fields involving biogeochemistry and ecotoxicology in soil, sediment, and water in order to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the natural and anthropogenic cycles of trace elements.

We look forward to receiving your contribution.

Dr. Ana Romero-Freire
Dr. Hao Qiu
Guest Editors

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