MDPI’s Journal Cluster of Environmental Sciences
Environmental science is a broad, multidisciplinary subject that includes research on environments and the life within these environments, as well as the preservation and management of said environments. Increasing concerns about environmental degradation have further heightened the importance and amount of research within this field. It is thus a priority that all scientifically accurate research in environmental science be effectively communicated to the public, not only to raise awareness about impending environmental changes, but also to inspire future generations of researchers to continue the effort to preserve the well-being of our planet.
MDPI journals offer a wide range of open access platforms for environmental science researchers to reach their target audience. From broad, wide-reaching mega-journals like Sustainability to more specific, targeted journals like Waste and Aerobiology, we strive to cater to the publishing needs of scientists working across different environmental disciplines.
The 17 participating journals are as follows:
- Sustainability (ISSN: 2071-1050) is an international and cross-disciplinary, scholarly, open access journal of technical, environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability that serves human beings. It provides an advanced forum for studies related to sustainability and sustainable development. Sustainability is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Steve Lyon (Ohio State University, USA);
- Land (ISSN: 2073-445X) focuses on land system science, landscape, soil and water, urban studies, land–climate interactions, water–energy–land–food (WELF) nexus, biodiversity research and health nexus, land modelling and data processing, ecosystem services, multifunctionality, and sustainability, etc. Land is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Christine Fürst (University of Halle, Germany);
- Clean Technologies (ISSN: 2571-8797) is an international, open access journal of scientific research on technology development aiming to reduce the environmental impact of human activities. The journal provides a forum to display advances in the development of sustainable technologies that reduce environmental pollution and resource consumption. Clean Technologies publishes reviews, regular research papers, communications, and short notes, as well as Special Issues on particular subjects. Clean Technologies is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Patricia Luis Alconero (UCLouvain, Belgium);
- Environments (ISSN: 2076-3298) is an international, cross-disciplinary, open access journal focusing on advances, issues, and challenges related to environmental systems. It provides an open space for scientists and engineers to publish and discuss their experimental, theoretical, and practical results in a variety of areas, with particular focus on shared responsibility and sustainable approaches to resource use and ecosystem management. Environments is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Sergio Ulgiati (1. Parthenope University of Naples, Italy; 2. Beijing Normal University, China);
- Nitrogen (ISSN: 2504-3129) is an international open access journal covering the entire field of nitrogen research, placing special emphasis on environmental, agricultural, and biological sciences. It aims to provide an advanced forum for studies related to nitrogen and the nitrogen cycle. The journal is indexed within ESCI (WoS), Scopus, SciFinder, and other databases. Nitrogen is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Stephen Macko (University of Virginia, USA);
- Recycling (ISSN: 2313-4321) publishes research in the area of waste re-utilization, waste management technologies, resource recycling policy, and resource recycling practices. It provides an international online forum for research and studies on recycling, resource recovery, and waste utilization across many industries, including glass, paper, metal, plastic, textiles, and electronics. Recycling is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Michele John (Curtin University, Australia);
- Urban Science (ISSN: 2413-8851) is an international, scientific, peer-reviewed, open access journal of urban and regional studies. The primary aim of this journal is to encourage scientists to publish their theoretical and empirical research relating to urban and rural development, the environment and its resources, the economy, policy, and communities. Urban Science is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Luis Hernández-Callejo (University of Valladolid, Spain);
- Safety (ISSN: 2313-576X) is a cross-disciplinary, scholarly, open access journal of industrial and human health safety. Safety is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Raphael Grzebieta (University of New South Wales, Australia);
- Air (ISSN: 2813-4168) encompasses all aspects of air, including air science, air technology, air pollution, and air management and governance. Air is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Ling Tim Wong (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China);
- Waste (ISSN: 2813-0391) is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on waste management, science, and technology, published quarterly online by MDPI. The journal provides a publishing platform for studies that investigate new ways and solutions for sustainable waste management to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Waste is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Catherine N. Mulligan (Concordia University, Canada);
- Aerobiology (ISSN: 2813-5075) is an international, open access journal on environmental science and public and environmental occupational health. The journal publishes reviews, regular research papers, and communications, with the aim of disseminating timely experimental and theoretical research results in a rapid and readily accessible manner. Aerobiology is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Chad J. Roy (Tulane University, USA).
- Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304) is an international and cross-disciplinary, scholarly, open access journal of all aspects of toxic chemicals and materials, including the exposure, effects, and risks of chemicals and materials in humans and the natural environment as well as approaches to assess and/or manage the toxicological and ecotoxicological risks of chemicals and materials. The journal covers a wide range of toxic substances, including metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, biocides, nanomaterials, and polymers such as micro- and mesoplastics. Toxics is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Demetrio Raldúa (IDAEA-CSIC, Spain).
- Pollutants (ISSN 2673-4672) is an international, peer-reviewed open access journal focusing on contaminants that are introduced into the natural environment, beyond permitted limits, and cause measurable deleterious effects on air, water, soil, or living organisms. The journal is indexed within ESCI (Web of Science), Scopus, AGRIS, and many other databases. Pollutants is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Paolo Pastorino (Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Italy);
- Journal of Xenobiotics (ISSN 2039-4713) is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal. Our aim is to provide an advanced forum for studies related to all aspects of xenobiotics. The journal publishes reviews, regular research papers, and short communications as well as Special Issues on particular subjects. In addition, manuscripts regarding new and innovative research proposals and ideas are particularly welcome. The journal is indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, CAPlus / SciFinder, Embase, and other databases. The Journal of Xenobiotics led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. François Gagné (Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada);
- Journal of Parks (ISSN 3042-5689) is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal that publishes theoretical and practical papers about science, design, planning, usage, and impacts in parks. It welcomes submissions as research papers, short communications, and review papers. There is no restriction on the maximum length of the papers. Journal of Parks led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Richard J Hauer (1. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, USA; 2. Eocene Environmental Group, USA) and Dr. Hongxu Wei (Chinese Academy of Sciences, China);
- Green (ISSN 3042-9242) is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal that publishes high-quality research on environmental sustainability, ecological conservation, green technologies, and human–nature interactions. The journal welcomes original research articles, reviews, and short communications, with no length restrictions, provided that studies include sufficient methodological detail to ensure reproducibility. Green serves as a platform for advancing innovative solutions toward a more sustainable future. Green led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Janusz Kozinski (Lakehead University, Canada);
- Environmental Remediation (ISSN: 3042-903X) is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal focusing on environmental cleanup, ecological restoration, environmental sustainability, and development. Our journal welcomes original research articles, reviews, and so forth, with no length restrictions, provided that the studies include sufficient methodological detail to ensure reproducibility. We aim to encourage scientists and engineers to publish research related to the removal, treatment, and management of pollutants, and related to ecological restoration in various environmental settings. Environmental Remediation led by its Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Chenxi Wu (Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China).
|
Journals |
Impact Factor (2025) |
CiteScore (2025) |
First Decision (median) |
APC (CHF) |
 |
4.1 |
8.9 |
16.9 |
2400 |
 |
3.5 |
6.4 |
16.4 |
2600 |
 |
5.9 |
9.4 |
20.9 |
1800 |
 |
4.3 |
5.7 |
18.6 |
1800 |
 |
2.8 |
3.4 |
18.1 |
1200 |
 |
5.2 |
7.5 |
19.4 |
1800 |
 |
3.2 |
3.7 |
20.8 |
1800 |
 |
2.4 |
3.9 |
34.4 |
1800 |
 |
/ |
/ |
28 |
1000 |
 |
/ |
/ |
16.6 |
1000 |
 |
/ |
/ |
18 |
1000 |
 |
4.9 |
7.8 |
17 |
2600 |
 |
3.7 |
5.2 |
28.3 |
1200 |
 |
4.6 |
5.1 |
14.9 |
1600 |
 |
/ |
/ |
18 |
1000 |
 |
/ |
/ |
18 |
1000 |
 |
/ |
/ |
18 |
1000 |
MDPI’s mission and values:
As a pioneer of academic open access publishing, MDPI has been serving the scientific community since 1996. Its mission is to foster scientific exchange in all forms and across all disciplines. MDPI’s guidelines for disseminating open science are based on the following values and guiding principles:
- Open Access—All of our content is published in open access and distributed under a Creative Commons License, providing free access to science and the latest research, allowing articles to be freely shared and their content reused with proper attribution;
- Timeliness and Efficiency—Publishing the latest research through thorough editorial work, ensuring that authors receive a first decision in under 32 days and that papers are published within 7–10 days upon acceptance;
- Simplicity—Offering user-friendly tools and services in one place to enhance the efficiency of our editorial process;
- High-Quality Service—Supporting scholars and their work by providing a range of options, such as journal publication at mdpi.com, early publication at preprints.org, and conferences on sciforum.net, all aimed at maximizing the positive impact of research;
- Flexibility—Adapting and developing new tools and services to meet the changing needs of the research community, driven by feedback from authors, editors, and readers;
- Rooted in Sustainability—Ensuring the long-term preservation of published papers and supporting the future of science through partnerships, sponsorships, and awards.
By adhering to these values and principles, MDPI remains committed to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting open science practices.
Selected Special Issues:
“New Trends and Perspectives in Environmental Biotechnology for Sustainability”
Submission deadline: 15 February 2027
“Urban Heat Islands: Mechanisms, Impacts and Mitigation Through Planning and Land Cover Modification”
Submission deadline: 30 December 2026
“Emerging New Aquatic Models and AI Technology for Toxicity Studies”
Submission deadline: 28 February 2027
“Clean Energy Technologies for Decarbonization and Environmental Sustainability”
Submission deadline: 31 December 2026
“New Insights into the Occurrence, Mobility, Transport, and Fate of Contaminants in Surface and Subsurface Environments”
Submission deadline: 31 December 2026
“Linking Microbial Processes and Nitrogen Cycling in Organic Residue Valorization”
Submission deadline: 31 December 2026
“Celebrating 10 Years of Recycling: Shaping the Future of Waste Management”
Submission deadline: 31 December 2026
“Smart Cities for People: Innovative Paradigms of Information Behavior and Urban Interaction”
Submission deadline: 31 December 2026
“Transportation Safety and Crash Avoidance Research”
Submission deadline: 20 January 2027
“Maternal and Fetal Exposure to Air Pollution”
Submission deadline: 31 January 2027
“Towards a Circular Economy: Value-Added Products from Waste”
Submission deadline: 30 November 2026
“Bioaerosols in Urban Settings: Roles of Climate Change, Ecosystem Services and Human Health”
Submission deadline: 31 December 2026
“Emerging Pollutants in Agroecosystems: Bridging Agriculture and One Health”
Submission deadline: 31 March 2027
“Xenobiotics and Kidney Health: Emerging Challenges in Toxicology and Therapeutics”
Submission deadline: 31 March 2027
“Ecological Restoration and Parks”
Submission deadline: 31 December 2026
Selected Articles:
Sustainability
Large-Scale Renewable Energy Integration: Tackling Technical Obstacles and Exploring Energy Storage Innovations
by Sadettin Ergun, Abdullah Dik, Rabah Boukhanouf and Siddig Omer
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1311; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031311
Land
Sustainable Management of Willow Forest Landscapes: A Review of Ecosystem Functions and Conservation Strategies
by Florin Achim, Lucian Dinca, Danut Chira, Razvan Raducu, Alexandru Chirca and Gabriel Murariu
Land 2025, 14(8), 1593; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081593
Clean Technologies
Ex Situ Carbon Mineralization for CO2 Capture Using Industrial Alkaline Wastes—Optimization and Future Prospects: A Review
By Hamideh Hamedi, Giovanna Gonzales-Calienes, and Jalil Shadbahr
Clean Technol. 2025, 7(2), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol7020044
Environments
A Review of Persistent Soil Contaminants: Assessment and Remediation Strategies
By António Alberto S. Correia and Maria Graça Rasteiro
Environments 2025, 12(7), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12070229
Nitrogen
Nitrogen Eutrophication in Chinese Aquatic Ecosystems: Drivers, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies
by Armstrong Ighodalo Omoregie, Muhammad Oliver Ensor Silini, Lin Sze Wong and Adharsh Rajasekar
Nitrogen 2025, 6(4), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen6040092
Recycling
Recycling Mineral Wool Waste: Towards Sustainable Construction Materials
by Martina Milat,Sandra Juradin,Nives Ostojić-Škomrlj andAnže Tesovnik
Recycling 2025, 10(5), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling10050174
Urban Science
Enhancing Urban Mobility for All: The Role of Universal Design in Supporting Social Inclusion for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
by Alba Ramírez-Saiz, María Teresa Baquero Larriva, Delfín Jiménez Martín and Andrea Alonso
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(2), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9020046
Safety
Assessment of Occupational Health and Safety Management: Implications for Corporate Performance in the Secondary Sector
by Stavroula (Vivi) Mixafenti, Antonia Moutzouri, Aristi Karagkouni, Maria Sartzetaki and Dimitrios Dimitriou
Safety 2025, 11(2), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11020044
Air
Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector: A Review on the Role of Electric Vehicles Towards the European Green Deal for the New Emission Standards
by Dimitrios Rimpas, Dimitrios E. Barkas, Vasilios A. Orfanos and Ioannis Christakis
Air 2025, 3(2), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/air3020010
Waste
The Role of E-Waste in Sustainable Mineral Resource Management
by Dina Mohamed, Adham Fayad, Abdel-Mohsen O. Mohamed and Moza T. Al Nahyan
Waste 2025, 3(3), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/waste3030027
Aerobiology
Aerobiology of Respiratory Infectious Viruses: Recent Paradoxes, Mechanistic Insights, and Future Perspectives
by Kavita Ghosal and Atin Adhikari
Aerobiology 2025, 3(3), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerobiology3030007
Toxics
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Environment: Occupational Exposure, Health Risks and Fertility Implications
by Luigi Montano, Giorgio Maria Baldini, Marina Piscopo, Giovanna Liguori, Renato Lombardi, Maria Ricciardi, Gennaro Esposito, Gabriella Pinto, Carolina Fontanarosa, Michele Spinelli, Ilaria Palmieri, Daniele Sofia, Carlo Brogna, Cosimo Carati, Mauro Esposito, Pasquale Gallo, Angela Amoresano and Oriana Motta
Toxics 2025, 13(3), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030151
Pollutants
Arsenic Contamination Needs Serious Attention: An Opinion and Global Scenario
by Abhijnan Bhat, Kamna Ravi, Furong Tian and Baljit Singh
Pollutants 2024, 4(2), 196-211; https://doi.org/10.3390/pollutants4020013
Journal of Parks
Co-Occurrence of Landscape Values and Activities in Three Protected Areas
by Jackie Delie, Kelly Biedenweg and Lee K. Cerveny
J. Parks 2025, 1(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/jop1010003
The Journal of Xenobiotics
Bioaccumulation and Trophic Transfer of Heavy Metals in Marine Fish: Ecological and Ecosystem-Level Impacts
by Andra Oros
J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(2), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15020059
Green
Effect of Temperature on the Glass Delamination in End-of-Life of Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Panels
by Soroush Khakpour, Francesco Nocera, Alberta Latteri, Claudio Tosto and Lorena Saitta
Green 2026, 1(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/green1010002
Environmental Remediation
Remediation of Soil Contaminated with Microplastics: Strategies and Practical Implications
by Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Environ. Remediat. 2026, 1(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/environremediat1010005