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Research on Trace and Hazardous Elements and Emerging Pollutants in Soils and Sediments

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A special issue of Soil Systems (ISSN 2571-8789).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 20192

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Dr. Manfred Sager

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Bio Forschung Austria, 1220 Vienna, Austria
Interests: trace elements (heavy metals, platinum metals, rare earths); phosphorus; iodine—occurrence and analysis; environmental mobility and speciation
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Dear Colleagues,

In this Special Issue, contributions covering special studies on soils and soil extracts are welcome. Apart from monitoring and screening possible pollutants, within the last decade, new technologies and pollutants have emerged that need to be considered. Much research has been conducted in the past, but some gaps in our knowledge remain. In particular, contributions should be focused on the following:

Mobile soil fractions and their dependency on mineral composition, grain size, and the kinetics of dissolution.
Mobile soil fractions and proof of soil-to-plant transfer via respective pot and field experiments.
Elemental compositions of nanoparticles in soil extracts and groundwater, determined by micro-diffusion or time-of flight ICPMS.
Non-invasive screening for plastic and microplastic particles or combustion-derived particles by using, e.g., near-infrared or magnetic methods.
Interactions of surfaces of manmade materials (plastics, alloys, and other waste materials) with solutes in soil, such as sorption or surface modification reactions.
Sanitation and recovery strategies of soils, such as stabilization procedures, soil washing, phytoextraction, and metal recovery from metalliferous plants and waste.
Screening of rarely determined elements such as rare earths, platinum metals, bromine, and iodine.
Investigations of element proportions of geochemically and physiologically similar elements, such as K/Rb, Ca/Sr, Al/Sc, Mo/W, and S/Se, possible indications of soil formation and weathering processes, and physiological discriminations.

Research on these topics should help characterize defined sources, such as waste deposits, sewage, and manure, ore formation, mining and smelting, soil excavations from metalliferous areas, fertilizers, traffic, and atmospheric inputs. Further insights may include soil formation mechanisms and the success of restoration and remediation measures.

Nanoparticles are expected to exert less environmental mobility, such as migration in the soil column and leaching to the groundwater. They can be of direct technological origin, but also derived from corrosion and weathering.

The fitting of mobile fractions to simulate soil-to-plant transfer or the transfer to benthic organisms are frequently a matter of copy-and-paste experiments which were conducted some decades ago. Thus, experiments involving different organisms under various nutrient and climatic conditions are still lacking.

Multi-element capabilities and improved detection limits via, e.g., ICP-MS and ICP-OES offer the possibility of determining the levels of less known elements situated beneath the main commonly explored elements, nutrients, and pollutants.

Dr. Manfred Sager
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. Soil Systems 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 1800 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.

Keywords

trace and hazardous elements
emerging pollutants
soils
sediments

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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22 pages, 1831 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Use of Aquaculture Effluent in Prickly Pear Cactus Production: Effects of Dilutions on Soil Chemical Changes

by Talita Dantas Pedrosa, Rafael Oliveira Batista, Solange Aparecida Goularte Dombroski, José Francismar de Medeiros, Stefeson Bezerra de Melo and Rafael Rodolfo de Melo

Soil Syst. 2026, 10(5), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems10050050 - 22 Apr 2026

Viewed by 177

Abstract

Aquaculture effluent appears as an alternative for reuse, given its significant generation. However, its use must be reasonable to avoid damage to the environmental quality of the soil. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the chemical changes in Ultisol cultivated with small prickly pear cactus and irrigated with different dilutions of aquaculture effluent in the supply water. The experiment was conducted at the Water Reuse Experimental Unit, located in the Brazilian semi-arid region, Mossoró, RN, Brazil. Planting was carried out in a randomized block design with five treatments and five replications. A small prickly pear cactus was irrigated weekly for 365 days, with the gross water depth determined based on the crop’s evapotranspiration. During the experimental period, the physical-chemical characterization of the effluent dilutions was conducted every 60 days, with initial and final descriptions of the soil in the 0.0–0.20 m and 0.20–0.40 m layers. Additionally, cation exchange capacity and the exchangeable sodium percentage were determined. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied to understand chemical changes in the soil. The dilutions containing a higher proportion of aquaculture effluent in the supply water, primarily consisting of 100% effluent, exhibited the chemical changes in the soil. Using a dilution containing 25% aquaculture effluent in 75% supply water may be the most viable alternative for water supply in prickly pear cactus irrigation, with non-relevant changes in soil chemical characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Trace and Hazardous Elements and Emerging Pollutants in Soils and Sediments)

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18 pages, 1078 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Patterns of Mercury and Geochemical Baseline Values in Arctic Soils

by Evgeny Lodygin

Soil Syst. 2026, 10(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems10010014 - 14 Jan 2026

Viewed by 621

Abstract

The issue of formulating scientifically sound standards for mercury (Hg) content in Arctic soils is becoming increasingly pertinent in view of the rising human impact and climate change, which serve to augment the mobility of Hg compounds and their involvement in biogeochemical processes. In the absence of uniform criteria for regulating Hg concentrations, it is particularly important to determine its geochemical baseline values and the factors that determine the spatial and vertical distribution of the element in the soil profile. The study conducted a comprehensive investigation of Hg content and patterns of its distribution in various types of tundra soils in the European North-East of Russia. The mass fraction of total Hg was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, and the spatial features of accumulation were analysed using geoinformation technologies. The distribution of Hg in the soils of the tundra zone was found to be distinctly mosaic in nature, determined by the combined influence of organic matter, granulometric composition, and hydrothermal conditions. It has been established that the complex influence of the physicochemical properties of soils determines the spatial heterogeneity of Hg distribution in the soils of the tundra zone. The most effective Hg accumulators are peat and gley horizons enriched with organic matter and physical clay fraction, while in Podzols, vertical migration of Hg is observed in the presence of a leaching water regime. In order to standardise geochemical baseline Hg values, a 95% upper confidence limit (UCL_95%) is proposed. This approach enables the consideration of natural background fluctuations and the exclusion of extreme values. The results obtained provide a scientific basis for the establishment of standards for Hg content in background soils of the Arctic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Trace and Hazardous Elements and Emerging Pollutants in Soils and Sediments)

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24 pages, 1579 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phytoavailability and Leachability of Heavy Metals and Metalloids in Agricultural Soils Ameliorated with Coal Fly Ash (CFA) and CFA-Treated Biosolids

by Pinchas Fine, Arie Bosak, Anna Beriozkin, Dorit Shargil, Uri Mingelgrin, Yephet Ben-Yephet, Daniel Kurtzman, Ido Nitzan, Shahar Baram, Ami Gips, Tali Kolokovski, Amos Ovadia, Efraim Zipilevish, Uri Zig and Oren Buchshtab

Soil Syst. 2026, 10(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems10010005 - 23 Dec 2025

Viewed by 777

Abstract

Application of CFA-treated biosolids (NVS) offers multiple benefits to agricultural soils, including fertilizer replacement, soil rehabilitation, and disinfection. It also poses a heavy metal(loid)s threat to the agro-environment. NVS (and CFA to some extent) was tested in lysimeter and field trials, using soils differing in physicochemical properties and a large selection of crops. Consistently, As, Pb, and Cd concentrations in leachate were at or below detection limit, and these and other heavy metal(loid)s (and P) were within the permitted range in plant tissue. Foliage Mo (occasionally also Se, P) concentrations often increased significantly, especially in crops (legumes, potatoes) grown on marginal soils, which also displayed significantly higher yields. CFA and NVS reduced lettuce and legumes foliage Mn (and occasionally Zn) concentrations, which remained, however, adequate. NVS (214 and 642 mT ha⁻¹), digested sewage sludge (ADS) and its compost (24 and 72 mT ha⁻¹), temporarily increased the DTPA-extractability of some elements (NVS: B, Cr; ADS: Cu, Ni, Zn; Compost: Zn) 10–30-fold. The extractabilities of Fe and P increased by up to six times. These increases vanished soon after additive application, supporting the hypothesis of ‘self-attenuation’ by applied biosolids. Our data indicate that long-term application of NVS (and CFA) to calcareous soils poses no heavy metal(loid)s-related threat to the agro-environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Trace and Hazardous Elements and Emerging Pollutants in Soils and Sediments)

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22 pages, 2136 KB

Open AccessArticle

Washing Procedure with Several Reagents for Ecological Rehabilitation of Soil Polluted with Heavy Metals

by Ioana Monica Sur, Vasile Calin Prodan, Valer Micle, Mircea Nasui, Andreea Hegyi, Veronica Simona Pop and Liviu Iacob Scurtu

Soil Syst. 2025, 9(4), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9040130 - 16 Nov 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 920

Abstract

Soil contamination by heavy metals poses serious risks to human health and the environment. This study investigates the removal of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Cr from heavily contaminated slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.5) using organic washing agents (humus, malic acid, and gluconic acid) at concentrations of 1% and 3% and a solid-to-liquid ratio (S/L) of 1:8. The results reveal that metal mobilization depends strongly on the type and concentration of the extraction agent, the target metal, and soil properties. Cd was highly mobilized, reaching more than 90% with 3% gluconic acid, whereas Cu and Pb remained largely immobile (<3%), and Cr (40–78%) and Zn (8–26%) showed intermediate extraction. This study establishes a clear hierarchy of metal mobility (Cd > Cr > Zn > Cu ≈ Pb) and demonstrates that metal speciation, soil chemistry, pH, and S/L ratio critically govern extraction efficiency. These findings provide mechanistic insights into metal–ligand interactions and practical guidance for optimizing soil remediation strategies using organic acids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Trace and Hazardous Elements and Emerging Pollutants in Soils and Sediments)

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14 pages, 4470 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fungi and Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs): Exploring Mycobiota in Serpentinite Soils

by Laura Canonica, Grazia Cecchi, Sebastiano Comba, Simone Di Piazza, Fedra Gianoglio, Pietro Marescotti, Samuele Voyron and Mirca Zotti

Soil Syst. 2025, 9(4), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9040129 - 14 Nov 2025

Viewed by 839

Abstract

Serpentinite soils represent extreme environments characterized by deficiencies in essential nutrients (Ca, K, P, N), an unfavorable Ca/Mg ratio, low water retention, and elevated concentrations of several geogenic potentially toxic elements (PTEs). In particular, the study site, located in Sassello (Liguria, Italy) within the serpentinites of the High-Pressure–Low-Temperature (HP–LT) metaophiolites of the Voltri Massif, exhibited concentrations of chromium, nickel and cobalt exceeding Italian legal thresholds by up to one order of magnitude. This study aimed to assess fungal diversity and to isolate culturable strains naturally adapted to these challenging conditions for potential use in bioremediation. Culturable-dependent analyses allowed for the isolation of viable fungal strains, with Penicillium (52%), Umbelopsis (17.9%), and Aspergillus (11.6%) found as dominant genera. Additionally, metabarcoding analyses provided a broader view of fungal community composition, revealing the presence and distribution of both culturable and non-culturable taxa. The combined approach highlighted the richness of the serpentinite soil mycobiota and its role as a reservoir of PTE-resistant organisms. These findings offer new insights into the ecology of metal-rich soils and identify promising candidates for sustainable remediation strategies in PTE-contaminated environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Trace and Hazardous Elements and Emerging Pollutants in Soils and Sediments)

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17 pages, 1034 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Development of Immunoenzyme Assay of Herbicide Acetochlor and Its Application to Soil Testing with Comparison of Sample Preparation Techniques

by Anna N. Berlina, Anatoly V. Zherdev and Boris B. Dzantiev

Soil Syst. 2025, 9(4), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9040127 - 13 Nov 2025

Viewed by 819

Abstract

Acetochlor is a selective herbicide affecting weeds of cereal plants. Its analysis in soils allows accessing their suitability for crops and risks of contamination of agricultural products. The aim of this study was to develop a microplate enzyme immunoassay for the determination of acetochlor in soil extracts. For the development, rabbit antibodies specific to acetochlor were obtained by immunization with a conjugate of carrier protein with a derivative of acetochlor with mercaptopropionic acid. Another derivative with mercaptosuccinic acid was applied for immobilization on the solid phase. In the study, organic extracts have been obtained from soil varying solvents and their ratios, and using QuEChERS protocol. The extracts have been tested to estimate residual influences of the sample matrix. Optimal conditions for the immunoassay were selected, appropriate sample preparation techniques, and the composition of the medium for competitive immune interaction. The most effective approach involved dichloromethane extraction, followed by careful evaporation and subsequent reconstitution of the dry residue in a 10 mM phosphate-buffer solution supplemented with 0.1% gelatin. The resulting analytical system exhibited a detection limit of 59.4 ng/mL for acetochlor, with a working range spanning from 112 to 965 ng/mL. Taking into account the soil sample preparation, the LOD was estimated as 0.3 µg/g with the working range from 0.66 to 5.7 µg/g of soil. Analysis of prepared extracts from gray forest soil demonstrated a revealing of acetochlor between 74% and 124%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Trace and Hazardous Elements and Emerging Pollutants in Soils and Sediments)

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24 pages, 958 KB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Heavy Metal Contamination in the Targuist Dumpsite, North Morocco: Ecological and Health Risk Assessments

by Kaouthar Andaloussi, Hafid Achtak, Abdeltif El Ouahrani, Jalal Kassout, Giovanni Vinti, Daniele Di Trapani, Gaspare Viviani, Hassnae Kouali, Mhammed Sisouane, Khadija Haboubi and Mostafa Stitou

Soil Syst. 2025, 9(3), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9030082 - 22 Jul 2025

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2413

Abstract

This study aims to assess the ecological and human health risks associated with four heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn) in the soil of a dumpsite in Targuist city, Morocco. In total, 16 surface soil samples were collected from the dumpsite and its nearby areas following leaching drain flows. The pollution load index (PLI), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and potential ecological risk index (RI) were subsequently determined. In addition, hazard quotient (HQ) and health index (HI) were used to assess the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with the soil heavy metal contents. The PLI indicated significant contamination by the studied heavy metals. On the other hand, the Igeo values suggested no Cr contamination, moderate contamination by Cu and Zn, and severe contamination by Cd. The RI indicated a dominant contribution from Cd, with minor contributions from Cu, Zn, and Cr accounting for 92.47, 5.44, 1.11, and 0.96%, respectively, to the potential ecological risk in the study area. The non-carcinogenic health risks associated with exposure of the nearby population to the soil heavy metals at the dumpsite and burned solid waste-derived air pollution were below the threshold value of 1 for both children and adults. Although carcinogenic risks were observed in the study area, they were acceptable for both children and adults according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). However, carcinogenic risks associated with Cr were unacceptable according to the Italian Legislation. Finally, strategies to mitigate the risks posed by the dumpsite were also discussed in this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Trace and Hazardous Elements and Emerging Pollutants in Soils and Sediments)

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22 pages, 2784 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phytoremediation of Soils Contaminated with Mercury Using Piper marginatum in Ayapel, Colombia

by Mayra De la Rosa-Mendoza, Mario Viña-Pico and José Marrugo-Negrete

Soil Syst. 2025, 9(3), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9030068 - 1 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2587

Abstract

The main problem associated with mining is the release of heavy metals into the environment, impacting the soil and overall environment. Mercury is one of the most contaminating heavy metals. It is present in soils, sediments, surface water, and groundwater. The objective of this research was to evaluate the phytoremediation carried out by the native plant Piper marginatum, in soils contaminated by mercury in an experimental lot in the municipality of Ayapel, where artisanal and small-scale gold mining is carried out. A soil phytoremediation process was carried out at a field scale using the plant species Piper marginatum in a 2.4 ha plot historically contaminated by gold mining, located in Ayapel, Colombia. A completely randomized experimental design was used with nine experimental plots, which were planted with Piper marginatum, and three controls, without planting. Through an initial soil sampling, the physicochemical characteristics and total mercury content in this matrix were determined. Piper marginatum seedlings were planted in the experimental plots and remained in the field for a period of six months. The plant biomass was collected and a final soil sampling was performed for total mercury analysis to determine the total percentage of mercury removal. The results obtained indicated mercury concentrations in soils ranging from 40.80 to 52,044.4 µg kg⁻¹ in the experimental plots and ranged from 55.9 to 2587.4 µg kg⁻¹ in the controls. In the plots planted with Piper marginatum, a 37.3% decrease in total mercury was achieved, while in the plots without planting there was a 23.5% increase. In plants, the average T Hg concentrations in the roots, stems, and leaves were 109.2 µg kg⁻¹, 80.6 µg kg⁻¹, and 122.6 µg kg⁻¹, respectively. An average BCF < 1 and an average TF > 1 were obtained. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Trace and Hazardous Elements and Emerging Pollutants in Soils and Sediments)

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17 pages, 673 KB

Open AccessArticle

Upgraded Protocol for Microplastics’ Extraction from the Soil Matrix by Sucrose Density Gradient Centrifugation

by Tara Grujić, Elmira Saljnikov, Slobodan Stefanović, Vojislav Lazović, Snežana Belanović Simić and Žaklina Marjanović

Soil Syst. 2025, 9(3), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9030066 - 27 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3712

Abstract

As land plastic pollution has piled up in recent decades, small products of its degradation, microplastics (MPs), have emerged as a rapidly growing problem in soil environments. The first step in MP evaluation from soils is the extraction of MP particles, and it appears to be a particularly difficult substrate to work with. Aggregate formation and the presence of other organic particles of similar sizes appeared as challenges in constructing an efficient and trustworthy protocol for MP extraction from soils. Density separation-based methods are usually applied and finding efficient cost- and environment-friendly solutions is of high importance, while data comparability is a key factor in increasing general knowledge on the topic. Here, we propose an environmentally friendly protocol based on density separation using sucrose solution. Its efficiency for MP extraction from soil was tested and validated. Protocol validation showed that its use in the extraction of PE was efficient for all examined MP sizes (>32 μm) and PVC >500 μm with high recovery rates, while the extraction of PVC >125 μm is justified since sucrose solution is practically cost-free and completely environmentally safe. Result validation indicates that the proposed protocol has high potential for MP extraction from difficult soil samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Trace and Hazardous Elements and Emerging Pollutants in Soils and Sediments)

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19 pages, 6962 KB

Open AccessArticle

Topographic Wetness Index as a Factor of the Toxic Metals’ Accumulation by the Alkaline Sorption Barrier and the Choice of Revegetation Strategy in the Subarctic

by Marina Slukovskaya, Yury Dvornikov, Tatiana Ivanova, Ekaterina Kopeina, Anna Petrova, Anna Shirokaya, Andrey Novikov, Liubov’ Ivanova and Irina Kremenetskaya

Soil Syst. 2025, 9(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9020052 - 16 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1340

Abstract

Creation of alkaline bulk layers from mining waste is economically viable way to prevent the migration of toxic metals down the soil profile and revegetate heavy polluted soils over large areas. We have conducted perennial experiments on the revegetation of industrial barren located near the operating nonferrous smelter in humid subarctic climate. A vermiculite–lizardite material from closed phlogopite mining, containing 10% layered silicates, was used to create the alkaline sorption barrier on the sites with high level of Cu/Ni pollution and wide range of topographic wetness index (TWI). We have revealed the strong effect of TWI on metal accumulation by mineral material with the highest effectiveness for the most wet sites. At the same time, the stable Ca and Mg content over seasons revealed the prolonged material effect for the maintenance of alkalinity and macronutrient supply. Further, we demonstrate the potential of Festuca rubra, Festuca ovina, Achillea millefolium, Deschampsia cespitosa, Dactylis glomerata, Rumex acetosella, Silene suecica, and for the revegetation of mineral material in dry locations. We demonstrated the effectiveness of alkaline geochemical barrier for the accumulation of toxic metals and successful plant growth in a wide range of topographic units. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Trace and Hazardous Elements and Emerging Pollutants in Soils and Sediments)

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Review

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25 pages, 1025 KB

Open AccessReview

Remediation of Contaminated Soils Using Organic Waste and Waste Products in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of Technologies, Adoption and Challenges

by Hamisi J. Tindwa and Bal Ram Singh

Soil Syst. 2026, 10(4), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems10040049 - 18 Apr 2026

Viewed by 134

Abstract

Soil contamination in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is increasingly driven by rapid industrialization, intensive agriculture, mining activities, and urban expansion, posing significant risks to food safety, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods. Despite the growing scale of the problem, low-cost, locally adaptable remediation technologies are widely available and technically feasible within the region. Organic waste and waste-derived products—such as compost, manure, biochar, vermicompost, digestate, and agro-industrial residues—have emerged as sustainable and cost-effective amendments for the remediation of contaminated soils. These materials can immobilize heavy metals, enhance the microbial degradation of organic pollutants, and improve soil health, making them especially suitable for resource-constrained settings. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the use of organic waste-based remediation approaches in SSA, highlighting technologies already applied at the laboratory, pilot, and field scales, as well as their effectiveness across different contaminant types. However, despite their demonstrated potential, their widespread adoption remains limited. The primary challenge is not the absence of affordable solutions, but rather the systemic constraints characteristic of many SSA countries, including limited technical capacity, weak policy and regulatory frameworks, low stakeholder awareness, and insufficient financial and institutional support for large-scale implementation. To enable broader uptake, there is a need to strengthen waste segregation and treatment systems, standardize composting and pyrolysis processes, and develop robust regulatory guidelines and certification schemes. Investments in monitoring infrastructure, practitioner training, and knowledge transfer mechanisms will also be critical to translating scientific advances into scalable, field-ready solutions for sustainable soil remediation in SSA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Trace and Hazardous Elements and Emerging Pollutants in Soils and Sediments)

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41 pages, 1828 KB

Open AccessReview

Phytoremediation of Co-Contaminated Environments: A Review of Microplastic and Heavy Metal/Organic Pollutant Interactions and Plant-Based Removal Approaches

by Pavlos Tziourrou and Evangelia E. Golia

Soil Syst. 2025, 9(4), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9040137 - 15 Dec 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2522

Abstract

The increasing presence of microplastics (MPs) in terrestrial ecosystems, particularly when combined with organic pollutants and heavy metals, presents a considerable environmental challenge. This review examines the intricate interactions between MPs, co-contaminants (both organic and inorganic), and plants involved in phytoremediation processes. A literature search was performed across the databases Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, covering the timeframe from 2015 to 2025. The studies selected specifically addressed the synergistic and antagonistic effects of microplastics in conjunction with heavy metals or organic pollutants (such as PAHs and pesticides) within plant–soil systems. The findings reveal that MPs influence pollutant mobility, bioavailability, and toxicity through adsorption and desorption mechanisms, leading to varied implications for plant growth, microbial communities, and contaminant uptake. Depending on the physicochemical characteristics of MPs and co-pollutants, the effects can range from increased phytotoxicity to diminished contaminant accumulation in plants. Additionally, physiological and molecular disruptions, including oxidative stress, hormonal imbalances, and impaired enzymatic activity, were frequently noted in co-contamination scenarios. Recent developments, such as the creation of genetically modified hyperaccumulator plants and the use of nanotechnology and microbial consortia, demonstrate potential to enhance phytoremediation efficiency in complex polluted soils. This review underscores the pressing need for integrated, multidisciplinary strategies to overcome the limitations of existing phytoremediation methods in co-contaminated environments. Future research should focus on standardized methodologies, a mechanistic understanding, and the safe implementation of emerging biotechnologies for sustainable soil remediation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Trace and Hazardous Elements and Emerging Pollutants in Soils and Sediments)

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