Carbon Biogeochemistry and Sustainability

Dear Colleagues,

The carbon cycle is a cornerstone of the Earth’s biogeochemical system and a critical driver of climate regulation and ecosystem sustainability. In recent years, increasing anthropogenic activities, urbanization, and emerging materials have significantly altered natural carbon pathways, leading to complex interactions among organic matter, pollutants, and greenhouse gases. Understanding these processes from a mechanistic and systems perspective is fundamental for achieving carbon neutrality and fostering sustainable ecological development.

Against this backdrop, we are pleased to announce the launch of a Special Issue of Sustainability titled “Carbon Biogeochemistry and Sustainability”. This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for interdisciplinary studies exploring carbon cycling mechanisms, carbon-based materials, and climate-related sustainable solutions across environmental compartments. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, those outlined below.

(1) Environmental behavior and effects of carbon substances

We welcome studies on the environmental dynamics, transformation processes, and ecological effects of both natural and anthropogenic carbonaceous materials. This includes the behavior of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and particulate organic matter (POM), as well as materials like biochar, biodegradable plastics, and engineered carbons. Research that links the molecular-level characteristics of carbon to its biogeochemical reactivity, photochemical transformation, transport, and ecosystem-level impacts, especially in the context of climate change and increasing human pressure, is highly encouraged.

(2) Carbon-based materials: modification mechanisms, processes, and environmental applications

Of interest are innovative studies on carbon-based materials for pollution control, environmental remediation, resource recovery, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). We welcome mechanistic insights into surface modification, catalytic processes, and the interaction of carbon materials with contaminants. Manuscripts focusing on green design, process optimization, or the circular use of carbon materials in sustainable environmental systems are particularly welcome.

(3) Pathways to carbon neutrality and sustainable development

We invite contributions addressing the fluxes, drivers, and mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHG, e.g., CO₂, CH₄) in the context of carbon neutrality and sustainability. We are especially interested in studies that evaluate nature-based solutions (NbSs) for enhancing carbon sinks in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems (i.e., green and blue carbon). This topic also covers advanced GHG monitoring, carbon accounting, and footprint analysis, as well as the integration of carbon cycle models with low-carbon technologies. Manuscripts that bridge science and policy, exploring socioeconomic pathways, governance models, and management strategies that promote both ecological resilience and a just sustainable transition, are strongly encouraged.

We particularly encourage interdisciplinary research that bridges biogeochemistry, environmental materials science, and sustainability policy, offering insights into how carbon processes can be managed to support global sustainable development. Contributions that combine experimental studies, modeling approaches, and real-world applications will be especially valued. We welcome both original research articles and comprehensive reviews that advance the scientific understanding and practical application of carbon biogeochemistry in promoting sustainability. The deadline for submissions to this Special Issue is 19 November 2026. Manuscripts should be prepared according to the Guide for Authors.

Dr. Pei Lei
Dr. Zhineng Hao
Dr. Dong Ren
Dr. Deliang Yin
Guest Editors

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. Sustainability 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 2400 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.

• carbon biogeochemistry
• organic matter
• carbon-based materials
• greenhouse gases
• carbon neutrality
• sustainability