Atmospheric Pollution and Environmental Chemistry: Towards Sustainable Solutions

Dear Colleagues,

Atmospheric pollution is currently one of the most pressing environmental and human health challenges, with the air compartment particularly exposed to its multifaceted impacts. Phenomena such as smog, acid deposition, ozone layer depletion, and climate imbalance are deeply interwoven with the intricate chemical and biochemical processes unfolding in the atmosphere. These processes shape the journey of both organic and inorganic pollutants and govern their transformation, persistence, and influence on health outcomes such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular dysfunctions, neurodegenerative disorders, and even developmental or endocrine-related conditions. Environmental chemistry offers a lens through which we can decode these dynamics, providing not only analytical precision but also insight into the deeper interplay between human activity and atmospheric balance.

This Special Issue embraces a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, focusing on the chemistry of air pollution, anthropogenic influences on atmospheric systems, and emerging technologies for air remediation. We welcome contributions that connect fundamental molecular understanding with applied strategies, bridging mechanistic insights, risk evaluation, and the real-world impact of innovative solutions.

By weaving together traditional environmental chemistry with forward-looking remediation techniques—including nature-based solutions, smart materials, and bio-inspired filtration—this Issue seeks to support science-driven, sustainable pathways for restoring harmony to the air we breathe. In doing so, it reflects the journal’s commitment to integrative knowledge and transformative environmental practices.

For this Special Issue, we welcome original research articles and reviews on topics including (but not limited to) the following:

• Source identification and fate of airborne pollutants;
• Advances in analytical methods for air quality monitoring;
• Health risk assessment related to air contaminants;
• Development and evaluation of innovative air remediation technologies;
• Nature-based and bio-inspired solutions for air purification;
• Interdisciplinary approaches integrating chemistry, environmental science, and sustainability.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.  

Dr. Silvia Mosca
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. 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.