Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agriculture agriculture	3.6	6.3	2011	18.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Hydrology hydrology	3.2	5.9	2014	17.9 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Land land	3.2	5.9	2012	17.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	7.7	2009	17.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Toxics toxics	4.1	6.4	2013	17.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Water water	3.0	6.0	2009	18.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Limnological Review limnolrev	-	1.4	2001	23.3 Days	CHF 1200	Submit

16 pages, 6492 KB

Open AccessArticle

Data-Driven Downstream Discharge Forecasting for Flood Disaster Mitigation in a Small Mountainous Basin of Southwest China

by Leilei Guo, Haidong Li, Rongwen Yao, Qiang Li, Yangshuang Wang, Renjuan Wei and Xianchun Ma

Water 2026, 18(2), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18020204 - 13 Jan 2026

Viewed by 124

Abstract

Accurate short-lead river discharge forecasting is critical for effective flood risk mitigation in small mountainous basins, where rapid hydrological responses pose significant challenges. In this study, we focus on the Fuhu Stream in Emeishan City, China, and utilize high-resolution 5-min time series of [...] Read more.

Accurate short-lead river discharge forecasting is critical for effective flood risk mitigation in small mountainous basins, where rapid hydrological responses pose significant challenges. In this study, we focus on the Fuhu Stream in Emeishan City, China, and utilize high-resolution 5-min time series of upstream precipitation, stage, and discharge to predict downstream flow. We benchmark three data-driven models—SARIMAX, XGBoost, and LSTM—using a dataset spanning from 7 June 2024 to 25 October 2024. The data were split chronologically, with observations from October 2024 reserved exclusively for testing to ensure rigorous out-of-sample evaluation. Lagged correlation analysis was employed to estimate travel times from upstream to the basin outlet and to inform the selection of time-lagged input features for model training. Results during the test period demonstrate that the LSTM model significantly outperformed both XGBoost and SARIMAX across all regression metrics: it achieved the highest coefficient of determination (R² = 0.994) and the lowest prediction errors (RMSE = 0.016, MAE = 0.011). XGBoost exhibited moderate performance, while SARIMAX showed a tendency toward mean reversion and failed to capture low-flow variability. Accuracy evaluation reveals that LSTM accurately reproduced both baseflow conditions and multiple flood peaks, whereas XGBoost and SARIMAX failed. These results highlight the advantage of sequence-learning architectures in modeling nonlinear hydrological propagation and memory effects in short-term discharge dynamics. Feature importance analysis indicates that the LSTM model was highly effective for real-time forecasting and that the WSQ/LY sites served as critical monitoring nodes for achieving reliable predictions. This research contributes to the operationalization of early warning systems and provides support for decision-making regarding downstream flood disaster prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 9998 KB

Open AccessArticle

Groundwater Driving Factors Identification and Its Associated Human Health Risk Assessment in a Metropolitan City of Southwest China

by Xiaoyan Zhao, Huan Luo, Rongwen Yao, Zhan Xie, Si Chen, Lizhou Zhang, Yunhui Zhang, Yangshuang Wang and Yang Liu

Toxics 2026, 14(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14010019 - 24 Dec 2025

Viewed by 276

Abstract

Health risks associated with groundwater deterioration have become increasingly prominent worldwide. Accurate assessment of human health risks associated with groundwater is a critical component of groundwater development and utilization, particularly in large metropolitan areas with high water resource demands. In our study, 37 [...] Read more.

Health risks associated with groundwater deterioration have become increasingly prominent worldwide. Accurate assessment of human health risks associated with groundwater is a critical component of groundwater development and utilization, particularly in large metropolitan areas with high water resource demands. In our study, 37 groundwater samples were collected from the main urban areas of Chongqing, the largest city in southwest China, to identify the groundwater driving factors and their associated human health risk. The primary hydrochemical facies in the study area is Ca–HCO₃. Groundwater hydrochemistry is primarily controlled by silicate weathering, carbonate (dolomite and calcite) dissolution, and anthropogenic activities such as industrial and agricultural activities. The hazard index (HI) caused by NO₃⁻ and NO₂⁻ was higher than the safety standard and exhibited potentially noncarcinogenic risk for children in the north and the west of the study area. The KDE-based Monte Carlo simulation method showed a high reliability in human health risk assessment, with all mean values of the original dataset falling within their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of generated data. The achievement can provide valuable insights for groundwater risk mitigation and resource management in Chongqing’s main urban areas, as well as in other metropolitan regions worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1222 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multifaceted Adaptive Strategies of Alternanthera philoxeroides in Response to Soil Copper Contamination

by Ling Wang, Kun Li, Xun Huang, Xiaoping Xin, Alan Wright, Zhaohua Li and Liya Zhao

Land 2026, 15(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15010031 - 23 Dec 2025

Viewed by 298

Abstract

Excessive copper (Cu) content in soil can affect plant growth and also cause damage to the soil ecosystem, making it one of the risk control projects for agricultural land soil pollution in China. Alternanthera philoxeroides exhibits stronger colonization ability in heavy metal-contaminated soil, [...] Read more.

Excessive copper (Cu) content in soil can affect plant growth and also cause damage to the soil ecosystem, making it one of the risk control projects for agricultural land soil pollution in China. Alternanthera philoxeroides exhibits stronger colonization ability in heavy metal-contaminated soil, but its physiological and ecological mechanisms of tolerance to excessive Cu remain unclear. A greenhouse incubation experiment was conducted to study the multifaced responses of A. philoxeroides to Cu stress at artificially augmented concentrations of 0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg kg⁻¹. The results showed that A. philoxeroides exhibited high tolerance to Cu²⁺, with a tolerance index (TI) exceeding 60%. As the Cu concentration increased from 0 mg kg⁻¹ to 500 mg kg⁻¹, root biomass and Cu concentration in the root increased. Additionally, soluble sugar (SS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, and catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities of A. philoxeroides continued to increase, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity, branch number, leaf area, and net photosynthetic rate kept declining. However, the trend of these indicators was opposite when Cu²⁺ concentrations were above 500 mg kg⁻¹, while the canopy area and underground root system of A. philoxeroides increased. These results suggested A. philoxeroides displayed a standing “silent” tolerance strategy to survive when soil copper was lower than 500 mg kg⁻¹ concentrations, and an “escape” strategy to avoid high copper stress by expanding the above- and below-ground areas of plants when soil copper concentrations were higher than 500 mg kg⁻¹. This study recommends the controlled utilization of A. philoxeroides for pollution remediation in Cu-contaminated soil areas where most local native plants are unable to survive. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4562 KB

Open AccessArticle

Composite Modified Clay Mineral Integrated with Microbial Active Components for Restoration of Black-Odorous Water

by Rui Ni, Qian Yang, Bingyang Wang, Gezi Li, Jianqiang Zhao, Houkun Zhang, Xiaoqiu Zhang, Wei Fang, Dong Xu, Hui Gong, Guoliang Bai and Bolin Li

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010033 - 19 Dec 2025

Viewed by 283

Abstract

Black-odorous water pollution presents a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems and severely hinders the sustainable development of the ecological environment, as conventional remediation technologies often fall short in achieving the simultaneous removal of multiple pollutants. In this study, a novel composite remediation agent [...] Read more.

Black-odorous water pollution presents a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems and severely hinders the sustainable development of the ecological environment, as conventional remediation technologies often fall short in achieving the simultaneous removal of multiple pollutants. In this study, a novel composite remediation agent was developed by integrating microbial active components with modified clay minerals—sodium-modified zeolite (Na-Z) and magnesium–aluminum–lanthanum layered ternary hydroxides loaded onto sulfuric acid-modified bentonite (Mg-Al-La-LTHs@SBt)—through gel-embedding immobilization. This integrated system enabled the synergistic remediation of both overlying water and sediment pollutants. The modified clay minerals exhibited strong adsorption capacity for nitrogen and phosphorus compounds in the overlying water. Under 25 °C conditions, the composite agent achieved removal efficiencies of 58.14% for ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) and 88.89% for total phosphorus (TP) while significantly reducing sedimentary organic matter and acid volatile sulfide (AVS). Notably, the agent retained substantial remediation efficacy even under low-temperature conditions (5 °C). High-throughput microbial community analysis revealed that the treatment enriched beneficial phyla (e.g., Proteobacteria) and beneficial genera (e.g., Thiobacillus) and suppressed sulfate-reducing groups (e.g., Desulfobacterota), promoting favorable nitrogen and sulfur transformations. These results provide a robust material and methodological basis for efficient, synergistic restoration of black-odorous water and the sustainable development of water resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2773 KB

Open AccessArticle

Extreme Hydrological Shifts Trigger Water Quality Variations in Shallow Lake Ecosystems: Insights from Hydroclimatic Behaviors

by Dan Li, Mingming Geng and Yonghong Xie

Sustainability 2025, 17(24), 11110; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172411110 - 11 Dec 2025

Viewed by 280

Abstract

Shallow lakes are highly sensitive to hydrological changes and human activities; however, the effect of hydrological extremes on water quality dynamics remains unclear. In this study, we investigated hydroclimatic and water quality changes in Datong Lake (a typical shallow lake within the Yangtze [...] Read more.

Shallow lakes are highly sensitive to hydrological changes and human activities; however, the effect of hydrological extremes on water quality dynamics remains unclear. In this study, we investigated hydroclimatic and water quality changes in Datong Lake (a typical shallow lake within the Yangtze River Basin) over the period 2021–2024, with the objective of detecting the dynamic response of lake water quality to its driving factors during extreme hydrological years. Our analysis suggested that precipitation, water level, and temperature of Datong Lake all fluctuated during the study period. Total nitrogen (TN) concentrations increased to 1.25 mg/L, 1.42 mg/L, and 1.05 mg/L in the lake, inlets, and outlet, respectively, driven largely by external nutrient inputs from agricultural and aquacultural activities. Precipitation and water level were significantly higher in the wet year (1051.15 mm and 27.26 m, respectively) than in the dry year (805.05 mm and 27.05 m, respectively). TN and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations at the river inlet were higher in wet years than in dry years, whereas TN and TP in the lake showed the opposite trend. Notably, both TN and TP were positively correlated with temperature, water level, and turbidity, and negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity. Among these drivers, turbidity emerged as key influential variable (R² ranging from 0.18 to 0.41) in modulating lake water quality during extreme hydrological years, followed by temperature (R² ranging from 0.11 to 0.17) and water level (R² ranging from 0.12 to 0.13). These findings reveal that extreme hydrological shifts drive changes in lake water quality, underscoring the necessity of integrated management strategies to alleviate climate change impacts on shallow lake ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2986 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Formation Mechanisms of Groundwater Around Ji’an City, Southern China

by Chao Xu, Bing Xia, Linming Dong, Ximin Bai, Xiaoyun Wang, Yingying Xie, Shengpin Yu and Haiyan Liu

Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10306; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210306 - 18 Nov 2025

Viewed by 418

Abstract

Understanding the occurrence and genesis of groundwater is vital for management and utilization. This study examines the hydrogeochemical characteristics and influencing factors of groundwater around Ji’an City, southern China, with 235 groundwater samples collected from pore, fissure–pore, karst, and bedrock fissure aquifers. Methods [...] Read more.

Understanding the occurrence and genesis of groundwater is vital for management and utilization. This study examines the hydrogeochemical characteristics and influencing factors of groundwater around Ji’an City, southern China, with 235 groundwater samples collected from pore, fissure–pore, karst, and bedrock fissure aquifers. Methods such as multivariate statistical analysis, Piper plot, Gibbs plots, and ion ratio coefficient were used for data analysis. Results indicated that groundwater hydrochemical types primarily were HCO₃-Ca, HCO₃·Cl-Na·Ca, and HCO₃-Na·Ca. The TDS and pH values ranged from 139.92 to 329.66 mg/L and from 4.7 to 8.5, respectively, indicating freshwater with a weakly acidic to neutral nature. Groundwater composition was shaped by a combination of rock weathering/dissolution, cation exchange, and anthropogenic activities. Karst water was notably affected by carbonate rock weathering/dissolution, whereas bedrock fissure water was primarily influenced by silicate rock weathering. Human activities showed a minimal impact on karst and bedrock fissure water, while pore and red-bed fissure–pore water were significantly impacted. The contributions of natural and anthropogenic input to groundwater chemistry were constrained by PCA, showing the rate was 78.09% 15.79%, respectively. Our findings provide insights into the distinct hydrogeochemical processes within different aquifer systems, contributing valuable data and methodologies for groundwater research and management in multi-aquifer systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 25859 KB

Open AccessArticle

Improved Assessment and Prediction of Groundwater Drinking Quality Integrating Game Theory and Machine Learning in the Nyangchu River Basin, Southwestern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

by Xun Huang, Xiyong Wu, Weiting Liu, Denghui Wei, Ying Wang, Hua Wu, Yangshuang Wang, Boyi Zhu, Qili Hu, Yunhui Zhang and Wei Wang

Toxics 2025, 13(11), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13110985 - 16 Nov 2025

Viewed by 858

Abstract

To address the limitations of traditional groundwater quality assessment and prediction methods, this study integrates game theory and machine learning to investigate the drinking quality of groundwater in the southwestern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The results showed that the groundwater in the study area is [...] Read more.

To address the limitations of traditional groundwater quality assessment and prediction methods, this study integrates game theory and machine learning to investigate the drinking quality of groundwater in the southwestern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The results showed that the groundwater in the study area is generally weakly alkaline (mean pH: 8.08) and dominated by freshwater (mean TDS: 302.58 mg/L), with hardness levels mostly ranging from soft to medium. Major cations follow the concentration order: Ca²⁺ > Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺; anions are in the sequence of HCO₃⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > Cl⁻. The hydrochemical type is mainly Ca-HCO₃. A few samples exceed the limit values specified in the Groundwater Quality Standard. Through multivariate statistical analysis, ion ratio analysis, and saturation index calculations, water-rock interaction is identified as the primary factor influencing groundwater chemistry. It consists of carbonate dissolution and silicate weathering, accompanied by cation exchange. The water quality index improved based on game theory, integrated subjective weights (from analytic hierarchy process) and objective weights (from entropy-weighted method), shows that the overall groundwater quality in the study area is good: 95.97% of the samples are high-quality water (WQI ≤ 50), more than 99% of the samples have a WQI < 150, which is suitable as drinking water sources; only 0.81% of the samples are of extremely poor quality, presumably related to local pollution. Linear regression achieved the best performance (R² = 0.99, RMSE≈0.00) with strong stability, followed by support vector machines (test R² = 0.98), while the extreme gradient boosting model showed overfitting. This study provides a scientific basis for groundwater management in river basins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1038 KB

Open AccessArticle

Water and Soil Physico-Chemical Characteristics in Ibex Reserve: An Environmental Case Study of Houta Bani Tamim

by Abdulhakim J. Alzahrani, Osama Khled Redwan, Maha Chieb and Mohamed H. El-Saeid

Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10151; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210151 - 13 Nov 2025

Viewed by 452

Abstract

Protected areas are essential for conserving biodiversity and sustaining ecosystems, yet their effective management requires a clear understanding of soil and water quality, which underpin ecological processes. This study evaluated 15 soil and seven water samples to assess their physico-chemical properties, focusing on [...] Read more.

Protected areas are essential for conserving biodiversity and sustaining ecosystems, yet their effective management requires a clear understanding of soil and water quality, which underpin ecological processes. This study evaluated 15 soil and seven water samples to assess their physico-chemical properties, focusing on heavy metal concentrations. Results showed that soils were generally neutral to alkaline, with Hashwan-2 exhibiting the highest concentrations of calcium (26.5 meq/L), magnesium (11.2 meq/L), carbonates (0.32 meq/L), bicarbonates (3.66 meq/L), and chloride (35.43 meq/L). Heavy metal analysis indicated elevated nickel (51.628 mg/kg) and chromium (76.29 mg/kg) at Albuyitlar-2, and chromium (68.015 mg/kg) at Shabak-Mateam-1 1 1, exceeding US-EPA permissible limits of 45 mg/kg for nickel and 64 mg/kg for chromium. Water samples revealed high levels of aluminum (12.681 mg/L), manganese (0.146 mg/L), and iron (7.055 mg/L), also exceeding the US-EPA thresholds of 0.2, 0.1, and 0.5 mg/L, respectively. In contrast, more toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury remained within safe limits. These findings highlight localized concerns regarding heavy metal contamination that warrant continued monitoring to ensure ecosystem health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 3054 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Level Driving Mechanisms: Cascading Relationships Among Physical Factors, Nutrient Cycling, and Biological Responses in the Yangtze River–Lake Ecosystems

by Teng Miao, Laiyin Shen, Hanmei Zhao, Hang Zhang, Yachan Ji, Yanxin Hu, Nianlai Zhou and Chi Zhou

Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 9928; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17229928 - 7 Nov 2025

Viewed by 596

Abstract

River–lake systems in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin function as critical ecological interfaces for maintaining regional water security and biodiversity. However, the complex interplay between environmental factors and biological communities in these systems remains poorly understood, limiting evidence-based [...] Read more.

River–lake systems in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin function as critical ecological interfaces for maintaining regional water security and biodiversity. However, the complex interplay between environmental factors and biological communities in these systems remains poorly understood, limiting evidence-based management strategies essential for achieving sustainable development goals. This study investigated the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of environmental variables and their relationships with biological communities across 36 sampling sites (4 rivers, 5 lakes) from January to November 2022. Significant spatial differences were observed between river and lake systems, with lakes exhibiting higher concentrations of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), chlorophyll-a, permanganate index (CODMn), loss on ignition (LOI), sediment total nitrogen (STN), total organic carbon (TOC), and turbidity, while rivers showed elevated total nitrogen levels. These patterns reflected fundamental differences in hydrodynamic mechanisms, particularly water retention time and sedimentation processes. Environmental parameters displayed distinct seasonal variations, with BOD₅ increasing markedly in autumn, and chlorophyll-a showing system-specific peaks in lakes (May) and rivers (September). Multivariate analyses revealed that water temperature, organic matter, and nutrients (particularly phosphorus) were key drivers shaping both phytoplankton and benthic communities. The structural equation model identified a strong cascade pathway from turbidity through phosphorus to phytoplankton richness, and uncovered a “phosphorus paradox” wherein total phosphorus exhibited contrasting effects on different biological components—positive for phytoplankton richness but negative for benthic richness. The positive relationship between phytoplankton and benthic macroinvertebrate richness provided evidence for benthic–pelagic coupling in this river–lake system. These findings advance our understanding of the complex mechanisms linking physical factors, nutrient dynamics, and biological communities across river–lake continuums, providing a quantitative framework for ecosystem-based management that supports sustainable development in the Yangtze River Basin and similar freshwater systems globally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4132 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hidden Contamination Patterns: A Stochastic Approach to Assessing Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine Transformation Products in Kazakhstan’s Rocket Crash Area

by Ivan Radelyuk, Aray Zhakupbekova, Alua Zhumadildinova, Artem Kashtanov and Nassiba Baimatova

Toxics 2025, 13(11), 963; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13110963 - 6 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1199

Abstract

Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH), a highly toxic rocket propellant, remains a significant environmental concern in Kazakhstan due to repeated rocket stage falls near the Baikonur Cosmodrome. This study integrates chemical analysis with stochastic contamination transport modeling to evaluate the persistence and migration of UDMH [...] Read more.

Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH), a highly toxic rocket propellant, remains a significant environmental concern in Kazakhstan due to repeated rocket stage falls near the Baikonur Cosmodrome. This study integrates chemical analysis with stochastic contamination transport modeling to evaluate the persistence and migration of UDMH transformation products (TPs) in soils collected 15 years after the rocket crash. Vacuum-assisted headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Vac-HS-SPME-GC-MS) was used to determine five major TPs. Among these, pyrazine (PAN) and 1-methyl-1H-pyrazole (MPA) were consistently detected at concentrations ranging from 0.04–2.35 ng g⁻¹ and 0.06–3.48 ng g⁻¹, respectively. Stochastic simulations performed with HYDRUS-1D indicated that the long-term persistence of these compounds is mainly controlled by physical nonequilibrium transport processes, including diffusion-limited exchange, weak sorption, and slow inter-domain mass transfer, rather than by degradation. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that low dispersivity and diffusion coefficients enhance solute retention within immobile domains, maintaining residual levels over extended periods. The results demonstrate the efficacy of combined long-term monitoring and predictive modeling frameworks for assessing contamination dynamics in rocket impact zones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

46 pages, 2458 KB

Open AccessReview

Global Insights into Micro- and Nanoplastic Pollution in Surface Water: A Review

by Aujeeta Shehrin Razzaque and Assefa M. Melesse

Hydrology 2025, 12(10), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12100265 - 9 Oct 2025

Viewed by 2778

Abstract

Microplastics (<5 mm) and nanoplastics (~100 nm), which are invisible to the naked eye, originate primarily from fragmentation and breakdown larger plastic debris are increasingly pervasive in the environment. Once released, they can disperse widely in the environment, pollute them adversely and ultimately [...] Read more.

Microplastics (<5 mm) and nanoplastics (~100 nm), which are invisible to the naked eye, originate primarily from fragmentation and breakdown larger plastic debris are increasingly pervasive in the environment. Once released, they can disperse widely in the environment, pollute them adversely and ultimately be taken up by living organisms, including humans, through multiple exposure pathways. Their distribution in aquatic systems is influenced by their physiochemical properties including density, hydrophobicity, and chemical stability, along with environmental conditions and biological activities. To better understand the dynamics of micro- and nanoplastics in surface water, this study conducted a comprehensive review of 194 published articles and scientific reports covering marine, freshwater, and wastewater systems. We assessed the abundance, spatial distribution and the factors that govern their behavior in aquatic systems and analyzed the sampling techniques, pretreatment process, and detection and removal techniques to understand the ongoing scenario of these pollutants in surface water and to identify the ecological risks and potential toxicological effects on living biota via direct and indirect exposure pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 9811 KB

Open AccessArticle

Revealing Influencing Mechanisms and Spatial Pattern of Soil Cadmium Through Geodetector and Spatial Analysis

by Jingyun Wang, Jun Yang, Chen Zhao, Xinglei Tian, Xiaofeng Zhao, Wei Zhao, Hao Xin and Xianjun Li

Land 2025, 14(10), 1975; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14101975 - 30 Sep 2025

Viewed by 594

Abstract

Elucidating the dominant factors governing heavy metal accumulation and their spatial heterogeneity in soils is fundamental to implementing science-based environmental management protocols. In this study, a Geodetector model, spatial interpolation, bivariate local Moran’s I (BLMI), and hotspot analysis were adopted to reveal the [...] Read more.

Elucidating the dominant factors governing heavy metal accumulation and their spatial heterogeneity in soils is fundamental to implementing science-based environmental management protocols. In this study, a Geodetector model, spatial interpolation, bivariate local Moran’s I (BLMI), and hotspot analysis were adopted to reveal the spatial pattern and driving mechanisms of soil cadmium (Cd) across six townships in southern Shimen County, Hunan Province. Results showed that Cd accumulation in the study area was predominantly controlled by natural factors, though anthropogenic contributions were also significant. Strata (q = 0.068), soil type (q = 0.045), and atmospheric deposition (q = 0.046) emerged as the most influential factors. The interaction between different driving factors exhibited a synergistic enhancing effect. Spatial interpolation revealed elevated Cd concentrations primarily clustered in central and western regions, particularly concentrated in Jiashan Town. BLMI analysis confirmed significant spatial correlations between Cd distribution and driving factors, and hotspot areas showing strong spatial coherence with strata and soil type. This study provides valuable insights for understanding the driving mechanisms of soil heavy metal pollution and informs targeted contamination control strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2930 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phosphorus Loss Risk in the Ju River Basin, China, Under Urbanization and Climate Change: Insights from the Hydrological Simulation Program—FORTRAN (HSPF) Model

by Chaozhong Deng, Qian Xiang, Qinxue Xiong, Shunyao Jiang, Fuli Xu, Liman Li, Jianqiang Zhu and Yuan Zhou

Water 2025, 17(18), 2771; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17182771 - 19 Sep 2025

Viewed by 814

Abstract

Despite increasing concerns over recurrent phosphorus (P) pollution, the Ju River—a small tributary of the Yangtze River—has received limited scientific attention. To correct this, the present study integrates field-based observations with the Hydrological Simulation Program—FORTRAN (HSPF) model to comprehensively assess the conjunct effects [...] Read more.

Despite increasing concerns over recurrent phosphorus (P) pollution, the Ju River—a small tributary of the Yangtze River—has received limited scientific attention. To correct this, the present study integrates field-based observations with the Hydrological Simulation Program—FORTRAN (HSPF) model to comprehensively assess the conjunct effects of urban expansion and changing precipitation patterns on watershed hydrology and phosphorus dynamics at the small-catchment scale. A total of five urban expansion scenarios and three precipitation enhancement scenarios were simulated to capture both seasonal and event-driven variations in daily discharge and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations. The model was calibrated and validated using in situ water quality data, ensuring high reliability of the simulations. The results indicate that agricultural non-point sources are the primary contributor to total phosphorus (TP) loads. During the overlapping period of intensive farming and heavy rainfall (June–July), TP concentrations more than doubled compared to other months, with these two months accounting for over 70% of the annual TP load. Urban expansion significantly amplified hydrological extremes, increasing peak discharge by up to 224% under extreme rainfall, thereby intensifying flood risks. Although increased precipitation diluted TP concentrations, it simultaneously accelerated overall phosphorus export. This study offers a novel modeling–monitoring framework tailored for small watersheds and provides critical insights into how land use transitions and climate change jointly reshape nutrient cycling. The findings support the development of targeted, scenario-based strategies to mitigate eutrophication risks in vulnerable river systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Topic Menu

Topic Editors

Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management

Topic Information

Keywords

Participating Journals

Published Papers (13 papers)

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI

Topic Menu

Topic Editors

Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management

Topic Information

Keywords

Participating Journals

Related Topic

Published Papers (13 papers)

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI