Transport, Transformation and Cycling of Elements in Water and Soil and Their Response to Human Activities

Abstract submission deadline

30 April 2026

Manuscript submission deadline

30 June 2026

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topic aims to collect novel and innovative studies on the migration, transformation and cycle of elements in water and soil and their response to human activities. Water and soil are important natural resources, and their element cycle plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, promoting plant growth, and ensuring human health. With the growth of the global population and the acceleration of urbanization, the impact of human activities on the water and soil environment has become increasingly significant, leading to changes and imbalances in element cycles; this not only affects the function of the ecological system, but may also have an impact on water security and soil fertility, and pose a threat to the sustainable development of humanity. To address these challenges, it is crucial to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of elemental cycling in water and soil and to assess the impact of human activities on them. This Topic aims to explore the migration, transformation, and recycling mechanisms and evolution of major elements in water and soil, focusing on the impact of human activities (including agriculture, industry, and urbanization) on these cycles. We hope to compile research results from different disciplines to promote a comprehensive understanding of the water and soil element cycles.

The scope of this Topic includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

• The migration and transformation of elements in water and soil;
• The circulation mechanism and evolution of elements in water and soil;
• The impact of human activities on the cycle of water and soil elements;
• Water–soil–microbe interaction and its ecological functions;
• Technology for monitoring and evaluating the element cycle and its application in pollution control;
• The role of sustainable management strategies in maintaining the health of the water and soil environment and the circulation of elements.

Dr. Jiutan Liu
Dr. Junfu Dong
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Energies energies	3.0	6.2	2008	16.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Geosciences geosciences	2.4	5.3	2011	23.5 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Hydrology hydrology	3.1	4.9	2014	15.3 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Plants plants	4.0	6.5	2012	18.9 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Microorganisms microorganisms	4.1	7.4	2013	11.7 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	19.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Land land	3.2	4.9	2012	16.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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All Energies Geosciences Hydrology Plants Microorganisms Sustainability Land

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Supplementary material:
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16 pages, 2072 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Metagenomic Insights into the Abundance of Iron-Reducing Microorganisms in a Petroleum-Contaminated Iron-Rich Aquifer

by He Di, Min Zhang, Zhuo Ning, Changli Liu, Ze He, Shuaiwei Wang, Siyu Kong, Shuang Gan, Weichao Sun, Zhe Xu and Jinjin Ti

Microorganisms 2025, 13(2), 433; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13020433 - 17 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 385

Abstract

In petroleum-contaminated aquifers, iron (III) serves as an electron acceptor, enabling microbial degradation of organic matter. While previous studies have focused on iron reduction and organic matter degradation under laboratory conditions, research on iron-associated microorganisms in petroleum-contaminated aquifers is limited. To explore the [...] Read more.

In petroleum-contaminated aquifers, iron (III) serves as an electron acceptor, enabling microbial degradation of organic matter. While previous studies have focused on iron reduction and organic matter degradation under laboratory conditions, research on iron-associated microorganisms in petroleum-contaminated aquifers is limited. To explore the diversity and distribution of such microorganisms in natural settings, this study used metagenomic analysis of an iron-rich, petroleum-contaminated aquifer. Sixteen groundwater samples from both pollution source and background areas were collected for species annotation and functional gene identification. Results show more than 7000 species were identified as iron-reducing microorganisms (IRMs), including several previously well-characterized iron-reducing species (e.g., Geobacter luticola and Geobacter sulfurreducens). However, the majority of IRMs were not found in existing iron-reducing microbial databases. Some of them, such as Sulfurospirillum sp. and Extensimonas perlucida, could be taxonomically classified at the species level, while most were only annotated as unclassified bacteria. In the contamination source zone, these microorganisms proliferated extensively, which led to hydrocarbon degradation predominantly driven by iron reduction in the aquifer. This study enhances our understanding of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms and supports the management of petroleum-contaminated sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Transport, Transformation and Cycling of Elements in Water and Soil and Their Response to Human Activities)

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21 pages, 7019 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Health Risks of Groundwater Hydrochemistry in the Upper Weihe River Basin

by Jiutan Liu, Kexin Lou, Hong Tian, Chunqiang Ma, Bing Jiang and Zongjun Gao

Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1197; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031197 - 2 Feb 2025

Viewed by 788

Abstract

Groundwater is a vital and invaluable resource on our planet, serving as a critical water supply for human life, industrial activities, and agricultural production. It plays a pivotal role in sustaining human existence and driving societal progress. In this study, we conducted a [...] Read more.

Groundwater is a vital and invaluable resource on our planet, serving as a critical water supply for human life, industrial activities, and agricultural production. It plays a pivotal role in sustaining human existence and driving societal progress. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the hydrochemical characteristics and controlling factors of groundwater in the Upper Weihe River (UWR) using statistical analysis, Piper diagrams, Gibbs diagrams, correlation analysis, and ion ratio analysis. To evaluate the suitability of the regional groundwater for potable use, we employed the entropy weight water quality index (EWQI). Additionally, the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and percentage of soluble sodium (Na%) were utilized to evaluate the groundwater’s adaptability to irrigation. Furthermore, this study also assessed the health risks faced by adults and children in the UWR. The findings indicate that the main cations and anions in groundwater are Ca²⁺ and HCO₃⁻, respectively. The hydrochemical types are predominantly HCO₃-Ca, Cl-Ca, and mixed types. The composition of groundwater is primarily influenced by the dissolution of silicate and carbonate minerals, with cation exchange also playing a significant role in shaping its hydrochemical characteristics. The water quality assessment indicates that the majority of groundwater in UWR is classified as “excellent” or “good”, rendering it suitable for human consumption. However, 7.17% of the water samples were of poor quality and unsuitable for drinking; these were primarily located in a few areas in the northern and western parts of the study area. Regarding irrigation, 94.83% of the groundwater is deemed very suitable; however, a small fraction is not appropriate for such use. Additionally, non-carcinogenic risks are generally higher across most parts of the study area for both children and adults, with children exhibiting significantly higher risks than adults. These findings offer crucial insights regarding the sustainable management and environmental conservation of groundwater resources in the UWR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Transport, Transformation and Cycling of Elements in Water and Soil and Their Response to Human Activities)

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21 pages, 5692 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Kinetic Column Evaluation of Potential Construction Options for Lessening Solute Mobility in Backfill Aquifers in Restored Coal Mine Pits, Powder River Basin, USA

by Jeff B. Langman and Julianna Martin

Hydrology 2025, 12(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12010008 - 7 Jan 2025

Viewed by 685

Abstract

Following open-pit coal mining in the Powder River Basin, landscape reconstruction includes the construction of backfill aquifers from overburden waste rock. With overburden disaggregation and the re-introduction of groundwater, the weathering of newly available mineral surfaces and mobilization of nanomaterials can impact groundwater [...] Read more.

Following open-pit coal mining in the Powder River Basin, landscape reconstruction includes the construction of backfill aquifers from overburden waste rock. With overburden disaggregation and the re-introduction of groundwater, the weathering of newly available mineral surfaces and mobilization of nanomaterials can impact groundwater quality even when such issues were not previously detected in the overburden’s groundwater. Kinetic columns of Powder River Basin waste rock were used to evaluate backfill construction options—zeolite amendment, and soil amendment, compaction, rinse—that could reduce potential groundwater quality impacts. The leachate from each column was collected twice weekly for 20 weeks. The Eh and pH of the leachate substantially varied during an initial high-weathering period indicative of the traditional weathering of newly exposed mineral surfaces and the weathering and flushing of mobile particles. Correspondingly, select elements, such as arsenic and cadmium, were present in relatively high concentrations during this initial weathering period. Waste rock that was compacted or rinsed produced leachate with less solutes and potential contaminants when compared to the unaltered and zeolite- and soil-amended waste rock. Greater compaction during backfilling is possible but may require additional consideration for connecting the surface drainage network to the surrounding area. Rinsing of the waste rock is a viable construction option because of the temporary storage of the waste rock prior to backfilling but would require leachate collection for contaminant treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Transport, Transformation and Cycling of Elements in Water and Soil and Their Response to Human Activities)

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18 pages, 9736 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Bioremediation of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Solution and Aged Refuse by Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation: Further Insights into Sporosarcina pasteurii

by Dingxiang Zhuang, Weiheng Yao, Yan Guo, Zhengzheng Chen, Herong Gui and Yanyang Zhao

Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010064 - 2 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1252

Abstract

Recently, the ability of microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) to remediate heavy metals has been widely explored. Sporosarcina pasteurii was selected to remediate heavy metal-contaminated solution and aged refuse, exploring the feasibility of Sporosarcina pasteurii bioremediation of heavy metals and analyzing the changes [...] Read more.

Recently, the ability of microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) to remediate heavy metals has been widely explored. Sporosarcina pasteurii was selected to remediate heavy metal-contaminated solution and aged refuse, exploring the feasibility of Sporosarcina pasteurii bioremediation of heavy metals and analyzing the changes in heavy metal forms before and after bioremediation, as well as the mechanism of remediation. The results showed that Sporosarcina pasteurii achieved remediation rates of 95%, 84%, 97%, and 98% for Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cr (III) in contaminated solution, respectively. It also achieved remediation rates of 74%, 84%, and 62% for exchangeable Cd, Pb, and Zn in aged refuse, respectively. The content of exchangeable Cr (III) before bioremediation was almost zero. The content of heavy metals with exchangeable form and carbonate-bounded form in aged refuse decreased after bioremediation, while the content of heavy metals with iron–manganese oxide binding form and residual form increased. Simultaneously, the presence of Fe and Al components in aged refuse, as well as the precipitation of calcium carbonate produced during the MICP process, jointly promotes the transformation of heavy metals into more stable forms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Transport, Transformation and Cycling of Elements in Water and Soil and Their Response to Human Activities)

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25 pages, 12302 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Large-Scale Mapping of Maize Plant Density Using Multi-Temporal Optical and Radar Data: Models, Potential and Application Strategy

by Jing Xiao, Yuan Zhang, Xin Du, Qiangzi Li, Hongyan Wang, Yueting Wang, Jingyuan Xu, Yong Dong, Yunqi Shen, Sifeng Yan, Shuguang Gong and Haoxuan Hu

Plants 2025, 14(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14010039 - 26 Dec 2024

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Abstract

Accurate crop density estimation is critical for effective agricultural resource management, yet existing methods face challenges due to data acquisition difficulties and low model usability caused by inconsistencies between optical and radar imagery. This study presents a novel approach to maize density estimation [...] Read more.

Accurate crop density estimation is critical for effective agricultural resource management, yet existing methods face challenges due to data acquisition difficulties and low model usability caused by inconsistencies between optical and radar imagery. This study presents a novel approach to maize density estimation by integrating optical and radar data, addressing these challenges with a unique mapping strategy. The strategy combines available data selection, key feature extraction, and optimization to improve accuracy across diverse growth stages. By identifying critical features for maize density and incorporating machine learning to explore optimal feature combinations, we developed a multi-temporal model that enhances estimation accuracy, particularly during leaf development, stem elongation, and tasseling stages (R² = 0.602, RMSE = 0.094). Our approach improves performance over single-temporal models, and successful maize density maps were generated for the three typical demonstration counties. This work represents an advancement in large-scale crop density estimation, with the potential to expand to other regions and support precision agriculture efforts, offering a foundation for future research on optimizing agricultural resource management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Transport, Transformation and Cycling of Elements in Water and Soil and Their Response to Human Activities)

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21 pages, 13812 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Assessment of Groundwater Hydrochemistry, Driving Forces, Water Quality, and Associated Health Hazards in the Wen River Basin, Northern China

by Menghan Tan, Zongjun Gao and Bing Jiang

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 10928; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162410928 - 13 Dec 2024

Viewed by 861

Abstract

Groundwater is essential for water resources, serving as a key drinking source in China. It supports daily needs for urban and rural residents, aids development, and maintains ecological balance. This study conducted a sampling survey of groundwater in the Wen River basin (WRB), [...] Read more.

Groundwater is essential for water resources, serving as a key drinking source in China. It supports daily needs for urban and rural residents, aids development, and maintains ecological balance. This study conducted a sampling survey of groundwater in the Wen River basin (WRB), assessing hydrochemical features, genesis mechanisms, water quality, and health risks. The findings reveal that groundwater in the WRB is weakly alkaline, with an average total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration of 755.24 mg/L. Freshwater constitutes approximately 81.48% of the groundwater, with the following order of concentration for cations: Ca²⁺ > Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺, and for anions: HCO₃⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > NO₃⁻ > Cl⁻. The predominant hydrochemical types are SO₄·Cl-Ca·Mg and HCO₃-Ca·Mg. The chemical composition of the groundwater is primarily influenced by silicate rock weathering, dissolution processes, cation exchange, and human activities. The average Environmental Water Quality Index (EWQI) value of 74.65 for the WRB signifies that the overall quality of the groundwater is quite good, indicating that the majority of the groundwater is suitable for drinking purposes. Notably, the inferior quality water is predominantly found downstream of the Wen River. Calculations of the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and percentage of sodium (%Na) indicate that groundwater at most sampling points is suitable for irrigation. Furthermore, the human health risk assessment (HRA) reveals that oral intake presents a greater health risk to individuals than dermal contact. The mean Hazard Index (HI) for children is 3.24, with a staggering 79.89% of non-carcinogenic health risk (NHR) values surpassing the acceptable standards. For adults, the mean HI is 1.39, with 53.44% of NHR values exceeding the standards. These data indicate that children are more susceptible to health risks than adults and that the midstream and downstream of the river exhibit higher health risks compared to the upper reaches. These findings can provide critical data for groundwater quality assessment and risk management in the WRB and offer guidance for future groundwater resource management and pollution control efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Transport, Transformation and Cycling of Elements in Water and Soil and Their Response to Human Activities)

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