Advances in Soil and Water Sediment in Ecological Environment

Dear Colleagues,

Components of the geological environment, such as soil and the sediments of water bodies, are an integral and vital part of the biosphere, forming the basis of ecosystems. The geochemical composition of these environmental components, which in turn, influences the suitability of environmental conditions for the development and stability of ecosystems, is determined by both natural and anthropogenic factors. The formation of both soil and water sediments and the geochemical processes are greatly influenced not only by the environment and climatic conditions of the territories, but also by anthropogenic activities. In recent decades, the impact of anthropogenic pollution and climate change on the transformations occurring at the geochemical level of soils and sediments has been of particular concern; therefore, the research and understanding of these environmental components and the processes occurring within them are vital—locally, regionally or globally.

At present, the accumulation, transformation and dispersion of pollutants in soil and water sediments poses an environmental threat around the world, one which is especially intensifying due to various anthropogenic activities. When changing the purpose of land and the intensity of its exploitation, persistent toxic, organic and inorganic compounds accumulate in the environment, some of which migrate and directly contaminate soil and water bodies. Since both the soil and the sediments of water bodies are the basis of many ecosystems, biodiversity suffers due to their contamination, the productivity of agricultural areas decreases, and the environment becomes dangerous for the health and well-being of people.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to publish original high-quality research papers, as well as review articles, which examine the latest advances in soil and water sediment research, and new analytical methods. Papers on regional case studies from anywhere in the world that present findings of general relevance are particularly encouraged. It is expected that such articles could reveal aspects of the versatility of the spectrum of geological sciences, as well as promote interest in all branches of geological sciences.

In this Special Issue of Land, we aim to present the latest achievements of geochemistry in soil and water sediment research, discuss the methodological aspects of geochemical research, review the most relevant problems caused by soil and water sediment pollution, and provide examples from research conducted around the world. The main topics of this Special Issue are:

• The geochemistry and mineralogy of soil and water sediments.
• Methods for the analysis of soil and water sediments' geochemical content.
• Climate change impact on soil and water sediments.
• Technogenic geochemical abnormalities in soils and sediments.
• Pollution source determination in soil and sediments.
• The distribution of pollutants in soils and sediments.
• The assessment of contaminated soils and sediments.

Dr. Gytautas Ignatavičius
Dr. Stanisław Wołkowicz
Dr. Oskars Purmalis
Dr. Jonas Satkūnas
Dr. Vaidotas Valskys
Guest Editors

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