Emerging Contaminants in Soil and Water: Sources, Behaviour, and Environmental and Human Health Risks

A special issue of Soil Systems (ISSN 2571-8789).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2024 | Viewed by 17271

Special Issue Editors

CAS-Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and the Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Interests: biochar; thermochemical conversion; green synthesis; biogeochemical cycling; environmental contaminants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Khwaja Freed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan 64200, Pakistan
Interests: soil chemistry; carbon sequestration; biogeochemistry nutrient cycling; environmental nano-materials; biochar biomass pyrolysis micro-/nano-plastics pharmaceutical products in the environment
Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
Interests: environmental geo-chemistry and indoor air pollution; transformation mechanism and fate of potentially toxic elements; environmental pollution and health risks; biomonitoring and minerals interaction with environmental contaminants

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Emerging contaminants (ECs) refer to a group of natural or anthropogenic origin chemicals of natural or anthropogenic origin that are often not monitored and regulated under current environmental laws. There are growing concerns about the lack of environmental health and safety data on these chemicals. ECs include a range of chemical compounds, from estrogen-like compounds, flame retardants, detergents, microplastics, nanomaterials, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, surfactants, personal care products, and some industrial chemicals, among others. With the advancements in analytical techniques, more and more emerging contaminants have been identified and added to the list. ECs are usually recalcitrant and bioaccumulable and can have lethal effects on humans and wildlife endocrine systems, even in trace quantities. Thus, ECs may have considerable adverse impacts on ecosystem safety and public health.

ECs are increasingly being released into the soil and water compartments of the environment, both intentionally and unintentionally, from point and non-point sources depending on their pattern of use and mode of application. Unfortunately, the principal sinks of ECs in the environment include agricultural soils, urban surface runoff, and discharge from sewage treatment plants. Once released into the environment, they undergo various physico-chemical and biological transformation processes upon interaction with biotic and abiotic components. The main transformation processes are biodegradation, redox reactions, hydrolysis, photolysis, etc. Although these transformation processes reduce contaminant loadings, some of the transformed products are more toxic than the parent compound, raising concerns about their presence in the environment. Emerging contaminants and their transformed product distribution in aquatic and terrestrial environments ultimately affect human health. Moreover, these contaminants enter the food chain via the consumption of food plants grown in contaminated soils, mainly through the soil to plant uptake and translocation. Thus, it is crucial to understand the environmental behavior, bioavailability, and ultimate toxicity of ECs to assess their ecological risks.

This Special Issue aims to share the latest scientific knowledge on the environmental release sources of a broad range of emerging contaminants, their transformation processes in the natural environment under the influence of both biotic and abiotic factors, the behavior of transformed products, and the assessment of human health risks.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Release sources, distribution, and transport of emerging contaminants;
  • Analytical techniques for the detection and quantification of ECs;
  • Physical, chemical, and biological transformation in the soil and water system;
  • Impact of ECs and their transformed products on the ecosystem;
  • Toxicity studies;
  • Food chain transfer through the soil–plant system ;
  • Environmental and human health risk assessment;
  • Soil ecotoxicology;
  • Policy supports for the environmental.

Dr. Balal Yousaf
Dr. Qumber Abbas
Dr. Muhammad Ubaid Ali
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. Soil Systems is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1800 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.

Keywords

  • emerging contaminants (ECs)
  • source identification of ECs
  • environmental transformations
  • soil–plant transfer
  • human health risks
  • bioavailability
  • bioaccumulation
  • trophic level transfer

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 2943 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Impact of Ceftriaxone on the Functional Profile of Soil Microbiota Using Biolog EcoPlateTM
by Livia da Silva Freitas, Rodrigo de Lima Brum, Alícia da Silva Bonifácio, Lisiane Martins Volcão, Flavio Manoel Rodrigues da Silva Júnior and Daniela Fernandes Ramos
Soil Syst. 2023, 7(2), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7020055 - 27 May 2023
Viewed by 1296
Abstract
Background: Antibiotics are essential to the treatment of diseases, but they have also brought about concerns in terms of their environmental, economic, and health impacts. Antibiotics can be excreted in unchanged form or as metabolites, which can cause toxicity by contaminating different environmental [...] Read more.
Background: Antibiotics are essential to the treatment of diseases, but they have also brought about concerns in terms of their environmental, economic, and health impacts. Antibiotics can be excreted in unchanged form or as metabolites, which can cause toxicity by contaminating different environmental compartments, including soil. Soil is a critical compartment due to the numerous functions it performs and its direct impact on the communities of microorganisms, plants, and animals that make up the soil ecosystem. The functional profile of soil microbiota has emerged as a promising tool to assess soil quality. This study aimed to evaluate the functional profile of soil microbiota and the gut microbiota of earthworms in ceftriaxone-contaminated soil using Biolog EcoPlate. Methods: Soil samples contaminated with varying concentrations of ceftriaxone (0, 1, and 10 mg/kg) were incubated for 14 days in the presence or absence of the earthworm Eisenia andrei. After exposure, the physiological profile of the soil microbiota and the gut microbiota of the earthworms were evaluated using Biolog EcoPlate. Results: No significant differences were observed in the parameters evaluated using different concentrations of the antibiotic. The functional profile of the microbiota in the soil with and without earthworms was found to be similar, but interestingly, it differed from the profile of the intestinal microbiota of the earthworms. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that the presence of earthworms did not significantly alter the functional profile of the soil microbiota in ceftriaxone-contaminated soil. Further studies are necessary to investigate the potential impact of ceftriaxone and other antibiotics on soil microbiota and the role of earthworms in this regard. Full article
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21 pages, 4158 KiB  
Article
Revisiting the Solid Flux Theory
by Giorgio Baiamonte and Cristina Baiamonte
Soil Syst. 2022, 6(4), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems6040091 - 30 Nov 2022
Viewed by 2103
Abstract
Several variations of the basic activated sludge process and of the related design procedures for final clarifiers have been developed, which are frequently based on the well-known solid flux theory (SFT). In this paper, by using the Lambert W function and a “virtual” [...] Read more.
Several variations of the basic activated sludge process and of the related design procedures for final clarifiers have been developed, which are frequently based on the well-known solid flux theory (SFT). In this paper, by using the Lambert W function and a “virtual” solid flux corresponding to the Vesilind parameters’ ratio, the SFT is reformulated, and dimensionless groups are detected, which highly reduce the number of parameters that are involved in the final clarifiers’ design procedure. The derived dimensionless relationships and the corresponding plots have general validity since they can be applied to all the possible design/verification parameter combinations. Moreover, it is shown that for any input dataset, the suitable domains of the SS concentration and of the solid flux can be simply expressed by the two branches of the Lambert W function. By using data retrieved from the literature, several numerical applications and validations of the dimensionless relationships are performed. Finally, it is shown that by introducing in the SFT a new reduction hydrodynamic factor, ρR, to be applied to the modified return flow formula rather than to the limiting solid flux as in the past, a significant improvement in the comparison between the results by theory and by experiments can be obtained. Full article
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Review

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24 pages, 1982 KiB  
Review
Addressing the Microplastic Dilemma in Soil and Sediment with Focus on Biochar-Based Remediation Techniques: Review
by Heba Elbasiouny and Fathy Elbehiry
Soil Syst. 2023, 7(4), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7040110 - 10 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1614
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a widespread global environmental concern, representing an emerging contaminant with major implications for ecosystems and human well-being. While extensive research has focused on MPs in aquatic environments, their impact on sediments and soils remains inadequately explored. Studies have confirmed [...] Read more.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a widespread global environmental concern, representing an emerging contaminant with major implications for ecosystems and human well-being. While extensive research has focused on MPs in aquatic environments, their impact on sediments and soils remains inadequately explored. Studies have confirmed the harmful effects of MPs on soil and sediment biota, as well as on the properties of these ecosystems. Furthermore, the long-term persistence of MPs within the environment contributes to their accumulation in terrestrial and marine food chains, with potential consequences for groundwater quality. Although several methods have been applied to mitigate MP pollution, some methods have drawbacks and some are not studied well, necessitating the urgent exploration of novel, sustainable, and eco-friendly approaches. Biochar is a remarkable solution for pollution removal; recently it has been used in addressing the increasingly concerning issue of microplastic contamination. This review aims to shed light on the difficulty posed by MPs in soils and sediments, while highlighting the remediation methods and the potential advantages of utilizing BC as an environmentally friendly solution for MP removal and remediation. Full article
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19 pages, 1440 KiB  
Review
Comparison between Chemical and Biological Degradation Processes for Perfluorooctanoic Acid
by Xuhan Shu, Rama Pulicharla, Pratik Kumar and Satinder Kaur Brar
Soil Syst. 2023, 7(4), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7040091 - 20 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1605
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a perfluoro compound that contains an eight-carbon perfluoroalkyl chain followed by a carboxylic acid function group. The C-F bound possesses a strong bond energy of approximately 485 kJ/mol, rendering PFOA thermally and chemically stable. It has found applications in [...] Read more.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a perfluoro compound that contains an eight-carbon perfluoroalkyl chain followed by a carboxylic acid function group. The C-F bound possesses a strong bond energy of approximately 485 kJ/mol, rendering PFOA thermally and chemically stable. It has found applications in water-resistant coating and is produced either by degrading other long-chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids or fluorotelomer alcohol. PFOA is challenging to further degrade during water treatment processes, leading to its accumulation in natural systems and causing contamination. Research has been conducted to develop several methods for its removal from the water system, but only a few of these methods effectively degrade PFOA. This review compares the most common chemical degradation methods such as photochemical, electrochemical, and sonochemical methods, to the cutting-edge biodegradation method. The chemical degradation and biodegradation methods both involve the stepwise degradation of PFOA, with the latter capable of occurring both aerobically and anaerobically. However, the degradation efficiency of the biological process is lower when compared to the chemical process, and further research is needed to explore the biological degradation aspect. Full article
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23 pages, 3423 KiB  
Review
Fate and Transport of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) at Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Discharge Sites: A Review
by Jeffery Tyler McGarr, Eric Gentil Mbonimpa, Drew Clifton McAvoy and Mohamad Reza Soltanian
Soil Syst. 2023, 7(2), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7020053 - 26 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4155
Abstract
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are an environmentally persistent group of chemicals that can pose an imminent threat to human health through groundwater and surface water contamination. In this review, we evaluate the subsurface behavior of a variety of PFAS chemicals with [...] Read more.
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are an environmentally persistent group of chemicals that can pose an imminent threat to human health through groundwater and surface water contamination. In this review, we evaluate the subsurface behavior of a variety of PFAS chemicals with a focus on aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) discharge sites. AFFF is the primary PFAS contamination risk at sites such as airports and military bases due to use as a fire extinguisher. Understanding the fate and transport of PFAS in the subsurface environment is a multifaceted issue. This review focuses on the role of adsorbent, adsorbate, and aqueous solution in the fate and transport of PFAS chemicals. Additionally, other hydrogeological, geochemical, ecological factors such as accumulation at air–water interfaces, subsurface heterogeneity, polyfluorinated PFAS degradation pathways, and plant interactions are discussed. This review also examines several case studies at AFFF discharge sites in order to examine if the findings are consistent with the broader PFAS literature. We present the most crucial future research directions and trends regarding PFAS and provide valuable insights into understanding PFAS fate and transport at AFFF discharge sites. We suggest a more comprehensive approach to PFAS research endeavors that accounts for the wide variety of environmental variables that have been shown to impact PFAS fate and transport. Full article
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17 pages, 17451 KiB  
Review
Assessment of Microplastics Pollution on Soil Health and Eco-toxicological Risk in Horticulture
by Umesh Sharma, Sunny Sharma, Vishal Singh Rana, Neerja Rana, Vijay Kumar, Shilpa Sharma, Humaira Qadri, Vineet Kumar and Sartaj Ahmad Bhat
Soil Syst. 2023, 7(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7010007 - 23 Jan 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3328
Abstract
In recent times, the existence of microplastics in the food chain has emerged as a physiological stressor and a multifactorial food safety issue, necessitating an immediate strategic perspective due to the associated human health and eco-toxicological risks. To the best of our knowledge, [...] Read more.
In recent times, the existence of microplastics in the food chain has emerged as a physiological stressor and a multifactorial food safety issue, necessitating an immediate strategic perspective due to the associated human health and eco-toxicological risks. To the best of our knowledge, edible fruit crop facts have not yet been compiled, despite their presence in various food webs. Due to the risks associated with the public’s health when consuming products (e.g., fruit crops) that contain a high concentration of microplastic pollutants, a strategic approach to the emerging issue is essential. In this review, we discussed the possible sources of microplastics and their effect on horticultural crops, soil, and microorganisms; the techniques used to know the constitution of microplastics; the eco-toxicity of microplastics and their derivatives on horticultural crops; and suggested mitigation measures and public policies on control alternatives. This research aims to help environmentalists, biotechnologists, and policymakers understand the mechanism and dynamics of microplastics in soils and edible parts so that potential risks can be mitigated in advance. Full article
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29 pages, 4628 KiB  
Review
Historical Global Review of Acid-Volatile Sulfide Sediment Monitoring Data
by Lenwood W. Hall, Jr. and Ronald D. Anderson
Soil Syst. 2022, 6(3), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems6030071 - 17 Sep 2022
Viewed by 1574
Abstract
Acid-volatile sulfides (AVS) are strongly associated with the bioavailability of some divalent metals such as cadmium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc. However, the global spatial variability of AVS for aquatic systems is unknown. The specific goals of this study were to: (1) summarize [...] Read more.
Acid-volatile sulfides (AVS) are strongly associated with the bioavailability of some divalent metals such as cadmium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc. However, the global spatial variability of AVS for aquatic systems is unknown. The specific goals of this study were to: (1) summarize all available AVS monitoring data from all types of freshwater and saltwater waterbodies (streams/creeks, rivers, lakes/ponds/reservoirs and estuarine/marine areas) and (2) compare AVS concentrations from these various types of waterbodies considering both soil type classification and biomes. AVS measurements were reported from 21 different countries. A total of 17 different soil types were reported for all waterbody types and both podzols and luvisols were found in all waterbody types. Nine different biomes were sampled for all waterbody types. The temperate broadleaf and mixed forest biome was sampled for AVS in all waterbody types. Mean AVS concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 503 µmoles/g for 140 different waterbody types and the 90th centile for all these waterbodies was 49.4 µmoles/g. A ranking of waterbody type means from low to high AVS measurements showed the lowest mean value was reported for streams/creeks (5.12 µmoles/g; range from 0.1 to 39.8 µmoles/g) followed by lakes/ponds/reservoirs (11.3 µmoles/g; range from 0.79 to 127 µmoles/g); estuarine/marine areas (27.2 µmoles/g; range from 0.06 to 503 µmoles/g) and rivers (27.7 µmoles/g; range from 1.13 to 197 µmoles/g). The data provided in this study are compelling as it showed that the high variability of AVS measurements within each waterbody type as well as the variability of AVS within specific locations were often multiple orders of magnitude differences for concentration ranges. Therefore, a comprehensive spatial and temporal scale sampling of AVS in concert with divalent metals analysis is critical to avoid possible errors when evaluating the potential ecological risk of divalent metals in sediment. Full article
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