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Farmland Soil Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Agriculture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 14254

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jiulan Dai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
Interests: soil
Dr. Jing Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
Interests: environmental behavior and ecological effects of emerging contaminants; environmental remediation and safety
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Agricultural products are a necessity for human life and a mainstay of social development. However, the realization of “zero hunger”, as proposed by the United Nations, still faces many obstacles, such as global climate change, environmental pollution, and farmland destruction. To secure the safety of agricultural products, there are two basic solutions: protect farmland from pollution and to restore polluted/damaged farmland. Farmland soil pollutants include intentional conventional and emerging agrichemicals, as well as many unintentional chemicals, resulting in both inorganic and organic pollution. These pollutants include heavy metals, nanomaterials, micro/nano plastic antibiotics, etc. Farmland is a complicated and dynamic system composed of numerous soil components (e.g., minerals, organic matter, microbes, etc.) and the crops that are being grown. To protect farmland from pollution, it is critical to track the fate of the pollutants in the environment from the very beginning of their lifecycle. To produce safe agricultural products with polluted farmland, it is vital to understand the basic environmental processes of the pollutants such as speciation, transportation, bioavailability, and bioaccumulation. This Special Issue of Sustainability aims to provide fundamental research on the environmental processes of pollutants in farmland, the mechanisms of pollutant–crop interaction, as well as new technologies and strategies to deal with farmland pollution prevention, safe utilization, and ecological restoration. State-of-the-art research is anticipated with breakthrough findings, innovative ideas, and new techniques in related fields.

Being aware of the importance of agricultural product safety and soil sustainability, we are pleased to announce the launch of a Special Issue on the topic “Farmland Soil Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration”. The topics of interest include the following scientific issues:

(1) Sources, effects, and health risks of pollutants in farmland;

(2) Environmental processes of the pollutants such as speciation, transportation, bioavailability, and bioaccumulation in the soil–crop ecosystem;

(3) The mechanisms of pollutant–crop interaction in the soil–crop ecosystem;

(4) The detection, distribution, risk assessment, and control of emerging pollutants  in farmland;

(5) Safe utilization and ecological restoration of heavy metal contaminated farmland.

Hence, this Special Issue entitled “Farmland Soil Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration” of Sustainability invites the submission of papers on the above areas from leading experts in various disciplines to share recent studies on both the theoretical foundations and the practical Ecological Restoration strategies used for contaminated agricultural soils, which ultimately work to improve the quality of farmland environments and guarantee the safety of agricultural products.

Prof. Dr. Jiulan Dai
Dr. Jing Liu
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. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1811 KiB  
Article
Adaptability of Koenigia mollis to an Acid Tin Mine Wasteland in Lianghe County in Yunnan Province
by Qi Deng, Hui Wu, Yunni Xia, Bao Wang, Naiming Zhang, Lin Che, Yunsheng Xia and Xianrong Yue
Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9179; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129179 - 6 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1179
Abstract
To explore the potential of Koenigia mollis as a pioneer plant in acid tin mine wasteland, Koenigia mollis plants and the corresponding rhizosphere soils in different areas in Lianghe County, Yunnan Province were collected, and their chemical properties and heavy metals contents were [...] Read more.
To explore the potential of Koenigia mollis as a pioneer plant in acid tin mine wasteland, Koenigia mollis plants and the corresponding rhizosphere soils in different areas in Lianghe County, Yunnan Province were collected, and their chemical properties and heavy metals contents were determined., the adaptability of the plant to the barren tailing environment and its acid resistance and tolerance to heavy metal such as Cu (Cu, CAS. No. 7144-37-8), Cd (Cd, CAS. No. 7440-43-9) and Pb (Pb, CAS. No. 10099-74-8) pollution were analyzed. Results showed that Koenigia mollis growth was normal. The pH value in rhizosphere soils was 3.74–4.30, which was strongly acidic. The organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN) (N, CAS. No. 7727-37-9), available potassium (AK) (K, CAS. No. 7440-09-7), and available phosphorus (AP) (P, CAS. No. 7723-14-0) contents in soils of the research area were in low levels. The total contents of Cu, Cd, and Pb in the soil of the research area exceeded the pollution risk screening value for the national risk control standard of soil environmental quality, indicating that Koenigia mollis has a certain resistance to acid and heavy metal pollution. In addition, Koenigia mollis has strong transport and enrichment capacity for Cu, Cd, and Pb and therefore has potential as a pioneer phytoremediation plant for acid tin mine wastelands and a remediated plant for agricultural land around metal mining areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farmland Soil Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration)
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20 pages, 5442 KiB  
Article
Anti-Scale Performance and Mechanism of Valonia Tannin Extract for Calcium Carbonate in Circulating Cooling Water System
by Zhenbo He, Li Zhang, Lihong Wang, Qiang Zhang and Lingyu Luan
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8811; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118811 - 30 May 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2284
Abstract
Natural-polymer-based antiscalants for various calcium scales have recently received significant attention due to their prominent structural features, such as hydroxyl, amino, and organic acids, as well as their environmental friendliness and widespread availability. In this study, a novel green antiscalant, namely modified valonia [...] Read more.
Natural-polymer-based antiscalants for various calcium scales have recently received significant attention due to their prominent structural features, such as hydroxyl, amino, and organic acids, as well as their environmental friendliness and widespread availability. In this study, a novel green antiscalant, namely modified valonia tannin extract (MVTE), was synthesized using valonia tannin extract (VTE), itaconic acid (IA), and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS). The structure of MVTE was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The crystal morphology, structure, and surface elementary composition of CaCO3 were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. Results indicate that MVTE with the best anti-scale performance is prepared when the valonia dosage is 2.5 g, the initiator dosage is 6 wt.%, the reaction temperature is 75 °C, and the reaction time is 3.5 h. Moreover, MVTE shows significantly improved resistance to temperature and alkalinity compared to VE. Results from SEM, XRD, and XPS demonstrate that MVTE can interfere with the regular growth of CaCO3 crystals through chelation, dispersion, and lattice distortion. This effect results in the generation of vaterite, which inhibits the deposition of CaCO3. Meanwhile, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was employed to further explore the anti-scale mechanisms at an atomistic level. The results illustrate that interaction energies originate from ionic and hydrogen bonds between MVTE and calcite, which ultimately improve the anti-scale performance of MVTE. In conclusion, MVTE can be an excellent antiscalant in circulating cooling water systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farmland Soil Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration)
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22 pages, 3912 KiB  
Article
Effects of Mineral-Based Potassium Humate on Cadmium Accumulation in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Three Levels of Cadmium-Contaminated Alkaline Soils
by Shuangshuang Li, Xianmin Huang, Guangxian Li, Ke Zhang, Liyong Bai, Huan He, Shibao Chen and Jiulan Dai
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2836; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032836 - 3 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2455
Abstract
Humic acid amendments in the remediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals have received widespread attention. However, the impacts and related mechanisms of mineral-based humate substances on the remediation of alkaline paddy soils with different levels of cadmium (Cd) contamination are still unclear. [...] Read more.
Humic acid amendments in the remediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals have received widespread attention. However, the impacts and related mechanisms of mineral-based humate substances on the remediation of alkaline paddy soils with different levels of cadmium (Cd) contamination are still unclear. Pot trials with four mineral-based potassium humate (MBPH) doses (0, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, w/w) and three Cd rates (slightly, moderately, and highly, 1, 2, and 4 mg Cd kg−1) were conducted to evaluate the effects of MBPH on rice. Results showed that the application of MBPH effectively reduced brown rice Cd concentrations of all Cd rates by 46.82–65.04%, 44.02–59.21%, and 15.84–43.99%, such that Cd in brown rice fell within the safe edible standards in the highly contaminated soils with the 0.5% and 1% MBPH applications. The application of MBPH significantly alleviated Cd toxicity by increasing soil solution pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and potassium (K) and decreasing free Cd and the bioavailability of rhizosphere soil Cd, as reflected by promoting rice plant growth, photosynthesis, Fv/Fm, and antioxidant enzymes activities. Additionally, high dose applications (0.5% and 1%) of MBPH significantly reduced the translocation factor of Cd from flag leaf to brown rice. Furthermore, the application of MBPH enhanced the accumulation of mineral elements (iron, manganese, copper, zinc, potassium) in brown rice. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that soil solution K at maturity stage and soil solution DOC at tillering and filling stages were the most important factors affecting Cd accumulation in brown rice under slightly, moderately, and highly Cd-contaminated soils, respectively. Therefore, MBPH application on slightly and moderately Cd-contaminated alkaline soils contributed to achieving rice grains rich with mineral elements but Cd free and Cd safe in highly Cd-contaminated soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farmland Soil Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration)
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13 pages, 2780 KiB  
Article
A Case Study: Arsenic, Cadmium and Copper Distribution in the Soil–Rice System in Two Main Rice-Producing Provinces in China
by Jing Liu, Jiayi Su, Jun Wang, Xu Song and Haiwen Wang
Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14355; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114355 - 2 Nov 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1867
Abstract
Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) pose great risk to rice plants and human health. Copper (Cu) agrichemicals also draw increasing attention. This study investigated the distributions of As, Cd and Cu in the soil–rice system in two major rice-producing provinces, Hunan and Jiangxi, [...] Read more.
Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) pose great risk to rice plants and human health. Copper (Cu) agrichemicals also draw increasing attention. This study investigated the distributions of As, Cd and Cu in the soil–rice system in two major rice-producing provinces, Hunan and Jiangxi, China. Arsenic in soils at site A in Hunan reached 47.95–60.25 mg/kg, all exceeding the national standard (GB15618-2018), but As in rice was all below the safe limit for humans (0.20 mg/kg, GB2762-2017). In contrast, As in all rice husks and 5% of grain samples from Jiangxi exceeded the safe limit, while As in soils was 3.40–9.92 mg/kg, all below the standard. Cadmium in soils at site A and site B in Hunan were 3.96–5.11 and 1.83–2.77 mg/kg, respectively, all exceeding the national standard; Cd in 60% of rice grains exceeded the safe limit (0.20 mg/kg, GB2762-2017). Despite Cd in soils from Jiangxi being much lower (0.20–0.34 mg/kg), Cd in 56% of the rice grains exceeded the safe limit. The different distribution patterns of As and Cd in the soil–rice system probably result from the dynamic environmental conditions during farming practice. Risk from dietary products made from rice husks should also be considered. Although not regulated in rice, Cu in the soil from Hunan exceeds the national standard. This study helps to understand As and Cd pollution in paddies and its risk to human health, and suggests limiting the application of Cu-based agrichemicals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farmland Soil Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration)
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15 pages, 839 KiB  
Review
Soil Remediation from Metal(Loid) Pollution: Advances in Hydrotalcite-Based Intercalation Materials Research
by Yanqi Li, Kaicheng Zhang, Yan Yu, Haonuo He, Zhenjiang Su, Xiao Tan and Aijun Lin
Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16508; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316508 - 2 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1557
Abstract
Addressing soil pollution by metals and metalloids necessitates innovative and efficient adsorbent materials. This study scrutinizes layered double hydroxides (LDHs) for their structural versatility and enhanced adsorption capabilities, pivotal in soil remediation. The paper systematically explores the structural characteristics, synthesis methods, and modification [...] Read more.
Addressing soil pollution by metals and metalloids necessitates innovative and efficient adsorbent materials. This study scrutinizes layered double hydroxides (LDHs) for their structural versatility and enhanced adsorption capabilities, pivotal in soil remediation. The paper systematically explores the structural characteristics, synthesis methods, and modification techniques of LDHs, as well as their interaction mechanisms with diverse metal(loid) species, such as anionic forms (e.g., AsO43−) and oxygenated ions (e.g., CrO42−, MnO4−). It presents a methodical review of the current understanding and progress in soil treatment strategies, emphasizing the application potential of LDHs. This comprehensive analysis not only underscores the efficacy of LDHs in decontaminating soils but also lays the groundwork for future research trajectories in environmental remediation technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farmland Soil Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration)
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13 pages, 1199 KiB  
Review
Application of Luminescent Bacteria Bioassay in the Detection of Pollutants in Soil
by Kai Zhang, Meng Liu, Xinlong Song and Dongyu Wang
Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7351; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097351 - 28 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3692
Abstract
The luminescent bacteria bioassay has been commonly used in the detection of environmental pollutants. Compared with traditional chemical and other biological detection methods, the luminescent bacteria bioassay has many demonstrated advantages such as a sensitive response, low cost, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. [...] Read more.
The luminescent bacteria bioassay has been commonly used in the detection of environmental pollutants. Compared with traditional chemical and other biological detection methods, the luminescent bacteria bioassay has many demonstrated advantages such as a sensitive response, low cost, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. The traditional luminescent bacteria bioassay has poor reproducibility and cannot achieve undisturbed soil testing, and the use of leach liquor also affects the results. This paper reviews the research progress and existing issues for the traditional luminescent bacteria bioassay used in the detection of soil pollutants. The luminescence mechanisms and detection principles of three commonly used luminescent bacteria, i.e., Vibrio fischeri, Photobacterium phosphoreum, and Vibrio qinghaiensis, are discussed and compared. In addition, two new luminescent bacteria bioassays are introduced to detect soil pollutants. One method is based on recombinant luminescent bacteria obtained with a gene-modification technique. This method can realize specific detection and enhance sensitivity, but it still cannot achieve undisturbed soil detection. The other method involves using magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)-based biosensors made from luminescent bacteria and MNPs. It can realize the accurate detection of the biological toxicity of the combined pollutants in soil without disturbing the soil’s integrity. This study shows that MNP-based biosensors have good application prospects in soil pollution detection, but the mechanism behind their utility still needs to be investigated to realize their popularization and application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farmland Soil Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration)
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