Large-Scale Monitoring and Bioremediation Implementation for Conservation of Soil–Aquatic Systems Impacted by Emerging Contaminants

Monitoring and managing emerging environmental contaminants is a critical focus in environmental science and conservation practice today, particularly given the complex interactions across soil, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems. Despite advances in environmental monitoring, the rapid proliferation of pollutants such as microplastics, pharmaceuticals, metals, and nanomaterials presents unprecedented risks not only to ecosystem functioning, but also to efforts aimed at conserving and restoring habitats and biodiversity. This Research Topic specifically emphasizes the role of applied field-scale solutions and cross-ecosystem interventions for the conservation and restoration of natural systems by mitigating contaminant impacts. Current models are challenged by the dynamic transport routes of these contaminants, their interactions within mixture exposures, and the subtle, chronic effects that often go undetected. Although novel bioindication systems are under development, there is still a pressing need for robust, integrative frameworks that accurately reflect contaminant stress across multiple ecosystem compartments and provide early warning for ecosystem health. Several recent studies have highlighted the promise of microbial and other biological indicators, alongside emerging bioremediation consortia, but have also exposed key data gaps, especially under real-world, multi-stressor conditions and across diverse geographies.This Research Topic aims to foster innovative contributions that bridge bioindicator development with practical bioremediation techniques, addressing both fundamental mechanisms and applied solutions for conservation and restoration outcomes. Articles that demonstrate the success of ecosystem-scale remediation projects in supporting habitat recovery and biodiversity protection, landscape-level monitoring for conservation planning, and translational research moving from laboratory to field application to enhance restoration efforts are strongly encouraged. It seeks to unite research that advances early detection across trophic levels with studies developing or demonstrating the efficacy of bioremediation strategies. Key objectives include exploring the potential of regional or landscape-scale indicators, mechanisms of soil–water connectivity influencing contaminant fate, and integrative perspectives that explicitly link ecosystem restoration, conservation effectiveness, and broader One Health outcomes across human and animal health. Emphasis will be placed on work that contextualizes findings within real, complex ecosystems, including studies from regions underrepresented in the literature, such as the Global South.This Research Topic centers on new bioindicator frameworks and pragmatic bioremediation strategies for emerging contaminants across interconnected soil–freshwater–coastal environments, with a special focus on case studies where interventions have directly contributed to conservation goals or restoration success and have been tested or implemented at scale. We welcome articles that explore, but are not limited to, the following themes:-Bioindicators for early detection of pollutant stress (including microbes, diatoms, and other sentinel taxa) at ecosystem or catchment scale, and their application to conservation and restoration monitoring-Soil–water connectivity: runoff, sediments, and contaminant transport pathways as challenges and opportunities for restoration and habitat protection-Microbial, algal, and plant consortia for bioremediation and ecological restoration demonstrated beyond bench-scale studies with demonstrated conservation outcomes-Mixture toxicity and chronic low-dose exposures under real ecosystem scenarios relevant to species’ and habitat resilience-One Health perspectives and Global South-focused case studies-Translational and ecosystem-scale remediation: field trials, restoration interventions, and their long-term impact on habitat conservation and recovery Topic editors: Deval Jugraj Singh, Kingsley Erhons Enerijiofi Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79159/large-scale-monitoring-and-bioremediation-implementation-for-conservation-of-soil-aquatic-systems-impacted-by-emerging-contaminants