Microbial and Fungal Drivers of Ecological Restoration in Polluted Environments: Advances, Challenges and Future Pathways

Microbial and fungal communities are increasingly recognized as vital agents in the conservation and restoration of ecosystems facing anthropogenic pressures, especially pollution. Environmental contaminants, from legacy chemicals to emerging pollutants, are significant threats to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the adaptive capacity of landscapes. At the same time, fungi and plant-associated microbes possess unique metabolic, ecological, and evolutionary traits that can facilitate resilience, accelerate recovery, and support the long-term restoration of degraded habitats. Recent advances have uncovered the far-reaching influence of pollution on microbial and fungal diversity, community structure, and their capacity to interact with plants and animals. Yet, the translation of this biological complexity into scalable, science-based restoration and conservation practice remains at an early stage. Addressing the role that these communities play in ecosystem renewal, biotic recovery, and nature-based mitigation of pollutants is a critical, and so far underexplored, frontier in restoration ecology.This Research Topic aims to highlight innovative science and applied frameworks that position fungi and microbial communities at the forefront of conservation and restoration in polluted or disturbed environments. Our goal is to bring together research that documents the ecological functions, restoration potential, and community assembly dynamics of microbes and fungi as they support ecosystem integrity and service provision in both terrestrial and aquatic contexts. We welcome studies that leverage trait-based, multi-omics, field, and experimental approaches, as well as syntheses and case studies of nature-based restoration—from rewilding of soil microbiomes and inoculation of mycorrhizal networks to engineered consortia for targeted pollutant removal. By focusing on how these communities bolster biodiversity, enhance ecosystem function, and contribute to recovery, this topic aligns with the urgent global need for innovative, sustainable conservation tools and ecosystem-based management solutions.The scope of this Research Topic is deliberately interdisciplinary, integrating restoration and conservation biology, microbial ecology, evolutionary ecology, and environmental management. Contributions should address the active roles of fungi and microbes—not only as indicators but as agents—of restoration in polluted or degraded environments. Submissions may span, but are not limited to, the following themes:-Restoration of microbial and fungal communities following anthropogenic disturbance or pollution-Functional roles of fungi and microbes in bioremediation and ecosystem service recovery-Case studies or syntheses on microbiome-based interventions in large-scale restoration projects-Trait-based or evolutionary frameworks for harnessing microbial/fungal communities in restoration-Monitoring, assessment, and adaptive management tools that leverage microbial/fungal indicators and feedbacks for conservation efficacy Topic editors: Entaj Tarafder, Chao-Lung Chiang, Samantha Chandranath Karunarathna Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80074/microbial-and-fungal-drivers-of-ecological-restoration-in-polluted-environments-advances-challenges-and-future-pathways