Microbial Ecological and Biogeochemical Processes in the Soil-Vadose Zone-Groundwater Habitats, Volume IV

Following the success of Volume I , Volume II , and Volume III of this Research Topic, and recognizing the rapid advancements in this field, we are pleased to announce the launch of Microbial Ecological and Biogeochemical Processes in the Soil-Vadose Zone-Groundwater Habitats, Volume IVMicroorganisms play roles in driving biogeochemical cycles and maintaining ecological functions in soil, vadose zone, and groundwater environments. Microbial communities in these habitats can respond to environmental changes through shifts in community composition and metabolic activity. Their structure and function are jointly regulated by biotic and abiotic factors, while microbial processes can in turn reshape surrounding geochemical conditions and ecosystem functions. This Research Topic aims to deepen understanding of microbial ecological and biogeochemical processes in these environments, with attention to approaches that support sustainable and resilient ecosystems.Natural wetlands, landfills, composting systems, vadose zones, and saturated aquifers represent interconnected components of the broader soil–vadose zone–groundwater continuum. This volume seeks innovative studies that improve understanding of microbial ecological processes across these habitats and provide insights for sustainable environmental management. Emphasis is placed on microbial metabolic pathways and their interactions with environmental conditions, those related to material cycling, pollution control, and carbon neutrality. Microbial transformation processes involved in groundwater remediation and the ecological consequences of emerging contaminants are also of interest.This Research Topic welcomes original research articles, reviews, and perspectives addressing microbial ecological and biogeochemical processes in soil, vadose zone, and groundwater environments, including but not limited to:• Microbial and biogeochemical processes in freshwater and saline–alkaline ecosystems, including coastal environments.• Microbial community composition, ecological functions, and geochemical processes in freshwater wetlands, paddy wetlands, and constructed wetlands.• Relationships between microbial diversity and ecosystem functional stability across different soil, vadose-zone, and groundwater habitats.• Microbial–chemical interactions in carbon-neutral systems, particularly landfill and composting processes associated with methane-emission mitigation and processes occurring in the vadose zone.• Groundwater pollution remediation, including treatment of ammonium, oxidized contaminants, light and dense non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs and DNAPLs), together with associated microbial and geochemical responses.• Potential effects of emerging pollutants, including nanoparticles, microplastics, and perfluorinated compounds, on microbial community composition and geochemical characteristics. Topic editors: Huai Li, Zifang Chi, Yihao Luo, Chenwei Zheng Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85640/microbial-ecological-and-biogeochemical-processes-in-the-soil-vadose-zone-groundwater-habitats-volume-iv