Microbial Remediation of Soil Pollution: Interplay with Organic Amendments and Phytoremediation for Holistic Approach in Pollutant Biodegradation and Stabilization

The persistent contamination of terrestrial ecosystems with heavy metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides and emerging pollutants requires innovative and sustainable restoration strategies. While microbial remediation remains a cornerstone of environmental biotechnology, its efficiency is often limited by soil conditions and pollutant bioavailability. This research topic focuses on the integrated approach to soil remediation, examining how microorganisms interact with plants (phytoremediation) and organic additives to accelerate the degradation or immobilization of contaminants.By incorporating amendments such as biochar, compost, or manure, we can modulate the soil microbiome and improve the physicochemical environment, thereby enhancing microbial metabolic activity. Furthermore, the rhizosphere effect serves as a critical interface where root exudates fuel specialized microbial communities, facilitating the breakdown of complex organic molecules or the stabilization of toxic elements. This holistic perspective seeks to move beyond isolated techniques, exploring the molecular, ecological, and chemical feedbacks that drive successful site recovery. We welcome contributions that provide mechanistic insights into these tripartite interactions to foster resilient and functional soil ecosystems.This topic aims to showcase the latest breakthroughs in enhancing microbial remediation potential through synergistic interventions and in depth analyses of particular degrading strains. The focus is on the plant-microbe interactions and the role of organic amendments (such as biochar, compost, sludge of manure) in creating improved conditions for microbial activity, thereby improving the overall performance of remediation.Understanding the interplay between microbes, organic matter, and plants is crucial for developing "green" and cost-effective remediation technologies. This collection aims to provide a holistic view of soil restoration, supporting the transition toward sustainable land management and the mitigation of anthropogenic impacts on the environment.This Research Topic invites contributions that elucidate the synergistic mechanisms occurring at the soil-root-microbe interface, particularly those that leverage organic amendments to enhance remedial outcomes.Key themes include, but are not limited to:• Mechanistic insights into the interaction between plants, microbes, and organic additives (e.g., biochar, compost, sludge, manure, digestate).• Microbial community dynamics and functional gene expression during the degradation of emerging pollutants (PFAS, microplastics), pesticides or hydrocarbons.• Bioavailability modulation and the stabilization of heavy metals via bio-augmented organic amendments.• Rhizosphere engineering and the role of root exudates in stimulating catabolic pathways.• Field-scale studies and long-term assessments of soil health recovery and ecosystem services post-remediation. Topic editors: Dragana Tamindžija, Stanko Milić Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80495/microbial-remediation-of-soil-pollution-interplay-with-organic-amendments-and-phytoremediation-for-holistic-approach-in-pollutant-biodegradation-and-stabilization