Editorial: Recent Advances in Volatile Organic Compounds, Heavy Metals, Microplastics, and Solid Wastes in Ecosystems

Yaoguang Guo¹Yifan Sui^2*Zhenming Zhang³

• ¹Shanghai Polytechnic University, Shanghai, China
• ²Chinese Academy of Sciences Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Yantai, China
• ³Guizhou University, Guiyang, China

The accelerating pace of industrialization and urbanization has led to widespread pollution of air, water, and soil. Key pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, microplastics, and solid wastes, pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Despite their chemical differences, these pollutants share traits like persistence, bioaccumulation, and complex transformation, threatening both natural and human-made environments (Zhou et al., 2023;Lou et al., 2024;Xu et al., 2024;Zhang et al., 2024;Boisseaux et al., 2025;Hu et al., 2025;Jomova et al., 2025;Peng et al., 2025;Xiao et al., 2025;Yan et al., 2025) phosphogypsum-based ecological concrete using electrolytic manganese slag as a cementitious binder and clay ceramics as aggregate. The optimized mixture exhibited higher compressive strength and improved water retention, while simultaneously supporting grass growth and immobilizing heavy metals such as As, Cu, and Pb. This study presents a practical pathway for transforming hazardous industrial by-products into functional green construction materials. Similarly, Dai et al. utilized rosa roxburghii residue to synthesize FeOOH-modified biochar, achieving a maximum adsorption capacity of 5.7 mg g⁻¹ for Sb(V) at pH 2. The process not only enabled efficient removal of toxic antimony but also facilitated the valorization of agricultural waste. These studies mark a shift from traditional end-of-pipe treatment toward a circular economy approach that unites pollutant control with material reuse and ecosystem restoration, advancing the "waste-to-resource" concept essential for low-carbon, sustainable development.Among the innovative approaches highlighted in this Research Topic, Chen et al. This research topic brings together interdisciplinary studies on the behavior and control of VOCs, heavy metals, and solid wastes in various ecosystems. The papers provide insights into pollutant distribution, transformation, and ecological effects, linking air, water, and soil processes. Covering both fundamental mechanisms and applied remediation, they highlight advances in catalytic oxidation, microbial adaptation, biochar adsorption, and resource recycling. Future research should integrate multi-pollutant models, assess long-term ecological risks, and develop low-carbon technologies. Together, these studies support evidence-based environmental policies and promote the goal of resilient, sustainable ecosystems.