Innovations in Contaminant Removal and Resource Recovery

The increasing prevalence of persistent and emerging contaminants poses a growing threat to human health, ecosystems, and sustainable development. Heavy metals, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), microplastics, and nanoplastics are among the most concerning pollutants due to their persistence, toxicity, and widespread occurrence in the environment. At the same time, the demand for sustainable practices has spurred interest in recovering valuable resources, such as precious metals, from waste streams. Addressing these challenges requires innovative removal and recovery strategies that combine efficiency, scalability, and sustainability.

Recent advances in materials science, nanotechnology, membrane processes, adsorption techniques, bioremediation, and integrated treatment systems have opened new avenues for effective contaminant removal. Additionally, the integration of circular economy principles has highlighted the dual potential of pollution control and resource recovery, offering economic and environmental co-benefits. However, challenges remain regarding cost-effectiveness, selectivity, long-term performance, and real-world implementation.

This Research Topic aims to showcase cutting-edge research and technological innovations in the removal of precious and heavy metals, PFAS, microplastics, and nanoplastics, as well as advances in resource recovery. By bringing together interdisciplinary studies, this issue will highlight both fundamental advances and applied solutions that can support cleaner water, soil, and air systems while contributing to sustainable resource cycles.

Key Topics (including, but not limited to):

• Novel materials and adsorbents for selective contaminant removal
• Advanced membrane technologies and hybrid systems
• Bioremediation and bio-inspired approaches
• PFAS degradation and removal methods
• Strategies for microplastic and nanoplastic detection, separation, and treatment
• Recovery of precious and heavy metals from waste and wastewater
• Coupling contaminant removal with resource recovery in circular economy frameworks
• Life cycle analysis, techno-economic assessment, and scalability of removal technologies
• Integration of AI, machine learning, and data-driven approaches for process optimization
• Case studies, pilot-scale demonstrations, and industrial applications

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Contaminant Removal; Resource Recovery; Membrane Technologies; Microplastics & PFAS; Circular Economy

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.