Geochemical Processes Involved in Soil and Groundwater Contamination in the Critical Zone

Geochemistry in the critical zone plays a pivotal role in influencing soil and groundwater quality, where contaminants introduced by human activities and natural processes undergo a myriad of complex interactions. This zone, extending from the vegetation canopy to deeper groundwater environments, harbors dynamic chemical processes such as mineral weathering, adsorption–desorption, redox transitions, ion exchange, and biogeochemical processes. Current research has highlighted both the adverse effects of contaminants on ecosystems and the emerging challenges associated with their mobility and transformation. Significant advances have been made through field and laboratory studies, yet substantial gaps remain in fully understanding these interactions across different environmental contexts and under changing climatic conditions.

This Research Topic aims to unravel the geochemical processes that dictate the pathways and transformations of contaminants in the critical zone. By synthesizing data from diverse methodologies, including field observations, controlled laboratory experiments, and advanced modeling techniques, this research aims to elucidate the key mechanisms driving contaminant behavior in soils and shallow aquifers. The focus will be on answering fundamental questions about how specific geochemical processes alter contaminant mobility, persistence, and bioavailability. Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing predictive tools and effective remediation technologies that safeguard groundwater resources and maintain ecosystem health.

To gather further insights into geochemical dynamics in the critical zone, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Mechanisms of mineral weathering and contaminant release
- Redox processes affecting the mobility and toxicity of pollutants
- Microbial activity as a driver of biogeochemical cycles
- Effective strategies for mitigating soil and groundwater contamination
- Plant–soil interactions regulating contaminant cycling and rhizosphere processes
- Colloid- and nanoparticle-facilitated transport of contaminants
- Geochemical responses to climate change and extreme events
- Isotopic and trace element tracers for source identification and process understanding
- Nature-based and geochemical engineering approaches for sustainable remediation
- Surface–groundwater interactions

We encourage contributions that leverage innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to deepen our understanding of these critical environmental issues.

Article types and fees

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

• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... 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:

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

Keywords: Critical zone, Soil contamination, Groundwater pollution, Geochemical processes, Mineral weathering, Contaminant transport, Biogeochemistry, Climate change

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.