A Systematic Review of Integrative Approaches for the Multidimensional Analysis of Sustainable Soil Rehabilitation

Soil contamination represents a pervasive and multifaceted threat to environmental integrity, public health, and sustainable land use. In response to this challenge, this systematic review synthesizes recent advancements in sustainable soil remediation techniques, with an emphasis on bioremediation, nature-based solutions (NBSs), innovative physicochemical methods, and multidimensional assessment frameworks. Utilizing the adapted PRISMA methodology, 3222 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025 were initially identified, with 53 studies selected for in-depth evaluation based on methodological rigor, innovation, and relevance to sustainability. The findings reveal a pronounced research trajectory toward biologically mediated remediation strategies, including microbial bioremediation, phytoremediation, and vermiremediation, as well as hybrid systems that incorporate biochar and nano-enabled materials to enhance efficacy. Concurrently, emerging physicochemical techniques, such as stepped steam heating and composite stabilization using fly ash demonstrate potential for high-efficiency contaminant immobilization with reduced environmental trade-offs. The integration of computational tools, particularly machine learning for remediation optimization, and the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), are redefining how sustainability is quantified and operationalized. In addition to technical innovation, the review underscores critical policy and socio-economic dimensions, including regulatory fragmentation, funding asymmetries, and stakeholder engagement. Comparative analyses of EU and US regulatory frameworks highlight the impact of governance structures on implementation scalability and public acceptance. The review concludes by advocating for a paradigm shift toward holistic, transdisciplinary remediation approaches that are ecologically resilient, economically viable, and socially just aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 15.3) and the Paris Agreement. This review provides a comprehensive and integrative perspective on the current state and future directions of sustainable soil remediation, offering a strategic foundation for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners engaged in the restoration of contaminated lands.