Black soils feed the world yet remain undervalued in food and climate governance frameworks. A policy package, including global monitoring as public infrastructure, co-designed and place-based solutions based on tailored tools, planning that fits land and people, mobilizing alliance with finance and force, and mainstreaming black soils in global pacts, can contribute to improving land quality and stabilize yields where it matters most.

Coking industrial activities contribute to approximately one-quarter of soil polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, posing risks to soil quality and human health. High-resolution, multi-site prediction remains challenging because conventional models seldom incorporate source-explicit drivers. Here, we developed a regional risk-mapping framework that integrates coking enterprise source strength (SBI) and modeled atmospheric deposition flux (CPES) into a stacked-ensemble learning pipeline. A total of 320 soil samples collected around 20 representative plants were used for model training and validation; the optimized model was then applied to predict ∑PAHs within 3-km buffers of 130 coking sites across the region. We constructed three progressively enhanced covariate sets-environmental factors (EF), EF+SBI, and EF+SBI+CPES-to test performance gains and driver attribution. Incorporating SBI and CPES raised R² from 0.41 to 0.63 and reduced RMSE from 0.42 to 0.33, while identifying distance to site, atmospheric deposition, and NDVI as dominant predictors. Operational plants had higher mean ∑PAHs than closed plants (1028 vs 644 ng/g). Closed plants still surpassed background levels by about 1.3 times. Scenario analysis showed a clear greening effect. In the priority management zone, increasing NDVI by 0.025 decreased the predicted mean from 541.7 ng/g to 489.5 ng/g, halving moderately-heavily polluted farmland, and reducing the potentially exposed population by over 40 %. The source-aware framework improves accuracy and transferability of regional PAH exposure risk assessment and supports tiered, site-adjacent zoning and mitigation around industrial point sources.

Nonylphenol (NP) is a globally concerned endocrine disruptor, yet its ecological risks in soil are often evaluated solely by residual concentrations or degradation rate, overlooking the more subtle functional and structural disturbances to soil microbiomes. Here, we conducted a 90-day concentration-gradient microcosm experiment to integrate NP degradation dynamics with extracellular enzyme stoichiometry, vector-based microbial nutrient limitation, community succession, and co-occurrence network reorganization. We found that NP was efficiently degraded (>75% even at 120 mg kg⁻¹ within 90 days), but rapid degradation did not prevent profound functional shifts. Medium-to-high NP concentrations (≥30 mg kg⁻¹) significantly suppressed β-glucosidase (max inhibition 68.4%) and, more importantly, altered enzyme stoichiometric ratios (Carbon (C): nitrogen (N) and C: phosphorus (P) decreased linearly with NP concentration). Vector analysis revealed a critical transition: Medium-to-high NP exposure shifted microbial metabolic indicators from C-P co-limitation toward stronger P limitation. Concurrently, NP exerted strong selective pressure, reducing α-diversity but enriching NP-tolerant and putative degradative taxa (Proteobacteria, Lysobacter, Pseudomonas). This compositional restructuring drove microbial co-occurrence networks toward a more connected yet topologically reorganized "NP-adapted" configuration, with keystone taxa shifting from conventional nutrient cyclers (Massilia, Nitrospira) to stress-tolerant degrader genera (Truepera, Pseudonocardia). Collectively, we demonstrate that NP's ecotoxicological fingerprint lies not in its persistence but in its ability to decouple C-N-P acquisition strategies and force a network‑level adaptive reorganization - even under substantial degradation. Thus, risk assessment for NP‑contaminated soils must move beyond degradation data alone to include enzymatic stoichiometric imbalances, microbial P‑limitation status, and co‑occurrence network topology.

Photocatalytic synthesis of H2O2 by carbon nitride photocatalyst under the conditions of air and pure water exhibits promising research potential with significant implications. However, carbon nitride faces impediments in photocatalytic reactions, such as overlapping redox active sites and poor charge dynamics (including slow exciton dissociation, inefficient surface charge extraction, rapid carrier recombination), which impede its efficient photocatalytic generation of H2O2. By modulating potassium doping behavior under the influence of methyl and cyano groups, we successfully induced the formation of lattice pathway. Through precise coupling of the crystalline-amorphous interface and the internal electric field generated by these functional groups, the lattice pathway is effectively integrated with the built-in electric field, thereby addressing the aforementioned challenges simultaneously rather than partially. This unique structure achieves a H2O2 yield up to 328.8 mu mol g-1 h-1 and a selectivity exceeding 91.5 % in both air and pure water. The DFT calculations and in-situ DRIFT were conducted to uncover that the interaction between functional groups and potassium atoms not only integrates oxygen reduction reaction and water oxidation reaction, but also induces alternating reaction sites of intermediates during H2O2 formation. This study highlights the significance of internal electric field and lattice pathway in optimizing the photocatalytic process and enhancing H2O2 production efficiency.

Developing a low-cost, highly efficient remediation biosorbent for arsenic (As5+ and As3+) is essential for protecting environments and using biomass resource. In this study, ZnCr-LDH-tailored sawdust biochar composites (ZnCr-LDH/BC) were synthesized and used as adsorbents for decontamination of arsenic-contaminated water and soil. ZnCr-LDH tailoring improved arsenic adsorption efficiency, especially for flower-like ZnCr-LDH/BC with a 4:1 molar ratio of Zn to Cr (4:1 ZnCr-LDH/BC). This formulation outperformed other adsorbents, including unmodified biochar. As5+ and As3+ adsorption processes are better simulated by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Sips model. At pH 7, 4:1 ZnCr-LDH/BC adsorbed up to 67.45 mg/g of As5+, and at pH 9, 24.55 mg/g of As3+. Ionic strength and co-existing ions exerted no significant inhibitory effects on As3 +, but they hindered the adsorption of As5+. Besides ion exchange and complexation, electrostatic attraction also contributes to As5+ removal, but this mechanism is absent for As3+. Additionally, the practicality of composite was confirmed through its application in treating natural water and arsenic-contaminated industrial wastewater, as well as its column experiment performance and economic benefit evaluation. The addition of 4:1 ZnCr-LDH/BC reduced the DTPA-extractable content and leaching toxicity of As5+ and As3+in soil. The addition of 4:1 ZnCr-LDH/BC could alleviate the stress of arsenic on microorganisms, increase the wheat seedling biomass, and decrease the arsenic accumulation in the above-ground parts of plant. This study prepared and confirmed that 4:1 ZnCr-LDH/BC is a highly efficient adsorbent for As5+ and As3+. It can remediate arsenic-contaminated water bodies and soil in practice.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely used as flame retardants and are prevalent indoors, yet long-term monitoring of indoor PBDEs remains rare. This study systematically investigated the seasonal variations, compositional profiles, and exposure risks of PBDEs across three indoor media-airborne particles (APs, n = 28), vapor phase (n = 28), and dust (n = 47)-collected from four offices. Seasonal trends of PBDEs showed the highest concentrations in autumn and the lowest in winter in both the indoor vapor phase and dust. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation (p < 0.001) between indoor vapor BDE-17 and BDE-209, suggesting photodegradation of high-weight to low-weight BDEs. In APs, twelve PBDE congeners-excluding BDE-17 and 85-exhibited significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) with PM concentrations. Dust on glass surfaces showed strong correlations between penta-BDEs and octa-/deca-BDEs (r = 0.79). Risk assessments found that dust ingestion was the primary exposure pathway, with students exhibiting the highest total exposure. Dermal contact exposure reached its highest levels in summer, while inhalation, dermal absorption, and dust ingestion were highest in autumn. This study reveals significant seasonal variations in office PBDE concentrations and reinforces the importance of dust as a critical exposure pathway, providing a scientific basis for PBDEs pollution control and health protection strategies.

Heavy metal(loid) (HM) pollution in agricultural soils has become an environmental concern in antimony (Sb) mining areas. However, priority pollution sources identification and deep understanding of environmental risks of HMs face great challenges due to multiple and complex pollution sources coexist. Herein, an integrated approach was conducted to distinguish pollution sources and assess human health risk (HHR) and ecological risk (ER) in a typical Sb mining watershed in Southern China. This approach combines absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) models with ER and HHR assessments. Four pollution sources were distinguished for both models, and APCS-MLR model was more accurate and plausible. Predominant HM concentration source was natural source (39.1%), followed by industrial and agricultural activities (23.0%), unknown sources (21.5%) and Sb mining and smelting activities (16.4%). Although natural source contributed the most to HM concentrations, it did not pose a significant ER. Industrial and agricultural activities predominantly contributed to ER, and attention should be paid to Cd and Sb. Sb mining and smelting activities were primary anthropogenic sources of HHR, particularly Sb and As contaminations. Considering ER and HHR assessments, Sb mining and smelting, and industrial and agricultural activities are critical sources, causing serious ecological and health threats. This study showed the advantages of multiple receptor model application in obtaining reliable source identification and providing better source-oriented risk assessments. HM pollution management, such as regulating mining and smelting and implementing soil remediation in polluted agricultural soils, is strongly recommended for protecting ecosystems and humans.

Indoor benzene series (BTEX) pollution from building and decoration materials poses growing health risks during China's urbanization. Nationwide multi-scenario exposure assessments remain limited, and the risk-based thresholds for benzene and ethylbenzene are still undefined. This multi-region study collected 1396 indoor air samples to assess BTEX pollution and exposure risks in Chinese dwellings. Combining health probabilistic risk and DALY (disability-adjusted life year) calculations with Monte Carlo simulations, we determined safety concentration thresholds of 0.023 mg/m³ (benzene) and 0.162 mg/m³ (ethylbenzene) based on acceptable carcinogenic risk thresholds (1 ×10⁻⁶). BTEX concentrations across followed the order: high exposure places > indoor residential > office areas > public places, with spatial analysis revealing a distinct north-high-south-low geographical gradient. Health effect assessment indicated that total non-carcinogenic risks of BTEX exceeded thresholds by 3.5-fold, indoor residential carcinogenic risks for children were 2.3 times higher than for adults, and risks in indoor residential and high-exposure places significantly exceeded acceptable levels. Disease burden analysis showed that indoor benzene exposure contributed to a leukemia burden rate of 55.9 per 100,000 population, equivalent to an annual lifespan loss of 238.65 s per capita (4.816 h over a lifetime). The disease burden for children, the elderly, and adult women is relatively significant. This study offered critical scientific support for revising indoor air quality standards and formulating prioritized intervention strategies for high-risk zones and vulnerable populations.

Industrial polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution threatens soil ecosystems worldwide, posing persistent risks due to their toxicity and intricate transport dynamics. In steelworks, a major PAH emitter, contaminant distribution arises from multifaceted interactions between production activities and geological features, complicating the elucidation of underlying mechanisms. Previous studies have largely overlooked the inherent heterogeneity in these influences, focusing instead on global relationships that may bias assessments of pollution drivers and PAH migration. Here we show heterogeneity, nonlinearity, and multifactor interactions in PAH contamination at a steelworks site using a multidimensional framework that integrates machine learning and spatial analysis. Applied to 3339 soil samples and nine influencing factors, the framework reveals distance to production facilities as the dominant driver, with a 60-m impact radius; production factors exert stronger effects on 2-3-ring PAHs than on 4-6-ring PAHs, particularly in deeper soil layers at depths of 9-20 m. Soil moisture and clay content synergistically control PAH mobility across strata, elevating the framework's explanatory power from 0.5 to 0.9 and enabling precise delineation of dynamics. This modular approach not only advances mechanistic insights into industrial PAH pollution but also provides scalable guidance for targeted prevention and remediation strategies across diverse contaminated sites.

Mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) contamination poses a significant threat to global soil health, with conventional leaching techniques often compromising soil physicochemical properties during remediation. This study developed an integrated leaching-stabilization (LS) approach combining organic acid leaching with manganese/sulfur-modified biochar (SAMB) stabilization to simultaneously remove heavy metals and restore soil ecological functions. Using citric acid (CA) and polyepoxysuccinic acid (PESA) as leaching agents, we achieved removal rates of 13.1 % for Hg and 53.0 % for Pb with CA, and 41.8 % for Hg and 48.6 % for Pb with PESA under optimized conditions. Subsequent stabilization with agricultural waste-derived SAMB significantly reduced metal bioavailability, decreasing DTPA-extractable Hg and Pb by 50.2 % and 63.8 % in CA-treated soils, and 63.8 % and 67.4 % in PESA-treated soils, respectively, through transformation into stable residual fractions. The LS system demonstrated multiple synergistic effects: SAMB enhanced degradation of residual organic acids while improving soil health through increased carbon metabolism and selective enrichment of beneficial microbial taxa, including metal-resistant Lysobacter and nutrient-cycling Allorhizobium. Practical validation showed the method supported normal spinach growth while reducing plant metal accumulation by 42-68 %, confirming its dual functionality in metal detoxification and ecological restoration. These results establish the LS approach as an effective strategy for sustainable remediation of Hg/Pb-contaminated soils, combining efficient metal removal with comprehensive soil function recovery.

Mining activities pose significant threats to agricultural ecosystems through heavy metals (HMs) contamination, particularly in acidic red soils. Since there was limited research on the response mechanisms of agricultural microorganisms at different distances within typical mining areas to HMs stress, This study investigated HMs pollution patterns, microbial community dynamics, and functional gene responses in farmland surrounding a century-old Pb-Zn mine in Shuikoushan, Hengyang City, China. Soil samples were collected from three zones: Short-Distance (SD, 0-10 km), Medium-Distance (MD, 10-15 km), and Long-Distance (LD, 15-25 km) from the mine. Results revealed a pronounced distance-dependent decline in composite HMs pollution, with Cd (R²=0.61) and As (R²=0.51) showing the strongest correlations to proximity. SD zone exhibited severe contamination, with Cd (8.25 ± 5.74 mg kg⁻¹) and As (58.58 ± 49.63 mg kg⁻¹) concentrations exceeding regulatory limits by 27.5 and 1.95 fold, respectively. Bacterial diversity demonstrated significant spatial stratification, with Shannon indices increasing from SD to LD zones (6.8→7.2), while β-diversity decreased, indicating reduced ecological heterogeneity at lower pollution levels. High HMs stress in SD zone favored anaerobic taxa like Thermomarinilinea and acid-tolerant phyla like Acidobacteriota, whereas aerobic taxa like Gaiella dominated less-polluted areas. Metagenomic analysis revealed upregulation of HMs resistance genes (czcABCD, cadCD, arsABCJR) in SD zone. Correlation network analysis highlighted intensified positive interactions among bacterial genus under HMs stress, suggesting cooperative survival strategies. These findings elucidate the dual pressure of HMs toxicity and soil acidification on microbial ecosystems, providing critical insights for ecological risk assessment and bioremediation strategies in mining-impacted agricultural lands. The study underscores the need for distance-based pollution control measures and highlights microbial genetic adaptation as a potential tool for rehabilitating heavy metal-contaminated red soils.

The rise of large urban agglomerations has exacerbated pollutant emissions, resulting in regional soil contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which jeopardizes the development of urban agglomerations and affects human health. There is a lack of research in this area in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, with the existing studies on PAHs in soil in the larger region often neglecting the spatial heterogeneity of the pollution sources and systematic analysis of risk assessment. This study introduces the Distribution-Source-Risk framework, analyzed soil PAH pollutants in the region, and examined PAH sources, distribution patterns, and associated health risks. Random forest modeling was employed to map PAH distribution in the BTH soils. City classification analysis was conducted based on the derived pollution levels and urbanization degree, resulting in four city types: high urbanization and high pollution, high urbanization and low pollution, low urbanization and high pollution, and low urbanization and low pollution. Primary PAH sources include coal-burning (29%), coking (25%), traffic (25%), and biomass-burning (21%), with varying contributions based on city types. The overall order of human health risks was coal-burning ​> ​traffic ​> ​coking ​> ​biomass-burning sources. Finally, differen policies for soil PAH PAH management (such as energy transition and green infrastructure) were elaborated to promote coordinated development of regional urbanization environment. In summary, this research offers a comprehensive approach, linking processes to provide a precise understanding of pollution across different entities (cities, sources, and populations). Our findings reveal distinct pollution patterns across city types and highlight targeted mitigation priorities and provide a systematic, data-driven framework for regional soil PAH management and public health protection.

Bisphenol A (BPA), a persistent endocrine disruptor, poses critical water treatment challenges. In this study, cubic catalysts dominated by {100} crystal facets (i@Co@CeO2 CNs) were synthesized via crystal surface engineering combined with a cobalt (Co) impregnation strategy. This approach aimed to enhance activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of BPA by modulating the exposed crystal facets of cerium dioxide (CeO2) carriers. The {100} facets exhibited enhanced oxygen vacancies (Ov) (Oβ: 29.57 %) and Co dispersion (0.58 at%), achieving 93 % BPA removal within 120 min (k = -0.0184 min⁻¹)-15.3 × faster than {111}-faceted systems. The system maintained > 85 % efficiency across pH 2-10 and resisted anion interference (Cl⁻/SO₄²⁻), retaining > 80 % activity. Radical quenching and EPR identified •OH, SO4•⁻, and O2•⁻ as dominant oxidants (>75.2 % contribution). DFT calculations revealed strong PMS chemisorption (Eads = -3.17 eV) on {100} facets, enabling targeted electron injection into O-O σ* orbitals that weakened O-O bonds (lowest cleavage barrier: 1.01 eV). Toxicity assessment confirmed intermediates had orders-of-magnitude lower acute toxicity than BPA, with progressive mineralization (40.6 % TOC removal in 120 min) to CO₂/H₂O. This work demonstrates crystal facet engineering as a novel strategy for designing eco-efficient water remediation catalysts.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in croplands, often exacerbated by mining-polluted irrigation water, is a global environmental challenge. However, the role of river networks in modulating Cd transport and accumulation remains poorly understood, hindering targeted remediation. This study aims to bridge this gap by developing a novel basin-specific control framework that integrates pollution classification with river network zoning. We systematically compared the driving mechanisms of Cd contamination across different basin types using machine learning and modeling approaches on an extensive soil dataset. We innovatively quantified the interaction between mining activities and river network density (RD) and the critical RD thresholds. Our key finding reveals the dual role of RD, where dispersion at moderate levels (0.28-0.83 km/km²) mitigates Cd contamination, whereas retention (at RD < 0.28 km/km²) and flood irrigation (at RD > 0.83 km/km²) exacerbate Cd accumulation. Guided by these critical thresholds, we delineated regulatory zones and proposed tailored strategies within the risk-control basins. For Tier I croplands, source interception measures are recommended to curb Cd dispersion. For Tier II croplands, maintaining river connectivity and timely removal of sediments are essential. This RD-based framework offers a theoretical and practical tool for precise agricultural soil protection in mining-affected basins.

Soil heavy metal contamination poses serious health risks, but few studies have quantitatively assessed disparities in these risks between urban and rural populations. To address this gap, we introduce a novel framework integrating machine learning and spatially explicit risk models to assess individual- and population-level health risks from soil heavy metals in Baoding City, China. We used random forest models to predict high-resolution soil metal concentration maps, Positive Matrix Factorization for source apportionment, and spatial exposure models to estimate human health risks under multiple exposure pathways. This is the first study to combine high-resolution machine learning mapping, source apportionment, and multi-scale risk assessment in an urban-rural context. Key findings reveal risk contrasts: urban soils exhibited a 51 % higher ecological risk index than rural soils, reflecting concentrated pollution hotspots. However, individual-level risk assessments indicate that rural residents face 3 higher health hazards than urban residents. By contrast, aggregated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic population risks were 1.8 and 1.7 times higher in urban areas. These contrasting results reveal an overlooked rural vulnerability at the individual scale versus greater aggregate risk in urban populations. Combining machine learning with spatially explicit risk modeling, our study quantifies previously undetected urban-rural health risk inequalities from soil contamination. This integrated approach advances scientific understanding of how urbanization shapes spatial health risk patterns and provides actionable insights for targeted environmental management to protect vulnerable communities, inform mitigation strategies, and identify priority intervention areas.

Metallic micronutrients probably mediate the nutrient functions in soils with long-term herbicide application. However, will hazardous metal cadmium have a synergistic effect with herbicides, which amplifies the interference on soil nitrogen and phosphorus cycling functions? This study conducted a nationwide investigation to characterize the accumulation patterns of two typical herbicides (atrazine and nicosulfuron), cadmium, and metal micronutrients (iron, manganese, copper, and zinc) in maize fields. It specifically elucidated the individual disruptive effects of herbicides, the interaction mechanisms between herbicides and metals (particularly cadmium), and the key pathways and drivers influencing soil nitrogen-phosphorus functional linkages. Results showed that nicosulfuron and atrazine residues were negatively correlated with nitrogen and phosphorus functional genes, while the cadmium content was positively correlated with these functional gene abundance. Additionally, cadmium acted antagonistically with atrazine in terms of nutrient cycling functions. This is further verified by the higher sensitivity values of functional genes in the north than those in the south. Moreover, the results of the structural equation model showed that the abundance of nirK and nirS genes was significantly correlated with the abundance of the phoC gene in maize fields and herbicides, cadmium, iron, and zinc affected the phoC gene by affecting the nirS and nirK genes. This study provides novel insights by demonstrating that soil cadmium, analogous to beneficial metal micronutrients, effectively alleviates herbicide-induced (especially atrazine) disruptions to the relationships between nitrogen and phosphorus cycling functions in maize fields.

The escalation of international armed conflicts has exacerbated the environmental hazards posed by the leakage and remnants of military energetic compounds, presenting substantial challenges to post-war reconstruction efforts. The development of effective remediation technologies for energetic compound contamination is therefore imperative. This study investigates the degradation effects of various activated persulfate (PS) treatments on soil-bound trinitrotoluene (TNT), exploring the oxidative degradation process and mechanisms under optimal conditions, and conducted a pilot-scale experiment to verify the practical application of the technology. Results indicate that Fe0 activated PS exhibits the highest efficiency in degrading TNT in soil, achieving a removal rate of up to 97.0 % under conditions of a soil-to-water ratio of 1:5, PS:Fe0 = 1:3, initial PS concentration of 0.10 mol/L, pH = 6, and a temperature of 55 degrees C. The oxidation process via Fe0 activated PS generates four active radicals: SO4 center dot- , center dot OH, O2 center dot- , and 1O2, with SO4 center dot- and O2 center dot- playing pivotal roles as key radicals. Postoxidation, the soil exhibits an increase in high-valence iron content, while C-C, C--C, C-H, and C-O fractions decrease. Coupled with mass spectrometry analysis, the study identifies TNT's oxidation intermediates, unveiling two degradation pathways: direct oxidation and reduction-oxidation pathways. Additionally, the pilotscale experiment confirmed that Fe0 activated PS is capable of effectively remediating TNT-contaminated soil. These findings provide deeper insights into the impact, mechanisms, and practical effectiveness of activated PS in degrading TNT in soil, offering a new theoretical foundation and technical approach for remediating soils contaminated by energetic compounds.

Rice serves as a vital staple food, but its accumulation of cadmium (Cd) has sparked widespread concerns regarding food safety and ecosystem security. Here, we conducted a seven-year systematic field experiment in the Xiangjiang River Basin of China, where an integrated governance framework (IGF) was established to ensure rice safety. The IGF, tailored to geographical zoning and pollution gradation, includes targeted soil treatments, crop management strategies, and stakeholder engagement. The quality of both the soil and the crop was improved, with a reduction in soil Cd availability of 36%, and a decrease in Cd in rice grain of 57-78%. This framework not only addresses multiple challenges but also supports sustainable development goals (SDGs 2, 3, 6, 9) by fostering comprehensive synergies among science, policy, and local community participation. Our findings provide empirical guidance for safe rice production in Cd-contaminated areas and provide solid scientific-driven decision support globally. The study introduces an Integrated Governance Framework combining with a 7-year comprehensive assessment of the efficacy for large-scale cadmium-contaminated soils management.