Editorial: New threats, new solutions: tackling emerging contaminants

Emerging contaminants, including microplastics and hydrocarbons, are more than just buzzwords; they represent a complex battle between human activity and environmental integrity. It’s clear that our past practices have sown seeds of challenges that we and future generations must tackle. The spectrum of these contaminants is vast, each with unique pathways in the environment and toxicological impacts on human and the ecosystem. With each study we present in this issue, we uncover several facets of this challenge, contributing to the advancement of sustainable and effective environmental management practices.Through the papers of this issue, we invite you to explore cutting-edge research that sheds light on the hidden corners of environmental geotechnics. From the microscale scrutiny of clay microstructures to the expansive impacts of microplastics across ecosystems, each paper contributes to a branch of knowledge that we are eager to share. This isn’t just about academic exercise; it’s about forging tools and tactics in the ongoing effort to safeguard our environment against the stealthy creep of contaminants.We kick off with a deep dive into the world of microplastics with two pivotal studies. The first paper, ‘Extraction, Characterisation, and Remediation of Microplastics from Organic Solid Matrices,’ by Goli et al. (2024) addresses the daunting task of extracting and analysing microplastics from complex environments. The diversity of methods that are currently being used complicates our understanding and management of these pollutants. This paper not only critically evaluates these methods, but it also paves the path for standardizing practices that could streamline future research and bolster policy decisions.Following closely, the second paper, ‘Fate and Impact of Nano/Microplastic in the Geoenvironment — An Ecotoxicological Perspective,’ by O’Kelly et al. (2024) expands the lens to view the broader ecological impacts of these tiny adversaries. The interaction of microplastics with various environmental agents, including soil organisms and pollutants like heavy metals, paints a troubling picture of their potential to harm ecosystems and human health. This comprehensive review serves as a guideline, directing future research to address the critical gaps in our current understanding.‘Detection of Hydrocarbon Spills by Means of a Coaxial Impedance Dielectric Sensor,’ by Francisca et al. (2024) introduces a breakthrough in technology for monitoring soil and groundwater health. This innovative approach puts forward solutions to both detect and also manage hydrocarbon spills more effectively—an essential tool in our environmental toolkit, particularly in areas at high risk from industrial activities.We conclude with a fascinating exploration into the micro world of clays in ‘An Improved Quantification Method for Characterisation of Clay Microstructure using SEM.’ by Xu et al. (2024). Understanding clay characteristics at a microstructural level is key to its effective use in pollution control. This paper proposes refined methods that enhance our ability to predict and manipulate the interactions between clay and pollutants, offering smarter ways to build barriers against contamination.As we reflect on the insights presented in this issue, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. The complexity of emerging contaminants demands not only sophisticated detection methods but also a deeper understanding of their long-term impacts on ecosystems and human health. These challenges open up significant opportunities for innovation in environmental geotechnics. By fostering collaboration across disciplines—from chemistry and biology to engineering and policy-making—we can develop integrated solutions that are both effective and sustainable. This cross-disciplinary approach is essential as we strive to translate scientific research into actionable strategies that mitigate the risks associated with these contaminants. As we push the boundaries of our current knowledge, we invite the global scientific community to contribute to this dynamic field, ensuring that our responses are as adaptive and resilient as the environments we seek to protect. We hope the articles in this issue inspire you as much as they have inspired us, sparking conversations, actions, and innovations that carry us towards a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment.