Editorial: Resource recovery, waste conversion, pollutants remediation and carbon neutralization

The increasing levels of antibiotics in water threaten ecosystems and human health (Barathe et al., 2024). The study by Aziz et al. (2024) investigated the potential of removing antibiotics (azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and their mixtures) was explored from aqueous solutions by using iron-loaded biochar synthesized from pine cones. The biochar was synthesized through pyrolysis and modified with iron salts.Maximum removal performance of 87.8% (azithromycin), 91.3% (ciprofloxacin) and 84% (mixtures) were achieved in the study. Results indicated that the conversion of pine cones into Fe-modified biochar was a valuable strategy for waste reduction as an adsorbent, offering a promising way for both water and pollution remediation.Moreover, photocatalytic technology has become a research hotspot for dealing with antibiotic contamination due to its high degradation efficiency, recyclability, and minimal secondary pollution (Song et al., 2023). Gan et al. (2024) developed a flower-shaped Z-scheme ZnO/ZIS heterostructure that could efficiently photodegrade antibiotics. This study provided new information concerning the mechanism of sulfamethoxazole degradation through the ZnO/ZIS photocatalytic system and elucidated the process of formation and the effects of PFRs during the process.In the view of the pervasive presence of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on a global scale, concerns have been raised that land application of sewage sludge and biosolids may serve as a conduit for the entry of PFAS into the food chain.The review by Saliu and Sauvé (2024) assessed the global sewage sludge/biosolids generation, the diverse treatment methodologies employed, and the contamination prevalence of PFAS. The factors influencing PFAS contamination in sewage sludge/biosolids were also evaluated with the existing PFAS regulations or recommendations for land application compiled.Sustainable and renewable energy has been rummaged all over the world (Fu et al., 2021). Anaerobic digestion of waste-activated sludge was one of promising sustainable and environmentally friendly energy production way. A pretreatment strategy to waste-activated sludge can enhance its bio-degradation and biogas yield. In the study conducted by Almegbl et al. (2024), synergic effect of thermo-chemical pretreatment of waste-activated sludge on bio-methane enhancement was investigated.Results suggested that alkaline and microwave pretreatments could substantially boost bio-methane production, offering practical guidance for combining energy generation with pollution control.Overall, we hope this Research Topic will inspire further interdisciplinary research and cooperation, providing valuable insights and references for researchers in related fields, and advancing environmental remediation technologies toward new discovery and applications. We are grateful to all authors, reviewers, and editorial staff for their dedication and contributions to the successful publication of this Research Topic.