This special session will address issues related to the use of agricultural amendments such as liming material/crushed rocks, biochar, manure/compost and chemical fertilizers on crop productivity and quality, heavy metal concentrations in crops and soil, and health risks. Organic and inorganic amendments are routinely added to the croplands to enhance soil properties and crop production. However, the environmental quality and health implications of agricultural amendments need to be studied and understood for achieving sustainable land management. This session aims to bring together experts, researchers, and industry stakeholders to explore the effects of agricultural amendments on environmental quality and human health, and discuss strategies to mitigate the negative impact from the use of agricultural amendments.
This special session invites contributions addressing various aspects of heavy metal contamination from agricultural amendments, including but not limited to: Sources and pathways of heavy metal contamination from agricultural amendments.
- Trends in heavy metal contamination from agricultural amendments over time.
- Effects of agricultural amendments on heavy metal contamination in the soil and other environmental media.
- Effects of heavy metal contamination from agricultural amendments on crop growth/productivity.
- The health risks of heavy metal contamination from agricultural amendments.
- Technologies and methodologies for mitigating the negative effects of potential heavy metal contamination from agricultural amendments.
- Regulations on the use of agricultural amendments
- Future research needs on the sustainable management of agricultural amendments.

Trace elements, though present in minute quantities, play a key role in the environment and the food chain. While some are essential for various biological functions in plants, animals, and humans, exceeding their optimal levels can lead to adverse effects. Conversely, other trace elements offer no known benefits and can become toxic at increased exposure. Effectively managing trace elements is crucial to ensure a healthy environment and food chain.

This symposium will encompass a broad range of topics related to trace elements, including: Biogeochemical cycles: Understanding the movement and transformation of trace elements in the environment. Essential vs. non-essential elements: Differentiating between the roles and risks associated with various trace elements. Impact on ecosystem and human health: Exploring the consequences of both deficiencies and excesses of trace elements. Remediation strategies: Discussing approaches to manage trace element levels in the environment and food chain.

This special session aims to contribute to an effective management of trace elements to ensure a healthy environment and food chain.

Given an ever-increasing interest in enhanced rock weathering, the proposed special symposium aims to shed light on the latest developments in the field through a set of invited presentations from pioneering researchers and presentations from the symposium conveners who hold significant experience in the field.

The symposium sub-topics will include various aspects of biogeochemistry of enhanced rock weathering in agricultural, forestry, mining and engineering applications, such as, but not limited to, the following:
- Release dynamics of PTTE from silicate minerals,
- Speciation of PTTE in silicate minerals, soils and plants,
- Bioavailability and plant uptake of PTTE,
- Impact of rock-derived PTTE on soil microbiology and ecology,
- Fate and transformation of PTTE in mining tailings and artificial soil,
- Reaction of silicate minerals with acid mine drainage,
- Advanced analytical techniques for PTTE quantification and speciation, and
- PTTE remediation in mineral weathering set up.

This special session invites talks on using valorized waste from industrial stream for recovering or processing critical minerals and metals. Amid ongoing development of conventional sources, including hard rock mines, salars, and sedimentary brines, it is likely that demand for these metals will outstrip supply within the decade due to shifts towards clean and renewable energy sources and storage. This session focuses on innovative extraction and purification technologies that valorize waste, or transform existing waste streams containing critical minerals and metals into assets to meet this emerging demand.

This special session invites contributions that broadly address the use of waste materials ? either as a source for extracting critical minerals and metals, or as a part of a technology or process for such extraction, including but not limited to:
- Valorizing waste, including biomass, to produce materials useful in extraction or purification of critical minerals and metals.
- Repurposing waste materials that contain critical minerals and metals as resources, including tailings, fly ash, wastewater, etc.
- Feasibility assessment of extraction processes from life cycle, economic, and sustainability standpoints.
- Innovative technologies for extracting critical minerals and metals from waste.
- Sustainably reclaiming or remediating sites with containing critical minerals and metals.

Anaerobic digestion plays a crucial role in establishing a sustainable society with low carbon emissions. It is an essential process widely applied for waste and wastewater treatment, as well as the production of bioenergy, biofuel, and biomaterials. Trace elements are pivotal in the metabolism of anaerobic organisms. Supplementation of trace elements is normally mandatory in anaerobic digestion across industrial, municipal, and agricultural sectors. Understanding the mechanism of trace elements in stimulating anaerobic conversion efficiency and establishing proper supplementation strategies are important issues. From historical contexts to the present, trace elements in anaerobic digestion have been garnering increasing attention due to their widespread benefits and importance. Therefore, this session aims to convene experts, researchers, and industry stakeholders to explore the efficient utilization of trace elements, addressing aspects such as process design, management, modeling, metabolism, optimization, and engineering.

This special session welcomes contributions covering various applications of trace elements in anaerobic digestion, encompassing but not limited to:
- Enhanced metabolism with trace elements addition.
- Bioavailability of trace elements.
- Advanced analytical methodologies for the measurement of trace elements.
- Impacts of trace elements on the physical and chemical characteristics of digestate.
- Transformation of trace elements in the anaerobic digestion process.

The promising field of biochar research, particularly focusing on the functionalization of biochar for heavy metal remediation across soil, water, and air, has seen significant advancements over the last two decades. Despite considerable progress in the development and application efficacy of functionalized biochar, the detailed biogeochemical interactions driving these processes remain underexplored. This symposium posits that revealing these underlying biogeochemical mechanisms is crucial for the effective design of functionalized biochar with long-term effectiveness and low disturbance to the entire ecosystem.

The symposium is dedicated to fostering a transformative approach towards the sustainable development of functionalized biochar for the remediation of contaminants in soil, water, and air. It aims to deepen our understanding of how biochar modifications affect the biogeochemical processes of heavy metals, paving the way for innovative biochar designs and applications. The symposium will cover a broad range of topics, including (but not limited to):
- Innovative production techniques for biochar aimed at the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil, water, and air.
- Exploration of the altered biogeochemical cycles of heavy metals through biochar amendments.
- Understanding the transport dynamics of solutes and colloids of heavy metals post biochar application.
- Strategies for the ecological remediation of heavy metal of heavy metal-contaminated environmental media with the lowest disturbance to the ecosystem using functionalized biochar.
- Investigations into the long-term passivation, immobilization, or removal of heavy metals by functionalized biochar under varying environmental conditions.
- Assessing the ecotoxicological impacts of specific types of functionalized biochar, including nano-scale biochar, phosphorus-rich biochar, nitrogen-rich biochar, etc.
- Examining the mechanisms of heavy metal adsorption onto and desorption from functionalized biochar or biochar-amended soils within aquatic environments.
- Evaluating the environmental impacts and economic viability of employing functionalized biochar for managing the fate and mobility of heavy metals in ecosystems.

Biochar has emerged as a versatile and sustainable solution to address critical environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges while contributing to global sustainability goals. Derived from the pyrolysis of biomass and organic waste under limited oxygen conditions, biochar holds immense potential for a wide range of applications, including soil enhancement, carbon sequestration, energy generation, and pollution mitigation. Its ability to improve soil fertility, increase water retention, and store carbon for extended periods aligns with sustainability principles and supports a circular economy by transforming waste into value-added products. The role of biochar extends beyond technical applications?it directly contributes to ESG objectives by promoting resource efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating economic opportunities in waste management and renewable energy sectors. Companies and governments increasingly recognize biochar's potential in meeting climate commitments, advancing sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing environmental justice issues. This symposium provides a platform to explore the intersections of biochar technology, ESG frameworks, and sustainable development.

The symposium will cover a broad range of topics related to biochar, including but not limited to:
- Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS)
- Feedstock Selection and Characterization
- Biochar Production Technologies
- Applications of Biochar
- Integration with ESG Frameworks
- Sustainability and Environmental Impacts
- Innovative Approaches and Future Directions

This special session focuses on the dual challenges and opportunities of managing heavy metals-contaminated biomass, exploring innovative strategies for pollution control and resource recovery. It highlights the intersection of phytoremediation and biosorption technologies as solutions for addressing heavy metal contamination in soils and industrial effluents. The session examines the critical need to manage heavy metal accumulation in biomass to prevent secondary pollution and maximize resource utilization.

This special session invites contributions addressing various aspects of pollution control and resource utilization of heavy metals-contaminated biomass, including but not limited to:

- Distribution and migration transformation of metal elements
- Pollution control of heavy metal and other pollutants
- Resource recovery of metal and other elements in heavy metals-contaminated biomass
- New technologies for treatment of heavy metals-contaminated biomass
- Life cycle assessment for industrial application of heavy metals-contaminated biomass

This special session is devoted to the optimization of the soil health and quality status, reduction of its trace element contamination level and supplementing essential element deficiency with the use of metal hyperaccumulating plants. Currently, a great areas of agricultural soil worldwide show increasing pollution due to purposeful application of sewage sludge and fertilizers containing Potentially Toxic Trace Elements (PTEs), or originating from wet and dry deposition of anthropogenic emissions, while other suffer from natural deficiency of certain essential trace elements. There are also considerable areas of heavily polluted technosols in post-industrial regions posing threat to the human health and ecosystems. Phytoremediation with the use of hyperaccumulating plants seems to be the most efficient, sustainable and non-invasive method of trace element content regulation in soil, however its practical implementation is still much insufficient. The reasons for this may be sought in several critical aspects of the natural, economic, organizational, and policy nature. Simultaneously, accelerating global climate change and frequent policy failures lead to the increasing threat of human health and food security due to the growing agricultural soil pollution with PTE and their wrong distribution in agricultural lands. This session aims at the evaluation of the current status of phytoremediation with respect to the specific hyperaccumulators availability and efficiency, circular economy aspects and governmental incentives to stakeholders focused on the improvement of soil quality and safe food productivity.

This special session invites contributions addressing various aspects of phytoremediation of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE) in Soils, including but not limited to:
- Identification of PTE hyperaccumulating species - tolerance, accumulating capacity, implementation status, problems and challenges.
- Mechanisms of trace elements uptake by hyperaccumulators, translocation and accumulation; possible enhancing of these processes.
- Harvested hyperaccumulator management options to assure environmental safety and recycling optimization in line with the circular economy principles.
- Analysis of obstacles, barriers and limitations in broad implementation of phytoremediation from the standpoint of stakeholders (crop producers, land owners).
- Development of PTE phytoremediation best practice approach considering efficient non-invasive removal of potentially toxic trace elements from soil, and simultaneous promoting regulatory/incentive/subsidy governmental policy system of supporting producers applying the best phytoremediation practice.

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic pollutant of great environmental concern since it is globally distributed. Recently, the increasing awareness of Hg toxicity has led to the replacement of Hg in many products and industrial processes. However, anthropogenic activities such as coal burning and smelting of metal ores continue to release large amounts of Hg into the environment. Once released, the atmospheric distribution of the highly volatile Hg around the globe can result in the pollution of pristine regions without local emission sources. The chemical speciation of Hg determines its mobility and toxicity. In flooded soils and sediments, microbial methylation can lead to producing (mono)methylmercury (MgHg; CH3Hg+), a potent neurotoxin. The bioaccumulation of MeHg is a threat to human health via the consumption of contaminated fish and rice. Also, elemental Hg vapor is harmful to the central nervous system while inorganic Hg compounds primarily affect the kidney. This session brings together knowledge on the behavior of Hg in the environment including implications on human health and future research needs.

Heavy metal pollution poses a significant threat to both ecosystems and human health due to its persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Industrial activities such as mining, metal smelting, and improper waste disposal release large amounts of heavy metals?including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr)-into the environment. Once introduced, these contaminants can accumulate in soil and water, entering the food chain and causing severe health effects. Chronic exposure to heavy metals has been linked to neurological disorders, kidney damage, cardiovascular diseases, and developmental issues in children. In aquatic environments, bioaccumulation in fish and other organisms further exacerbates human exposure risks. This session will explore the sources, environmental behavior, and toxicological effects of heavy metal pollution, as well as strategies for mitigation and remediation. By bringing together experts from diverse fields, we aim to advance understanding of heavy metal contamination and its far-reaching consequences on human and environmental health.

Introduction:
Wetlands are unique habitats include deltas, floodplains, rice-fields, sediments, flooded forests, mangroves, peatlands, marshes, rivers and lakes. Wetlands are rich reservoirs of biodiversity and nutrients. In particular, wetlands are vulnerable to trace/toxic elements (TEs) inputs, and thus the impacts of TEs pollution in wetlands is of great concern for the ecosystem services. Wetland ecosystems often undergo oxic-anoxic transitions, resulting in several coupled redox reactions. The seasonal processes occurring in the wetlands and associated redox changes play a major role in determining the amounts, mobilization, and potential loss of TEs. Plant species and macrophytes play also an important function in the biogeochemistry of TEs in wetlands because they are the main living collectors and transporters of TEs through active and passive absorption. Investigating the relationship between TEs in water/sediments, plants and macrophytes is thus of the utmost importance to shed more light on those processes of TEs translocation at the interface of plant organisms and abiotic components in wetlands. Therefore, organizing a special symposium in the ICOBTE & ICHMET 2025 about the biogeochemistry of TEs in wetlands is needed and important to collect and present different studies on this topic.

Objectives and scope:
This symposium aims to foster an interdisciplinary platform for discussing the state of the art on the biogeochemistry of TEs in wetlands. It seeks to showcase pioneering research, encourage international collaboration, and inspire novel perspectives to combat environmental pollution, particularly in wetlands. This symposium will bring together, from a global perspective, scientists, researchers, early career scientists, end-users, and other professionals to exchange ideas, advance knowledge and discuss the key topics related to biogeochemistry of TEs in wetlands, with a focus on the redox-chemistry of TEs in wetland soils and sediments. The symposium will be a great forum where world-leading scientists in the field of biogeochemistry of TEs in wetlands present their latest research, insights, and cutting edge of science and technologies.The symposium will cover a broad range of topics, including (but not limited to):
Levels, fractionation, mobilization, and speciation of TEs in wetland soils including floodplain and rice paddy soils and flooded forests,
Levels, fractionation, mobilization, and speciation of TEs in wetland sediments including deltas, mangroves, rivers, and lakes
Redox-induced changes of TEs release and mobilization in wetland soils and sediments,
Pollution of wetland water (freshwater, brackish, saltwater), plants, and macrophytes with TEs,
Pollution of peatlands and marshes ecosystems with TEs,
Assessment and ecological monitoring of wetlands pollution by TEs and its impact on ecosystems, human health, biodiversity and habitat degradation.
Evaluating the complex interactions between climate change and the mobilization of TEs and PTEs in wetlands ecosystem.
Chemical-, phyto-and bio-technologies for pollution control in TEs contaminated wetlands

Metal stable isotopes are a fast-developing field that sheds new light on the behaviour and impacts of trace elements across diverse systems. This powerful technique has broad applications including tracking specific biochemical mechanisms, investigating climate change, tracing metals, identifying contaminant sources, and performing source apportionment. These topics align with relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (e.g. SDG 14 and 15) and address critical global issues such as malnutrition, health effects, and food safety.

This special session invites broad contributions focusing on various aspects of the development of metal isotopes, including but not limited to:
- Effects of methylation and demethylation pathways on metal isotopes
- Isotopic fractionations of metals during different processes
- Applications of metal isotopes in tracing pollution sources in natural environment
- Metal contamination and metal isotopes in organisms
- Development of compound-specific metal isotopes
- Isotopically enriched metal tracers in human diet studies

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to the world. The political and economic strategy that will enable us to turn the current environmentally unsustainable global situation into a new sustainable paradigm involves a shift to low-carbon energy sources, efficient use of materials and control of pollution sources. Interestingly, alternative energy sources will require the intensive use of metals and metalloids, which will increase pressure on their supply, production and recycling. This is the case for antimony and other critical elements that share some chemical characteristics with it (gallium, germanium, indium, and tellurium). In this session, we aim to bring together geoscientists, chemists and materials scientists interested in the cycling of these elements in nature, in man-made and engineered systems. The underlying physico-chemical features of inorganic, organic and biological processes are the same from the deep Earth to the Earth's surface as in industrial or remediation technologies. The aim of the session is to establish the state of current knowledge and identify promising venues that can help improve our understanding of how these elements behave, where they come from, where they are heading and how they can be part of the circular economy.

The session will include “classical” topics integrated with emerging concerns. The aim is consolidation of knowledge for “classical” topics but to prioritize the perspective of new challenges. We invite contributions including but not limited to - sources and emissions to the environment,
- monitoring and identification of the elements in the environment and in organisms, with emphasis on new techniques,
- biogeochemistry in the environment ? macro to micro processes,
- impacts of elements contamination on health, ecosystem services and environmental quality,
- implications of trace element contamination on product safety and regulatory compliance,
- impacts of elements contamination on human health,
- risk assessment and regulatory management of the elements in the environment and in occupational settings,
- element pollution prevention, remediation and rehabilitation,
- development of new industrial applications.

Soil degradation, including contamination with inorganic and organic contaminants, erosion, and fertility loss, is a global issue threatening safe agriculture and groundwater resources. The recent focus has been on cost-effective amendments for environmental remediation and soil health improvement. A limited number of field trials have confirmed the effectiveness of some amendments, like Fe-based materials and biochar, for soil remediation and for improving soil health. Notably, the use of engineered nanoparticles, organic materials such as biochar, and composite materials in combination with phyto- and biotechnology are promising strategies for improving soil health and remediation. However, unanswered questions remain regarding application strategies, long-term effectiveness in the field, associated process modeling, potential toxicity, interactions with biota, and economic viability. This session aims to address these issues and propose new research perspectives in this field.

It invites contributions addressing various amendments and approaches for improving soil health, quality, and remediation, including but not limited to:
- Amendments originating from waste products
- Composite amendments
- Combined use of amendments and phyto-/biotechnology
- Engineered nanoparticles for the remediation of soils, toxicology, interactions with biota
- Improving soil health and fertility
- Metal-organic composites for environmental remediation
- Field demonstration of the technology, economic viability

This special session invites contributions on various aspects of the effects of metal pollution on environmental health, including but not limited to;
- Monitoring and quantifying the sources and types of heavy metal contamination.
- New approaches and technologies for the risk assessment of heavy metal pollution.
- Toxic effects of heavy metals on organisms in aquatic and soil systems.
- Challenges and limitations associated with the remediation of heavy metal pollution.
- New methods and measures to mitigate the hazards of metal pollution to environmental health.

Introduction:
This special session is devoted to the optimization of the soil health and quality status, reduction of its trace element contamination level and supplementing essential element deficiency with the use of metal hyperaccumulating plants.Currently, a great areas of agricultural soil worldwide show increasing pollution due to purposeful application of sewage sludge and fertilizers containing Potentially Toxic Trace Elements (PTEs), or originating from wet and dry deposition of anthropogenic emissions, while other suffer from natural deficiency of certain essential trace elements. There are also considerable areas of heavily polluted technosols in post-industrial regions posing threat to the human health and ecosystems. Phytoremediation with the use of hyperaccumulating plants seems to be the most efficient, sustainable and non-invasive method of trace element content regulation in soil, however its practical implementation is still much insufficient. The reasons for this may be sought in several critical aspects of the natural, economic, organizational, and policy nature. Simultaneously, accelerating global climate change and frequent policy failures lead to the increasing threat of human health and food security due to the growing agricultural soil pollution with PTE and their wrong distribution in agricultural lands. This session aims at the evaluation of the current status of phytoremediation with respect to the specific hyperaccumulators availability and efficiency, circular economy aspects and governmental incentives to stakeholders focused on the improvement of soil quality and safe food productivity.

Objectives:
To examine the availability and efficiency of specific PTE hyperaccumulators, including newly identified ones, with particular regard to plants hyperaccumulating non-essential priority pollutants (Cd).
To evaluate mechanisms responsible for hyperacumulation, methods of hyperaccumulation capacity increase and to assessing actual extent of specific trace elements reduction in soil.
To discuss the safe utilization of hyperaccumulator plant residues in view of circular economy requirements, along with possible redistribution essential elements on the excess/deficiency basis.
To identify problems and challenges related to the lack of broad implementation of PTE phytoremediation; discuss and identify efficient solutions consisting of combination of agrotechnical and legislative measures and incentives resulting in common acceptance by producers of soil phytoremediation as non-invasive sustainable method of safe food production.

Introduction:
Disturbed mining locations number in the millions globally; there are likely an equal number of globally contaminated sites in urban environments. A large portion of these lands contain trace and heavy metal concentrations at toxic levels to soil microbiota, plants, animals, and humans. Thus, reclaiming these areas is of importance for improving overall environmental health. This special session delves into the answers leading to reclamation successes or failures of trace/heavy metal contaminated lands. Has soil pH been successfully raised? Has enough organic amendment been applied to improve microbiological activity necessary for nutrient cycling and turnover? Have trace/heavy metal forms been reduced to lower bioavailable concentrations? Are plants thriving and do they contain acceptable trace/heavy metal concentrations for animal or human consumption? Are sites stabilized to protect against contaminant movement into other sensitive ecosystems? This session aims to bring together experts, researchers, and industry stakeholders to answer these questions with respect to the complexities and interconnectivities of trace/heavy metal mine land reclamation.

Objectives:
To examine the sources and types of trace/heavy metal contamination encountered in degraded lands.
To discuss the implications of trace/heavy metal contamination on environmental quality.
To explore proven as well as innovative technologies and methodologies for reducing trace/heavy metal bioavailability in contaminated lands.
To identify challenges and barriers hindering effective trace/heavy metal management in ecosystems.

Scope:
This special session invites contributions addressing various aspects of trace/heavy metal contamination in highly disturbed lands, and reclamation successes and failures in such lands, including but not limited to:
Historical and current mine lands;
Alluvial mine tailings that affect depositional areas or previously pristine lands;
Urban through rural areas affected by former/current anthropogenic activities; and Challenges and limitations associated with effective trace/heavy metal management in ecosystems.

It is well-known that climate change significantly impacts aquatic ecosystems. It also impacts the behavior and fate of pollutants which have been introduced through rapid industrialization and urbanization. Trace elements that enter the aquatic environment often accumulate in sediments that subsequently act as a source for contaminant remobilization. Arsenic, Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Pb are often found in harbor sediments and other areas affected by anthropogenic activities and climate changes. These contaminants can harm benthic organisms and enter aquatic food chains that lead to humans. Because sediments are a sink for contaminants, benthic organisms are often exposed to far higher concentrations of contaminants than organisms that occupy the water column.

Although contaminated sediment poses difficult assessment and remediation challenges especially in face of climate changes, recent advancements in methodologies have improved our ability to accurately estimate the risks posed by contaminated sediments and effectively control these risks. Improved in?situ containment and remediation methods can effectively remediate contaminated sediments at reduced costs and minimize environmentally intrusive remedial actions.
The following specific topics will be addressed during this special session:
- Climate impact on fate and transport of trace elements
- Climate change and bioavailability of metals in contaminated sediments and flooded soils
- Chemical/toxicological/biological measurements and characterization
- Current risk assessment and remediation strategies and new approaches facing climate changes
- Remediation effectiveness: defining, monitoring, and demonstrating success.

Introduction:
The ubiquitous “forever chemicals”, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a global challenge, garnering public, scientific, and regulatory concerns due to their high persistence, bioaccumulation, mobility, and toxicity to living organisms. In 2024, the U.S. EPA has set the maximum contaminant level for PFOA and PFOS to be 4 parts per trillion (4 ng/L) in drinking water. In wake of the near-zero regulation, there is a demand for effective removal and degradation methods capable of eliminating PFAS from the environment. The critical elements such as Al, Co, Ga, In, Ni, and Zr are widely present in adsorbent and catalyst materials (e.g., MOF, zeolite, composite catalysts, etc.) to deal with PFAS contamination. This session aims to bring together experts and researchers to further explore the potential of critical elements in addressing the challenge of PFAS, especially short-chain analogues, achieving the “zero-fluorine” goal in the future.

Objectives:
To develop new, rapid detection methods for PFAS based on critical element materials, overcoming the disadvantages of expensive LCMS analysis.
To explore new critical element-based materials to improve the removal and degradation of PFAS, particularly the short-chain PFAS.
To develop new nanomaterials and composite materials with critical element-based materials to achieve the complete defluorination of PFAS.
To propose strategies and best practices for minimizing PFAS contamination and enhancing the sustainability of the remediation processes.

Scope:
This special session invites contributions addressing PFAS remediation challenges by using critical element-based materials, including but not limited to:
New methods for rapid detection of single PFAS, total PFAS, and F-balance based on critical element materials, with a specific focus on real-time detection.
New critical element-based materials for the adsorption of PFAS, particularly the short-chain PFAS.
New critical element-based materials for the destruction of PFAS (particularly short-chain PFAS), emphasizing high or even complete defluorination.
Photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and/or piezocatalysis with critical element-based materials (e.g., single-atom catalysts, nanocarbons, and composites) for PFAS remediation.
Assessment of energy consumption, life cycle, and ecological risks associated with PFAS remediation technologies.
Other topics related to achieving the zero-fluorine ambition.

This special session delves into the recent findings from advances in plastic pollution science, valorisation, and discusses critical priorities for research and policy within the context of global environmental change. We explore the microplastic pollution cycle, and examine the relationships between global environmental change, sources, fate, and transport of microplastics and nanoplastics, and their potential ecotoxicological impacts. The session highlights the importance of analytical methods as the foundation for biomonitoring and evidence-based science to support public policy. We also explore the role of plastic valorisation in the context of a circular economy, presenting current examples across various waste stream types and geographical regions. The conference aims to bring together experts, researchers, and industry stakeholders to identify strategies and priorities for future microplastic and nanoplastic research and policy in the context of global environmental change.

It invites contributions addressing various aspects of micro- and nanoplastics in the environment, including but not limited to:
- Sources and pathways, such as uptake and transfer of micro- and nanoplastics in edible plants and organisms.
- Analytical techniques for detecting and quantifying micro- and nanoplastics in food.
- Kinetics of uptake, translocation, and trophic transfer of micro- and nanoplastics from plants to edible animals.
- The influence of physico-chemical characteristics (e.g., size, polymer type) on transportation and fate.
- Challenges and limitations associated with micro- and nanoplastics management in the environment.
- Innovative approaches and technologies for reducing micro- and nanoplastics contamination in the environment.

This special session will address issues related to plastic pollution, which has become a critical environmental and public health concern. The widespread use of single-use plastics, their persistence in the environment, and the low rates of plastic recycling and regeneration have led to an increasing accumulation of plastic waste. Additionally, the degradation of plastics results in the formation of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs), which are transported through atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial ecosystems, posing potential risks to biodiversity, food safety, and human health.

This session aims to bring together experts, researchers, and policymakers to explore the environmental fate, transport, and impacts of plastics and microplastics. The session will focus on innovative solutions for plastic waste management, emerging research on MNPs in various ecosystems, and policy frameworks that promote sustainable plastic use and regulation.

This special session invites contributions addressing various aspects of plastic pollution and microplastic contamination, including but not limited to:

Sources and pathways of microplastics in the environment - Understanding how MNPs move through different ecosystems.
Trends in plastic pollution and microplastic contamination
Fate and transport of microplasticsImpact of microplastics on ecosystems and human health
Technologies and methodologies for mitigating plastic pollution
Regulatory frameworks and policies for plastic management
Future research needs for sustainable plastic management

Advanced nano- and carbon-based materials have emerged as promising solutions for efficient trace metal remediation in environmental systems like soil, waste, and water. These materials offer enhanced selectivity, efficiency, and sustainability compared to traditional remediation methods. Their high surface areas, tunable properties, and enhanced adsorption capacities make them promising candidates for addressing heavy metal contamination in soil, waste, and water. Ongoing research continues to improve their performance, selectivity, and sustainability for real-world applications.

This session invites contributions that cover a wide range of topics related to trace element remediation, including but not limited to:
- Development and characterization of carbon-based nanomaterials (e.g., activated carbon, advanced biochar).
- Innovations in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their application in remediation.
- Research on graphene-based materials and their unique properties for heavy metal adsorption.
- Studies on metal oxide nanomaterials and their synergistic effects in remediation processes.
- Exploration of nanocomposites that combine different materials to enhance adsorption and separation capabilities.
- Investigations into zeolite nanoparticles and their role in trace metal capture.
- Presentation of emerging nanostructured materials, such as nanofibers, nanosponges, and nanocages, and their potential applications in environmental remediation.

Recent technology advancement offers a comprehensive strategy for evaluating the potential environmental impacts of trace elements. In silico approaches, in vitro assays, high-throughput (multi-omics) and high-content techniques, machine learning and other predictive approaches provide detailed insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying trace element toxicity, as well as allow to overcome limitations of individual methods, leading to more robust ecotoxicity assessments. Concepts such as mode-of-action (MOA) and adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) use mechanistic biological pathways to predict adverse outcomes, supporting the plausibility of new approach methodology (NAM). Integration of data from these approaches allows researchers to develop predictive models bridging the gap between environmental exposure and biological response. Nonetheless, standard test methods are a critical piece of toxicity analysis and yet there is a need to link new approaches to traditional methods.

The main objective of this session is to offer a platform for presenting and discussing scientific advancements in this challenging field by bringing together researchers with diverse backgrounds to delve into toxicity pathways, as well as current methodologies that can be applied. This session will explore the development and implementation of innovative approaches to environmental toxicity assessments, particularly focusing on trace elements. It will showcase the application and integration of in silico, in vitro, high-throughput, and high-content approaches in ecotoxicity assessment. Moreover, discussions addressing uncertainties, challenges, potential limitations, advantages and the necessity for further development, are encouraged. Specifically, we aim to focus on tackling the following inquiries: How can the research community leverage these advancements to address key research questions? To what extent do those approaches yield more meaningful information and substantial insights, thereby enhancing toxicity assessment? Abstracts are welcomed and encouraged on all high-throughput and high-content techniques including, but not limited to omics, high-throughput screening, high-content screening, NAM, AOP.

Creating a sustainable future necessitates the adoption of carbon- and energy-efficient processes that support human activities while mitigating environmental impacts. Innovative technologies oGer promising avenues for enhancing sustainability and fostering economic viability through the principles of circular economy. For instance, technologies like the Staged Anaerobic Fluidized-bed Membrane Bioreactor (SAF-MBR) and micro-aeration anaerobic digestion (MAAD) exemplify how resources such as clean water production for reuse and enhanced bioenergy harvesting can be achieved while simultaneously reducing energy consumption and carbon footprints in waste treatment. Additionally, the utilization of methanotrophs to convert methane into value-added products not only aids in greenhouse gas reduction but also promotes circular economy practices, contributing to food resilience. This session convenes experts from academia and industry to bridge theoretical principles with real-world applications, oGering insights into cutting-edge advancements in sustainable technologies for circular economy.

This special issue will focus on
- Explore novel technologies aimed at enhancing sustainability, focusing on their carbon and energy efficiency.
- Assess the scalability and feasibility of implementing these technologies in real-world scenarios.
- Showcase exemplary case studies from industry, highlighting successful applications and lessons learned.
- Address challenges and limitations encountered in practical implementations and discuss strategies to overcome them.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration between academia and industry to drive innovation and address pressing sustainability challenges.

Introduction:
With the rapid intensifying global economy growth, environmental pollution stemming from industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural expansion has emerged as a substantial obstacle to sustainable development. Heavy metals and trace elements, as priority pollutants, present significant risks to both ecosystems and human health. Tackling these challenges is crucial for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water, sustainable cities, climate action, and life on land.Early detection and ongoing monitoring of in environmental quality are paramount for sustainable resource management and pollution control. Advances in biogeochemistry and environmental science are driving innovative methodologies for assessing pollutants, including heavy metals and trace elements. Modern monitoring techniques, coupled with policy interventions, are vital for promoting sustainable development and mitigating the adverse impacts of environmental pollution.

Objectives and scope:
This symposium aims to foster an interdisciplinary platform for discussing the latest developments in environmental quality monitoring and management, with a special focus on heavy metals, trace elements and their alignment with the SDGs. It seeks to showcase pioneering research, encourage international collaboration, and inspire novel perspectives to combat environmental deterioration. The symposium will cover a broad range of topics, including (but not limited to):
Water, air and soil quality monitoring: Developing new methods and big data technologies to monitor heavy metals, trace elements, and other pollutants in different environmental matrices. Environmental pollution assessment: Advancing detection techniques for hazardous substances, assessing their environmental fate and transport, and understanding their impacts on ecosystems and human health. Ecological monitoring: Utilizing remote sensing techniques and other advanced tools to monitor ecosystem changes related to heavy metal and/or trace element pollution, including impacts on biodiversity and habitat degradation.
Waste management: Exploring innovative strategies for managing waste, particularly industrial and agricultural waste, to reduce the release of heavy metals and/or trace elements into the environment. Climate change and pollution dynamics: Evaluating the complex interactions between climate change and the mobilization of heavy metals and trace elements in different ecosystems. Environmental policy and management: Analyzing the efficacy of current policies aimed at controlling heavy metal and/or trace element pollution and offering data-driven recommendations for improved environmental governance.
Technologies for pollution control: Investigating the application of novel materials, technologies, and nature-based solutions for mitigating heavy metal and/or trace element contamination. Sustainable development indicators: Formulating sustainable development indicators to assess progress toward the SDGs in the context of environmental quality and pollution control.

This special session focus on the application of machine learning or artificial intelligence techniques in solving trace element contamination. In recent years, new advanced techniques like machine learning (ML) have been developed and applied effectively to many trace elements problems. By embracing ML techniques, more cost-effective decisions can be achieved in a timely manner, which is likely to reshape the entire trace element study. This session aims to bring together experts, researchers, and industry stakeholders to explore the potential of ML applications in trace element contamination and discuss strategies to apply it in relevant industries.

This special session invites contributions addressing various aspects of ML application in trace element, including but not limited to:
- Data mining techniques, including classification, association, outlier detection, clustering, regression, and prediction, for decision-making in trace elements.
- Cutting-edge ML methods, such as hybrid ML techniques and deep learning for data mining in trace elements.
- Software development that promotes the application of ML in trace elements.
- Real-world case studies about the application of ML in trace elements.