This volume provides a critical investigation into the pervasive issues of environmental contaminants, highlighting their detrimental effects on both human health and ecological stability. It addresses the ongoing threat that environmental pollutants pose to public health, establishing why studying them is essential for understanding their pathways and assessing associated risks. The book explores a wide spectrum of contaminants through the integrated framework of the Soil–Water–Environment Nexus, offering a holistic perspective on environmental management.

The volume is systematically organized into three distinct parts, each targeting specific ecosystems and challenges. The first part delivers a comprehensive overview of emerging contaminants found in soil and the broader environment. It introduces new and concerning pollutants, setting the stage for detailed analysis.

The second part delves deeply into toxic heavy metals and other priority environmental contaminants. It assesses their profound environmental and health implications and evaluates a range of modern remediation strategies. This section further investigates heavy metals present in industrial effluents and sedimentary environments. It also examines agricultural pollutants, microplastics, and radioactive contaminants, while presenting advanced methods and technologies for treating wastewater pollutants in both industrial and agricultural sectors. A significant focus is placed on contaminants affecting groundwater and surface water resources. To ground this research in real-world contexts, this part includes detailed case studies from developing countries, such as Bangladesh and Indonesia, illustrating regional challenges and responses.

The third part concentrates on the critical issues of land management and soil salinization. It promotes strategies for sustainable land use and the effective prevention of salinization, moving the discussion from contamination to conservation. This section also features practical case studies from Albania and Kazakhstan, demonstrating the application of these strategies in diverse geographical settings.

Collectively, this volume strengthens the global understanding of environmental contaminants and provides sustainable, long-term solutions for protecting public health and ecosystems. It serves a wide audience, including researchers, hydrogeologists, environmental scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, helping them better understand environmental contaminants. By bridging scientific research with practical applications and policy, the volume aims to foster a more resilient and healthier future while contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and life on land (SDG 15).