Soil contamination encompasses a wide range of inorganic and organic pollutants, including metals and metalloids, petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides and other persistent organic contaminants, as well as emerging contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics. The coexistence of multiple contaminants can increase the complexity of remediation and requires approaches capable of addressing contaminant-specific behaviour while supporting the recovery of soil functions.

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are increasingly being explored as sustainable approaches for the remediation and restoration of contaminated soils. These include the application of organic, mineral and engineered amendments, phytoremediation and plant-assisted remediation, microbial and bioremediation processes, as well as combinations of these strategies. Their effectiveness depends on the interactions between contaminants, soil properties, amendments, plants and microorganisms, and may involve contaminant immobilization, transformation, degradation, uptake or changes in bioavailability and mobility.

This session aims to bring together research addressing the application and development of nature-based approaches for the remediation of soils affected by a broad range of contaminants, from metals and metalloids to conventional organic pollutants and emerging contaminants such as PFAS and microplastics. Contributions addressing single or multiple contaminants, contaminant mixtures, soil–plant–microorganism interactions, amendment-based remediation, phytoremediation, bioremediation and integrated approaches are particularly welcome.

We also encourage contributions evaluating the long-term performance, mechanisms, scalability and environmental sustainability of nature-based remediation strategies, as well as their capacity to reduce contaminant risks and contribute to the recovery of soil functions. Interdisciplinary studies connecting contaminant biogeochemistry, soil science, environmental microbiology, plant science and remediation engineering are especially encouraged.