This Special Issue focuses on environmental applications and implications of radiochemistry and nuclear chemistry, emphasizing research that advances our understanding of radioactivity in the environment and provides practical solutions for environmental protection and human health. We welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and case studies that contribute novel insights or practical applications to the field.

The scope encompasses six interconnected research areas that collectively address the full spectrum of environmental radiochemistry challenges, from detection and monitoring through risk assessment to remediation and long-term management. Monitoring and analytical innovation forms the foundation of environmental radiochemistry. We seek contributions on advanced analytical techniques for radionuclide detection, quantification, and speciation, as well as developments in environmental radioactivity monitoring systems and networks. Research on biomonitoring approaches, radionuclide uptake in ecosystems, and novel sensor technologies including real-time radiation detection methods will be particularly valuable for improving our capacity to track and understand radioactivity in the environment.

Understanding environmental behavior and assessing risks requires comprehensive knowledge of how radionuclides move through and interact with environmental systems. Contributions addressing the fate, transport, and transformation of radionuclides in soil, water, and air are welcome, as are studies on radioecology and radionuclide cycling in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Research on risk assessment methodologies, long-term environmental impact studies of nuclear facilities and legacy sites, and investigations of radionuclide bioavailability and transfer in food chains will strengthen our ability to predict and manage environmental risks. Remediation and waste management represent critical practical challenges requiring innovative solutions. We encourage submissions on innovative remediation technologies for radioactively contaminated sites, radioactive waste treatment, conditioning, and disposal strategies, and decommissioning technologies with environmental restoration approaches. Studies on advanced materials—including nanomaterials, biosorbents, and polymers—for radionuclide removal, as well as both in-situ and ex-situ treatment methods, will contribute to more effective and sustainable management practices.

Nuclear safety and emergency preparedness ensure rapid and effective response to radiological events. Research on environmental monitoring protocols during radiological emergencies, predictive modeling of radionuclide dispersion and environmental fate, and post-accident environmental assessment and recovery strategies is essential. Contributions on rapid screening and early warning systems will enhance our capacity to protect public health and the environment during nuclear emergencies. Sustainable nuclear technologies address the environmental dimensions of current and future nuclear energy systems. We welcome studies on environmental aspects of advanced nuclear reactor designs and fuel cycles, life cycle assessment of nuclear energy systems, and strategies for minimizing the environmental footprint of nuclear operations. Research examining environmental considerations in nuclear facility design and operation will support the development of more sustainable nuclear technologies. Natural radioactivity presents ongoing challenges distinct from anthropogenic sources. Contributions on natural radionuclides in the environment and their health implications, technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM), and radon and its progeny in indoor and outdoor environments will provide valuable insights into these widespread but often overlooked exposure sources.

This Special Issue particularly values interdisciplinary research that integrates radiochemistry with related fields such as geochemistry, environmental microbiology, ecology, and environmental engineering. Studies combining multiple approaches—analytical, modeling, experimental, and field-based—will provide the most comprehensive insights. We accept original research articles presenting novel findings, comprehensive reviews synthesizing current knowledge and identifying future directions, critical perspectives challenging existing paradigms, and case studies demonstrating practical applications of radiochemistry to real-world environmental problems.

Authors are encouraged to emphasize the practical implications of their work for environmental protection, human health, and sustainable nuclear technology development.

This Special Issue focuses on recent advances in monitoring and mitigation of EOCs and EDCs in environmental systems. It highlights nano-enabled sensors, advanced functional materials such as MOFs, and sustainable remediation strategies. Importance is focused on interdisciplinary approaches that enhance detection sensitivity, degradation efficiency, and the translation of laboratory innovations into real-world environmental applications.

• Emerging Contaminants and Transformation Products: Studies addressing the detection, fate, and toxicity of emerging contaminants and their transformation byproducts, including intermediate species formed during degradation of EDCs and pharmaceuticals.
• Hybrid and Composite Materials for Remediation: Research on multifunctional hybrid systems (e.g., MOF-derived materials, nanocomposites, biohybrids) that integrate adsorption, catalysis, and separation for enhanced remediation performance.
• Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Processes: Advances in light-driven and electrochemical technologies for efficient degradation of emerging EOCs and EDCs under environmentally relevant conditions.
• Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Environmental Monitoring: Application of machine learning, big data analytics, and predictive modeling for contaminant detection, source tracking, and optimization of remediation strategies.
• Sustainable Remediation Approaches: Development of eco-friendly, low-energy, and resource-efficient technologies, including biodegradable materials, solar-driven systems, and nature-based solutions.

By addressing these themes, the Special Issue will provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in monitoring and mitigating EOCs and EDCs, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and enabling the development of sustainable and effective solutions to critical environmental challenges.