Soil is the material basis of human survival and one of the most important national natural resources. However, with the rapid socio-economic development, soil contamination has become an increasingly prominent global environmental concern, which not only seriously affects soil quality and land productivity but also poses a potential threat to social stability and economic growth. Therefore, it is urgent to study the causes of soil contamination and to explore the prevention and control measures.

Since 2014, the core journals in environmental research, such as Environmental Science and China Environmental Science, have been selected for the Journal Translation Project (JTP, http://jtp.cnki.net/bilingual). As of 2020, 2 762 articles from these journals have been included in the platform and published in Chinese and English, which has enhanced the international influence of these journals. To further promote the international exchange of academic achievements in soil contamination research in China and the international dissemination of these journals, we selected 60 excellent articles on soil contamination research in China. This collection of articles involves the latest research findings in soil contamination from the National Major Scientific Research Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, and “863 Program”. The book includes two chapters. Chapter 1 provides systematic analysis of the migration patterns, residue characteristics, sources, and health/ecological risks of soil pollutants such as heavy metals, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and fluorides in key regions of China like Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta. Chapter 2 highlights the measures used to effectively address soil contamination in China. This book demonstrates a full spectrum of outcomes in the prevention and control of soil contamination in China, and provides a scientific basis and theoretical guidance for soil remediation worldwide. The original articles were published in Chinese and this book is a compilation of English versions of selected articles. The book can be used as a reference for teachers and students at colleges and universities engaged in soil contamination research, researchers of environmental protection research institutes, engineers and technicians of enterprises, and managers of environmental protection departments worldwide. This book provides a “Chinese model” of soil remediation for the world.

At present, soil contamination is a major concern for all sectors of society and government departments and has become a worldwide problem. China will steadily promote the campaign to protect clean soil and join the international community to confront the serious challenge of soil contamination. As the editor-in-chief, I believe this book will provide new clues and ideas for the prevention and control of soil contamination worldwide, which is of great theoretical and practical significance.

Editor-in-chief: CHEN Shibao