The Earth's environment consists of different types of metals (e.g., iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb)) and metalloids (e.g., arsenic (As), Silicon(Si)). Metals and metalloids have shaped the evolution of biological communities, resulting functional complexities across environments (e.g. soil, water, atmosphere). Over the last century, rapid urbanization and industrial activities have led to exposure of hazardous metals and metalloids (e.g., As, Hg, Pb) to human health by entry through the food web. This special issue in Geoscience Letters is focusing on sources and biogeochemical cycling of metals and metalloids in the Earth's environments. Including contributions on technical innovations with respect to quality and affordable measurement, and towards elucidation of mechanisms for effective policymaking to protect biospheric health.
Lead Guest Editor
Prabir Patra, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Japan
Guest Editors
Long Cao, Zhejiang University, China
Bhoopesh Mishra, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Punyasloke Bhadury, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, India
