Emerging contaminants are defined as chemicals that are not currently (or have only recently been) regulated and about which there are concerns regarding their impact on human or ecological health. Such contaminants are widely detected in air, water, soil, sediment, and biotic environments. It is against this backdrop of urgency that we have curated this special issue titled “Emerging Contaminants Control: Science and Technology,” with the goal of uniting the latest scientific insights and pioneering strategies to address this global concern. This special issue embarks on a comprehensive examination of the emerging contaminants dilemma, covering aspects such as risk assessment, remediation technologies, environmental surveying, and the broader implications for policy. Through a collection of articles, we probe deep into the core of this issue, showcasing studies that range from appraising environmental risks to forging new methods for treatment and scrutinizing the occurrence of contaminants across different environmental settings.

At the heart of our response to emerging contaminants is the imperative of thorough risk assessment. Wang et al. offer a discerning review of the present landscape of environmental risk evaluation and management in China, underscoring the necessity for solid frameworks capable of foreseeing and lessening the impact of these contaminants. Their research sets the stage for a proactive and enlightened stance on this worldwide concern.

The development of advanced remediation technologies to address contamination at its source is essential. Concurrently with risk assessments, it is crucial to forge treatment technologies that can effectively neutralize these contaminants. Han et al. investigate the promise of UV-based advanced oxidation processes in curbing antibiotic resistance, presenting a hopeful path for tackling one of the most urgent types of emerging contaminants. In parallel, Ding et al. unveil a novel approach in the breakdown and detoxification of halogenated antibiotics, demonstrating the potential of creative chemical methods in the fight against contamination.

Environmental monitoring stands as the initial step to uncover the full scope of contamination. Grasping the breadth and dispersion of emerging contaminants is vital for their effective control. Zhao et al. shed light on the repercussions of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on organic micropollutants in surface waters, illustrating the intricate relationship between global phenomena and environmental integrity. Fiedler et al. add to this narrative by investigating the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances in Ecuador, highlighting the widespread nature of these pollutants.

Microplastics represent a ubiquitous and enduring menace. As a persistent environmental threat, microplastics are the focus of the article by Zhang et al., who provide a detailed account of their prevalence in various leachates. This research, together with Yu et al.’s analysis of microplastics in the snow of the Inner Mongolia Plateau, emphasizes the omnipresence and tenacity of these pollutants and calls for immediate, collective action.

To predict and manage the behavior of contaminants, innovative solutions are indispensable. In the face of these challenges, groundbreaking solutions are of the utmost importance. Huang et al. introduce a technique for forecasting the degradation of micropollutants through ultraviolet (UV)-advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), offering a valuable asset for water quality management. These contributions underscore the critical role of merging scientific inquiry with practical applications to navigate the complexities of emerging contaminants.

In summary, this special issue provides a thorough and forward-thinking investigation into a pressing environmental challenge. The articles contained within these pages not only mirror the current state of knowledge but also pave the way for future research and initiatives. It is our aspiration that this compendium of research will galvanize a new wave of scientists, policymakers, and community stakeholders to rally in the battle against emerging contaminants, collaborating to protect human and ecological health. As we stand at the threshold of novel discoveries and technological breakthroughs, let us seize the opportunity for a world where the menace of emerging contaminants is a hurdle we have surmounted, bequeathing a legacy of environmental guardianship and innovation.