The integration of microfluidics into environmental monitoring and sensing has sparked transformative advancements, offering innovative solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges. As Guest Editors of this Research Topic, we are excited to collect significant contributions from the researchers working in related research fields, showcasing their work in this critical area.

In recent years, microfluidics platforms have emerged as powerful tools across a variety of sectors, including healthcare, environmental testing, and food safety. These systems offer precision, speed, and efficiency that traditional testing methods often struggle to match. With the One Health approach gaining prominence in addressing global challenges such as Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health has become increasingly apparent. This holistic view further emphasises the critical need for advanced testing systems that can operate seamlessly across these domains, and microfluidics stands out as a key enabling technology in this regard.

In environmental monitoring, microfluidics has been applied to a range of settings, including the detection of water-based contaminants such as inorganic heavy metals and organic pollutants, the identification of harmful microorganisms like viruses and bacteria, and the study of biofilm formation. These applications underscore the versatility of microfluidics as an advanced tool for addressing complex environmental issues.

The contributions to the Research Topic will highlight novel microfluidics-based research in these or related areas. These studies not only demonstrate the advantages of microfluidics over traditional methodologies but also acknowledge the limitations and challenges that the technology still faces. Additionally, forward-looking perspectives exploring the future potential of microfluidics in environmental monitoring will provide highly valuable insights for our readers.

This Research Topic aims to shed light on the role of microfluidics in environmental sensing, advancing our understanding of the current landscape and future possibilities in this rapidly evolving field. This will be of interest to researchers and contribute to gaining further insights in this and related areas.

This Research Topic accepts original research, review, mini review articles on, but not limited to, the following subjects:

-Low-cost microfluidic devices for on-site environmental monitoring, including materials and fabrication techniques.

-Advancements in detection methods for environmental contaminants using microfluidics, such as electrochemical, colorimetric, and fluorescent techniques.

-Microfluidic applications for water quality analysis, including detection of heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics.

-Air quality monitoring using portable microfluidic devices, with a focus on detecting airborne pollutants and greenhouse gases.

-Soil and sediment analysis using lab-on-a-chip platforms for nutrient levels, pollutants, and agricultural runoff.

-Integration of sample preparation and detection systems in microfluidic devices for enhanced environmental monitoring efficiency.

-Multiplexing capabilities in microfluidic environmental sensors for simultaneous analysis of multiple parameters.

-Challenges and future prospects in adapting microfluidic technologies to reflect realistic environmental scenarios.

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Frontiers in Chemical Engineering

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