Issue 20 looks at the growing problem of microplastics and examines particulate plastics in soil, where the news might not be all bad. We diagnose biochar’s potential for soil and water remediation and update readers on progress with CRC CARE’s probeCARE™ system, which provides cost-effective, in-situ, real-time monitoring of pollutants in soil. The magazine reports on an improved method of analysing coal dust samples for composition, quantity and size distribution – data that inform management decisions. We also look at how risk associated with contaminated sites is communicated by experts to community members who live or work close to the contamination – the success or failure of which has potentially large social and economic ramifications.

In Issue 19, we delve into an area that affects us all – contaminants and human health. The magazine attempts to cut through the confusion generated by this emotional topic to examine some of the latest research. We look at fish consumption and mercury ingestion; the impact of contaminants on both human fertility and the gut microflora; the link between endocrine disrupting chemicals and allergies; and the effect of PFAS on human health. We also investigate two major problems in Sri Lanka: kidney failure as a result of exposure to cadmium, glyphosate and arsenic; and pollution leaching from landfill into municipal water sources.

Issue 18 focuses on per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), particularly those that have received prominent recent news coverage because of their presence at sites contaminated through firefighting foam usage. We also examine other contaminants of emerging concern, including benzo[a]pyrene and methyl tert-butyl ether, and discuss new guidance on flux-based assessment and groundwater management. We take a look improved in situ measurement of ions in solution and adsorbent technologies for removing nitrate from water. The magazine also updates readers on progress towards a national remediation framework and asks if public policy for contaminated sites is influencing title blight and creating barriers to remediation.

Issue 17 takes a special look at the issue of soil contamination in Asia, featuring reports from Bangladesh, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Thailand with a particular focus on crop quality. We also bring you an update on the National Remediation Framework, look at issues around the concept of sustainable remediation, and explore the importance of chemical reference materials in improving the accuracy and reliability of testing to ultimately allow better decisions on site remediation.

In this issue we examine human exposure to carcinogens that can mutate DNA, and how the risks should be assessed – especially given that there is evidence showing that exposure is more dangerous for children than for adults. Remediation Australasia looks at the debate in Australia over whether ‘age-dependent adjustment factors’ should be incorporated into guides for assessing these cancer risks, as has occurred in the United States.

In Issue 15, we bring you an update on the highly successful CleanUp 2013 conference, including CARE Award winner Thiess Services. We look at the importance of proper clean-up for small scale asbestos remediation and discover gaps in analytical methodology for contaminants of emerging concern. We also explore the introduction of risk-based remediation decision making in developing countries.

In this issue we bring you an update from EPAs, both local and international, and introduce a new opinion section 'From the fringe.' We hope you enjoy this issue and as always, welcome any feedback or content submissions.

In Issue 13, we look at the updated Assessment of Site Contamination National Environment Protection Measure, which incorporates the latest, best-practice guidance. This issue also includes the final of a series of three articles on landfill mining, offers insight into contaminated land data assessment, takes a look at the global problem of Mercury contamination, and asks if we can rely on commercial laboratory analyses.

In Issue 12, we shift our focus to the vexed subject of vapour intrusion (VI) and the myriad questions it raises. What is the best way to measure it? How accurate are the various methods of measurement? Are VI assessment guidelines too conservative? Issue 12 of the magazine explores the answers to these questions, and much more besides.

This issue is a bumper one with a special landfills focus. The large volume of waste that we generate, much of which finds its way into landfills, is an intergenerational issue – will we leave this for our children and grandchildren to manage? This issue explores the current and future state of this dilemma, and looks at ways to manage landfills sustainably. Please tell us what you think – I welcome your thoughts on waste management, landfills old and new, and where you believe the remediation industry will be 20 years from now.