Towards a pollution free society

Achieving a pollution-free society requires coordinated scientific efforts to improve our understanding of environmental contamination, develop innovative monitoring and remediation technologies, and support effective chemical management strategies. The 18th International Conference on Chemistry and the Environment (ICCE 2023), held at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy, from 11 to 15 June 2023, provided an international platform for addressing these challenges under the theme “Towards a pollution free society.” The conference brought together more than 530 participants from 46 countries, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue among researchers, industry representatives, and policymakers. With over 550 submitted abstracts, the scientific programme included 320 oral presentations, 50 spotlight posters, and 185 posters, organized into 22 thematic sessions covering contemporary environmental chemistry challenges. Major topics included the occurrence, fate, transport, and transformation of priority and emerging contaminants; advanced analytical techniques and non-target screening; environmental exposure and risk assessment; and innovative treatment and remediation technologies. Particular attention was devoted to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), micro- and nanoplastics, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other persistent or mobile contaminants. Further discussions addressed climate change impacts on pollutant behaviour, environmental modelling, chemical mixtures, sustainable chemistry, circular economy approaches, and emerging regulatory challenges. The conference also highlighted the importance of integrating experimental investigations, computational tools, and interdisciplinary assessment frameworks to better characterize environmental risks and develop effective pollution prevention strategies. This special issue of *Environmental Science and Pollution Research* presents selected contributions from ICCE 2023, reflecting the diversity of scientific approaches and environmental challenges discussed during the conference. Collectively, these contributions emphasize the essential role of scientific innovation, international cooperation, and evidence-based decision-making in advancing environmental protection, improving chemical safety, and supporting the transition towards a sustainable, pollution-free society. They also demonstrate the importance of connecting fundamental environmental chemistry research with practical solutions and policy development to address current and emerging pollution challenges.