journal of science of the total environment

Ever tossed a pebble into a lake and watched the ripples spread like gossip at a Texas barbecue? Well, that’s kinda how the journal of science of the total environment rolls—every paper it drops shakes the academic pond. This ain’t your average peer-reviewed zine; it’s a heavyweight champ in the interdisciplinary arena where environmental science, toxicology, public health, and policy tango like they’ve got nothing to lose. Launched way back in 1971, the journal of science of the total environment has grown from a modest academic newsletter into a global megaphone for planetary well-being. With over 50,000 citations annually and a readership stretching from coastal Maine labs to Silicon Valley think tanks, it’s clear this publication ain’t just talkin’—it’s movin’ needles.

If impact factor were a rodeo, the journal of science of the total environment would be the bull that tossed three cowboys and still got a standing ovation. As of the latest Journal Citation Reports (2024), the impact factor sits at a beefy 10.8. That’s not just “solid”—that’s “write your grandma about it” territory. For context, most environmental science journals hover between 3 and 7, so hitting double digits? Yeah, that’s like nailing a perfect biscuit recipe on your first try. Every citation the journal of science of the total environment garners isn’t just a pat on the back—it’s fuel for global policy shifts, EPA guideline tweaks, and even classroom curricula from Boston to Boise.

Rankings ain’t just for high school football teams—though let’s be real, the journal of science of the total environment plays varsity too. In the Environmental Sciences category, it’s consistently slotted within the top 5% globally. Think of it like being invited to the cookout where only the best brisket smokers show up. According to Scopus and Web of Science data, it lands around #12 out of nearly 300 journals in its niche. That’s elite company, y’all. And when you factor in cross-disciplinary reach—touching chemistry, geosciences, and even social epidemiology—the journal of science of the total environment doesn’t just rank; it reigns.

Now hold up—before you go thinkin’ this journal’s chillin’ in Q2 like it’s stuck in second gear, let’s clear the air: the journal of science of the total environment is solidly, unapologetically Q1. That’s right—top quartile, baby. In every major indexing system—Scimago, Clarivate, DOAJ—it’s parked in Q1 like a lifted F-150 at a tailgate. Being Q1 means your work’s not just seen; it’s trusted, cited, and acted upon. If your research lands in the journal of science of the total environment, you ain’t just publishin’—you’re plantin’ a flag on academic Olympus.

Let’s talk turkey: how much does it cost to get your name in the journal of science of the total environment? Buckle up. As of 2025, the Article Processing Charge (APC) for open access runs about $3,470 USD. Yeah, that’s more than a new MacBook Air—but hear us out. You’re not just payin’ for ink and paper (there ain’t any). You’re payin’ for lightning-fast peer review, global indexing, editorial polish sharper than a Cajun chef’s knife, and visibility that can catapult your work into UN climate briefings or Senate testimonies. For many researchers—especially those with NIH or NSF grants—this APC is a drop in the bucket compared to the ripple effect their findings create. And if you don’t wanna go open access? Traditional subscription publishing is still free to submit, though your audience gets gated like a VIP section.

There’s a reason why PhD candidates in Berkeley dorms and tenured profs in Chicago labs keep sendin’ their best work to the journal of science of the total environment. It’s not just the prestige—it’s the mission. This journal doesn’t just want data; it wants stories that matter. PFAS in drinking water? Check. Microplastics in urban air? Double check. Climate justice in frontline communities? You better believe it. The editorial board? Packed with names you’d recognize from IPCC reports and Nobel shortlists. And the turnaround? Average first decision in 21 days—faster than your sourdough starter rises. That kind of speed and substance? That’s why the journal of science of the total environment stays packed with A-list submissions.

Flip through any issue of the journal of science of the total environment, and you’ll notice somethin’ rare: a voice. Not dry, robotic jargon—but urgent, lyrical, sometimes even angry science. That’s by design. The editors believe that environmental research shouldn’t hide behind passive voice or p-values. It should provoke, inspire, and disrupt. They actively seek studies that bridge lab benches and living rooms—research that a teacher in Nashville or a farmer in Nebraska can understand and use. That human-centered ethos? It’s why the journal of science of the total environment feels less like a journal and more like a movement with footnotes.

You know that study about lead in school water fountains that made headlines last spring? Published in the journal of science of the total environment. The one linking wildfire smoke to infant ER visits in Oregon? Also there. This journal doesn’t just sit on shelves—it storms Capitol Hill. Over 60% of its open-access papers are downloaded by non-academics: journalists, policymakers, NGO strategists. And it’s not uncommon for a single paper to trigger municipal bans, EPA reviews, or even new EPA monitoring protocols. In a world drowning in noise, the journal of science of the total environment cuts through like a foghorn—loud, clear, and impossible to ignore.

“Too expensive.” “Only for Europeans.” “Too interdisciplinary to be rigorous.” Nah, friend—let’s squash those myths like a Georgia summer roach. First, the APC? Yeah, it stings, but waivers exist for low-income institutions, and many U.S. universities cover it outright. Second, while it’s published by Elsevier (a Dutch outfit), over 40% of its submissions come from North America—especially from land-grant universities and HBCUs leading in environmental justice. And third, “too interdisciplinary”? That’s its superpower. The journal of science of the total environment thrives where disciplines collide—because real-world problems don’t care about academic silos. So no, it ain’t “soft science.” It’s science that sticks.

So you wanna ride with the big dogs? Here’s your cheat sheet. First, lead with impact—editors want to know *why your study matters to Main Street, not just academia*. Second, **embrace interdisciplinarity**—weave in social, chemical, and policy angles like a good gumbo. Third, **keep visuals clean and compelling**; infographics get shared 3x more. And last? **Follow scope like gospel**—they reject 70% of out-of-scope papers before peer review even starts. For more intel, swing by Onomy Science, dive into our Journals section, or check out our deep dive on rising publications in Scientific Advances Journal Cutting Edge. Trust us—your future self (and your tenure committee) will thank you.

References

• https://www.journalcitationreports.com
• https://www.scopus.com/sources
• https://www.clarivate.com/essentials
• https://www.elsevier.com/journals/science-of-the-total-environment