Abstract: Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology has emerged as a widely used tool in ecological research, particularly in monitoring soil biodiversity and its responses to pollution. This innovative approach leverages genetic material shed by organisms into their environment, enabling non-invasive, high-resolution assessments of species composition and ecosystem health. The integration of eDNA with high-throughput sequencing has revolutionized soil ecology by providing insights into microbial and small animal communities that are often difficult to study using traditional morphological methods. The historical development of eDNA technology is closely tied to advancements in sequencing, beginning with Frederick Sanger’s pioneering work in 1965 and gaining momentum with the advent of next-generation sequencing in 2005. Nowadays, eDNA is widely used to assess the impacts of pollutants on soil ecosystems, offering a sensitive and efficient alternative to conventional monitoring techniques. One of the most significant applications of eDNA technology lies in its ability to elucidate the responses of soil organisms to environmental stressors, such as heavy metals and organic pollutants. Studies have demonstrated that pollutants like lead, zinc, and cadmium alter microbial community structures, often reducing overall diversity while favoring certain resistant taxa. For instance, in silver-lead-zinc mining areas, bacterial phyla such as Chloroflexota and Deinococcus-Thermus exhibit positive correlations with heavy metal concentrations, whereas Bacteroidota and fungal groups like Ascomycota show lower sensitivity. Similarly, microplastics and pesticides have been found to disrupt microbial diversity, with differential effects on bacterial and fungal communities. For example, microplastics tend to reduce the abundance of Cyanobacteriota while increasing Proteobacteria and Acidobacteriota. These findings underscore the potential of eDNA-based monitoring to identify bioindicators of soil health and pollution levels. Beyond microbes, eDNA has also shed light on the responses of soil fauna, such as nematodes and arthropods, to contaminants. Nematodes, particularly the class Chromadorea, have shown sensitivity to cadmium pollution, making them promising candidates for ecological risk assessments. However, the interpretation of such data requires caution due to the complex trophic interactions within soil food webs, which can indirectly influence species distributions and abundance patterns. Compared to traditional morphological monitoring, eDNA technology offers several advantages, including minimal habitat disturbance, rapid data acquisition, and the ability to detect cryptic or microscopic species. Traditional methods often rely on labor-intensive field surveys and taxonomic expertise, which can introduce biases and limit scalability. In contrast, eDNA enables comprehensive biodiversity assessments across large spatial and temporal scales, facilitating the detection of invasive species and rare taxa. Moreover, eDNA data provides additional layers of information, such as phylogenetic relationships and metabolic traits, which enrich ecological analyses. Despite these strengths, eDNA technology still has limitations. Challenges include primer bias during PCR amplification, which can skew species detection, and gaps in reference databases that hinder accurate taxonomic identification. The lack of standardized protocols for sample collection and analysis further complicates cross-study comparisons. To address these issues, researchers advocate for the expansion of genetic databases, the development of universal primers, and the integration of complementary techniques like metabarcoding and nuclear barcoding. Additionally, combining eDNA with other methodologies, such as remote sensing for plants or camera traps for animals, could enhance the robustness and applicability of findings. Looking ahead, eDNA technology holds immense promise for advancing soil ecology and environmental monitoring. Its ability to capture dynamic ecological processes and species interactions makes it invaluable for understanding the cascading effects of pollutants on ecosystems. Future research should focus on refining technical protocols, expanding taxonomic coverage, and exploring integrative approaches that combine genetic, morphological, and environmental data. As global initiatives continue to promote standardization and innovation, eDNA is poised to become a cornerstone of biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management. By addressing current limitations and harnessing its full potential, eDNA technology will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of ecological science and environmental policy.