Class
Article
College
College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Department
Plants, Soils, and Climate Department
Faculty Mentor
Melanie Stock
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Urban soil contamination has become an increasingly prevalent concern within residential developments and the expansion of urban agriculture. The purpose of this study was to establish an urban soil survey along the Wasatch Front to examine the concentrations of common contaminants and general soil quality in urban farms and community gardens during 2020-2021. Areas of concern include 1) heavy metals: lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium, 2) organic contaminants- petroleum hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic carbon, 3) pH, 4) soil salinity, and 5) elevated macronutrient levels. Measured contaminant concentrations will be compared to EPA regional screening levels (RSL) along with nationwide background levels. Priority testing was given to urban gardens in the Salt Lake area, along with sites that may have a history of soil contamination, such as historical orchards and sites close to areas of heavy traffic. To date, 13 of 20 sites have been tested for heavy metals, pH, salinity, and macronutrient levels. Arsenic exceeded the EPA RSL, which has a screening level of 0.68 mg/kg for residential soils. Our average concentration was 10.12 mg/kg, though arsenic can occur at levels from 1-40 mg/kg across the country. pH ranged 7.1-8.2 and salinity ranged 0.72-11.8 dS m-1, while macronutrients were generally at optimal to excessively high levels. This study is the first of its kind to evaluate soil quality and contamination of urban soils in Utah and identify any risks posed to food safety and general use. Presentation Time: Thursday, 1-2 p.m.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-11-2021 12:00 AM
Included in
Examining Urban Soil Quality and Contamination Along the Wasatch Front
Logan, UT
Urban soil contamination has become an increasingly prevalent concern within residential developments and the expansion of urban agriculture. The purpose of this study was to establish an urban soil survey along the Wasatch Front to examine the concentrations of common contaminants and general soil quality in urban farms and community gardens during 2020-2021. Areas of concern include 1) heavy metals: lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium, 2) organic contaminants- petroleum hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic carbon, 3) pH, 4) soil salinity, and 5) elevated macronutrient levels. Measured contaminant concentrations will be compared to EPA regional screening levels (RSL) along with nationwide background levels. Priority testing was given to urban gardens in the Salt Lake area, along with sites that may have a history of soil contamination, such as historical orchards and sites close to areas of heavy traffic. To date, 13 of 20 sites have been tested for heavy metals, pH, salinity, and macronutrient levels. Arsenic exceeded the EPA RSL, which has a screening level of 0.68 mg/kg for residential soils. Our average concentration was 10.12 mg/kg, though arsenic can occur at levels from 1-40 mg/kg across the country. pH ranged 7.1-8.2 and salinity ranged 0.72-11.8 dS m-1, while macronutrients were generally at optimal to excessively high levels. This study is the first of its kind to evaluate soil quality and contamination of urban soils in Utah and identify any risks posed to food safety and general use. Presentation Time: Thursday, 1-2 p.m.