Potentially harmful elements in urban soils

Abstract

Throughout the human history, the anthropic activity inevitably leads to a legacy of increased PHE concentration in the environment. Nowadays the urban environment can be considered the main habitat for humans. Therefore, the acknowledgment and the understanding of the impact of PHEs in urban soils and dusts is imperative in order to develop a plan for the sustainable management of urban areas, which should limit this impact on human and environmental health. A historical background regarding urban soil contamination is presented, along with an overview of the PHEs and PGEs found in urban soils. As humans are daily exposed to PHEs present in air, water and soil, studies are focusing on their long-term effects and on the toxicological impact of PHE (PHE’) combinations, rather that of single elements. The importance of a comprehensive assessment of PHEs in urban soils and dusts, including their bioavailability, is discussed.