The impact of urbanization on soils

Abstract

Cities are important driving forces in environmental trends as a consequence of the increase in the share of the global population that reside in urban areas and the large intensity of activities of urban dwellers. As the world continues to urbanize, however, humans have lost contact with soil and the services it provides to sustain life. A review of the literature shows that the ability of urban activities to influence the physical conditions and pollution levels in soils at a distance is increasing. Cities and urban processes have had dramatic but varying impacts on soil physical and biochemical properties and pollutant loads, all of which affect the life-supporting services of soils. As developing countries continue to industrialize, soil pollutant contamination in their cities continue to increase to levels warranting immediate action. We argue for a global assessment of urban soils to identify the patterns, processes, and unique circumstances of anthropogenic impacts. There is also the need for soil protection and remediation in areas already undergoing change as a result of urban development. © 2008 Springer Netherlands.