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Is the Soil in Allotment Gardens Healthy Enough?—Relation Between Organic Matter Content and Selected Heavy Metals

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  • Dariusz Gruszka

    (Institute of Soil Science, Plant Nutrition and Environmental Protection, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-357 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Katarzyna Szopka

    (Institute of Soil Science, Plant Nutrition and Environmental Protection, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-357 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Iwona Gruss

    (Department of Plant Protection, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-363 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Maja Złocka

    (Institute of Soil Science, Plant Nutrition and Environmental Protection, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-357 Wrocław, Poland)

Abstract

This study was conducted in nine allotment garden complexes in Wrocław, West Poland (Central Europe). Soil samples were collected from each garden and analyzed for their total concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd, alongside the percentage of organic carbon C. Contaminant levels varied widely between sites: Zn ranged from 101.1 to 3464.5 mg/kg, Cu from 24.93 to 322.45 mg/kg, Cd from 0.51 to 6.31 mg/kg, and Pb from 19.92 to 401.85 mg/kg. The highest metal contamination was found for the garden complex placed on the former impact of the Hutmen. The organic carbon content ranged from 2.12% to 7.64%, indicating substantial variability in organic matter levels across the studied sites. This variability may significantly influence the soils’ capacity to retain heavy metals. A significant positive correlation was observed between soil organic carbon and the total concentrations of Pb, Cu and Zn, suggesting that soils richer in organic matter may retain higher levels of heavy metals. These findings underscore the dual role of organic matter as both a beneficial soil component and a potential contributor to heavy metal retention in urban garden soils. Protecting and enhancing SOM in polluted soils is a beneficial strategy, remediating environmental damage while aligning with global sustainability goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Dariusz Gruszka & Katarzyna Szopka & Iwona Gruss & Maja Złocka, 2025. "Is the Soil in Allotment Gardens Healthy Enough?—Relation Between Organic Matter Content and Selected Heavy Metals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:16:p:7424-:d:1726112
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    1. T. Lošák & J. Hlušek & R. Filipčík & L. Pospíšilová & J. Maňásek & K. Prokeš & F. Buňka & S. Kráčmar & A. Martensson & F. Orosz, 2010. "Effect of nitrogen fertilization on metabolisms of essential and non-essential amino acids in field-grown grain maize (Zea mays L.)," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 56(12), pages 574-579.
    2. Marta Melon & Tomasz Dzieduszyński & Beata Gawryszewska & Maciej Lasocki & Adrian Hoppa & Arkadiusz Przybysz & Piotr Sikorski, 2025. "Urban Allotment Gardens with Turf Reduce Biodiversity and Provide Limited Regulatory Ecosystem Services," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-21, July.
    3. Hana KARABCOVÁ & Lubica POSPÍŠILOVÁ & Karel FIALA & Petr ŠKARPA & Marie BJELKOVÁ, 2015. "Effect of organic fertilizers on soil organic carbon and risk trace elements content in soil under permanent grassland," Soil and Water Research, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 10(4), pages 228-235.
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