Community‐Engaged Assessment of Soil Lead Contamination in Atlanta Urban Growing Spaces. (24th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peters, Samuel J. W.; Warner, Sydney M.; Saikawa, Eri; Ryan, P. Barry; Panuwet, Parinya; Barr, Dana B.; D'Souza, Priya E.; Frank, Gil; Hernandez, Rosario; Alvarado, Taranji; Hines, Arthur; Theal, Chris
• Is Part Of: GeoHealth. Volume 7:Number 3(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-03-24
• Subjects: community‐engaged research -- urban agriculture -- heavy metals -- regional screening levels -- soil; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.98
• DOI: 10.1029/2022GH000674
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2471-1403

Abstract

Abstract: Urban agriculture is emerging as a method to improve food security and public health in cities across the United States. However, an increased risk of exposure to heavy metals and metalloids (HMM) exists through interaction with contaminated soil. Community‐engaged research (CEnR) is one method that can promote the inclusion of all partners when studying exposures such as HMM in soil. Researchers and community gardeners co‐designed this study to measure the concentrations of lead (Pb), using X‐Ray Fluorescence (XRF) verified with Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry (ICP‐MS) in soils from 19 urban agricultural and residential sites in the Westside of Atlanta and three rural sites in Georgia. Seventeen other HMM were measured but not included in this study, because they did not pose risks to the community comparable to elevated Pb levels. Pb concentrations were compared to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s regional screening levels (RSLs) for residential soil and the University of Georgia (UGA) extension service's low‐risk levels (LRLs) for agriculture. Soils from the majority of sites had levels below EPA RSLs for Pb, yet above the UGA LRL. However, soil Pb concentrations were three times higher than the EPA RSL on some sites that contained metal refining waste or slag. Our findings led to direct action by local and federal government agencies to initiate the cleanup of slag residue. Studies involving exposures to communities should engage those affected throughout the process for maximum impact. Plain Language Summary: This study used community‐engaged participatory research to explore lead contamination in Atlanta urban growing spaces under two different sets of screening levels, which had not previously been compared in agricultural settings. While most growing sites were below the EPA regional soil screening levels, many were above the University of Georgia extension's agriculture‐specific recommendations levels. Strong relationships and communication between researchers, community gardeners, and regulatory organizations led to the discovery of contamination from metal refining waste and a subsequent Federal remediation effort. This study demonstrates the importance, impact, and need to work with community members on issues involving environmental pollution and justice. Key Points: We used community‐engaged research to measure lead in urban agriculture spaces Community members were involved in the entire process from sampling to results Community‐engaged science built trust and led to the designation of the site as Superfund and later to a National Priorities List