SOIL PROTECTION AND RESTORATION WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO CREAF hosts a consolidated research group (as recognized by the Generalitat de Catalunya, SGR2014-0389) dedicated to the study of soil as a natural system as well as the recovery of soils degraded due to human activities. The team includes professors of soil science and agricultural chemistry of the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the University of Barcelona, and researchers and technicians at CREAF.
OUR LINES OF RESEARCH RELATED TO SOIL PROTECTION 1
Evaluation of risk of contaminants Determinations of potential ecotoxicological risk of substances or wastes before their release into the environment. Potentially noxious concentrations are estimated through standardized laboratory bioassays (ISO, OECD) employing microorganisms, plants, and soil invertebrates.
We study the soil as a natural system and the problems of degradation related to pollution, erosion, mining activities, infrastructures, and forest fires, among others. We use soil quality indicators based on physical, chemical, and biological soil properties, with particular emphasis on biological activity and its ecological functions. We carry out evaluations of ecotoxicological risk of contaminants and wastes in the laboratory and at contaminated sites. We rehabilitate soils degraded by human activities via the preparation of technosoils or by adding organic amendments. Currently, we are studying the potential of using pyrolyzed biomass (biochar) as an agricultural amendment and for the recovery or remediation of soils.
Foto: CREAF
Research and technology transfer in Terrestrial Ecology
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Evaluation of risk in contaminated soils The degree of ecotoxicological risk is evaluated with the objective of defining the necessity and/or intensity of remediation efforts.
Foto: CREAF
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Monitoring and evaluation of remediation of contaminated soils Complementing information provided by chemical analyses, bioassays allow the evaluation of the effectiveness of remediation measures taken at contaminated sites, based on the response of the test organisms.
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Recovery of degraded lands Combining soils or discarded mineral materials with organic amendments creates a new soil substrate allowing the rehabilitation of highly degraded areas or those not recoverable by natural processes. This strategy has been applied with success in the restoration of quarries, landfills, slopes, and forest areas affected by wildfire.
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Evaluation of organic residues for use as soil amendments We study innovative uses of organic wastes as soil amendments or for soil decontamination. These wastes include, for instance, the organic fractions of municipal wastes or forest byproducts. We also study post-treatments which can improve the quality of such wastes.
HIGHLIGHT PROJECTS BIOEST– Potential use of biostabilized wastes and digestates for use in soil recovery. 20142015. ARC-ECOPARC2-ECOPARBCN-URBASER-FERROVIAL
CONTACT
RESTOCAT – Research and innovation in restoration process and monitoring following extractive activities. 2010-2015. Generalitat de Catalunya
Dr. Josep M Alcañiz
MEDICHAR – Effects of biochar on carbon sequestration and biodiversity in Mediterranean soils. 2013-2015. Ministerio Economía y Competitividad.
JoseMaria.Alcaniz@uab.cat
+34 935811465
CREAF. Edifici C. Campus UAB. 08193 Bellaterra. Spain. www.creaf.cat