Community-Based Phytoremediation of Lead Contaminated Urban Garden Soil

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Urban soil contamination with lead presents a significant public health concern, particularly in historically industrialized cities such as Indianapolis. This study documents a collaborative initiative between Marian University and an urban community garden to remediate lead-contaminated soil. This 2 acre urban garden is located in a low-income neighborhood affected by legacy pollution from the industrial sites and aging housing infrastructure. The community garden serves as a vital source of fresh produce and promotes food justice in the area. To map the extent of contamination, the soil testing was conducted using acid digestion followed by MP-AES (Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy) analysis. The garden was divided into plots based on lead concentrations (100–400 ppm), with tailored crop and hyperaccumulator rotations designed to balance phytoremediation with ongoing food production. Although the community’s immediate nutritional needs constrained complete lead removal, the integrated phytoremediation design successfully enabled both soil decontamination and continued crop supply to the local store. The lead concentration was reduced from 380 ± 47 to 167 ± 52 ppm ( p < 0.05) over the two seasons in one section of the urban garden, and the new design will be implemented in the following season. This project offers a replicable model for urban environmental restoration, combining scientific innovation, student engagement, and community-centered solutions to advance environmental and food justice.