Construction and demolition waste (CDW) in urban soils as a factor controlling their diversity

Abstract

Despite the crucial importance of technogenic materials in the urban environment, the influence of construction and demolition waste (CDW) on soil diversity still needs to be recognized. To address this knowledge gap, our study aimed to analyze how CDW can shape urban soil diversity. We propose a comprehensive approach based on a statistical analysis of over 100 profiles from Zielona Góra (western Poland) assigned to four groups distinguished using criteria of the WRB classification (2022). Physicochemical and chemical parameters differentiated the groups, and similarities between groups were determined. High heterogeneity of soil properties of the soils was found, mainly shaped by parameters associated with CDW such as artifact content, pH-H₂O, coarse fragments (ø >2 mm), and total Fe and Co content. However, a completely different picture of the diversity of urban soils was obtained, presenting their internal variation within specific WRB classification units. Moderately and strongly human-transformed soils (Technosols, Regosols, Anthrosols) were characterized by greater similarity than natural soils (Podzols, Arenosols, Gleysols). This increased similarity is likely due to the homogenizing effect of human activities, particularly the significant impact of construction and demolition waste (CDW) on soil characteristics. It also indicates the rationality of WRB classification criteria for soils with different degrees of technogenic transformation and CDW contribution to soil material. This study also demonstrated the usefulness of the Bray-Curtis distance and ANOSIM comparison in the analysis of soil diversity.