Unraveling Urban Soil Secrets of Vasileostrovsky Ostrov and Elagin Ostrov
Imagine standing on the picturesque banks of Vasileostrovsky Ostrov, where tourists capture photos of the Neva River and St. Petersburg's majestic architecture. Yet beneath the surface of these urban landscapes lies something far more intriguing—an intricate chemical archive recording decades of urban life.
The soils preserve traces of industrial activities through metallic elements like lead, copper, and mercury that accumulate over time.
Complex molecules from combustion and industrial processes become trapped in soil matrices, creating long-term contamination.
Urban soil science has transformed our understanding of city ecosystems, demonstrating that soil quality directly impacts human health, water quality, and urban biodiversity. In St. Petersburg, where industrial heritage meets modern urban development, scientists are discovering how historical pollution patterns continue to influence soil chemistry today 1 .
Urban soils represent a dramatic departure from their natural counterparts. Unlike the orderly horizons of natural soil profiles, urban soils often feature disturbed layers, introduced materials, and chemical alterations that reflect their human-influenced history. Scientists classify these as SUITMA soils—Soils of Urban, Industrial, Traffic, Mining, and Military Areas—acknowledging their unique formation processes and characteristics 3 .
Comparison of natural vs. urban soil characteristics
In St. Petersburg specifically, the alluvial soils of the islands present an interesting case study. These riverside soils naturally undergo periodic flooding and sediment deposition, but in urban environments, this process incorporates anthropogenic pollutants 4 . The soil becomes a sink for contaminants, with potential implications for the adjacent Neva River and Gulf of Finland ecosystems 1 .
Comprehensive research on St. Petersburg's urban soils reveals distinct spatial patterns of contamination. A 2021 study examining 96 topsoil samples across the city identified concerning levels of seven key risky metals—arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and mercury (Hg)—along with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) 1 .
| Metal | Typical Concentration Range | Primary Sources | Health Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest among measured metals | Industrial processes, building materials | Liver damage, neurological effects | |
| Elevated in city center | Historical fuel additives, industrial sources | Developmental issues, neurological damage | |
| Moderate concentrations | Pesticides, industrial processes | Cancer, skin lesions | |
| Variable levels | Metal coatings, rubber tires | Immune system suppression | |
| Elevated in hotspots | Industrial processes, coal combustion | Neurological and developmental toxicity | |
| Lowest among measured metals | Batteries, pigments | Kidney damage, bone fragility |
Another concerning finding involves polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), complex organic compounds formed during incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and organic matter. These compounds, including the particularly dangerous benzo(a)pyrene, were found at levels up to 34 times the maximum permissible concentrations in some locations 4 . PAHs represent a significant health concern due to their carcinogenic properties and environmental persistence.
To understand the specific contamination status of Vasileostrovsky Ostrov and Elagin Ostrov, let's examine a detailed study focused on the alluvial soils of St. Petersburg's islands. Published in 2020, this research combined chemical analysis with ecotoxicological assessment to create a comprehensive picture of soil health in these sensitive riverside environments 4 .
Scientists collected samples from various locations across Vasileostrovsky Ostrov and other alluvial areas, targeting both recreational parks and zones with potential industrial influence.
Researchers first conducted morphological descriptions of soil profiles and measured basic physical parameters including texture, structure, and color.
The team analyzed samples for priority toxicants using standardized methods including atomic absorption spectrometry, chromatography, and infrared spectrometry.
of studied soils exceeded permissible concentrations for heavy metals
maximum permissible concentrations of PAHs in some locations
The findings painted a concerning picture of soil health in these alluvial environments. Approximately 35% of studied soils exceeded permissible concentrations for heavy metals, with particular hotspots showing alarmingly high levels 4 .
| Parameter | Finding | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Metal Pollution | 35% of samples exceeded permissible limits | Indicates significant anthropogenic impact |
| PAH Contamination | Up to 34x maximum permissible concentrations | Suggests substantial combustion-derived pollution |
| Lead Distribution | Highest in city center and industrial areas | Reflects historical industrial and traffic patterns |
| Microbiological Quality | Pathogens within acceptable limits | Contrasts with chemical contamination pattern |
| Spatial Pattern | High heterogeneity across short distances | Supports need for hyper-local assessment |
Investigating urban soils requires specialized approaches and equipment. Modern urban soil scientists employ an array of sophisticated tools to decode the complex chemistry beneath our cities:
Spatial analysis and mapping for creating interactive pollution maps showing metal distribution 1 .
Quantifying metal concentrations by measuring precise levels of heavy metals in soil samples 4 .
Separating complex organic mixtures to identify specific PAH compounds like benzo(a)pyrene 4 .
Assessing contaminant transfer from soil to plants under controlled conditions 2 .
Predicting soil properties across urban landscapes using environmental covariates 5 .
Detecting pathogenic organisms to assess sanitary conditions of urban soils 4 .
Recent technological advances have significantly enhanced urban soil research. For example, machine learning approaches combined with remote sensing data have proven particularly effective for predicting soil properties like pH across urban landscapes 5 . One St. Petersburg study demonstrated that vegetation indices from satellite imagery served as the most important predictors of soil pH, enabling researchers to create detailed digital maps of soil chemistry 5 .
The RHIZOtest method, standardized as NF EN ISO 16198, represents another innovative approach. This laboratory biotest assesses contaminant transfer from soil to plants under controlled conditions, providing crucial data about potential food chain contamination—a particular concern for urban agriculture projects 2 .
Addressing urban soil contamination requires innovative approaches that acknowledge both the environmental and social dimensions of the problem. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) offer promising strategies for improving urban soil quality while delivering multiple ecological benefits .
Parks, urban forests, green roofs, and wetlands can enhance soil quality through increased organic matter, improved microbial activity, and reduced erosion. Studies demonstrate that well-designed green infrastructure enhances soil carbon sequestration, supports biodiversity, and helps break down certain pollutants through natural processes .
This approach uses plants (phytoremediation) or microorganisms (microbial remediation) to detoxify contaminated soils. Certain plant species can absorb and concentrate heavy metals, while specialized bacteria and fungi can break down organic pollutants like petroleum products and PAHs .
The future of urban soil management in St. Petersburg and other historic cities likely involves integrated strategies that combine scientific assessment with targeted interventions. The PHYSALIS project, launched in 2025 with co-funding from ADEME, aims to develop better tools for assessing health risks associated with growing crops on contaminated urban soils 2 . Such initiatives reflect a growing recognition that understanding urban soil chemistry is not merely an academic exercise but a crucial component of sustainable urban planning.
The soils of Vasileostrovsky Ostrov and Elagin Ostrov represent more than mere dirt—they are dynamic, living systems that record urban history in their chemical signature while supporting the city's ecological future. Research reveals that these urban landscapes carry a legacy of contamination that demands attention, but also demonstrates remarkable resilience and potential for recovery.
As scientists continue to decode the complex chemistry of urban soils, cities like St. Petersburg face both challenges and opportunities in managing these crucial resources. The emerging science of urban pedology—soil science—provides the insights needed to transform contaminated wastelands into healthy foundations for sustainable cities.
What we learn from St. Petersburg's islands applies to urban landscapes worldwide: understanding the chemistry beneath our feet is the first step toward building healthier, more sustainable cities for future generations. The hidden world of urban soils, once ignored and overlooked, is finally receiving the scientific attention it deserves as we recognize that the health of our cities begins with the health of our soils.