Nature-Based Solutions for the Sustainable Management of Urban Soils and Quality of Life Improvements

Slaveya Petrova, Iliana Velcheva, Bogdan Nikolov, Nikola Angelov, Gergana Hristozova, Penka Zaprjanova, Ekaterina Valcheva, Irena Golubinova, Plamen Marinov-Serafimov, Petar Petrov, Veneta Stefanova, Evelina Varbanova, Deyana Georgieva, Violeta Stefanova, Mariyana Marhova, Marinela Tsankova and Ivan Iliev
Additional contact information
Slaveya Petrova: Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Conservation, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Iliana Velcheva: Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Conservation, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Bogdan Nikolov: Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Conservation, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Nikola Angelov: Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Conservation, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Gergana Hristozova: Department of Educational Technologies, Faculty of Physics and Technology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Penka Zaprjanova: Department of Agroecology and Ecosystem Protection, Faculty of Plant Protection and Agroecology, Agricultural University, 12 Mendeleev Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Ekaterina Valcheva: Department of Agroecology and Ecosystem Protection, Faculty of Plant Protection and Agroecology, Agricultural University, 12 Mendeleev Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Irena Golubinova: Agricultural Academy, Institute of Forage Crops, 89 General Vladimir Vazov Str., 5800 Pleven, Bulgaria
Plamen Marinov-Serafimov: Agricultural Academy, Institute of Forage Crops, 89 General Vladimir Vazov Str., 5800 Pleven, Bulgaria
Petar Petrov: Department of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Restoration, Faculty of Ecology and Landscape Architecture, University of Forestry, 10 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria
Veneta Stefanova: Department of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Restoration, Faculty of Ecology and Landscape Architecture, University of Forestry, 10 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria
Evelina Varbanova: Department of Analytical and Computer Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Deyana Georgieva: Department of Analytical and Computer Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Violeta Stefanova: Department of Analytical and Computer Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Mariyana Marhova: Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Marinela Tsankova: Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Ivan Iliev: Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Land, 2022, vol. 11, issue 4, 1-22

Abstract: The rehabilitation and restoration of land-based ecosystems is a key strategy for recovering the services (goods and resources) ecosystems offer to humankind. The use of nature-based solutions (NBSs) to restore degraded soil functions and improve soil quality can be a sustainable and successful strategy to enhance their ecosystem services by working together with the forces of nature and using well-designed measures that require less maintenance, are more cost-effective, and if constructed in the right way may even be more effective over long periods because nature’s forces can increase the structural efficiency. In this study, we aimed to (i) evaluate the bioremediation capacity of some grasses and their suitability for lawn planting in settlements (in residential and non-residential areas, along roads, etc.) and (ii) propose technological solutions for their practical application in an urban environment. Emphasis was placed on the potential of some perennial grasses and their application for the bioremediation of polluted urban soils, including perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.), crested wheatgrass ( Agropyron cristatum L.), tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea Schreb), and bird’s foot trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus L.). A case study from the city of Plovdiv (Bulgaria) is presented, together with an effective technological solution for the establishment of urban lawns and the roadside green buffer patches.

Keywords: phytoremediation; soil pollution; perennial grass; potentially toxic elements; ecosystem services; buffer green patches (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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