Trace Element Contaminants in Urban Soil Environments: Does the public need to be concerned about eating food containing potentially toxic levels of trace elements produced in urban agricultural systems? Answering this question is the premise of this presentation. The focus will mostly be on lead (Pb) and arsenic (As), EPA’s two priority trace element pollutants, and will discuss how to identify potentially contaminated soils, recommended soil tests, and strategies to mitigate trace element contamination of urban soils.

Paul Grossl, Soil Chemist: Paul Grossl is a Professor of Biogeochemistry in the Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate at Utah State University. Currently, he teaches Introductory Soil Science, Soil Conservation and Management, and Urban Soil Management in both face-to-face and online formats. His research involves issues related to soil health, particularly sustainability of arid land systems, and natural attenuation of trace metal contaminated soils.