Merging LCA and Ecosystem Services to assess the sustainability of phytoremediation in urban settings

In urban centres, many ex-industrial sites are abandoned (brownfields), stimulating active discussion on challenges and opportunities for reclamation and redevelopment of these areas. One reason for the lack of intervention is the high cost for conventional remediation techniques, which are also associated with important environmental disservices (i.e., secondary pollution)1. Gentle Remediation Options, including phytoremediation for urban brownfields, may promote urban renewal, while reducing pressure on surrounding greenfield areas. Despite the ecological and economic potential, due to some evident constraints (e.g., long operational time frame, plants tolerance to pollution) phytoremediation is still rarely applied on a large-scale. However, when properly managed, phytoremediation may provide multiple benefits in the form of Ecosystem Services (ES), such as soil and air quality regulation, biomass supply, or biodiversity conservation2. Unfortunately, the assessment of ES related to phytoremediation is incomplete and further research is needed. Tools like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which provides data about the impacts of productions and services, cover the ES assessment only partially3. The aim of the project is to assess different phytoremediation techniques and the related ES using a life cycle approach. This will highlight the best solutions to provide ES of interest for a specific area, with emphasis on soil remediation and biodiversity conservation. In addition, frameworks will be developed to support the fulfilment of guidelines on phytoremediation in urban areas, highlighting benefits and drawbacks of each possibility to the stakeholders. The goal would be the efficient redevelopment of brownfields, endorsing policies for a sustainable management of these abandoned lands.