Amsterdam, Nethlerlands - Soils in Amsterdam are largely polluted. According to soil zone maps of the city, Noord has several sites with industrial soils, classified as very contaminated. Some are even Zone 7, counting as severely contaminated.

 

In Noord, contamination with zinc, nickel and copper mostly traces back to industrial activities. But lead contamination, which is also a major issue in Amsterdam, is mostly an issue around the ring road from leaded fuel combustion and in post-war neighbourhoods where lead paint was still used.

 

Remediating this soil by simply replacing the polluted soil with new soil, is a costly intervention. Luckily, there are other methods for soil regeneration. For example, the former industrial shipyard De Ceuvel uses phytoremediation of soils, which involves the introduction of certain crops and plants that naturally clean the polluted soil. This space for experimentation is well appreciated by the city government, also due to its further sustainability goals and community work. Yet, De Ceuvel is facing closure due to the ending temporary rental contract and the need for new-built housing in the area.