Pedosphere 36(5): 1073--1088, 2026
ISSN 1002-0160/CN 32-1315/P
©2026 Soil Science Society of China
Published by Elsevier B.V. and Science Press
| Enhancing microbial diversity and vegetation recovery of polluted soils by constructed Technosols |
Antonio AGUILAR-GARRIDO1 , Jessica PURSWANI2,3, Ana ROMERO-FREIRE1, Francisco José MARTÍN-PEINADO1, Clementina POZO2,3, Manuel SIERRA-ARAGÓN1 |
1 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Av. de Fuente Nueva s/n, Granada 18071 (Spain);
2 Institute of Water Research, University of Granada, C/Ramón y Cajal, 4, Granada 18071 (Spain);
3 Department of Microbiology, University of Granada, Av. de Fuente Nueva s/n, Granada 18071 (Spain) |
| Corresponding Author:Antonio AGUILAR-GARRIDO |
| ABSTRACT |
| The remediation of soils polluted by potentially harmful elements (PHEs) remains a major environmental challenge, particularly in degraded mining areas where soil functions, biodiversity, and vegetation establishment are severely impaired. In this context, the development of sustainable remediation strategies that combine pollutant immobilization with ecosystem restoration is of increasing interest. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of two constructed Technosols in the in situ remediation of PTE-polluted soils through analyzing changes in soil physicochemical properties and biological processes, as well as vegetation recovery. Both Technosols were mixtures of the mentioned PHE-polluted soil and two mining wastes, iron oxyhydroxide-rich sludge and marble cutting and polishing sludge: one including an agro-industrial waste (composted solid olive-mill byproduct) (TO) and the other incorporating an urban waste (vermicompost from pruning and gardening) (TV). After one year of surface application of Technosols on the polluted soils under field conditions, both Technosols and the underlying polluted soils were analyzed for soil properties, soluble PHE contents, soil enzyme activities, soil microbial composition and diversity, and the recovery of indigenous vegetation. Both constructed Technosols effectively remediated the polluted soils by neutralizing acidity, increasing organic carbon content, and reducing the mobility of most PHEs, which stimulated soil enzyme activities and enhanced microbial diversity, particularly plant growth-promoting microorganisms. Consequently, a diverse native vegetation cover was successfully established with variations depending on the organic amendment applied. Long-term studies are needed to assess the recovery of biological properties in both constructed Technosols and underlying polluted soils. This should include evaluating the effects of different organic amendments, along with changes in the richness and diversity of plants and soil microorganisms. |
| Key Words: degraded mining area,iron oxyhydroxide,organic waste,plant growth-promoting microorganisms,potentially harmful element,soil enzyme,waste valorization |
| Citation: Aguilar-Garrido A, Purswani J, Romero-Freire A, Martín-Peinado F J, Pozo C, Sierra-Aragón M. 2026. Enhancing microbial diversity and vegetation recovery of polluted soils by constructed Technosols. Pedosphere. 36(5): 1073-1088. |
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