Contaminant Transport in Urban Environments
Contaminant Transport in Urban Environments
By 2030, approximately 9% of the world’s population is expected to reside in megacities (World Economic Forum), while only 2% of global farming will occur in urban areas (Bren d’Amour et al., 2016). Urban gardens are increasingly important for enhancing food security, reducing carbon footprints, promoting socio-economic growth, and supporting both physical and mental well-being. With the global urban farming market projected to grow at a CAGR of ~7.88%, reaching an estimated $290 billion by 2032, urban gardens are poised to play a crucial role in sustaining urban life both now and in the future.
Beyond the Laboratory
By 2030, approximately 9% of the global population is projected to live in megacities (World Economic Forum), while urban agriculture is expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting sustainable food systems (Bren d'Amour et al., 2016). Beyond improving food accessibility, urban gardens contribute to reduced transportation-related emissions, stronger local economies, community development, and improved physical and mental well-being. As the global urban farming market continues to expand, projected to reach nearly $290 billion by 2032 with an estimated CAGR of ~7.88%, urban agriculture is emerging not only as an environmental necessity, but also as a growing economic opportunity capable of reshaping how cities produce, distribute, and consume food.
Despite these benefits, urban gardens are particularly vulnerable to environmental contamination, especially in areas located near Superfund sites and other legacy pollution sources. My research investigates the distribution and transport of carcinogenic heavy metals and microplastics within urban agricultural systems and evaluates their potential implications for human health. As part of this work, I am developing a health index framework that categorizes urban gardens based on contamination profiles, including the presence and diversity of heavy metals and microplastics. This research aims to inform future approaches for contamination mitigation and remediation while improving the safety, productivity, resilience, and long-term sustainability of urban agricultural systems.
