Participatory science in action: Transforming urban soil research

Anna Paltseva, PhD, is an urban soil scientist committed to improving soil health in city environments through research and community collaboration. Her work in New York City and Lafayette, Louisiana, demonstrates the power of participatory science to address urban soil contamination and promote environmental justice. Now, at Purdue University, Anna aims to expand these efforts, using tools like her Urban Soil Guide and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer to empower communities, increase awareness, and build resilient urban soil practices. This Backstory emphasizes the need for accessible, community-driven approaches to manage soil contamination in diverse urban settings.