Grangegorman Community Garden - Living Lab soil health update
Earlier this year, a TU Dublin student of Analytical Chemistry tested the soil in the Grangegorman Community Garden and revealed elevated levels of lead. In response to this discovery, gardening activity ceased at the site, and a consultant was engaged to carry out further testing using an accredited laboratory.
Soil and leaf tissue samples from the Grangegorman Community Garden area were gathered and tested. The test report confirmed elevated levels of metallic elements in the samples gathered.
The test results for soil confirmed raised levels of zinc in some plots, high levels of lead and mercury in all plots, and raised levels of copper in all plots. Leaf tissue results indicated high levels of chromium, lead, and arsenic. The latter two elements were noted as being of concern as they pose a risk to humans, and in particular to children, if ingested.
These elements occur naturally in the environment and for this reason can also occur in food. As exposure to elevated levels should be avoided, gardening activity will not recommence in 2024, and actions will continue to remove food grown in the area tested.
TU Dublin is in discussion with Grangegorman Development Agency (GDA) to explore how gardening activity can continue at Grangegorman, and the GDA are undertaking further testing and assessments of the existing results. Further updates will be shared to the TU Dublin Community as information emerges.