Microbial response to Nature-Based Solutions in urban soils: A comprehensive analysis using Biolog® EcoPlates

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 928; p. 172360
• Main Authors: Urbaniak, Magdalena, Mierzejewska-Sinner, Elżbieta, Bednarek, Agnieszka, Krauze, Kinga, Włodarczyk-Marciniak, Renata
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 10.06.2024
• Subjects: Biodiversity; Cities; Environmental Monitoring - methods; Microbiota; Soil - chemistry; Soil functional diversity; Soil health; Soil Microbiology; Urban habitat restoration; Urban NBS; Soil functional diversity; Urban NBS; Urban habitat restoration; Soil health
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172360

The study presents a comprehensive examination of changes in soil microbial functional diversity (hereafter called microbial activity) following the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in urban areas. Utilizing the Biolog® EcoPlates™ technique, the study explored variations in microbial diversity in urban soil under NBSs implementation across timespan of two years. Significant differences in microbial activity were observed between control location and those with NBS implementations, with seasonal variations playing a crucial role. NBS positively impacted soil microbial activity especially at two locations: infiltration basin and wild flower meadow showing the most substantial increase after NBS implementation. The study links rainfall levels to microbial functional diversity, highlighting the influence of climatic conditions on soil microbiome. The research investigates also the utilization of different carbon sources by soil microorganisms, shedding light on the specificity of substrate utilization across seasons and locations. The results demonstrate that NBSs implementations lead to changes in substrate utilization patterns, emphasizing the positive influence of NBS on soil microbial communities. Likewise, biodiversity indices, such as Shannon-Weaver diversity (H′), Shannon Evenness Index (E), and substrate richness index (S), exhibit significant variations in response to NBS. Notably, NBS implementation positively impacted H′ and E indexes, especially in infiltration basin and wild flower meadow, underlining the benefits of NBS for enhancing microbial diversity. The obtained results demonstrated valuable insight into the dynamic interactions between NBS implementation and soil microbial activity. The findings underscore the potential of NBS to positively influence soil microbial diversity in urban environments, contributing to urban sustainability and soil health. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring soil microbial activity to assess the effectiveness of NBS interventions and guides sustainable urban development practices. [Display omitted] •NBSs positively influenced microbial activity despite lower rainfall and drought conditions.•Infiltration basins and wildflower meadows show significant microbial diversity improvement.•Certain NBSs may not benefit soil microbial diversity due to specific construction materials.•Findings emphasize NBS significance for urban sustainability and soil health.