Revitalization of phytotoxic soils using cyanobacteria and algae

Revitalization of phytotoxic soils using cyanobacteria and algae

The goal of the project is to design and apply innovative biotechnology for revitalizing phytotoxic soils (e.g. coal mining dumps) based on the use of specific cyanobacteria and microscopic algae, or their consortia. When selecting the strains, emphasis will be placed on natural extremotolerant representatives. The selected strains will be applied in the locality of interest, where they will form a biocrust and thereby improve the physical, chemical and biological quality of the soil. It will also serve to retain water in the landscape, thereby enabling further settlement and revitalization of the originally phytotoxic soil. These resistant strains growing on soil will also be able to grow in water, and therefore they will be used for remediation of waste water and water habitats.

Thematic areas

Tackling pollution and restoration

Project contribution to Mission Soil’s:

Specific objectives

  • 1. Reduce land degradation relating to desertification
    Not targeted
  • 2. Conserve and increase soil organic carbon stocks
    Not targeted
  • 3. No net soil sealing and increase the reuse of urban soils
    Not targeted
  • 4. Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration
    Targeted
  • 5. Prevent erosion
    Not targeted
  • 6. Improve soil structure to enhance habitat quality for soil biota and crops
    Not targeted
  • 7. Reduce the EU global footprint on soils
    Not targeted
  • 8. Increase soil literacy in society across Member States
    Not targeted

Operational objectives

  • 1. Build capacities and the knowledge base for soil stewardship
    Not targeted
  • 2. Co-create and upscale place-based innovations to improve soil health in all places
    Not targeted
  • 3. Develop an integrated EU soil monitoring system and track progress towards soil health
    Partially targeted
  • 4. Engage with the soil user community and society at large
    Not targeted

Innovation hotspots

  • 1. Carbon farming
    Not targeted
  • 2. Soil pollution and restoration
    Targeted
  • 3. Soil biodiversity including the microbiome
    Not targeted
  • 4. Circular economy solutions
    Not targeted

Cross-cutting dimensions

  • 1. Business
    Not targeted
  • 2. Digital
    Not targeted
  • 3. Territorial
    Not targeted
  • 4. International
    Not targeted

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