Kinsara GargToday@1:30 WSQ111 - ARTIFICIAL TURF & THE URBAN MICROBIOME - Thesis defense

[Rachel E. O'Malley]

Environmental Studies at San José State University is pleased to present a public Master of Science Thesis Defense

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

1:30 – 2:45 PM

In person: Washington Square Hall 111

or via Zoom https://shorturl.at/m4Rmy Password: 616407

Kinsara Garg, M.S. Candidate 

Environmental Studies, San José State University

Hidden costs of artificial turf for the urban microbiome: Implications for environmental equity in Santa Clara County.

 Abstract: Since the 1970’s, artificial turf (AT) has gained and lost popularity as an inexpensive, water-efficient and low-maintenance alternative to natural grass (NG) in urban schools and sports fields. This shift has raised concerns, however, about implications of off-gassing, urban heat islands, and injuries for childrens’ health, especially in less-wealthy communities, leading to potential environmental injustice. In recent years, the urban microbiome has increasingly come to be seen as an important indicator of ecological and human health.  Very few studies have examined the effects of natural versus artificial turf on the urban microbiome across the globe. This study examines the urban bacterial microbiomes of AT versus NG in Santa Clara County, CA schools.  Bacterial samples were collected from seven NG fields (soil) and seven AT turf fields (substrate). Bacterial genera and species in samples were identified using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing via Illumina MiSeq platform and the microbiomes of the two turf types were contrasted using PCA, Shannon’s diversity index, and t-tests. PCA showed the AT microbiome to be quite different from that of NG, and the identities of the top 30 bacterial genera differed between the two turf types. Natural grass supported greater microbiome diversity and significantly more ecologically beneficial microbes supporting organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling and overall soil health. while AT had more abundances of potential pathogens. These findings suggest that artificial turf may change the urban microbiome in ways that reduce ecosystem services and concentrate human bacteria, thus amplifying health concerns for children, immunocompromised individuals, and athletes in conjunction with previously-known chemical and heat-retaining properties. These impacts could disproportionately affect low-income residents, unless planners integrate microbiome ecology and public health considerations into urban environmental justice decision making.                      

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