Harmonizing soil pollution data and knowledge in Europe : a collaborative effort towards achieving healthy soils by 2050

Soil pollution is a significant environmental issue in Europe, driven by various factors such as industrial activity, urban areas, transport sector, agriculture, and hazards and military activities. Comprehensive, EU-wide large-scale assessments of soil pollution are scarce, and most data at the EU scale originate from the LUCAS topsoil surveys. The impacts of soil pollution in Europe are multifaceted and far-reaching, posing significant challenges to environmental sustainability, public health, and socioeconomic well-being. A comprehensive approach to harmonization and standardization of soil pollution data is essential for effective policy-making, decision-support, and sustainable land management. To support this effort, a specific soil dataset template has been proposed to provide a comprehensive framework for assessing soil contamination and health, encompassing various aspects of soil evaluation. The European Soil Observatory (EUSO) and the CEN/TC 444 technical committee are working to develop standards for soil quality and pollution monitoring. This document presents the outcomes of several projects on soil pollution, including the SoilWise, ISLANDR, EDAPHOS, ARAGORN, and BENCHMARKS projects, which aim to develop innovative solutions for soil pollution monitoring and remediation. The document concludes that data harmonization and standardization are crucial for effective soil pollution management and that a comprehensive approach is needed to address the complex issue of soil pollution in Europe.