Innovative soil reclamation methods in the context of food security

Abstract

Soil contamination by heavy metals poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity and food security, requiring effective remediation technologies. Despite growing interest in innovative soil restoration methods, their economic efficiency and comparative effectiveness remain insufficiently studied. This research aims to assess the environmental and economic performance of three innovative soil remediation methods (phytoremediation, bioremediation and chemical stabilization) under the conditions of the Kyiv Region, Ukraine. Results and conclusions. The study was based on experimental data from three 1-hectare agricultural sites monitored between 2023 and 2024. Chemical stabilization proved the most effective method for restoring acid-base balance, achieving a pH increase of +57.8 % (from 4.5 to 7.1) over 12 months, while phytoremediation showed the least effect (+15.6 %). For increasing soil organic carbon content, bioremediation demonstrated the best results (+28 %), whereas chemical stabilization provided only +10 %. Regarding heavy metal reduction, chemical stabilization was the most efficient, reducing cadmium by 45 % and lead by 50 %, while phytoremediation showed the lowest performance (cadmium:-18 %, lead:-22 %). From an economic perspective, bioremediation was the most advantageous method, generating a positive net profit (3,250 UAH/ha) and achieving a return on investment of 24.1 %, indicating full cost recovery within one year. Phytoremediation resulted in a negative net profit (-1,400 UAH/ha) and ROI of-10.6 %, while chemical stabilization yielded a minimal profit (200 UAH/ha) with ROI of only 1.45 %. The findings indicate that these unique soil remediation approaches were economically viable and constitute a promising agricultural soil restoration strategy in Ukraine. Bioremediation ensures an optimum balance between environmental effectiveness and economic profitability, whereas chemical stabilization guarantees the biggest reduction of heavy metals contamination.