A critical physical geography of urban soil contamination

摘要: Abstract Anthropogenic lead (Pb) is ubiquitous in urban soils given its widespread deposition over the course of 19th and 20th centuries from a range point- non-point sources, including industrial waste pollution, leaded paint, automobile exhaust. While soil scientists ecologists have documented Pb contamination cities around world, such analyses usually focus on proximal mechanisms but rarely consider more distal factors, notably social processes mediating accumulation particular places. In this paper, I articulate critical physical geography that considers dialectical co-production processes. Using flatlands Oakland, California as an empirical case, integrate conventional quantitative geochemical mapping with theory qualitative methods regularly employed political ecology to explain various spatio-temporal bifurcated city into hills, topography much it physical, one fundamental differentiated concentrations their disproportionate impact low-income people color. demonstrate how understanding through lens metabolism – attention materiality socio-natural hybrids emerging capitalist urbanization can complement analyses, while contributing “material politics place” support struggles for environmental justice.