Increasing use of synthetic surfaces and synthetic turf is problematic for Several reasons.
Synthetic turf is:
Derived from fossil fuel petrochemical industry
Produces greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing and as it degrades
Increases landfill at end of life
Produces micro-plastic pollution as synthetic turf breaks down
increases urban heat island effect on local residents.
replaces natural grass which allows soil organic carbon sequestration, provides oxygen
reduces soil biota, grass seeds and insects with a trophic impact on local biodiversity primarily birdlife.
compacts the soil increasing stormwater runoff
Toxic Chemical leachates from rubber infill pollute waterways
results in increased lower extremity injuries in elite players
long term human health impacts uncertain, but vertebrate model confirms toxicity to human health of rubber infill leachates
encourages a microbial community structure primarily defined by anthropic contamination
appears to improve water conservation, but the situation is far more complex when life-cycle assessment and irrigation to reduce heat for playability is taken into account
Other issues: increased fire risk, alternative infills, traffic, parking and cycling
This annotated bibliography was developed for the issue of conversion of an existing grass sports fields to synthetic turf in Moreland Municipality, and includes specific policy documents relating to the issue in Moreland. Most of the articles are peer reviewed science studies plus some relevant grey literature on climate. Most articles I have personally read, although for a small number I only had access to the scientific abstract to review. Google Scholar was used for researching this subject, as well as following reference trails from some science papers.
Moreland Council needs to reassess current recommended plans to rollout synthetic surfaces in the municipality with regard to Council policies developed in recent years. These policies include, but are not limited to, the Climate Emergency Framework including the Zero Carbon Moreland 2040 Framework, Waste and Litter Policy (aiming for zero waste to landfill by 2030 and a circular economy), and the Urban Heat Island Action Plan.
I have cast my scientific reading wide to encompass: total life-cycle assessment analysis related to synthetic fields and natural turf; water use and conservation; energy; soil carbon sequestration; greenhouse gas emissions; heat retention and urban heat island effect; microplastics and pollution; impact on biodiversity and plant health; health impacts and sports injuries.
This annotated bibliography was prepared for Climate Action Moreland and is current as at 15 April 2021. Climate Action Moreland has published a submission and reference list as: Synthetic Turf and the Tragedy of the Commons in Moreland. Two other related articles were also published recently on carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, and synthetic turf increasing urban heat island impact:
- Natural grass or Synthetic turf? What are the total life cycle emission profiles
- How will Synthetic turf impact urban heat island and microclimate around Hosken Reserve?
