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Publication Date

Fall 2025

Degree Type

Thesis - Campus Access Only

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Environmental Studies

Advisor

Rachel O'Malley; Cleber Costa Ouverney; Sutapa Biswas

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 (natural grass) 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, with samples from seven natural grass 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 natural grass. The identities of the top 30 bacterial genera differed between the two turf types, and natural grass supported more diverse and ecologically beneficial bacteria, while AT had greater abundances of potential pathogens. By changing the urban microbiome, and concentrating pathogens in conjunction with previously-known chemical and heat-retaining properties, artificial turf may reduce ecosystem services and heighten health risks, especially for vulnerable groups, athletes and low-income communities.

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