I am honoured to have received the SECS 2025 Award for Best PhD Thesis, granted by the Spanish Society of Soil Science (Sociedad Española de la Ciencia del Suelo – SECS), in recognition of my doctoral research entitled “Waste-derived Technosols for the remediation of soils and waters affected by potentially harmful elements”, carried out in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at the Universidad de Granada under the supervision of Dr. Francisco J. Martín Peinado.
The award was announced on World Soil Day (5 December) and highlights the scientific excellence and environmental relevance of a research line focused on developing innovative Technosols from organic and inorganic waste materials originating from industrial, mining, and agricultural activities. These engineered soils were successfully applied to the remediation of degraded soils, the neutralisation of acid mine drainage, and the ecological recovery of environments impacted by potentially toxic elements such as As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, and Zn.
The results demonstrate that waste-derived Technosols represent a robust biotechnological tool capable not only of neutralising soil acidity and reducing contaminant mobility and bioavailability, but also of enhancing soil biological activity and promoting vegetation recovery in metal-polluted areas. One of the emblematic case studies addressed in this research is the Guadiamar Green Corridor, where Technosols proved effective in supporting long-term soil functionality and ecosystem restoration following severe mining-related contamination.
Beyond the personal significance of this recognition, the SECS award reinforces the positioning of both my research and the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at the forefront of ecological restoration, soil pollution mitigation, and circular economy strategies applied to soils. It also strengthens the role of the University of Granada as a national reference in Soil Science and applied environmental research.
This distinction represents not an endpoint, but a strong motivation to continue developing soil-based, nature-inspired solutions for the restoration of degraded environments and the sustainable management of contaminated land.
Antonio Aguilar-Garrido 