Geochemically based solutions for urban society: London, a case study

Geochemical data and models can provide a baseline by which to compare changes in the composition of surface waters, groundwater, the atmosphere, soils, and sediments in the coastal megacity of London. The usefulness of geochemical data is dependent on effective communication, which can be challenging. Geochemical tools and approaches can provide evidence to underpin decision making as well as solutions to environmental problems in cities. Geochemists must move beyond simple provision of evidence to describing a solution and then convincing politicians to put this solution into practice.