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Soil contamination is a form of land degradation brought by the spillage, migration, or burying of hazardous contaminants to the soil ecosystem from untreated industrial effluents, manufacturing wastes, local waste, agrochemicals, and other man-made substances or activities. Soil contaminants not only affect the soil but has an adverse effect on animal, plant, and human health as well. Exposure to contaminated soil may come from breathing, swallowing, touching, or ingesting food grown in contaminated lands. Soil contamination usually occurs in urban areas and former industrial and mine sites [1].
Types of soil contaminants
Petroleum hydrocarbons
Contamination of soil from petroleum hydrocarbons is usually brought by crude oil and natural gas. Crude oil is present in lands nearby an oil well or pipelines. For natural gas, contamination typically occurs on urban pipeline system leaks.
Petroleum hydrocarbons cause nitrogen fixation and organic matter formation that has a pronounced effect on microbiological, physical, and chemical properties of soil. Increased organic matter in soil increases its water holding capacity to the point of deflocculation, resulting in loss of structure in soil and making it more prone to erosion [2].
Agrochemicals (pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers)
Agrochemicals or agricultural chemicals are products used in agriculture, and mostly encompass pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, nematicides, and fungicides. It may also refer to hormones and synthetic fertilizers. Storing these chemicals improperly in bulk poses environmental risks in terms of accidental chemical spillage, leaks, or leaching. Pesticides that are sprayed by planes or tractors are often misdirected to other plants and animals, due to different wind patterns.
Overuse of pesticides can damage soil biomass, bacteria, fungi, and earthworms- organisms necessary to balance soil fertility and nutrient element cycle. Pesticides are often a short term solution as pests often develop immunity or resistance to it. Employing integrated pest management strategies are often found to be a better alternative than agrochemicals that causes soil and even groundwater contamination [3,4].
Polycyclic or Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are carcinogenic micropollutant chemicals that are produced during the incomplete burning of organic substances, garbage, or fuels. It may also come from forest fires, volcanic eruptions, and industrial-scale burning of fossil fuels. PAHs are resistant to degradation due to its hydrophobic property and are often difficult to treat.
Soil contamination with PAH poses a toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic risk to human and ecological health more so when it enters the food chain. PAH alters grain size, water holding capacity, and porosity of the contaminated soil. PAH also affects soil properties such as volume, permeability, plasticity, as well as the microbe population and diversity [5,6].
Solvents
Solvents such as halogenated non-polar aromatics, aliphatics, heterocyclics, and other polar organic compounds are found in many cleanup sites as it is used in many commercial and industrial processes as cleaning agents or as a product manufacturing ingredient. Halogenated solvents are mostly used for cleaning and degreasing metal surfaces, adhesive manufacturing, and dry cleaning. Chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene, trichloroethane, methyl chloride, and tetrachloroethylene are four of the widely used solvents. The improper storage, utilization, and disposal of solvents have resulted in soil contamination and groundwater pollution. Solvent contamination makes soil reduce its fertility and nitrogen fixation. Air stripping, carbon adsorption, soil venting, aeration, and bioremediation are options on the method of cleaning chlorinated solvents. [7,8]
Lead
Lead naturally occurs in soil but due to industrial activities and use of leaded products, lead concentrations rise above normal levels. Lead does not degrade over time and high exposure rate to the element leads to serious human health issues, especially in children where correlation on lead exposure and mental impairment and physical development was found apparent. Lead is widely used in the past as an additive in gasoline fuel for its antiknock properties. It is also used in residential painting. A large amount of lead traces can be found in heavy traffic areas [9].
Asbestos
Asbestos is a widely used construction material and is often found in roofing tiles and wall claddings. Asbestos soil pollution often comes from poor demolition practices and disposal management of asbestos cement sheets, fragments and fibres, thermal pipes, and other debris. Exposure to high concentrations of asbestos leads to lung scarring, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Heavy metals
Heavy metal pollution in soils is often found in industrial areas, mining sites, milling plants, as well as metal, paint, and petrochemical plants. They can also come from fertilizers to supplement soil metal content for plant growth. Unlike organic compounds, metals do not degrade chemically or microbially. They persist through time and its accumulation pose health risks on humans and ecological life through ingestion, direct contact, or its introduction to the food chain. Heavy metals also affect the productivity and fertility of the contaminated land resulting in land use and agricultural production problems.
Some heavy metal remediation techniques are available such as soil washing, phytoremediation, and immobilization. Remediating sites with heavy metal content is important in order to ensure the reduction of associated health risks, enhance land productivity and security, and improve over-all agricultural yield [11].
Common Sources of Soil Contaminants in Environmental Remediation
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Soil remediation can indeed be done in situ. This approach allows for the treatment of contaminated soil without excavating it, utilizing techniques such as bioremediation, chemical oxidation, or soil washing to effectively address contaminants on site.
What are the advantages of bioremediation?
The advantages of bioremediation include its cost-effectiveness, environmental safety, and ability to naturally restore contaminated sites using microorganisms, thus minimizing ecological disruption while effectively breaking down hazardous substances.
How does contaminated soil affect human health negatively?
Contaminated soil negatively affects human health by exposing individuals to harmful pollutants, which can lead to serious health issues such as respiratory problems, skin conditions, and increased cancer risk, particularly through direct contact or contamination of water sources.
What are the effects of contaminated soil on plant growth?
The effects of contaminated soil on plant growth are significant. Contaminants can hinder nutrient uptake, cause toxicity, and ultimately lead to stunted growth, reduced yields, and even plant death, negatively impacting overall ecosystem health.
Can soil contamination affect human health?
Soil contamination can indeed affect human health. Exposure to hazardous contaminants in soil can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, skin diseases, and even long-term conditions like cancer, depending on the contaminant type and level of exposure.
How does contaminated soil impact local ecosystems?
Contaminated soil negatively impacts local ecosystems by introducing harmful pollutants that can disrupt plant growth, contaminate water sources, and harm wildlife. This degradation can lead to diminished biodiversity and altered natural processes essential for ecosystem health.
How can soil sampling detect contamination?
Soil sampling can detect contamination by analyzing soil samples for hazardous substances. Through laboratory tests, contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and hydrocarbons are identified, allowing for effective assessment and remediation strategies.
What are the common sources of soil contamination?
The common sources of soil contamination include industrial activities, agricultural practices, improper waste disposal, and leaking underground storage tanks. These contaminants can adversely affect soil quality and pose risks to human health and the environment.
Can soil contamination affect agricultural productivity?
Soil contamination can indeed affect agricultural productivity. Contaminants can hinder plant growth, reduce soil fertility, and contaminate crops, leading to decreased yields and potential health risks for consumers.
What are the main causes of soil contamination?
The main causes of soil contamination include industrial activities, agricultural practices, waste disposal, and accidental spills of hazardous materials. These factors introduce pollutants that degrade soil quality and pose risks to human health and the environment.
What are the signs of soil contamination?
The signs of soil contamination include abnormal plant growth, discoloration of soil, foul odors, and the presence of contaminants like heavy metals or pesticides. These indicators can signal the need for environmental assessment and remediation.
What is the role of microorganisms in soil remediation?
The role of microorganisms in soil remediation is crucial, as they naturally degrade, transform, and immobilize contaminants, thereby restoring soil health and reducing pollution effectively. Their metabolic processes help in breaking down hazardous substances into less harmful byproducts.
What are the risks of contaminated soil to the environment?
The risks of contaminated soil to the environment include the potential for harmful substances to leach into water sources, disrupt ecosystems, and negatively impact human health through the food chain and surrounding habitats.
Can contaminated soil be cleaned or remediated?
Contaminated soil can indeed be cleaned or remediated. Various techniques, such as bioremediation, soil washing, and thermal treatment, effectively remove or neutralize hazardous substances, restoring the land for safe use.
How does soil pH affect contaminant mobility?
Soil pH significantly affects contaminant mobility by influencing the solubility and availability of toxic substances. Lower pH levels can increase the mobility of heavy metals, while higher pH levels may promote the adsorption of contaminants, thus impacting their transport in the environment.
How does soil type affect contamination levels?
Soil type significantly affects contamination levels due to variations in composition, permeability, and retention capacity. For instance, sandy soils may allow contaminants to migrate more easily, while clay soils can trap pollutants, influencing remediation strategies.
How does industrial waste contribute to soil pollution?
Industrial waste contributes to soil pollution by releasing hazardous chemicals and heavy metals into the ground. This contamination can degrade soil quality, harm local ecosystems, and pose health risks to humans and wildlife.
Are there any regulations for contaminated soil disposal?
Regulations for contaminated soil disposal are in place to ensure safe handling, treatment, and disposal of hazardous materials. Compliance with local, state, and federal environmental laws is essential to mitigate risks to public health and the environment.
Can contaminated soil be reused for construction purposes?
Contaminated soil can potentially be reused for construction purposes after undergoing appropriate remediation processes. These processes must address the specific contaminants, ensuring the soil meets safety and regulatory standards.
How does oil spillage contaminate soil?
Oil spillage contaminates soil by introducing harmful hydrocarbons and toxic substances that disrupt soil structure, alter its chemical composition, and harm microorganisms essential for healthy ecosystems, leading to land degradation and environmental hazards.
How do you identify contaminated soil on a property?
Identifying contaminated soil on a property involves assessing historical land use, conducting visual inspections for signs of pollution, and performing soil testing for hazardous substances. Professional environmental consultants can provide a comprehensive analysis and accurate identification.
What are the effects of soil contamination on human health?
The effects of soil contamination on human health include exposure to hazardous substances that can lead to respiratory issues, skin conditions, and long-term diseases such as cancer. Contaminated soil can also affect food sources and water quality, posing further health risks.
What are the causes of contaminated soil in industrial areas?
The causes of contaminated soil in industrial areas include improper waste disposal, chemical spills, leakage of hazardous materials, and industrial accidents. These factors introduce pollutants that degrade soil quality and pose environmental risks.
What are the sources of contaminated soil in residential areas?
The sources of contaminated soil in residential areas include improper disposal of hazardous waste, agricultural chemicals, underground fuel leaks, and historical industrial activities. These contaminants can pose health risks and require proper assessment and remediation.
What role does improper waste disposal play in soil contamination?
Improper waste disposal significantly contributes to soil contamination by allowing hazardous materials to leach into the ground. This not only degrades soil quality but also poses serious risks to human health and the ecosystem.
How does industrial waste affect soil quality?
Industrial waste significantly deteriorates soil quality by introducing harmful contaminants that disrupt soil composition, reduce fertility, and threaten plant growth. This contamination can lead to long-term ecological damage and poses risks to human health.
What are the effects of oil spills on soil?
The effects of oil spills on soil include contamination that disrupts soil structure, harms microorganisms, reduces soil fertility, and poses risks to plant growth and wildlife. Effective remediation is crucial to restore affected areas and mitigate long-term environmental impacts.
Can contaminated soil be remediated?
Contaminated soil can be remediated. Various methods, such as bioremediation, phytoremediation, and excavation, are used to remove or neutralize hazardous substances, allowing the land to be restored for safe use.
What techniques are used for in situ remediation?
The techniques used for in situ remediation include bioremediation, where microorganisms degrade contaminants; chemical oxidation, which involves introducing oxidants to break down pollutants; and phytoremediation, utilizing plants to absorb or stabilize contaminants in the soil.
How do contaminants migrate in soil layers?
Contaminants migrate in soil layers primarily through processes such as adsorption, leaching, and diffusion. These processes enable harmful substances to move vertically and horizontally, impacting groundwater and surface water quality.
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