What Are the most common contaminants found in soil?
Soil contamination usually occurs when hazardous substances are spilt into it, it not only affects the soil but has a knock on effect for animals, plants and human health as well. Contamination can occur by a number of reasons such as agricultural works, industrial developments and even demolition work and if left untreated if can have a wider reacher impact when the land is redeveloped. The most common areas In which contamination occurs are urban areas and former industrial and mining sites. Other common causes of contamination are man made substances such as local waste, manufactured waste, or the burying hazardous chemicals.
7 Most Common Soil Contaminants
Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination is usually caused by crude oil and natural gasses. Crude oil contamination usually occurs on urban pipeline system leaks. And crude oil contamination usually occurs near oil wells or pipelines. 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.
Agrochemicals (pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers)
The most common causes of agrochemicals are pesticides, fertilisers, herbicides, nematicides, and fungicides. They are commonly sprayed by tractors and planes , and often cause contamination because they are sprayed loosely and hit plants and wildlife that they are not meant to. Using too much or overusing pesticides can easily cause damage to soils, biomass, bacteria and earthworm organisms. Pesticides are usually used by farmers as short term pest solutions but over time they develop a resistant to it. Over recent years integrated pest management has become a healthier solution, it helps avoid soil and groundwater contamination.
Polycyclic or Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)
Polycyclic or Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) usually occur when the burning of products such as fuel, garbage and organic substances is incomplete; this then generates micro-pollutant chemicals. It can also generate from forest fires, volcanic eruptions and huge scale burning of fossil fuels. Because of its high hydrophobic property it is almost impossible to treat. PAH contaminated soil poses a high risk to humans and ecological health especially when it enters through the food chain.
Solvents
Solvents are often found in clean up sites and are commonly found on commercial and industrial properties. Environmental Remediation and the most common soil contaminants. Halogenated solvents are mostly used for cleaning and degreasing metal surfaces , adhesive production and dry cleaning. Should you dispose, store or utilise solvents the improper way land and groundwater pollution can occur.
Lead
Lead appears naturally in soil but due to overuse in the industrial sector and overuse of lead products the levels rise above what we consider normal. Lead does not disperse naturally so over time high exposure rates lead to ill health in humans especially children. Large amounts of lead traces are usually found in high traffic areas and are used as an additive in gasoline and used in residential painting.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a popular construction material often found in roofing tiles and wall cladding. Asbestos soil contamination usually occurs when materials aren’t disposed of properly or incorrect demolition procedures. Exposure to asbestos soil contamination can lead to lung cancer, lung scarring and mesothelioma.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metal soil contamination usually occurs in industrial areas, mining sites, metal, paint and petrochemical plants. The common ways contamination occurs is human contact, digestion, direct contact or introduction through the food chain.
how do you deal with soil contamination?
If you suspect your soil to be contaminated, then you will need to have it checked and test. Geotechnical testing can be carried out as part of a wide range of ground investigation services such as desk studies, site investigation, remediation and validation. Understanding the contaminants in your soil, allows you to plan for the best way to deal with them, environmental remediation is usually the best option, which involves removing the contaminants from the land and then having the ground re-verified or validated to ensure it is now free of contaminants. For more information or to book soil testing with us, simple call our team at Solmek or drop us an email and we'll get back to you, as soon as we can.