What is Soil Contamination?
Soil contamination is another term used for soil pollution, which takes place when man-made chemicals and alterations affect the natural environment of the soil. Industrial activities, agricultural chemicals, or improper waste disposal are major contributors to soil contamination, and these can be easily managed with the help of some tips to develop an efficient waste management plan. The contaminants that affect the health of the soil include petroleum and hydrocarbons. Solvents, pesticides, lead and other heavy metals.
The infiltration of soil or groundwater due to liquid or solid waste, resulting in chemical or microbial disruptions, is known as soil contamination. Some chemicals that can highly affect the soil health due to industrial activities include:
PFAS
Pesticides
Nitrates
Lead paint
Asbestos
The soil can be prevented from contaminants by getting rid of all types of waste with Brissybins.
Why is it Essential to Check Soil Contamination Before Disposal?
Builders and developers deal with large amounts of excavated soil every day. However, there are various reasons why it is essential to check the soil contamination before disposal.
Safety Check: Unchecked soils can lead to hazards. Various contaminants are often present inside the are extremely dangerous such as gases which might ignite fire. Several other contaminants can pose health risks to some people if they are exposed to them for a long time.
Repurposing Land: Reusing land that was once a factory site and now is going to be a home for a family is normal. However, the soil on the land can be contaminated with hazardous pollutants that should be checked before the construction begins. You need to ensure that the ground is not contaminated and will not affect your health in any way. However, make sure to avoid overfilling your bins as you get rid of the contaminated soil or recycle renovation waste.
Contaminants on the Move: The problem with contaminants is that they can move from one place to another, spreading their negative effect on the soil. They can pass through the soil into the underground water paths and also reach to the crops, destroying a wider ecosystem. Not just these, these pollutants can even end up from land to water sources like lakes or rivers.
Step to Work if Your Soil is Contaminated
Step 1: Visual Inspection
Identify any unusual textures, colours or odours in the soil. Oil sheens or unusual debris present in the soil could be an indicator of contamination.
Step 2: Family History
Unfold the history of the site through investigation. If the previous use of land was for industrial activities or waste disposal then the soil may be contaminated.
Step 3: Soil Testing
Before repurposing the soil, gather its sample to evaluate its heath at a certified laboratory. The laboratory will perform various tests to provide a detailed report of the soil’s health, enabling you to determine the next step.
Step 4: Interpretation of Results
Contact an environmental specialist who can interpret the results of the tests to help you thoroughly understand the condition of the soil and the environmental risks it may possess.
Step 5: Remediation Plan
If the results of the test come out positive for the contamination, create a remediation plan. The plan leads to the removal or treatment of contaminated soil to manage the level of contaminants.
Follow these steps and protect the environment as well as your health from being contaminated.
