Soil contamination either through natural or industrial means can render a land useless. In order to bring back life and vitality to the land, owners must utilize soil remediation techniques that will help in cleaning up the soil according to national government standards depending on the type of contamination present.
Contaminants that can be removed through soil remediation:
Asbestos
Asbestos can be found in soils either around buildings, construction or industrial sites, and even homes. Soil contamination may occur due to several reasons such as:
● A Class asbestos removal in Melbourne was not done prior to demolition
● Asbestos-contaminated soil was used as top soil
● Asbestos from pipes, eaves, and roofs are washed down to the soil during heavy rainfalls and cleaning
Asbestos contamination can lead to serious health illness such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and cancer.
Pesticides
The dangerous health effects of pesticides make it one of the most dangerous soil contaminants. Depending on the health of the soil and the amount of contamination, pesticides can bind itself to soil particles for years, forcing plants and crops to absorb harmful chemicals that are transferred to the produce. This type of contamination can also produce leaching, leading to contaminated ground water that can lead to serious health threats.
Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Petroleum hydrocarbons are primary components used for the creation of oil, gasoline, diesel, as well as other solvents and penetrating oils. Soil contamination can occur through leaky oil containers, fuel tanks, and careless handling of oil products. They are also released as industrial waste or as byproducts from commercial or private consumption. Presence of petroleum hydrocarbons can damage the nervous system over prolonged exposure, causing numbness of the feet and legs, and in severe cases, paralysis.
Chlorinated solvents
These chemicals are often used in dry cleaning services as well as for industrial cleaning purposes. Health effects of chlorine depend on how much of the chemical is present. Exposure to small amounts can result in respiratory effects such as asthma, coughing, and chest pain due to water retention in the lungs. Health effects over exposure for long periods are still understudy, although that should not be a cause for complacency.
Soil Remediation Solutions
The course of action for soil remediation will vary depending on the nature and severity of contamination. Soil remediation solutions include:
● Bioremediation
● Chemical Fixation
● Encapsulation
● Soil Capping
● Stabilisation
● Thermal Desorption
● Excavation and Removal
There are other contaminants that can harm the integrity of your soil, which is why inspection and analysis must be done to fully identify the presence of contamination and the severity of the condition. Once inspection and lab tests are concluded, recommended action plans are created to help you recover your land and make it productive once more.
Soil that is cleaned through soil remediation is once again safe for planting, building a business, or creating a wonderful home that would shelter your family for years without causing any health problems. It’s always best to hire experts for soil remediation so that each single contaminant is removed and you can proudly claim and own the safety of your land.
