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Soil Remediation Services for Polluted Soil and Its Effects
April 29, 2024

Soil Remediation Services for Polluted Soil and Its Effects

Soil is the crucial foundation of agriculture as it is responsible for crops for humans, and animal food depends on soil as well. With soil pollution increasing, it is vital to look after your soil and know when to call in soil remediation services, like West Coast Tank Recovery in British Columbia. In addition to losing the food that soil provides for humans and animals, soil pollution can have adverse effects on humans and the environment if not taken care of immediately and properly.

How Does Soil Become Polluted?

Soil is made up of organic and inorganic materials, gases, and liquids that help nourish plant and animal life. Due to the increase of harmful man-made chemicals, like pesticides, radioactive materials, and toxic materials in our environment, soil can become polluted and go on to harm plants and animals, affecting growth and health. Soil becomes contaminated due to various factors, some of which include:

  • Application of fertilizer
  • Dumping oil and fuel
  • Dumping of waste and landfill
  • Leakage from industrial waste into the soil
  • Excessive use of pesticides and herbicides
  • Land mining which releases mercury, arsenic, and sulphuric acid into the soil
  • Contaminated water being absorbed by the soil

The Effects of Soil Pollution on The Ecosystem and Human Health

Health Issues in Humans

Due to the harmful release of chemicals into the soil, individuals who are exposed to this soil may develop cancer in the longer run, compared to individuals who aren’t exposed. This is because the soil contaminants release carcinogens that are cancer-causing agents. Additional health problems that may occur due to polluted soil exposure are headaches, nausea, skin and eye irritation, and dysfunction of the central nervous system. In case of exposure to mercury which comes from mining, side effects may include damage or loss of function of the kidney or liver. In addition, metals like mercury may also cause stunted development in children and harm children’s brains during growth which may result in neurological problems.

Harming the Food Chain

Since many animals and plants rely on clean soil for food, consumption of contaminated soil may disrupt the food chain. Since polluted soil negatively affects the metabolism, smaller organisms that consume the harmful chemicals from contaminants released into the soil may go on to affect larger organisms that consume the smaller ones. This can result in increased death or mortality and may even lead to the extinction of many organisms.

While the harms of polluted soil affect agriculture, industries, urban areas, and the environment, soil remediation services may help combat these issues. Soil remediation services include studying the soil within the site, testing it for contaminants, and effectively cleaning it. Once an investigation has been carried out, and the nature and level of contamination have been determined, specialists may offer varying remediation procedures as per the city’s regulation laws. Eventually, soil remediation services aim to prevent an increase in soil pollution which can reduce the harm to the environment and organism health.

If you suspect your soil may be contaminated and is at risk, reach out to us here at West Coast Tank Recovery to take care of your soil-related needs. You may contact our experienced team to inquire about our services or let us help answer any questions you may have regarding soil pollution and how to combat it together.