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Soil pH is a key factor in determining the health and safety of soil. It influences everything from plant growth to the breakdown of chemicals and the movement of contaminants. Too high or too low a soil pH will disrupt the success of any remediation effort. That is why, as a professional in contaminated soil remediation, we prioritize soil pH as one of the first steps in every cleanup process.
Let’s explore why soil pH is important and how companies like ours help restore balance to the earth through remediation.
Soil pH indicates whether or not the soil is acidic or alkaline. It’s scored on a 0-14 scale. A pH of 7 is neutral. Below 7, the soil is acidic. Above 7, it’s alkaline.
The majority of plants and earthworms prefer a pH level of between 6 and 7.5. But when soil gets contaminated—perhaps from seeping oil tanks, factory waste, or chemical spills—the pH tends to shift. And this shift has an impact on how pollutants act. In acidic soil, heavy metals such as lead and cadmium become more mobile and move more easily through groundwater. In alkaline soil, other toxic contaminants can linger longer and impact neighbouring ecosystems.
If pH is not correct, the soil becomes unstable—not only physically, but also chemically and biologically. That’s why it’s critical to address pH problems in soil remediation.
When a contaminated soil remediation company fails to consider soil pH, the cleanup will not function effectively. Some treatments will not work. Microbial life could be eliminated, hindering the natural degradation of contaminants. Water flow might also be altered, causing contaminants to diffuse even further.
That’s why pH balance needs to be a priority, not an afterthought. It influences the way we select our cleanup processes and their effectiveness over time. For instance, if we employ bioremediation (where microorganisms consume the pollution), an appropriate pH is crucial to ensure those microbes thrive.
We start each project off with a complete soil analysis. This includes testing pH levels at various depths and across multiple sections. We utilize precise testing equipment and laboratory reports to discover the entire history of the soil.
At times, soil might look healthy on the surface but reveal severe pH issues beneath. That’s why we never guess. Our findings provide a concrete basis for the next step, ensuring the correct balance is established across the contaminated area.
When pH levels are imbalanced, we apply tried-and-tested techniques to restore balance. When soil is excessively acidic, we can add lime (calcium carbonate), which gradually and safely increases the pH. When the soil is too alkaline, we can use sulphur-based products to decrease it.
In some cases, we will use organic materials or proprietary minerals to stabilize the pH. Our method varies depending on the size of the property, the nature of the pollution, and the extent to which the pH has changed. But the objective is always the same—healthy, stable, safe soil.
As a trusted company specializing in contaminated soil remediation, we ensure that these adjustments are permanent. We don’t simply address the issue superficially; we go deep, so cleanup outcomes last for years.
After adjusting the soil pH balance, the land is secured for safe use in the future. Whether people need to construct houses, plant crops, or just want to restore nature, pH has a significant impact. It enables the return of nutrients. It enables microorganisms to revive. It also enhances water intake and minimizes the chances of contamination spreading in the future.
You might not be able to see it, but pH balance is essential. Healthier plants, cleaner water, and safer neighbourhoods come from balanced soil. That’s why our staff takes it so seriously.
For dependable service and long-term solutions, contact West Coast Tank Recovery in Vancouver—the area’s most trusted provider of contaminated soil remediation services.