Find out about the dangers of soil contamination and what you can do when you encounter it.
If you have soil contamination, it means your plants could potentially be absorbing all kinds of toxic substances. These substances can compromise the well-being of your plants, resulting in serious damage to them. Sometimes, the plants can even be killed!
For those growing fruits and vegetables, detecting soil contamination is crucial because you won’t want to consume any produce that has been exposed to toxic chemicals since they are dangerous when consumed or inhaled.
But there’s much more danger that soil contamination presents. Find out about the dangers of soil contamination and what you can do when you encounter it.
How Does Soil Contamination Happen?
There are a few manners in which soil contamination can take place. Sometimes, it’s because solid and liquid waste are thrown into the environment. In other cases, trees get cut down, which exposes soil to various weather conditions that can result in leaves being vulnerable to different contaminants. Litter and fertilizers also play a role in hindering the health of your soil.
If soil does get contaminated, both groundwater and surface water can be compromised. Heating oils and motor fuels are common catalysts for problems with contaminated soil, and getting these problems under control sooner rather than later is critical. The sooner that sources of soil contamination are addressed, the easier it will be to preserve the health of people and the planet.
How to Figure Out If Your Soil Has Been Contaminated
If you think there is enough reason to get your soil tested, there are many things that you can test that would cause your soil to become contaminated.
Find out if any synthetic fertilizers or pesticides have been used on the premises recently. Also, find out if your worksite is located on an old industrial site that handled hazardous substances. Another thing you can test is whether or not your site is found close to any high-traffic roadway that was around prior to the ban of leaded gas.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other scenarios that would justify you getting your soil tested. If you have any worries about your soil, testing it is a safe bet.
What Can You Do If Your Soil Has Become Contaminated?
Unfortunately, it’s practically impossible to completely clean any soil that has been contaminated. However, there are ways you can address the issue. You can still significantly lower your soil’s toxicity levels. It helps to get your soil to a neutral pH level.
Also, make sure to use organic matter when gardening because organic matter helps prevent the adverse impact that toxic chemicals can have on your soil.
If you have fruits and vegetables, give them a thorough washing before eating any of them. Lastly, invest in organic fertilizers to help keep your soil healthy.
Let AEG Environmental Help You With Your Soil Contamination Problems!
AEG Environmental specializes in the containment and remediation of soil contamination of fuels of all types. We also remediate PCBs, Chromium, Acid, Base and Mercury-contaminated sites. If you are faced with a contaminated site that may have contaminated soils, contact AEG Environmental so you can get into contact with one of our project managers.
Our team can handle any type of problem you put in front of us. Don’t risk your safety and health! If you need assistance dealing with soil contamination, call us today and get the best services available!