Soil remediation is any toxic waste cleanup involving in-ground soil or sediment. It’s meant to help restore soil that has been contaminated with chemical, industrial, and agricultural chemicals. Soil remediation can also clear contaminants in pockets of contaminated soil.
Though the process sounds simple, soil contamination poses a unique set of challenges, as people must treat it before construction or cleanup. But what should people know about the soil remediation process? Here are some of the basics.
What is Contaminated Soil?
Contaminated soil is the outcome of soil being exposed to a hazardous or toxic substance. The significant harm also defines it can cause to all living organisms and its interference with ecological systems. If left untreated, contaminated soil can result in widespread pollution to the soil in nearby areas or the bodies of water connected to it.
Contaminated soil results from toxins absorbed by the ground or bodies of water. The situation inhibits the usual process of life, harming people, animals, plants, and other living organisms in the areas affected. Most of the time, contaminated soils do not serve a purpose. No plant or wildlife can thrive in it as it can potentially kill them in the long run. The only way around contaminated soil is through remediation.
What is Soil Remediation?
Soil remediation is the process of cleaning up contaminated soil. It involves using various methods that can help restore the soil’s natural functions and potential. The cleanup will work to destroy the soil contaminants and will remove them altogether, returning the ground to its previous state. There are two general types of soil remediation:
- In-Situ Remediation
In-Situ remediation is used to treat soil still in its natural state. It does not have any impact the surrounding areas. The contamination is thoroughly cleaned and treated. In-situ remediation is cheaper and more convenient.
- Ex-Situ Remediation
Ex-Situ is rsed for soil remediation, not in its original place. The contaminated soil gets transported to a new location and must be treated. Ex-situ remediation is effective for highly-polluted urban areas. It can also be suitable for construction areas.
The goal of soil remediation is to restore the soil to its original state to allow life to thrive again. It is one of the most effective methods of soil cleanup and is often used to treat the soil in a site before it is used for recreation or construction purposes. The most common methods used are soil washing, sealing, and soil vapor extraction.
The Common Pollutants of Contaminated Soil
Several contaminants can be found in soil. These contaminants come from various sources, including natural and artificial processes. Some of the most common pollutants include heavy metals, cyanides, pesticides, creosote, semi-volatiles, petroleum, and fuel residues.
Conclusion
Contaminated soil is dangerous to the environment. It can spread pollution to nearby areas and affect the various natural life processes. Soil remediation helps restore the soil to its original state, allowing plant and animal life to thrive again. However, if left untreated, the problem may cause irreparable effects on the land and bodies of water.
GrayMar Environmental Services, INC. is a soil remediation company based in Reno, NV. We offer environmental field services, helping people maximize the available technology in providing the best ecological solutions possible. So check out our hazardous waste transportation today and never worry about contaminated soil ever again.
