NAME: ISHA

REGISTATION# 19-ENV-25
CASE STUDY 2
CSR

SOURCES AND IMPACTS OF CONTAMINANTS IN SOIL

Soils are formed by the decomposition of rock and organic matter over many years. At times, the amounts
of some soil elements and other substances may exceed levels recommended for the health of humans,
animals, and plants. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) limits groundwater arsenic
concentrations above drinking water limits.
Human activities have intentionally added substances such as pesticides, fertilizers and other amendments
to soils. Accidental spills and leaks of chemicals used for commercial or industrial purposes have also
been sources of contamination. Soil properties are affected by past land use, current activity and nearness
to pollution sources.
Soil contaminants can undergo chemical changes or degrade into products that may be more or less toxic
than the original compound. The characteristics of the soil also affect whether contaminants can be
readily taken up by plants and animals. Site management and land use can affect some soil characteristics.
Important soil characteristics that may affect the behavior of contaminants include:
 Soil mineralogy and clay content (soil texture);
 pH (acidity) of the soil;
 Amount of organic matter in the soil;
 Moisture levels;
 Temperature; and
 Presence of other chemicals.

BIOAVAILABILITY OF CONTAMINANTS:
The bioavailability of a contaminant in soil is the portion that can be taken up by plants, animals and
humans. It depends on many factors, including how tightly the contaminant is held in the soil particles
and its solubility (how much of it will dissolve in water). Some chemicals show an "aging effect" and can
become less bioavailable the longer they remain in soils.

DISTRIBUTION OF CONTAMINANTS:
Distribution of contaminants released to soils by human activities is related to how and where they are
added. The amount of contaminants in an industrially-contaminated site may vary depending on the
activities conducted on the site. The movement of groundwater or surface water may also affect how
contaminants spread from the source.

19-ENV-25 CSR
SOURCE OF SOIL CONTAMINANTS

SOURCE OF SOIL
CONTAMINENT

treated petroleum high traffic automobil furniture industrial/

Lead paint pesticides landfills fires
lumber spills areas es refinishing commercial
site use

HUMAN EXPOSURE TO CONTAMINATED SOIL

People can be exposed to soil contaminants through ingestion (eating or drinking), dermal exposure (skin
contact) or inhalation (breathing). The route of human exposure to a soil contaminant will vary with the
contaminant and the conditions at a particular site. Some contaminants, such as many pesticides, can pass
through the skin and enter the body.

HEALTH EFFECTS
Children are generally more vulnerable to contaminants because they ingest more soil and absorb more of
the ingested contaminants. Information about the health effects of a particular contaminant may be
available through the ATSDR and the USEPA. Differences in these factors may affect how people will
respond to a given level of exposure to a particular contaminant.

EFFECT ON ECOSYSTEM
In addition to possible effects on human health, elevated levels of soil contaminants can negatively affect
plant vigor, animal health, microbial processes, and overall soil health. Some contaminants may change
plants' metabolic processes and reduce yields or cause damage to crops. Even relatively low levels of
certain contaminants can alter soil chemistry and impact organisms that depend on the soil or plants for
their nutrition and habitat.

19-ENV-25 CSR