An Inclusive Evaluation of Soil Pollution and It's Remediation by Chemical, Physical and Biological Methods

International Journal of Chemical Studies 2024; 12(4): 05-17
P-ISSN: 2349-8528
E-ISSN: 2321-4902
www.chemijournal.com An inclusive evaluation of soil pollution and its
IJCS 2024; 12(4): 05-17
© 2024 IJCS remediation by chemical, physical and biological
Received: 05-05-2024
Accepted: 11-06-2024 methods
Mahima Samanth
Department of Chemistry, Mahima Samanth
Maharaja Institute of
Technology Mysore, Karnataka, Abstract
India Soil pollution occurs when the existence of some toxic elements or contaminants in the soil are in
reasonably higher concentrations than the desired levels which can cause adverse effects on plants,
animals and huma beings. Soil pollution can cause imbalance in the ecosystem, decrease the fertility of
the soil, hinder the crop cultivation and pose health threats to the animals grazing in the fields containing
contaminated soil. The excessive use of fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, in agriculture, improper
disposal waste, extensive industrialization are the root cause of soil pollution. Additionally the soil is
contaminated by the presence of heavy metals like lead, mercury in the soil that are toxic for the human
health. Radioactive pollutants can enter soil through mining and improper radio waste disposal that
causes soil pollution. Volatile organic compounds, explosives, nuclear and electronic waste causes soil
pollution. When pollutants from the soil reach water bodies they can effect water quality and make the
water unfit for human consumption and irrigation. Soil pollution can be prevented by certain chemical,
physical and biological methods. This review discusses the main sources and causes of soil pollution and
its impact on human and plants. It further includes the remediation methods of soil pollution. Some of
them addressed in this review are chemical methods such as chemical oxidation, chemical leaching or
soil washing, stabilization or solidification, immobilization, electrokinetic remediation and thermal
methods such as thermal desorption, smouldering, physical methods like soil vapour extraction and
vitrification, biological methods such as bioremediation, phytoremediation, vermi-remediation,
phytomanagement, bioventing method.
Keywords: Soil pollution, bioremediation, phytoremediation, vitrification, bioventing,

phytomanagement
Introduction
The topmost layer of the earth's crust, known as soil, is a mixture of various solid, liquid, and
gaseous materials that include both living and non-living elements including bacteria, organic
matter that is decomposing, and mineral particles. It also contains water and air trapped in pore
spaces. From weathering, or the breakdown of bed rock into particles of minerals, to soil
growth and development, or pedogenesis, or the change of mineral matter through interactions
between biological, topographic, and climatic elements, soil formation is a very gradual
process. Depending on the local conditions, an inch of top soil may form in 200 to several
thousand years. Soil, which has developed over generations to support a wide diversity of
plants and serve as a habitat for a variety of microscopic and macroscopic organisms, is a
significant natural resource. When pollutants, hazardous chemicals, or any other kind of
contaminant are introduced into the soil in a quantity that lowers its quality and renders it
habitable for organisms like insects and other bacteria, it is referred to as soil pollution.
Another name for it is the addition of chemicals to the soil in amounts that are hazardous to the
surrounding ecosystem and its inhabitants. The majority of this contribution is the result of
human activity, including mining, contemporary agricultural methods, deforestation, careless
garbage disposal, and the uncontrolled disposal of untreated industrial waste. The term "soil
pollution" describes any chemical or material that is out of place, present in the soil at a
Corresponding Author: concentration greater than usual, or both, and that negatively impacts any organism that is not
Mahima Samanth the intended target. Soil contamination is a hidden threat since it is frequently impossible to
Department of Chemistry, measure or observe immediately. In addition to lowering crop yields because of hazardous
Maharaja Institute of
Technology Mysore, Karnataka,
contaminant levels, soil contamination makes crops grown on contaminated soils unfit for
India human or animal consumption. (Rodriguez et al. 2018) [39] From the soil, various pollutants
~5~
International Journal of Chemical Studies https://www.chemijournal.com
(including important nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus) event or a sequence of related occurrences within a specific
are carried to surface waterways and ground water, where area. The source and identification of the pollution can be
they cause eutrophication, a major environmental problem, readily determined. Point-source contamination is the name
and acute health problems for humans owing to contaminated given to this kind of pollution. The primary causes of point-
drinking water. Additionally, pollutants directly damage source pollution are human activities. Former industrial sites,
bigger soil-dwelling creatures as well as soil microbes, which improper waste and wastewater disposal, unmanaged
has an impact on soil biodiversity and the services these landfills, overuse of agrochemicals, various spills, and many
organisms provide. Contaminated soils are a legacy of more are examples. In metropolitan locations, point-source
industrialization, mining, conflict, and increased agricultural pollution is highly prevalent. Heavy metals, polycyclic
production in the World. Another term for this situation is aromatic hydrocarbons, and other pollutants are present at
"soil contamination," which is when a chemical or material is high concentrations in the soil near highways. Sewage sludge
present in higher concentrations than would be found and wastewater disposal, old or illegal landfills, improper
naturally but isn't necessarily harmful. As was previously disposal of garbage (e.g., batteries or radioactive waste), and
established, anthropogenic processes are typically the source improper dumping of waste can all be significant point-source
of pollution releases into the environment. Although many pollutants. (Logan et al. 2000) [32] Pollution classified as
elements and chemicals are found in soils naturally, soil diffuse occurs when it is dispersed across large regions, builds
contamination is primarily caused by human activities. A up in the soil, and lacks a single, obvious source. When
change in the natural soil environment or the presence of pollutants have been released, changed, and diluted in various
xenobiotics (chemicals generated by humans) are the main media before being transferred to soil, this is known as diffuse
causes of soil pollution, which is a component of land pollution. Pollutants are transported via air, soil, and water
degradation. Usually, inappropriate waste disposal, chemicals systems in a diffused manner. Therefore, in order to properly
used in agriculture, or industrial activity are the causes. assess this kind of contamination, complex analyses including
Petroleum hydrocarbons, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons these three compartments are required (Scholtz et al. 2002)
[43]
(including naphthalene and benzopyrene), solvents, . Diffuse pollution can therefore be hard to track and define
insecticides, lead, and other heavy metals are the most often in terms of its spatial extent, as well as hard to analyse.
occurring compounds in these situations. earth. It poses a Diffuse pollution can be caused by a variety of contaminants,
serious risk to people, animals, plants, and even the soil itself. many of which are also involved in local pollution. Some
The crops and farming are directly impacted by the quality of instances of diffuse pollution consist of the sources coming
the soil, which significantly lowers agricultural yield. from nuclear power and weapons activities; unregulated waste
disposal and polluted effluents issued within and around
Anthropogenic and natural sources catchments; sewage sludge applied on land; agricultural use
Anthropogenic sources are the primary human-caused sources of pesticides and fertilisers that also add heavy metals,
of soil contamination are chemicals utilized in or generated persistent organic pollutants, excess nutrients, and
from industrial processes, household, animal, and municipal agrochemicals that are being shipped downstream through
wastes (including wastewater), agrochemicals, and goods surface runoff; flood events; atmospheric transport and
derived from petroleum. These substances can leak into the deposition in addition to soil erosion.
environment unintentionally like in the case of pesticides and
fertilizers, irrigation with raw wastewater, or the application Main pollutants present in soil
of sewage sludge to land or deliberately like in the case of oil Heavy metals and metalloids
spills and landfill leaks. In addition to radionuclide deposition The group of metals and metalloids with relatively high
from atmospheric weapons testing and nuclear accidents, atomic masses (>4.5 g/cm3) that can be poisonous include Pb,
other causes of soil pollution include smelting, transportation, Cd, Cu, Hg, Sn, and Zn. This category is referred to as "heavy
spray drift from pesticide treatments, and incomplete metals." Alongside heavy metals, (Bolan et al. 2014) [11]
combustion of various compounds. (Roozbahani et al. 2015) antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), and aspirin are other non-
[40]
Natural sources includes certain pollutants which can metals that are frequently taken into consideration. Low
occur naturally in soils as components of minerals and can be amounts of these elements are found in soils naturally. Many
harmful at high concentrations, even though the bulk of of them are vital micronutrients for humans, animals, and
pollutants have human origins.(Rodriguez et al. 2018) [39] plants, but their non-biodegradable nature makes them easily
When several hazardous components are released into the accumulated in tissues and living things, which can be
atmosphere during natural occurrences like volcanic eruptions harmful to human health at large concentrations.
or forest fires, natural pollution can also result. Polycyclic Manufacturing areas, scrap from mines, high metal waste
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and molecules resembling collection, leaded petrol and paints, fertiliser application,
dioxin are examples of these harmful substances. Vegetable animal dung, sewage sludge, pesticides, wastewater irrigation,
soils have been shown to contain high concentrations of residues from coal combustion, petrochemical spills, and
heavy metals. Naturally occurring polycyclic aromatic atmospheric deposition from various sources are the main
hydrocarbons may also be found in soils. Usually originating human-generated sources of heavy metals. Zn, Ni, Co, and Cu
from cosmic dust samples and meteorites, they are (Alloway et al. 2013) [5]are comparatively more poisonous to
cosmogenic in nature. Alternatively, they may arise from the plants than other heavy metals, while As, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Hg
diagenetic modification processes of waxes found in soil are comparatively more hazardous to higher animals. (Bradl
organic matter. (Sun et al. 2018) [47]. et al. 2004) [12].
Point source pollution and diffuse pollution Nitrogen and phosphorus

Due to the brine and crude oil leaks, oil and gas extraction All life structures, including proteins, DNA, RNA, hormones,
causes significant point-source soil pollution. When pollutants enzymes, and vitamins, depend on nitrogen (N). It can be
are released into the soil, it might be the result of a single found in a variety of oxidation levels and in both organic and
~6~
inorganic forms. The forms that are accessible vary based on Emerging pollutants
the particular organism. Through microbial action, inert forms Many artificial or naturally occurring compounds that have
like gaseous nitrogen (N2) can be absorbed. Animals need lately surfaced in the environment and are not frequently
more complicated forms, including amino acids and nucleic monitored are referred to be emerging pollutants. They have
acids, whereas plants need more chemically accessible forms, the potential to get into the environment and have negative
like ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-). When excessive impacts on human health, the environment, or both that are
amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus are added to agricultural known or suspected. As more data or facts show that
soils as fertilisers or to regions with extensive livestock emerging pollutants are endangering human health and the
production, they turn into pollutants. These nutrients have the ecosystem, they may likely become pollutants of increasing
potential to cause eutrophication, high nitrate concentrations, concern. Chemicals like hormones, endocrine disruptors,
and associated issues with the environment and human health medicines, and poisons are examples of emerging pollutants.
when they seep into the groundwater or are carried to surface Biological pollutants include bacteria and viruses that are
water bodies by runoff. Even while nutrients are necessary for found in soil along with other micropollutants. (Beam et al.
crop productivity, applying too much of them might lower 2006) [9].
yields. Nitrogen boosts the production of chlorophyll and
diverts energy meant for the extension of roots and blossom Radioactive substances and nanoparticles
creation to the expansion of foliage, which causes diseases in Nuclear accidents, mining, and inappropriate disposal of
plants and increases their susceptibility to pathogen attacks. radioactive waste are some of the ways that radioactive
Crop nutrient balance may also be impact. Pollution with contaminants, including uranium, radium, and caesium, can
nitrogen affects organic materials in the soil. In addition to find their way into the soil. On the other hand, nanoparticles
affecting the makeup and activity of microbial communities, can enter the soil through a variety of activities, including
soil acidity, and salinity, nitrogen pollution also has an impact wastewater treatment and industrial processes. They can also
on the decomposition of organic matter in the soil. (Cachada originate from created nanoparticles and nanoparticles found
et al. 2018) [16]. in pollution particles, such as carbon nanotubes. Ecosystem
impairment caused by soil pollution is given in figure 1.
Pesticides These compounds have the potential to cause radiation
Pesticides are used to protect agricultural yields from exposure, which can have long-term effects on soil quality
diseases, weeds, and insect pests, so ensuring the world's food and pose serious concerns to both human health and the
supply. Insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, rodenticides, ecosystem. (Beam et al. 2006) [9].
molluscicides, nematicides, and plant growth regulators are a
few examples of pesticides. Pesticides boost agricultural
output, but because they have some unfavourable side effects,
they can eventually bioaccumulate via the food chain and
endanger living things. A portion of the pesticides sprayed on
crops will stay in agricultural areas, while other portions will
seep into the nearby soil, water, and air. Pesticides can travel
great distances and stay in the environment for several
decades. (Aktar et al. 2009; Cia et al. 2008) [4, 17].
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon

An organic pollutant class known as polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs) is persistent and semi-volatile. A large
class of physicochemically distinct compounds known as
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are composed of two or
more unsubstituted benzene rings that have been merged
together by the sharing of a pair of carbon atoms. Anthracene,
fluoranthene, naphthalene, pyrene, phenantrene, and
Fig 1: Ecosystem impairment caused by soil pollution
benzopyrene are the most common PAHs. High
concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Causes of soil pollution
in agricultural soils are caused by inadequate combustion of
1. Radioactive Pollutants: Radioactive materials from
coal, gas, oil, and waste; pyrolysis of organic materials by
nuclear testing facility explosions, radioactive fallout,
industries, agriculture, and traffic; diagenetic alteration
and companies producing radioactive dust and wastes
processes of natural organic matter (OM); prolonged
seep into the ground and build up, causing soil
wastewater irrigation; recycled sewage sludge; and fertiliser
contamination. For instance. Nuclear reactors generate
use in the agricultural sector. In view of its high toxicity,
waste that includes the major nuclides Sr-90, which has a
mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and pervasive environmental
half-life of 28 years, and Cs-137, which has a half-life of
presence, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have drawn
30 years, as well as elements such as lanthanum-140,
attention. Many physicochemical and biological processes,
iodine-131, barium-140, cesium-144, and ruthenium-106.
including volatilization and/or photo-oxidation to the
Sr-90 and Cs-137 are carried by rainwater and deposited
atmosphere, irreversible sorption to soil organic matter,
in the soil, where they are strongly bound to the soil
leaching to groundwater, abiotic loss (influence of daily
particles by electrostatic forces. Gamma radiation is
seasonal temperature fluctuation), utilisation by plants, and
emitted by every radionuclide that has been left in the
microbial degradation, may dampen or deteriorate polycyclic
soil.
aromatic hydrocarbons that enter soil. (Abdet-shaif et al.
2. Modern Agricultural Practices: Pesticides and
2016) [1]
agrochemicals like fertilisers and animal dung are among
~7~
the various agricultural sources of soil pollution. Because leaves, containers as well, abandoned cars, and other
these agrochemicals can alter plant metabolism and produced goods are included in this refuse. Even though
reduce crop output, trace metals including Cu, Cd, Pb, they should be disposed of separately from industrial
and Hg are also regarded as soil contaminants. Over the garbage, urban household wastes might nonetheless be
past few decades, synthetic chemical pesticides and hazardous. This occurs as a result of their resistance to
fertilisers have been widely utilised to improve the yield degradation. (Gaikwad et al. 2023) [21].
from limited land area in order to fulfil the growing need 5. Discharge of sewage: Severe soil pollution can arise
for food for an ever-increasing population. However, this from the overuse and ineffective application of chemical
has resulted in soil toxicity. When they combine with pesticides. Wastewater can contribute to soil pollution by
water, they seep into the ground and gradually lower the allowing toxins to seep into the soil when it is released
soil's fertility. Additional chemicals alter the soil's into the environment without being properly treated. The
composition and facilitate air and water erosion. Many of health of ecosystems, human welfare, and soil quality
these pesticides are absorbed by plants, and when they may all suffer as a result. Organic matter, pathogens,
break down and become a part of the land, they heavy metals, nutrients (such phosphate and nitrogen),
contaminate the soil. (Knoepp et al. 2005) [29]. and different chemical compounds are some of these
3. Industrial and Mining Activities: The main cause of contaminants. These compounds may negatively impact
soil contamination is the proliferation of industries that plant development, soil fertility, and the general
have emerged since the beginning of the industrial period equilibrium of the soil ecosystem. The presence of
and lack adequate waste management systems. Since organic materials in untreated wastewater can stimulate
ancient times, mining has had a significant effect on the soil microbial activity, which can cause nutrient
land, water, and biota. Since the majority of industries deficiencies and oxygen depletion. (Gaikwad et al. 2023)
[21]
rely on the extraction of minerals from the Earth, there .
has also been an expansion in mining and manufacturing. 6. Electronic waste; Referred widely as "e-waste," it is
Numerous contaminants have entered the soil as a result made up of a number of substances that, because of their
of metal smelting for separating minerals. Significant toxicity, may be hazardous to human health. When e-
amounts of heavy metals and other hazardous substances waste is improperly disposed of, these dangerous
are released into the environment by mining and smelting materials may leak into the ground and affect nearby
plants; The by-products, whether they are coal or iron ecosystems and living organisms. Electronic equipment
ore, are contaminated and not disposed of in a way that is like computers, cell-phones, televisions, and other
safe. Consequently, industrial waste left on the soil's electrical appliances are referred to as e-waste.(Barba-
surface for an extended length of time erodes it. (Beam et Gutirrez et al.2018) [8] Hazardous compounds such as
al. 2006) [9]. lead, mercury, cadmium, bromine-based flame retardants,
4. Lack of proper Waste Disposal: Both urban and rural and other poisonous substances are frequently found in
modern lifestyles generate enormous amounts of garbage, these gadgets. The inappropriate management or disposal
and the issue of soil pollution is exacerbated by a lack of of e-waste in open dumping sites or landfills can cause
waste management practices. Urban wastes include the leaching and runoff, which can release these harmful
following: garbage and rubbish materials such as plastics, components into the soil over time. These pollutants can
glasses, metallic cans, fibres, paper, rubber, street harm the ecosystem and living things if they get into the
sweepings, fuel residues, leaves, containers, abandoned soil. The tainted soil can harm plant development, reduce
vehicles, and other discarded manufactured products; soil fertility, and upset the ecosystem's delicate
they also include commercial operations and domestic equilibrium. (Gaikwad et al. 2023) [21].
wastes such as dried sludge and sewage. The main 7. Coal ash: The fine particles created when coal is burned
sources of worry are plastic and other non-biodegradable in boilers are referred to as coal ash, sometimes called fly
garbage. (Beam et al. 2006) [9]. ash. These microscopic particles are released into the flue
 Industrial wastes: Soil pollution is mostly caused by the gases that are produced during the burning of coal. The
improper disposal of industrial wastes. Sources: size of these fly ash particles might range from a few
Industrial pollutants are primarily released by a variety of micrometres to submicron levels. It's crucial to remember
sources, including chemical fertilisers, pulp and paper that fly ash includes traces of harmful substances like
mills, oil refineries, sugar factories, tanneries, textiles, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. These substances can
steel, distilleries, coal and mineral mining industries, concentrate in fly ash during burning and are found
pharmaceuticals, glass, cement, petroleum, and naturally in coal. Because of their toxicity, arsenic,
engineering industries, among others. Impact: The cadmium, and mercury are recognised to be harmful to
chemical and biological characteristics of soil are both human health and the environment. Fly ash spills
impacted and changed by these contaminants. Because of from coal-fired boilers can have a big impact on soil and
this, dangerous substances may find their way into the water contamination, not to mention air quality. Particles
food chain of humans through the soil or water, disrupt of fly ash have the potential to pollute soil and release
biochemical processes, and ultimately have a major harmful substances into the surrounding environment as
negative impact on living things. (Gaikwad et al. 2023) they fall to the ground. This may put human populations
[21] close to power plants burning coal at risk as well as
.
 Urban wastes: Sewage and dried sludge are among the ecosystems that support plants, animals, and
household and business wastes that make up urban microorganisms. (Dhakal et al. 2007) [18].
wastes. Most people refer to all urban solid garbage as 8. Corrosion of underground storage tanks: Storage
"refuse." Urban refuse's components include: Garbage tanks are essential for securely holding a variety of
and trash items such as plastics, glasses, metal cans, chemicals and materials. But these tanks can break down
fibres, paper, rubber, street sweepers, fuel remnants, with time, which might result in corrosion and possible
~8~
leaks. The stored chemicals could leak out of the bacteria can be found in soil. Animal excrement can
corroding tanks and into the surrounding soil, serve as the source of some infections. Therefore,
contaminating it and changing its chemical composition. through skin contact or interaction with polluted water
Soil pollution could occur if storage tanks containing and food, soil becomes the principal source of
hazardous chemicals or materials that can change the contamination. (Sparks et al. 2019) [44].
chemistry of the soil start to erode. (Aichner et al. 2013) 14. Transportation: One of the primary causes of soil
[3]
. contamination in and around metropolitan areas is
9. Nuclear wastes: There are serious risks to human health activities related to transportation. Lead contamination of
associated with the improper disposal of nuclear waste. It soils from lead petrol is a significant persistent source of
is possible for radioactive waste to make a place soil pollution related to transportation. (Mathews et al.
uninhabitable if it is not handled and disposed of in a safe 2016) [33].
and acceptable manner. A byproduct of different nuclear 15. Acidification and crop loss: Since acidification of
operations, such as power generation, research, and agricultural soils can release heavy metals that are
medical uses, is nuclear waste. It contains extremely harmful to plants, it can also lead to more soil
radioactive compounds that can linger in the environment contamination. The primary source of soil acidification
for a very long time and release dangerous radiation. and salinization via nitrogen fixation and other N-
Nuclear waste can have detrimental effects on both transformation processes has been determined to be an
human health and the local ecology if it is not properly excess of nitrogen in the soil. The natural processes lead
controlled and stored. Unsafe disposal of nuclear waste soils to acidify over hundreds to millions of years.
increases the danger of radiation exposure and However, agricultural practices, particularly excessive N
contamination. The waste's radioactive components can fertilisation, greatly speed up this process, lowering soil
seep into the ground, water, and air, dispersing radiation pH by 0.26 pH. When the amount of nitrogen added to
and seriously endangering the health of any living thing. agricultural soils exceeds what is needed by plants,
(Gaikwad et al. 2023) [21]. nitrification microbial activity will cause an accumulation
10. Accidental Oil Spills: Chemical storage and of nitrates (NO3-), which are very soluble and can easily
transportation might result in oil spills. The majority of contaminate groundwater. Microbial biomass and activity
petrol stations display this. Because of the fuel's chemical rise in response to increased soil nutrient availability, but
composition, the soil becomes unusable for cultivation. microbial biodiversity is changed, leading to nutrient
Through soil penetration, these substances can cycle imbalances. (Bhum et al. 2005) [10].
contaminate groundwater and render it unfit for human 16. Manure: Applying untreated manure may result in heavy
consumption. There is a chance that when mineral oil is metal pollution, which affects nutrient availability and
being extracted from the oil fields, there may be an oil cycling while also changing the size, makeup, and
spill and that the crude oil will contaminate the activity of the community of microbes. These
surrounding soil. The compounds in the mineral oil raise modifications also have a negative impact on a number of
the pH of the soil and lower its phosphorus content. As a plant quality and yield-related parameters.
result, the soil's basic makeup changes and the 17. Soil Erosion: Erosion of the soil occurs frequently.
temperature rises overall. (Sachan et al. 2023) [41]. Erosion is the process of topsoil loss. It happens
11. Biological Agents: Excreta from people, animals, and whenever any physical activity dislodges and carries
birds finds its way into the soil, which is one of the main away the weathered soil particles. This physical agent
ways that biological agents pollute land. For instance, if could be any of the anthropogenic activities like mining,
manures and digested sludge are applied heavily, plants building, clear-cutting timber, development of
may suffer significant harm in a matter of years. agriculture, and overgrazing, or it could be some natural
12. Acid Rain: Acid rain is another factor that pollutes soil. processes like wind, rain, volcanic activity, etc. Because
When airborne contaminants combine with precipitation of all these human activities, the land is left vulnerable to
and return to the earth, acid rain is produced. Some of the the effects of high winds and swiftly moving water.
vital nutrients in the soil may be dissolved by the Powerful winds speed up the drying process and remove
contaminated water, altering the soil's composition. As a the valuable soil, depositing it somewhere as dust or
result, plants and important soil microbes may suffer sandstorm. Similar to this, heavy downpours that
from this corrosive rain, which might eventually upset the frequently occur in these places lead to significant soil
food chain. (Srawn et al.2019) [46] Rainwater’s acidic erosion. Desiccation, or the drying out of the soil, and
composition changes the pH of the soil, causing desertification follow soil erosion. The top layer of the
acidification. A change in pH can have an impact on a soil, which is essential to the fertility of the soil, is lost as
number of soil features, such as the availability of a result of soil erosion. Even though it can be shed
nutrients, microbial activity, and the dissolution of quickly, it takes between 500 and 1000 years for one inch
minerals and metals. The development and growth of of the top layer to accumulate. In our nation, the greatest
plants may be hampered in acidic soils by the loss of vital loss of farmland soil has been recorded. It accounts for
minerals including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. approximately 18.5% of the global farmland soil loss.
(Abrahams et al. 2002) [2]. (Logan et al. 2000) [32].
13. Pathogens: Microbes that cause disease are known as 18. Salinity, Acidity and Alkalinity of the Soil: They lower
pathogens. Not all microorganisms are good; some can the fertility of the soil. A tube well or a river are common
cause disease. This is true even though soil biodiversity is sources of water for crop irrigation. Salts abound in these
incredibly complicated, with billions of bacteria, fungi, fluids, which are retained when water dissipates or is
protists, and other creatures. Sludge from sewage transpired by crops. Thus, over time, the soil becomes
systems, manures, and the burial of human and animal contaminated with salt. Once more, minerals like calcium
remains are just a few of the places where pathogenic carbonates and alkaline compounds which would
~9~
normally stay dispersed throughout soil due to a high Skin conditions: Dermatological conditions and irritations
water content are not leached and instead tend to be may arise from direct contact with polluted soil. Rashes,
deposited in areas with little rainfall and dry allergic responses, and skin infections can be brought on by
temperatures. Due to this process, the soil becomes toxic elements found in soil, such as heavy metals and certain
naturally alkaline, which is detrimental to the growth of chemicals. If preventative precautions are not taken,
some crops. When the concentration of hydrogen ions in prolonged exposure to polluted soil might worsen these skin
the boil rises, the soil turns acidic. greater of these ions problems.
result in greater. Some of the causes of soil pollution is
given in figure 2. Toxicological effects: Heavy metals, insecticides, and
19. Deforestation: Deforestation, or the large-scale removal industrial chemicals are just a few of the pollutants that can
of trees, is a primary cause of land contamination. Over enter the human body via direct contact with the soil or
time, powerful winds and flowing water force the tree ingestion of contaminated food or water. Over time, these
roots that bond the soil to break off. In regions with hills contaminants may build up in the body and have toxicological
and mountains, trees are even more significant because effects. They can harm tissues and organs, obstruct essential
they stabilise large rocks. Landslip frequency has physiological functions, and accelerate the onset of a number
increased due to activities like blasting, tree-cutting, and of disorders. (Bilnemann et al. 2006) [14].
construction in mountainous terrain. (Sreemeenakshi et
al. 2021) [45]. Waterborne illnesses and infection: Soil pollution has the
potential to pollute surrounding water sources, such as surface
and groundwater. Pollutants have the potential to transmit
waterborne illnesses when they seep into bodies of water.
Drinking water supplies can get contaminated by pathogens,
chemicals, and other toxins found in the soil. This can result
in microbial infections, gastrointestinal diseases, and other
health problems related to drinking water.
Carcinogenic effects
Certain heavy metals, chemical compounds, and persistent
organic pollutants are among the pollutants found in soil that
are either confirmed or probable carcinogens. Long-term
exposure to these carcinogens through polluted soil can raise
the risk of getting skin, liver, kidney, and lung cancer, among
other cancers.
Fig 2: Causes of soil pollution
Effects on vegetation
Impact of Soil Pollution on human and vegetation
It is impossible for plants to adjust to abrupt changes in the
Impacts of soil pollution are not confined to soil and its biota
soil. Soil erosion is caused by fungi and bacteria that are
but are carried over to every aspect of the environment and
present in the soil but are unable to bind the soil owing to
affect every organism from the earthworm to humans. Some
chemical changes. Huge swaths of land turn into desolate
of the adverse effects are as follows.
areas that cannot sustain life. The poisons will be absorbed by
the plants that do develop on these areas and move up the
Effects on human health
food chain. Cu and Al heavy metals, respectively, produce
This is the manner in which pollution from the soil gets to us
chlorosis in leaves and changes in the ultrastructure of roots.
because we are food-dependent on the land. Our bodies
Anthracene, naphthalene, and pyrene are examples of
bioaccumulate poisons, which can result in chronic poisoning
polyromantic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that impair
and a host of other illnesses. These days, there is a rise in
photosynthetic efficiency, pigment loss, and protein
issues related to reproductive health, birth and developmental
composition changes. Because they are persistent, persistent
problems, neurologic consequences, nutritional deficiency
organic pollutants (POPs) such as insecticides are harmful to
and variations in body cells that cause cancer. The negative
plants, causing burns, stunting, necrosis, and chlorosis.
consequences that exposure to contaminated soil can have on
Radionuclides such as 137Cs mimic potassium and replace it,
human health are referred to as soil pollution's health
obstructing the flow of water and nutrients into plants. The
implications. These ramifications cover a broad spectrum of
build-up of Cs in leaves also affects the physiological
health issues, including both short-term and long-term
function of plants. Antibiotics such as tetracycline impede
consequences. (Brevik et al. 2013; Bilnemann et al. 2006) [13,
14] plant growth, whereas microplastics are hazardous to plant
roots. Plants are impacted by acid rain-polluted soils because
they alter the chemistry of the soil and make it harder for
Respiratory disorders: Particularly under dry and windy
plants to absorb nutrients and carry out photosynthesis.
conditions, soil contamination can release chemicals and
Effects of soil pollutants on vegetation is given in Table 1.
particulates into the atmosphere. Breathing in these particles
(Rodriguez et al. 2018) [39] The capacity of the soil to buffer
can lead to respiratory issues, including bronchitis, asthma,
pH variations can be compromised by acidic deposition,
and other pulmonary conditions. Harmful compounds
which can lead to unfavorable conditions that kill off plants.
included in dust and particle debris can irritate the respiratory
(Lithner et al. 2011) [31].
system and impair lung function. (Haider et al. 2024) [24].
~ 10 ~
Table 1: Effects of soil pollutants on vegetation.

Soil pollutants Effect on vegetation
PAH’s Inhibits photosynthetic performances.
Plants may experience chlorosis, necrosis, stunting, burns, twisting of the leaves, inadequate root hair production, and
POP’s
yellowing of the shoots.
Heavy metals Decreases photosynthetic and transpiration rate.
Radionuclides Affects the movement of water and nutrients.
Micro pollutants Toxic for root and inhibits plant growth.
Some other effects of soil pollution demonstrated efficacy in remediating specific organic
Reduced Soil Fertility: The presence of hazardous substances pollutants, including trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene,
in the soil can lead to a reduction in soil fertility and, which are chlorinated solvents, and compounds related to
consequently, in soil yield. After that, the polluted soil is used gasoline, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes.
to grow fruits and vegetables that are deficient in nutrients Chemical oxidation can reduce the toxicity of some other
and might contain harmful substances that could pose a major pollutants. It is possible to employ oxidizing agents such as
risk to the health of those who eat them. Impact on the potassium, sodium, and persulphate permanganate.
environment and odour pollution is mainly due to the huge (Abrahams et al. 2002) [2].
amounts of trash and waste that are thrown out in the open
and scatter over a region detract from the peace and quiet of Stabilization or Solidification
the surroundings. The discharge of noxious and malodorous "Solidification and stabilization" is a remediation strategy that
fumes from waste sites contaminates the surrounding aims to prevent or postpone the release of hazardous
ecosystem and has detrimental impacts on certain individuals' chemicals from wastes, such as contaminated soil, sludge, and
health. Other people are inconvenienced by the offensive silt. These methods usually do not destroy the contaminants.
odour. (Cachada et al. 2018) [16] It also contamination of water By encasing the waste in a solid block of material,
source. Raindrops carry polluted soil into water sources by solidification seals the waste in place. This block is less
surface runoff, which results in water pollution. Additionally, water-permeable than the rubbish. Stabilization results in
pollutants may seep down and contaminate groundwater. For chemical reactions that lessen the possibility of contaminants
this reason, the tainted water is unsafe for human and animal seeping into the environment. They are often used in tandem
consumption. Since the creatures that inhabit these bodies of to prevent human and wildlife exposure to contaminants,
water will find their environments uninhabitable, it will also particularly metals and radioactive ones. One way to improve
have an impact on aquatic life. the properties of soil is through soil stabilization, which
involves adding and combining different materials. Soil
Soil remediation technologies stabilization is the process of improving the resistance to
After the contaminated soil has been excavated, physical, shear properties of the soil, which in turn increases the soil's
chemical, and biological approaches are used in remediation carrying capacity. As a corrective measure, soil stabilization
technology, which can be applied in situ or ex situ. Typically, procedures strengthen the soil's shear strength, decrease its
the cleanup process involves removing pollutants from the permeability and compressibility in earthen structures, and
area and changing them into less harmful forms. (Sapkota et help to keep buildings from settling. Lime or cement can be
al. 2022) [42]. added to stabilize soils. These stabilization procedures yield
better building materials and enhance the stabilized soil's
Chemical Methods of Soil Pollution Prevention numerous engineering qualities. The benefits of soil
Chemical approaches try to stabilize pollutants and change stabilization include an increase in soil strength, durability,
them into less hazardous forms that are safe for plants, stiffness, and a decrease in soil flexibility and propensity for
animals, and people by adding chemicals or solvents to the swelling and shrinking. (Firoozi et al. 2017) [20].
polluted soil. For soil remediation, a variety of chemical
therapies are accessible, such as electrokinetic remediation, Immobilization
and chemical leaching and fixing. These techniques are quick, Hazardous metal immobilization stops inorganic metals from
easy, and affordable to use on the spot. (Burgess et al. 2013) being taken by plants by transforming them into organic form
[15]
. using a range of materials, microorganisms, chemicals, or
plants. For horticultural crops, a variety of immobilization
Chemical Oxidation materials, such as diammonium phosphate, biochar,
Chemical decontamination methods, which include infusing limestone, phosphorite, wood ash, red mud, chelates like
reactive chemical oxidants into the soil and groundwater to ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), silica treatment,
swiftly and totally eliminate pollutants, are centered around gypsum, and other compounds with metallic immobilization
chemical oxidation. Chemical oxidation in situ (ISCO) is a properties, have been used and are accessible to reduce metal
versatile technique that is particularly useful for eliminating toxicity. Through a variety of processes, including adsorption,
contaminants from difficult-to-reach areas such as deep soils the formation of minerals containing heavy metal complexes,
or soils beneath structures. Chemical oxidation is a versatile redox reactions, and precipitation, immobilization material
treatment approach that can be used to treat a wide range of alters the pH of the soil, improves both the physical and
organic pollutants, such as TPH, BTEX, and PCBs. To chemical attributes of the pollutants, and increases the
eliminate chemical pollutants that are already present in the availability of N, P, and K. Additionally, it lowers the amount
contaminated medium (soil or groundwater), ISCO is carried of heavy metals. A few of the known uses for chemical
out by adding potent chemical oxidizers to it. Numerous immobilization materials are discussed, including the
organic molecules, including those that are impervious to following: applying red mud raises the pH of the soil and
natural deterioration, can be remedied using it. ISCO has dramatically lowers the phytoavailability of Cd and Pb; using
~ 11 ~
alkaline organic treatments lowers plant uptake of these Thermal Methods of Soil Pollution Prevention
dangerous heavy metals, thereby lowering human exposure to Heat is utilized to raise the temperature below the surface,
toxic levels of Cd, Pb, and Zn. It has previously been which purges the groundwater and soil of pollutants.
demonstrated that adding peat and rock phosphate to soil
contaminated with heavy metals lowers the availability of Pb, 1. Thermal Desorption
Cd, and Cu to plants. The solid substance known as biochar, Thermal desorption is a remediation method for clearing
which is produced when plant-based leftovers break down, is contaminated soils. This method, which works only with
thought to have significant potential for improving long-term volatile pollutants, uses heat to evaporate the pollutants.
carbon sequestration, raising pH levels, increasing cation Hydrocarbon-based organic wastes make up the majority of
exchange capacity, and increased soil production by the them. Administering heat to contaminated soils causes wastes
adsorption of metal contaminants (Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, and Cu) in with low boiling points to evaporate; this vapour can then be
soils. The low-cost soil amendment of calcined cockle shell collected and processed in an off-gas treatment facility. This
has also been proposed, together with lime that effectively removes any worries about contaminating in the event that the
immobilizes Cd, Pb, and Zn. Metals are rendered immobile by soil is used for other purposes in the future. Since landfill
silica treatments, which cause the formation of metal space can usually be saved and soil can usually be restored
hydroxides and silicates. Chemicals such as hydroxyapatite without needing to be carried elsewhere, this benefit is
were useful in reducing the mobility of lead, zinc, copper, commonly viewed as advantageous. (Rare et al. 2011) [37].
zinc oxide, and arsenic. (Mishra et al. 2021) [34].
2. Smouldering
Soil washing Smouldering in the clean-up, the largest and longest-lasting
One method of ex-situ remediation is soil washing. Physical flames on Earth have naturally happened in peat and coal
separation is used to separate the pollutants from the soil, and deposits. Smouldering is a flameless combustion process that
then chemical leaching using a chemical solvent is employed. propagates an exothermic combustion wave that is self-
It is based on the idea that the majority of pollutants, both sustaining provided that the fuel and oxygen requirements are
organic and inorganic, have a tendency to attach to smaller met. During combustion, the contaminants are converted to
soil particles. As a result, washing procedures separate the heat, carbon dioxide, and water, thus no further fuel is needed
larger, coarser-grained particles like sand and gravel from the to complete the cleanup. Despite regional and temporal
smaller, clay and silt particles. Essentially, it concentrates the temperature fluctuations brought on by smoldering, the
pollutants into a smaller volume of soil (sludge), which can average.
then be disposed of in an authorized landfill or treated further
using a variety of alternative remediation technologies such Electrokinetic Remediation
chemical oxidation, thermal desorption, and bioremediation. To implement the electrokinetic remediation approach, an
Ultimately, the coarse-grained portion is returned to the site of electric current is applied to both sides of the contaminated
excavation. This technique frequently serves as a pre- soil to create an electric field gradient. Contaminants are
treatment phase in other remediation procedures since it transported to the poles by electromigration, electroosmotic
greatly lowers the initial volume of contaminants contained in flow, and electrophoresis in the presence of an electric field.
soil. Different organic and inorganic contaminants, such as This approach protects the natural ecosystem because it is
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pentachlorophenol simple to use and poses no environmental risks when applied
(PCPs), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), pesticides, heavy on permeable soil. The pH of the soil cannot be maintained
metals, radioactive elements, petroleum and fuel residues, via direct electrokinetic remediation. To regulate the pH level,
etc., can be efficiently removed from soil by using soil certain buffer solutions must be added to the cathode and
washing procedures. The grain size distribution of the soils anode. For the treatment of both saturated and unsaturated
that need to be treated is one of the main factors that soils, this method works quite well. In addition to the
determines whether soil washing is appropriate at a given contaminants, the presence of hematites, carbonates, and
location. Soil cleaning will be more effective the lower the gravel reduces the cleanup efficacy of this approach.
amounts of silt, clay, and organic matter (greater hydraulic Combining electrokinetic remediation with other methods
conductivities work better). If the pollutants cling firmly to including "permeable reactive barrier" (PRB), electrokinetic-
the soil particles, soil washing might not be appropriate. microbe combined remediation, and electrokinetic-
Therefore, the pollutants on the soil surface are not usually oxidation/reduction combined remediation can increase its
completely removed by the washing procedure. To efficacy. However, there are still a number of obstacles to
completely clear the soil in this case, another remediation overcome before using electrokinetic technologies for soil
method would be needed. In order to set up the contaminated remediation, including the use of electric energy and the
soil for treatment, it must first be excavated and then moved negative effects of electricity on soil properties. (Koul and
to a staging location. Following the first treatments, the soil is Taak et al. 2018) [30].
screened in order to essentially get rid of big trash, pebbles,
and other things. Following screening, the residual materials Biological methods of soil pollution prevention
are fed into the soil scrubbing machine, where they are More creative and long-lasting biological soil restoration
combined with a washing solution to extract any leftover methods are being developed these days. By using a
impurities. The soil particles settle in the wash water biological approach, soil contaminants are successfully
according to their grain size. Both of the soil particles and the removed, soil ecotoxicity is reduced, and soil health and
wash water are examined for pollutants once they have associated ecosystem services are restored.
settled. They are returned to the site or put to further use if
they are deemed to be clean. However, they go through Phytoremediation
additional treatments if there are any contaminants. Although these techniques are applicable to soil contaminated
(Khasanova et al. 2023) [28]. with either organic or inorganic materials, they are most
~ 12 ~
commonly applied to metal-contaminated soil. (Glick et al. 5. Rhizodegradation: It describes the breakdown of
2003) [23] The two most popular methods of phytoremediation organic pollutants in soils that is aided by the activities of
are phytoextraction and phytostabilization. One scientific, microbes and fungi found in the soil root. The interaction
economical, and environmentally sound method that works between the plants and these microbes is what drives this
well in underdeveloped nations and is seen as a lucrative process, and the exudates that the plants generate from
commercial venture is phytoremediation. Regretfully, in their roots are essential. Through co-metabolism, these
several nations, including our own, the technique has not yet exudates can increase the variety and activity of
been commercially employed as a technology, despite its microorganisms, facilitating the biotransformation of
potential. Phytoremediation is the process of eliminating organic pollutants. (Cachada et al. 2018) [16].
contaminants from water and soil or lowering the hazards of
environmental pollutants such as heavy metals, rare elements, Bioremediation
organic compounds, and radioactive materials. It is Bioremediation, or using microorganisms (mainly bacteria
accomplished by using green plant engineering, such as and fungi) to clean up contaminated areas, is a sustainable
herbaceous and woody species. (Khakbaz et al. 2012) [27] method of cleaning up contaminated soils. While
Depending on the particular plant mechanisms involved and bioremediation can also be used to treat organic pollutants
the kinds of toxins being addressed, phytoremediation such as mineral oils, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic
involves a variety of approaches, each of which is briefly hydrocarbons (PAHs), petroleum hydrocarbons,
described here. polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), etc., it is more frequently
1. Phytostabilization: This method stabilizes and used to treat inorganic pollutants. Utilizing soil
immobilizes contaminated soils by using plant species microorganism activity, bioremediation is an in situ biological
that can withstand pollution. It essentially stops treatment technique used to clean up contaminated locations.
pollutants from being eroded away by wind and water. Its main focus is on the alteration of trace element species to
By lowering soil moisture and leachate flow, the decrease their availability and the breakdown of organic
evapotranspiration mechanism of plants assists in contaminants including insecticides, solvents, and petroleum
preventing toxins from migrating farther into the soil and hydrocarbons. Both aerobic and anaerobic bioremediation are
safeguards groundwater against contamination. possible, and several treatment techniques can be used
2. Phytoextraction: This remediation technique entails the depending on the pollutants and operational circumstances.
direct uptake of organic and inorganic pollutants into Airborne oxygen is used in aerobic biological therapy, and it
plants from the soil. The particular pollutant and the plant is occasionally added to the soil to encourage the growth of
species involved determine the amount and pace of aerobic microorganisms. Anaerobic biological treatment, on
contaminant transport from the roots to the aboveground the other hand, eliminates oxygen and frequently adds
portions of the plant. While organic pollutants can reducing chemicals to promote microbial activity. Even
undergo biodegradation and provide soil microorganisms though both methods can degrade some contaminants,
with energy and carbon, trace elements are unable to anaerobic biological treatment is better suited for highly
chemically cleansed and are not biodegradable. Rather, chlorinated hydrocarbons, while aerobic biological
they may infiltrate living things' tissues, whereupon they remediation is usually used for non-chlorinated or mildly
may accumulate (a process known as bioaccumulation) chlorinated hydrocarbons. (Hickman et al. 2008) [25].
and concentrate (a process known as biomagnification)
throughout the food chain. (Sachan et al. 2023) [41] Vermiremediation
3. Phytovolatilization: In order to convert and volatilize Vermiremediation is the process of employing earthworms to
both inorganic and organic pollutants within the plant- remove contaminants from soil. Earthworms have the ability
microorganism-soil system, specialist plant enzymes are to change the physical, chemical, and biological properties of
used in the remediation process. Through this process, soil, such as nutrient availability, aeration, soil structure, and,
the pollutants are moved from the soil into the plants, consequently, the activity of microbial communities in the
where they change before being released into the soil, since they have been shown to ingest dirt and mix it in
atmosphere. This method has been effectively used to their tummies. It is widely acknowledged that organic
remediate soils that contain both organic and inorganic materials or substrates can undergo biotransformation through
mercury contamination. Under such circumstances, the a process called mineralization or composting.
plants are able to convert the more hazardous Hg2+ into Vermicomposting is the term for when earthworms help or
elemental mercury, which is subsequently released into expedite the natural composting process of organic materials.
the atmosphere. The biodegradation of organic matter via the interactions of
4. Phytodegradation: It is a process by which organic earthworms and microorganisms is known as
pollutants in the soil break down with the help of plants. vermicomposting. Vermiremediation is the term used to
Plants have the ability to accelerate the breakdown of describe composting aided by earthworms when the organic
organic contaminants through a variety of methods, either matter or substrate is contaminated. In addition to clearing the
by mineralizing them into simpler compounds or soil of pollutants, vermicomposting has several other benefits.
changing their hazardous forms. The primary cause of Firstly, vermicomposting is an environmentally benign and
this natural breakdown process is the action of enzymes potentially sustainable method of restoration, in contrast to
made by related microbes and plants. Because it uses traditional physicochemical methods that need chemical
plants' innate ability to detoxify and break down organic treatment or soil extraction. Furthermore, the metabolic
contaminants in the soil, together with the microbial processes of degrader microorganisms and enzymes are
communities that accompany them, phytodegradation can always boosted in soil that has been contaminated by organic
be a successful remediation method for contaminated wastes due to the use of earthworms in the remediation
locations. process. In the end, this results in better soil structure and
nutrient availability for increased crop yield and plant
~ 13 ~
development. Like other bioremediation techniques, degradation. This is achieved by avoiding the use of
vermiremediation has a lot of drawbacks and difficulties even chemicals in agricultural practices. It also protects the
if it's a perfect way to clear up mildly contaminated soil. First surroundings. The following are three unique results of
of all, extremely contaminated soil cannot be cleaned with organic agriculture:
vermiremediation. It should only be used on slightly The first effect is a rise in agricultural production and
contaminated or, at most, substantially contaminated soils that productivity (supply side).
don't clearly harm earthworms. Since many birds eat The second result is that it produces an agricultural product
earthworms, vermiremediation may contaminate the food that each individual consumer (the demand side) finds
chain and cause contamination. acceptable.
The third effect is that it protects agricultural soil and its
Phytomanagement constituent parts from deterioration and decrease while also
This integrated site management approach seeks to offer improving the surrounding environment. (Al-taai et al. 2021)
[7]
benefits to the environment, society, and economy. Besides .
reducing the risks caused by toxic substances,
photomanagement encourages the use of plants that have the Organic farming is based on two primary axes
ability to perform phytoremediation. The term The first is that artificial pesticides and fertilizers have no
"phytomanagement" refers to the process of modifying soil- place in agriculture. Instead, biological and organic fertilizers
plant systems to influence TE fluxes in the environment in can be used to achieve this. Using crop leftovers and animal
order to restore contaminated soils, recover valuable metals, waste on the one hand, and utilizing legumes and organic
or raise crop micronutrient concentrations. Any biological, waste on the farm, is how this process is carried out. It is
chemical, or physical technology used on a vegetated site is based on the agricultural cycle of crop rotation. The chemical,
referred to as phyto-management. When plant biomass natural, and biological qualities of the soil are enhanced by
products are produced, phytomanagement should either be these organic and biological fertilizers, and the result is an
more economically viable than alternative methods for increase in crop yield and output. Additionally, it makes
fortification or remediation, or it ought to be cheaper to agricultural soil more resilient to certain innate plant diseases.
implement. This could include the production of bioenergy or Additionally, by using less chemical pesticides and fertilizers,
lumber on contaminated land practices that don't affect the it lowers the expenses related to growing agricultural crops.
amount of food produced (Robinson et al. 2009; Murrels et al. The second: Using safe control techniques that effectively
2007) [38, 35]. eradicate pests, organic agriculture exemplifies the safe
disposal of pathogenic pests. It also doesn't have any negative
Bioventing impact on people, pets, plants, or agricultural soil. This
One method of in-situ environmental cleanup is bioventing. It sentence depends on numerous techniques. The most popular
is predicated on the bioremediation principle, which uses soil techniques are as follows:
microbes to break down harmful pollutants found in the a) The application of microbial pesticides, or biological
unsaturated zone of soil. Through the controlled stimulation insecticides based on fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
of airflow, oxygen is delivered to the unsaturated (vadose) b) The application of genetic engineering technologies to
zone, enhancing the activity of native bacteria and promoting the control of pests by creating plant subspecies or
bioremediation. The distinctive feature of bioventing systems varieties resistant to different pests and illnesses.
is their ability to both volatilize and biodegrade gasoline c) It is imperative to utilize dietary inhibitors. These are
molecules on the spot. Although soil vapor extraction and substances that, rather than repelling or killing the insect,
bioventing use the same equipment, their working principles stop it from feeding, which ultimately causes it to perish.
are very different. Soil vapour extraction, or SVE, maximizes It also doesn't have any negative side effects.
volatile organic compound volatilization through vapour d) Using resources that are attractive and insect repellents;
extraction, in contrast to bioventing, which depends on enticing elements, such as pheromones, force insects into
boosting the microbial degradation process at the vadose zone certain traps where they can be gathered and removed.
by moderate air injection.(Ozkara et al. 2019) [36]. Bioventing Insects do not find repellents to be friendly or poisonous.
can be used to treat any component that is aerobically When used, it keeps insects out of crops that have been
biodegradable. Specifically, bioventing has shown to be cultivated.
highly successful in cleaning up spills of petroleum products, e) Instead of using insecticides to combat dangerous insects,
such as diesel, kerosene, gasoline, and jet fuel. The amount of natural pest control methods should be employed.
moisture in the soil is crucial to the bioventing process. (Fadlallah et al. 2010) [19].
Bioventing efficacy is decreased by high soil moisture content
or limited soil permeability. The healing process may be Physical methods of soil pollution prevention
slowed by low temperatures. Maintaining appropriate air flow Soil vapour extraction
rates becomes crucial in conjunction with this. Chemicals from the soil's vadose zone in a subterranean
environment can be extracted physically using a technique
Organic farming method called soil vapor extraction (SVE). It is an effective technique
It constitutes one of the most significant technical for cleaning up soils contaminated by volatile or semi-volatile
advancements that has just begun to proliferate over the organic chemicals found in the unsaturated zone of the soil,
globe, particularly in industrialized nations. Its goal is to such as xylene, toluene, benzene, ethylbenzene, and
shield agricultural output and soil from the risks of pollution petroleum range hydrocarbons (PROs and DROs). (Sunil et
brought on by chemical use (pesticides and fertilizers). al. 2023) [48]. The method involves applying a vacuum to the
(Aichner et al. 2013) [3]. The goal of organic agriculture is to soil, which creates an airflow through the soil matrix and
produce clean, safe food for human consumption while moves the contaminants to extraction wells and air treatment
preserving the natural qualities of the land and preventing its units before they are released into the atmosphere. When a
~ 14 ~
pressure gradient is created, gas flow and airflow in the technology, where centrifugal forces keep the trash and the
unsaturated zone which is generated by Henry's Law constant molten material pressed against one another. The trash rotates
>0.01 or vapour pressure > 0.5 mm Hg can be utilized to through plasma that is produced by a stationary burner. The
remediate pollutants. Four distinct procedures control the molten material is removed from the furnace by slowing
cleaning process in the SVE system. They are as follows: down the hearth's rotation, and the slag escapes via the bottom
1. Volatilization: In the soil vapour extraction system, this hole. Carbon electrodes, cooled sidewalls, a continuous feed
is the main process. When soil air travels through the system, and an off-gas purification equipment are all part of
pollutants on the surface of the particles, it turns to vapor, an arc furnace system. The waste is fed into a chamber that is
that is then gathered via extraction wells. heated to temperatures more than 1500 degrees Celsius. As
2. Advection: A pressure gradient is produced inside the the melt leaves the vitrification unit and cools to form a glassy
vadose zone when a vacuum is applied to it. solid, inorganics become immobile. (Khasanova et al. 2023)
[28]
Consequently, the pollutants found in the vadose zone
begin to migrate in the direction of the extraction well.
3. Diffusion: This is the process by which a material Some alternative ways for curbing soil pollution
disperses or "diffuses" into its surroundings. The 1. Numerous farming and forestry techniques can be
extraction wells create a negative concentration gradient used to reduce soil erosion. Ex: Tree planting on bare
that leads to diffusion, which causes the contaminants hillsides. Shifting cultivation can be replaced with
with higher concentrations to move toward the wells with contour cultivation and strip cropping. It is possible to
lower or no amounts of contaminants. develop diversion canals and terracing. Reducing
4. Desorption: It is the process of removing impurities deforestation and using animal dung in place of chemical
from the soil's surface. Because of a concentration manures helps stop soil erosion over time.
gradient in the soil, when vacuum is applied to the 2. Manufacturing of organic fertilizers: Toxic chemical
system, the soil-air is drawn from the soil's surface and pesticides ought to be replaced by biopesticides.
travels via the empty spaces between the soil particles Chemical fertilizers that are synthesized ought to be
and towards the extraction wells.(Sunil et al. 2023) [48]. replaced with organic fertilizers. To make compost
manure, for example, organic wastes from animal dung
Vitrification can be employed instead of being thrown away carelessly
Vitrification is the broad term for the process of turning a and contaminating the land.
material into glass. One way to achieve this would be to 3. Public awareness: To inform people about health risks
quickly cool a material that has been heated to an extremely associated with environmental education, both official
high temperature. The process of vitrifying soil involves and informal public awareness programs should be
applying heat to polluted soil in order to melt it and turn it implemented.
into a crystalline or glassy substance that stops future leaks. 4. Recycling and Reusing Waste Materials: Recycling
The temperature of the soil is raised to between 1600 and and reusing materials including paper, plastics, metals,
2000oC (2900-3000oF). It works well with soils that contain glassware, organic materials, petroleum products, and
wastes such as radioactive material, hydroxide, carbonates, industrial effluents can help reduce soil contamination.
and silicates; it also works well with incinerator ash or off-gas (Khasanova et al. 2023) [28].
liquor. Because organic trash becomes inert at high 5. Toxic chemical ban: Chemicals and pesticides that are
temperatures, it works especially well for it. It is a technique lethal to both plants and animals, such as DDT and BHC,
that can be applied both in-situ and ex-situ. (Well et al. 2017) should be outlawed. It should be illegal to demolish
[49]
. nuclear reactors or dispose of radioactive material
improperly.
In-situ vitrification (ISV) 6. Appropriate treatment of solid waste: Before being
It involves heating and melting dirt, sludge, or sediments released into the environment, solid waste must be
using electrical power. It uses an electrode system made of appropriately disposed of by being treated. For instance,
graphite with a diameter of 5 cm that is buried 60 meters to garbage that is acidic or alkaline can be neutralized
create a square edge of one meter.The electrode is subjected before being disposed away to prevent contaminating the
to an electric current, which causes the soil to overheat. The soil. It is also recommended that biodegradable trash be
molten material is then cooled, creating a vitrified surface. broken down in a controlled environment prior to release
When power is supplied, the melting keeps going downhill into the surrounding environment.
and outward at a rate of 4 to 6 tons per hour, or 1 to 2 inches
per hour. As the melt moves closer to the designated The zero-pollution action plan
treatment depth, the electrode array is gradually decreased. A By 2030, the zero-pollution action plan aims to reduce
vitrified monolith with a glass and microcrystalline structure chemical pesticide use and associated risks by 50%, as well as
remains after cooling. This monolith can withstand the use of more dangerous pesticides by 50%. Soil pollution
weathering since it is incredibly robust. can also arise from an excess of nutrients. They are caused by
the application of fertiliser and manure or by the deposition of
Ex-situ vitrification (ESV) specific air pollutants, and they result in ecosystem
Ex-situ vitrification is a method used to treat polluted soil in eutrophication and decreased biodiversity. By 2030, the
certain reactors. The concept of in-situ vitrification is related. excessive nutrient application-related nutrient losses are to be
The difference is that the garbage needs to be excavated reduced by at least 50%, according to the zero-pollution
before it can be treated. The polluted dirt is heated and turned action plan. Reducing the area of land affected by air
vitrified by being placed inside a furnace. Electric arch pollution by 25% is another aim that will encourage better
furnaces and plasma torches are examples of heating devices. soils; this target is evaluated in the section on air and
trash soil is fed into a rolling furnace in plasma torch ecosystems. The zero-pollution aim, which states that soil
~ 15 ~
contamination should be so low by 2050 that it no longer edition. Environmental Pollution. Springer Netherlands;
endangers human health, is reaffirmed in the EU's 2030 soil c2013.
strategy. The zero-pollution hierarchy is in line with the plan, 6. Almutairi M. Vermiremediation strategy for remediation
which places a high priority on stopping pollution at its of Kuwaiti oil contaminated soil. SN Appl Sci.
source. The soil strategy calls for the creation of a future soil 2019;1(1):1312.
health law that is anticipated to contain guidelines for 7. Al-Taai SHH. Soil pollution- causes and effects. EOP
locating, cataloguing, and cleaning up polluted locations in Conference series: Earth Environmental Sciences; c2021.
order to drastically lower risks. (Khasanova et al. 2023) [28]. p. 790.
8. Barba-Gutiérrez Y, Adenso-Díaz B, Hopp M. An
Conclusion analysis of some environmental consequences of
One form of environmental pollution that comes in many European electrical and electronic waste regulation.
forms is soil pollution, which includes soil pollution from Resources, Conservation & Recycling. 2018;3(52):481-
agriculture, pollution from industry, and pollution from 495.
urbanization. These various forms of soil contamination will 9. Beam WF. Soil and Environmental Chemistry. Academic
deplete the soil's mineral content and decrease its fertility. By Press; c2006.
adopting some extreme steps, such as promoting the use of 10. Blum WEH. Functions of Soil for Society and the
organic manures and biofertilizers, processing industrial Environment. Reviews in Environmental Science and
waste before disposal to remove toxins, treating landfills, and Bio/Technology. 2005;4(3):75-79.
reusing plastics, soil pollution can be avoided. In order to stop 11. Bolan N, Kunhikrishna A, Thangarajan R, Kumpiene J,
soil erosion, reforestation should be promoted. It is time to Park J, Makino T, et al. Remediation of heavy metal
outlaw the use of pesticides, insecticides, and hazardous (loid)s contaminated soils - To mobilize or to
fertilizers. Crop rotation, organic farming, holistic pest immobilize? Journal of Hazardous Materials.
control, and other sustainable agricultural techniques should 2014;266:141-166.
be used. Techniques for repair and remediation should be 12. Bradl HB. Adsorption of heavy metal ions on soils and
applied to raise the caliber of the contaminated soil. While soils constituents. Journal of Colloid and Interface
myco-remediation utilizes fungi to extract heavy metal Science. 2004;277(1):1-18.
contamination, bioremediation approaches use 13. Brevik EC. Soils and human health: An overview. In:
microorganisms to destroy pollutants. Thermal remediation Brevik EC, Burgess LC, editors. Soils and Human
includes heating the soil to increase the amount of volatile Health. CRC Press; c2013. p. 29-58.
harmful chemicals, while phytoremediation employs plants to 14. Bünemann EK, Schwenke GD, Van Zwieten L. Impact of
absorb contaminants. Soil washing and electro-kinetic agricultural inputs on soil organisms-a review. Australian
remediation are two more procedures that may be used, Journal of Soil Research. 2006;44(4):379.
depending on the severity of the soil contamination. In certain 15. Burgess LC. Organic pollutants in soil. Soils and Human
situations, this procedure can be used even if the excavation Health. CRC Press; c2013. p. 83-106.
and transportation of contaminated soils to isolated and 16. Cachada A, Rocha-Santos T, Duarte AC. Chapter 1 - Soil
uninhabited areas appear to be challenging and time- and Pollution: An Introduction to the Main Issues. Soil
consuming. Governmental organizations, academic Pollution; c2018. p. 1-28.
institutions, and environmentalists should launch campaigns, 17. Cai DW. Understand the role of chemical pesticides and
education initiatives, and awareness campaigns to raise public prevent misuses of pesticides. Bulletin of Agricultural
awareness of the causes and effects of soil pollution, put into Science and Technology. 2008;1:36-38.
action practical soil conservation strategies, and disseminate 18. Dhakal D. Concise of soil chemistry. In: Concise Soil
knowledge about sustainable practices Chemistry; c2007. p. 417.
19. Fadlallah S. Environmental Pollution and its Impact on
Declaration of Competing interest Agricultural Economic Development. Assiut Journal of
We do not have any known conflict of interest in publication Environmental Studies. 2010;20:77-89.
of this paper. 20. Firoozi AA, Olgun CG, Firoozi AA, Baghini MS.
Fundamentals of soil stabilization. International Journal
References of Geo-engineering. 2017;8(1):1-16.
1. Abdel-Shafy HI, Mansour MSM. A review on polycyclic 21. Gaikwad AS, Titirmare NS, Margal PB. Soil pollution
aromatic hydrocarbons: Source, environmental impact, and environmental pollution. In: Advances in Soil
effect on human health and remediation. Egyptian Science; c2023. p. 267-307.
Journal of Petroleum. 2016;25(1):107-123. 22. Gevao B, Semple KT, Jones KC. Bound pesticide
2. Abrahams PW. Soils their implications to human health. residues in soils: A review. Environmental Pollution.
Science of the Total Environment. 2002;291(1):1-32. 2000;108(1):3-14.
3. Aichner B, Bussian B, Lehnik-Habrink P, Hein S. Levels 23. Glick BR. Phytoremediation: Synergistic use of plants
and Spatial Distribution of Persistent Organic Pollutants and bacteria to clean up the environment. Biotechnology
in the Environment: A Case Study of German Forest Advances. 2003;21(5):383-393.
Soils. Environmental Science & Technology. 24. Haider S, Koley B, Biswas S, Adak E. A brief outlook on
2013;47(22):12703-12714. soil pollution and its control measures. International
4. Aktar W, Sengupta D, Chowdhury A. Impact of Journal of Advanced Bio-Chemistry Research.
pesticides use in agriculture: their benefits and hazards. 2024;8(4S):59-69.
Interdisciplinary Toxicology. 2009;2(1):1-12. 25. Hickman ZA, Reid BJ. Earthworm assisted
5. Alloway BJ. Heavy Metals in Soils: Trace Metals and bioremediation of organic contaminants. Environmental
Metalloids in Soils and their Bioavailability. Third International. 2008;34(7):1072-1081.
~ 16 ~
26. Javed F, Hashmi I. Remediation of soil contamination 48. Sunil E, Bharti VK, Kumar A, Prakash O, Prashanth.
with oil using earthworm. Soil and Sediment Physio-chemical analysis of soil. International Journal of
Contamination. 2021;30(744):1-25. Creative Research Thoughts, 2023, 11.
27. Khakbaz PPN, Mahdeloei S, Heidari A. Soil pollution 49. Well RR, Brady NC. The Nature and the Properties of the
control management techniques and methods. Annals of Soil; c2017.
Biological Research. 2012;3(7):3101-3109.
28. Khasanova S, Alieva E, Shemilkhanova A.
Environmental Pollution: Types, causes and
consequences. BIO Web OF conferences. 2023;63:1-7.
29. Knoepp JD, Debano LF, Neary DG. Soil Chemistry.
Wildland fire in ecosystem, 2005, 42(4).
30. Koul B, Taak P. Chemical methods of soil remediation.
In: Biotechnological strategies for effective remediation
of polluted soils; c2018. p. 77-84.
31. Lithner D, Larsson A, Dave G. Environmental and health
hazard ranking and assessment of plastic polymers based
on chemical composition. The Science of the Total
Environment. 2011;409(18):3309-3324.
32. Logan TJ. Soils and Environmental Quality. In: Sumner
ME, editor. Handbook of Soil Science; c2000. p. 155-
170.
33. Mathews PM. Soil Chemistry: A Way-ahead Agricultural
Research and Technology. 2016;3:976-992.
34. Mishra A, Sinha RK. Current approaches in horticultural
crops to mitigate the effect of metal stress. In: Stress
Tolerance in Horticultural Crops; c2021.
35. Murrells T. Climate change consequences of VOC
emission controls. AEA energy Environment. 2007;9:1-
19.
36. Ozkara A, Akyil D. Environmental Pollution and the
Pollutants on the Ecosystem: A Review. Turkish Journal
of Scientific Research. 2018;11(2):11-17.
37. Rare AW, Mcelnea AE, Bucat R. Soil Chemistry. In:
React to Chemistry- a resource book of ideas for National
Science Week; c2011. p. 34-38.
38. Robinson BH, Banuelos G, Conesa HM, Evangelou
MWH, Schulin R. The phytomanagement of trace
elements in soil. Plant Sciences; c2009. p. 240-266.
39. Rodriguez N, McLaughlin MJ, Pennock D. Soil
Pollution: hidden reality; c2018. p. 142.
40. Roozbahani MM, Sobhanardakani S, Karimi H,
Sorooshnia R. Natural and anthropogenic source of heavy
metals pollution in the soil samples of an industrial
complex; A case study. Iranian Journal of Toxicology,
2015, 9(29).
41. Sachan R, Kumar D. Unraveling soil chemistry. In:
Introductory Soil Science; c2023. p. 138-161.
42. Sapkota A. Soil - Definition, composition, properties,
types and uses. Agricultural Microbiology; c2022.
43. Scholtz MT, Voldner E, McMillan AC, Van Heyst BJ. A
pesticide emission model (PEM). Part I Model
development. Atmospheric Environment. 2002;36:5005-
5013.
44. Sparks DL. Fundamentals of Soil Chemistry.
Encyclopaedia of Water: Science and Technology and
Society; c2019.
45. Sreemeenakshi K. Environmental pollution: causes and
prevention. Journal of Research in Environmental and
Earth Sciences. 2021;7(6):80-85.
46. Strawn DH, Bohn HL, O’Conner GA. Soil Chemistry.
Wiley-Blackwell; c2019.
47. Sun S, Sidhu V, Rong Y, Zheng Y. Pesticide Pollution in
Agricultural Soils and Sustainable Remediation Methods:
A review. Current Pollution Reports. 2018;4(3):240-250.
~ 17 ~

An Inclusive Evaluation of Soil Pollution and It's Remediation by Chemical, Physical and Biological Methods

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

An Inclusive Evaluation of Soil Pollution and It's Remediation by Chemical, Physical and Biological Methods

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

An Inclusive Evaluation of Soil Pollution and It's Remediation by Chemical, Physical and Biological Methods

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

International Journal of Chemical Studies 2024; 12(4): 05-17

Keywords: Soil pollution, bioremediation, phytoremediation, vitrification, bioventing,

Point source pollution and diffuse pollution Nitrogen and phosphorus

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon

Table 1: Effects of soil pollutants on vegetation.

You might also like