Contaminants in soil can impact the health of animals and
humans when in contact. Soil contamination can either be solid or liquid
hazardous substances that are physically or chemically mixed to soil
particles. The causes of contamination
in the soils are usually from spills or water washes that come from an area
that has hazardous substances. Animals, plants, and humans are all affected by
these contaminants through contact, ingestion, and inhalation. There are
several ways in which the prevention of soil contamination can be treated. One
example is soil excavation that involves chemicals and buried debris to be
removed. If the excavated soil is disposed in a landfill, it will be placed
directly in the dump truck or may be put on plastic tarps to prevent wind and
rain from blowing or washing it away and to keep others from coming in contact
with the contaminated soil. Treatment approaches include flushing contaminants
out of the soil using chemical solvents, natural organisms in the soil to break
them down, or adding material to the soil to prevent them from spreading.
Source: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/students/wastsite/soilspil.htm
By: Kim Carpio
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