SREL Reprint #2361
Soil contamination, risk reduction and remediation
Enzo Lombi1, Walter W. Wenzel2, and Domy C. Adriano3
1Department of Soil Sciences, IARC-Rothamsted, Harpenden, UK
2Institute of Soil Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences, Vienna, Austria
3Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken SC, USA
Abstract: Soil contamination by trace elements is caused by several processes. The biogeochemical cycles of inorganic pollutants have been gradually accelerated by human activities for several centuries, the Industrial Revolution marked a dramatic increase in the emissions of trace elements to the biosphere. Moreover, locally large concentrations of contaminants may be related to natural phenomena. The public welfare concern over the hazards of soil pollution has led to legislative action aimed at controlling the major pathways of contamination. Land application of sewage sludge, combustion of fossil fuel, smelter activities, etc. have been strictly regulated during recent decades. This paper describes, for some countries, the legislative aspects that regulate the land application of sewage sludge. Particular emphasis is given to the comparison of the legislation in EU and USA. The second part of the paper reviews the legislative aspects related to soil remediation and the remediation technologies currently employed. The formulation of legislative guidelines for soil remediation are based on the definition of threshold limits specific to the element and related to land use. Examples of limits based on total and extractable concentrations of trace elements are reported. A general description of the most common reclamation techniques is given.
SREL Reprint #2361
Lombi, E., W.W. Wenzel, and D.C. Adriano. 1998. Soil contamination, risk reduction and remediation. pp. 183-197 In: P. Birch (Ed.). Land Contamination & Reclamation. 6 Vol. EPP Publications, Surrey, United Kingdom.
This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).