Bronte Wells
Soil pollution is a serious issue that can be caused by various factors, including human activities that introduce hazardous materials to the soil. Common pollutants include petroleum products, heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial solvents. Testing soil pollution is complex, and home test kits may not always be reliable. To accurately identify all possible pollutants, one must first understand the history of the property and the surrounding areas. While home test kits can be used to test for basic elements like pH, nutrients, and salts, sending soil samples to a laboratory for analysis is the best way to identify contaminants and receive advice on mitigation strategies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pollutants | Petroleum products, heavy metals (lead, nickel, copper, cadmium, chromium, zinc, molybdenum, barium, mercury), industrial solvents, pesticides, salts, fertilizers, PCBs, PAHs |
| Testing methods | Soil test kits, pH meters/sticks, EC (electrical conductivity) meters, lab analysis |
| Sample collection | Collect small samples from 2-6 inches below the surface, avoid contamination, place in a clean container, mix with water |
| Interpretation | Compare results with other studies, create shaded maps, analyze variance, correlation between factors |
| Action | Contact local fire department and state's department of environmental protection for spills, reach out to National Pesticide Information Center for pesticide concerns |
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What You'll Learn
Testing for heavy metals
Home Test Kits
Basic home test kits can be purchased to test soil for certain properties, such as pH and electrical conductivity (EC). While these kits are relatively affordable, they may not provide accurate results for heavy metal testing. They are more suitable for testing soil fertility and basic nutrient levels. Home test kits typically involve collecting a small soil sample from 2 to 6 inches below the surface, placing it in a container, and mixing it with water. The provided pH meter or stick is then used to measure the soil's pH. However, for heavy metal testing, a more specialised approach is required.
Laboratory Analysis
Laboratory analysis is a more comprehensive and accurate method for testing heavy metals in soil. Samples can be sent to laboratories that specialise in environmental testing and analysis. These laboratories have advanced equipment, such as Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma Instruments (ICP), which can detect heavy metals down to ppm or ppb levels. The testing packages offered by these laboratories comply with environmental regulations, and custom testing options are often available. Results are typically provided via email, and laboratories may also offer advice on mitigating pollution effects.
Heavy Metals of Concern
When testing for heavy metals, it is important to be aware of the metals that pose the greatest health and environmental risks. Lead, cadmium, and mercury are considered significant health hazards to humans. Lead, in particular, accumulates in the top 1-2 inches of soil and can remain for thousands of years due to its strong binding to soil particles and organic matter. Historical use of lead-based paint, lead pipes, and vehicle exhaust have contributed to lead contamination in soils. Other heavy metals of concern include arsenic, copper, nickel, and zinc. Arsenic contamination may be found in areas with coal burning, certain pesticide use, or old mining sites. Copper, nickel, and zinc at elevated levels can cause plant toxicity.
Site History and Federal Regulations
Understanding the history of a site can provide valuable insights into potential sources of heavy metal contamination. Previous uses of metal-containing pesticides, industrial pollution, dumping, or the presence of old houses with lead paint can all contribute to heavy metal contamination. Federal regulations have been implemented to address this issue, prohibiting the dumping of heavy metals and pollutants into the environment. As a result, heavy metal contamination has decreased, and proper disposal methods are now in place.
Soil Sampling Considerations
When collecting soil samples for heavy metal testing, it is important to follow proper procedures to avoid contamination. Multiple samples should be collected from different areas, maintaining the same depth for each sample. Samples should be collected using uncontaminated tools, such as a clean spade or scoop, and placed in clean containers. Laboratories will provide specific instructions for sample collection and submission to ensure accurate testing.
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Using a soil test kit
Soil test kits are a great way to measure pollution in soil. They are available at most garden centres and home improvement stores, as well as online. These kits can be purchased for as little as $20, with most kits costing under $100.
Soil test kits come with easy-to-follow instructions and are designed to be user-friendly. They typically include vials and tablets, test strips, pH meters or sticks, and a chart to interpret the results. Some kits may also include a calibration solution if required. To begin, carefully read and follow the instructions provided with your specific kit, as procedures may vary.
Before testing, it is important to collect a soil sample. Use a clean spade or trowel to dig 2 to 6 inches below the surface and place the soil sample into a clean, uncontaminated container. Avoid using metal tools or containers as they can affect the results. Collect multiple samples from different areas, ensuring they are taken from the same depth and remain uncontaminated. Break up any clumps and remove debris, then mix the samples together in the container.
Once you have your soil sample, follow the kit's instructions to test for pH levels and nutrient content. Typically, you will add water to the container with the soil sample, creating a liquid mixture. The specific amount of water required may vary, so refer to your kit's instructions. After mixing, allow the solution to sit for a period of time as specified in your kit's instructions. For accurate results, it is crucial to carefully follow the provided instructions and avoid user errors.
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Measuring electrical conductivity
There are two approaches to measuring electrical conductivity. The first method involves using platinum electrodes embedded in ceramic with a bubbling pressure of 15 bars. The ceramic remains saturated over the plant growth range, even though the soil is not saturated, allowing a measurement of the solution in the ceramic. This method provides the EC of the soil solution, or pore water EC, as long as there is adequate exchange between the ceramic and the soil solution.
The second method measures the conductivity of the bulk soil and then uses empirical or theoretical equations to determine the pore water EC. This method does not require any exchange of salt between the soil and sensor and is therefore more likely to indicate the actual solution electrical conductivity. An example of a sensor that uses this method is the TEROS 12.
To measure electrical conductivity, a soil sample is taken and a saturated paste is made with deionized water. The water is then extracted, and the electrical conductivity of the extracted solution is measured. This traditional method provides the saturation extract EC, which is the value used for almost all salinity recommendations.
Another way to measure electrical conductivity is to use soil moisture sensors installed into the soil, which measure the bulk EC. Bulk EC is the only EC measure that can be continuously monitored in situ. Saturation extract EC can be determined from measured bulk EC values using empirical or theoretical equations. This value indicates how much salt is in the soil and can be converted to soil salinity.
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Identifying soil contaminants
Soil contamination can occur in many ways, and it is often the by-product of human activities that deposit hazardous materials on the soil. Soil contaminants can be categorised as chemical, biological, or radioactive waste.
Chemical waste includes non-radioactive chemical solids, liquids, or other waste contaminated with hazardous chemicals. Some of the most common chemical contaminants found in soil are inorganic compounds, such as trace elements like arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, lead, manganese, nickel, zinc, and radionuclides. These trace elements occur naturally, but they can pose hazards to the environment and human health if present in toxic concentrations. Other chemical contaminants include organic compounds, which can be volatile and have high absorptive potential, forming stable bonds with lipids and carbohydrates in organisms' tissues and soil organic matter.
Biological waste is material capable of self-replication and causing harmful effects on biological organisms. This includes materials containing bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, allergens, and other potentially hazardous agents. Biological contamination often occurs naturally but can also result from poor sanitation, hygiene, or improper disposal of medical waste.
Radioactive waste contains radioactive material and is typically the by-product of nuclear power generation and other applications of nuclear technology.
Soil can also be contaminated by a ""point source", such as when pollutants are dumped directly onto the soil or buried. For example, lead is the most commonly reported soil contaminant, often arising from paint residue that falls to the ground and contaminates the soil as precipitation wears away a home's exterior. Other common sources of soil contamination include waste from landfills, livestock manure runoff, hazardous industrial waste, mining operations, septic systems, and storage cisterns that burst underground.
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Interpreting lab results
Soil testing is important for growers and can also provide valuable insights for agribusiness players such as crop insurers, banks, and input suppliers. Soil tests can be performed in a laboratory or in the field, and they can be used to measure soil fertility, pH, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and other physical and chemical properties.
Soil Fertility
Soil fertility tests measure the levels of essential plant nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium, which are typically measured in parts per million (ppm). These tests can also measure nitrogen levels, which are based on average crop uptake and expected yield.
PH Levels
Soil pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, with the pH scale ranging from 0-14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is basic or alkaline. Soil pH can affect the ability of plants to absorb nutrients, so it may need to be adjusted with limestone or sulfur if it is too acidic.
Organic Matter
Soil organic matter provides insight into how productive the soil will be, as it helps soils retain water and creates a structure that allows roots to move easily. A higher organic matter content generally indicates more productive soil.
Heavy Metals
Soil can often contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, which can be toxic to humans and plants if ingested in high quantities. Historical use of metal-containing pesticides, industrial pollution, or dumping could be the cause of heavy metal contamination. Laboratory tests can determine the presence and levels of these heavy metals in the soil.
Electric Conductivity
An electric conductivity (EC) soil test can show the quantity of crop-available nitrogen in some non-saline lands. It can also help identify the presence of chemical contaminants that may reduce yield quality.
It is important to note that soil test reports can vary depending on the laboratory and analysis method used. Therefore, it is recommended to combine lab reports with historical data and satellite imagery for a more comprehensive understanding of soil conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
You can purchase a soil test kit, which costs between $20 and $150, to test for nutrients, salts, and pH levels. However, these kits are not always reliable as they test very small amounts of soil and are prone to user error. To use a kit, collect a small soil sample from 2 to 6 inches below the surface, place it in a clean container, and mix it with water. Then, follow the instructions provided with your kit, which may involve adding a certain chemical or using an EC (electrical conductivity) meter or pH meter/stick.
Soil contaminants can come in many forms, often as a result of human activities. Some common soil contaminants include PCBs, PAHs, petroleum products, heavy metals such as lead, nickel, copper, and zinc, pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial solvents.
Collect multiple samples from different areas of your garden or property, ensuring that you take them from the same depth (between 2 to 6 inches below the surface) and avoid contamination. Use an uncontaminated tool, such as a clean garden spade, to collect the samples and place them in clean containers.
You can mail your soil samples to a laboratory, which will provide you with a detailed analysis of your soil's fertility and any possible contaminants. You can locate an appropriate lab by contacting your local board of health or state department of environmental protection.
If you suspect your soil has been contaminated by pesticides or herbicides, you should contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at 800-858-7378 or visit their website at www.npic.orst.edu. They will be able to provide you with guidance and assistance.
