Brian Barton
Soil pollution is a serious threat to human health and the environment. Contaminated soil can be harmful to people, plants, and animals in several ways. It can be absorbed into crops, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Soil testing is crucial to identify toxic materials and ensure land is safe for agriculture, residential development, and human habitation. Testing methods include gas chromatography, near-infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence, each with advantages and limitations. Soil health practices, such as adding organic matter and maintaining optimal pH levels, can help mitigate exposure to contaminated soils. Understanding the history of a site and implementing proper waste disposal systems are also essential for preventing and addressing soil pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil testing methods | Electric conductivity (EC) soil test, standard fertility analysis, organic matter analysis, chemical test, Total Sorbed Metals Test, Total Lead Analysis |
| Contaminants | Heavy metals (lead), copper, arsenic, cadmium, nickel, chromium, zinc, mercury, pesticides, PFAS, biological waste, radioactive waste |
| Risks | Toxic to humans and plants if ingested, health risks for young children and pregnant women, detrimental effects on humans, animals, and plants |
| Preventative measures | Mulching pathways, washing hands after working in the garden, proper disposal of toxic materials, following federal regulations |
| Testing locations | Laboratory, on-site |
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What You'll Learn
Testing for heavy metals
Heavy metals are metallic elements with a high weight and density compared to water. They can occur naturally in the environment, but excessive amounts in the soil can pose health risks. Heavy metals in the soil can be the result of natural processes or human activities such as industrial waste, mine tailings, pesticide applications, lead paints, or other sources.
If you are concerned about heavy metal contamination on your land, it is recommended to have the soil analyzed by a laboratory. Laboratory testing is the most accurate way to determine the levels of heavy metals in the soil and the potential risk they pose. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established regulations and resources to help interpret your results and monitor heavy metals in households and waste.
When testing for heavy metals, it is important to collect a composite soil sample from the area of concern. This involves taking 15 to 20 uniform cores or slices of soil from random spots in the area. If there are separate areas of concern, such as old buildings with lead paint, collect separate samples from each location. Fill out a sample submission form and submit your samples to a laboratory for analysis.
There are also private labs that offer soil testing for heavy metals, such as Eurofins. Additionally, some universities offer soil testing programs, and certain states provide local programs that sample the soil and give a full spectrum analysis. These tests can provide peace of mind and help you make informed decisions about gardening and agricultural practices.
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Gas chromatography
GC is used to identify and quantify compounds in soil. When combined with suitable detectors, it can be used to identify and quantify multiple compounds simultaneously. For example, GC-FID (Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection) is excellent at detecting petroleum hydrocarbons such as Gasoline Range Organics (GRO) and Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbons (EPH). GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) is a crucial tool for detecting a wide range of compounds, including PAHs, VOCs, pesticides, SVOCs, and PCBs.
GC-MS has been used to analyze organic pollutants in French soils irrigated with agro-industrial wastewater. It has also been used to determine the concentration of phthalate esters in soil samples. In addition, GC-MS was utilized to identify parabens and endocrine-disrupting alkylphenols in soil.
A portable GC-MS method has been developed for in-field screening of organic pollutants in soil and water at pollution incidents. This method provides rapid, qualitative analysis to detect and identify organic pollutants commonly found by regulatory environmental laboratories. It has been used to analyze polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil using solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The total combined extraction and analysis time is approximately 6.5 minutes per sample, much faster than the laboratory method, which can take up to 40 minutes per analysis.
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X-Ray fluorescence
Portable XRF analysers use low-power X-rays to determine the elemental composition of soil. The technique is non-destructive and can be used in situ, providing rapid results that are comparable to traditional laboratory-based techniques. The data from PXRF can be used directly for soil parameter assessment (e.g. total Ca, total Fe) or as a proxy for predicting other soil parameters of interest (e.g. soil cation-exchange capacity, soil reaction, soil salinity).
XRF performance for soil analysis is often validated against wet chemistry techniques. However, there are several factors that may affect the accuracy and precision of XRF measurements, including heterogeneity, analysis times, instrument stability, protective thin films, incident X-rays, sample thickness, sample width, analyte interferences, detector resolution, power source fluctuations, and instrumental drift. Additionally, light elements such as carbon and oxygen, which are common in organic matter and water, can negatively affect XRF measurements due to X-ray scattering and attenuation.
XRF has been used successfully to identify and map heavy metal pollution in soils, such as in a sports ground in Galway City, Ireland. It has also been used for the in-situ differentiation of acidic and non-acidic tundra.
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Bioassay
A bioassay is a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to test soil pollution and determine if chemical residues (insecticides and herbicides) are present in the soil. It is also used to assess if the soil can be safely planted for crops. This method involves growing plants that are sensitive to the herbicide in the material that might be contaminated to detect its presence. The test relies on observing how the plant germinates and grows in the suspect soil. Depending on the chemical present, the test plants will manifest specific symptoms such as leaf curling, stunted growth, or discolouration.
To conduct a bioassay, collect representative soil samples from several locations in the field. The bioassay is only as good as the soil sampling procedure. Collect samples from high spots, low spots, and different soils. If you suspect that soil pH may be low in certain areas, sample these areas separately. Soil cores should be taken from the top 2 to 3 inches of soil, unless the field has been cultivated to a certain depth, in which case samples should be taken to that depth. For sandy soils, samples should be taken to a depth of 4 to 6 inches or the depth of cultivation.
It is important to have a control group and an experimental group for the test. The control group will contain soil from a reliable source that is known to be free of persistent herbicides. You can use any bagged soil products or bulk soil from a trusted vendor. The experimental group will contain the trusted soil mixed with the compost or soil you want to test. The only variable in the experimental group should be the addition of the potentially contaminated material. Use the same type of pots and seedlings for both groups. Tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, and beans are good choices for the test as they are sensitive to herbicides.
Within two weeks, you will start to see signs of problems in the seedlings if the soil is contaminated. Look for stunted growth, deformed or small leaves, new growth and coloration, and splitting of the main stem. Compare the control group and the experimental group to determine if the plants look healthy. If the experimental group shows signs of herbicide damage, it indicates that the soil is contaminated.
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Laboratory analysis
Soil Sampling
The first step is to collect soil samples from various depths and locations within the area of concern. This comprehensive sampling ensures an accurate representation of the soil's contamination status. The samples are carefully stored in sterile containers to prevent further contamination before analysis.
Chemical Analysis
Chemical analysis is a common technique used in laboratories to identify contaminants. This process involves assessing the soil's chemical composition, including heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants. Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, are widespread contaminants that can be toxic to humans and the environment. They often stem from industrial activities, mining, and the use of leaded gasoline. Pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture and landscaping can also leave chemical residues in the soil, impacting its health.
Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry
Chromatography and mass spectrometry are advanced techniques used in laboratories to identify and quantify specific contaminants. These methods provide detailed insights into the types and concentrations of pollutants present in the soil samples.
Soil Health Testing
Beyond identifying contaminants, laboratories also assess the soil's health and biological functions. This testing goes beyond nutrient and pH analysis, helping farmers and gardeners understand the soil's ability to immobilize chemical compounds and promote plant growth. By adding organic matter, maintaining a suitable pH, and employing practices like mulching, soil health can be improved, thereby mitigating the effects of contamination.
Historical Data Consideration
Laboratory reports provide a snapshot of the current state of the field, but combining these findings with historical data is crucial. Understanding the land's use history, such as previous chemical usage or industrial activities, helps explain how contamination occurred and guides decisions on field amelioration.
In conclusion, laboratory analysis of soil pollution involves a comprehensive set of techniques to identify contaminants, assess soil health, and guide remediation efforts. By utilising chemical analysis, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and considering historical data, scientists can uncover the presence and impact of pollutants, ultimately helping to preserve the environment and safeguard public health.
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