There are numerous safety hazards attached to soil contamination in commercial, industrial and residential land. The most crucial concern is the health risks associated with direct contact, inhalation or secondary consumption through water. Therefore, if you have acquired land that could be polluted by contaminants such as asbestos, hydrocarbons, solvents and heavy metals, it is important to have the soil inspected and tested in a laboratory. This will help you create a remediation plan to restore the natural condition of the soil and make it suitable for general usage. Here are the most beneficial techniques to consider for remediation of your contaminated land.

Soil Excavation and Removal

Excavation of the contaminated soil and subsequent removal is the most effective technique for eliminating pollutants. This is particularly true for materials such as asbestos which disperse into the soil and cannot be resolved effectively through other less-intrusive methods. As implied, this method will require removal of the top soil through excavation or dredging. The depth of the excavation will depend on the extent of contamination.

For example, you will need to dredge deeper if the land was previously a disposal site for pertinent waste as opposed to accidental occurrence. The contaminated soil must then be disposed in a suitable landfill designated for polluted material. You can purchase clean soil to restore the function and appearance of your land.

Bioremediation

Contaminated soil can be treated and restored through the use of biological agents. This technique is commonly known as bioremediation. There are numerous organisms that can be utilised on your land. The choice will depend on the type of pollutants present. If there are hydrocarbons or similar materials in the soil, bacterial microbes can be incorporated into the property. They will consume and break down the harmful materials, making the land safe again. Unfortunately, this method might be limited in colder environments because bacterial activity slows down or stops. Fungi and plants can also be used to resolve some contaminants, particularly those associated with groundwater pollution.

Thermal Desorption

If the soil is contaminated by volatile elements or compounds, you can choose remediation by thermal desorption. This method is highly effective, but it can only be utilised in limited volumes of soil. As implied, the thermal desorption technique involves introducing heat into the soil. This will cause the volatile pollutants to vaporise and become separated from the soil material. The contaminants can be collected for safe disposal or destroyed using heat.

If you are concerned about contamination in your property, consult a remediation expert for guidance.