Is My Soil Safe?
When you hear the words heavy metal, do you think of the music? Unfortunately, heavy metals are nothing to listen to. Instead, they are a hazard. We don’t talk about heavy metal contamination very often. However, the presence of heavy metals in the soil can be hazardous to your health. If you want to know more about heavy metals, keep reading. We provide you with information about possible problems and how you can remediate soil to lower heavy metal levels.
What Are Heavy Metals?
Soil contains several heavy metals. Examples include arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc. Many soils have trace elements of some heavy metals naturally. However, heavy metals can occur in large concentrations that are harmful to humans. Sources of heavy metals vary. Heavy metal deposits in soil usually stem from industrialization and the byproducts of factories. In the past, factories were able to deposit heavy metals in the soil without any government interference. One hundred years ago, we didn’t know as much about the dangers of heavy metals as we do now. This was at a time when scientists didn’t understand the impact of heavy metal pollution in the soil.
Many common sources for heavy metals exist. Heavy metals can come from mines and factories. They can also come from car emissions. Car batteries contain heavy metals as well. Other sources of heavy metal include paints and treated woods. Fertilizers can also contain heavy metals. In addition, many cities have aging water systems, which leach heavy metals into the groundwater. Plastics can also leach heavy metals over time. Toy manufacturers used lead to enhance the toys’ colors and to prevent corrosion. Dyes contained arsenic.
Currently, the most common type of heavy metal that is a contaminant is lead. That’s because gasoline contained lead until the late 1970s. And, now, 40 years later, the lead residue continues to contaminate many roads and nearby lands.
What Are Acceptable Levels of Heavy Metals in Soil?
The acceptable levels of heavy metals in soil vary. The more dangerous the EPA judges a heavy metal to be, the lower the level it allows in the soil. There must be less than 70 milligrams per kilogram of cadmium in the soil. Chromium must be present at less than 230 milligrams per kilogram. Copper is a little different. Copper must be in the soil at less than 270 milligrams per kilogram of soil. Copper is one of the few heavy metals to be present in significant quantities in the soil naturally. Lead must be under 400 milligrams per kilogram of soil. Nickel can be present up to 1,600 milligrams per kilogram of soil. The EPA considers zinc to be the least dangerous of the heavy metals. It allows zinc in the soil as long as it’s under 23,600 milligrams per kilogram.
How Do You Get Rid of Heavy Metals in the Soil?
There are several ways to get rid of heavy metals in the soil. However, you cannot do any of them without the help of an expert. Researchers have used different kinds of plants to remediate the soil. They have also researched the use of different kinds of clay to help get heavy metals out of the soil. Sometimes excavation is necessary to get serious heavy metal contamination out of the soil. While there are several methods to eliminate heavy metals, it isn’t easy. You will want to contact a professional to help you.
Is My Soil Safe?
Are you questioning, “is my soil safe”? And are you concerned about the possible presence of heavy metals in your soil? If so, it is essential you find the truth. Contact All American Environmental Consultants, and Contractors located in northern NJ. We will be happy to address your concerns and help you.
