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1. The Impact of Soil Contamination on the Environment Soil contamination puts our communities at risk through the introduction of potentially hazardous substances into our environment. Created from the decomposition of rock and organic material over long periods of time, soil differs in composition from place to place; this is largely because of varying geological properties, but environmental engineering climate also plays a role in soil composition.

3. Not all soil contamination is caused by mankind Many chemicals occur naturally in soil, usually as components of minerals. Depending on the composition of the soil, some of these natural chemicals can become toxic over time under certain conditions. For example, if some chemicals are present in higher concentrations than the soil can safely absorb, the soil and nearby groundwater can become contaminated. According to the Cornell Waste Management Institute, one such example can be found in some regions of New York State where naturally occurring levels of arsenic in the soil can exceed recommended safety levels. As a result, drinking water in these areas must be treated in order to be safe for human consumption

4. Nevertheless, humans are responsible for much of the soil contamination Naturally occurring soil contaminants are only a small part of the problem. Pesticides, fertilizers and accidental leaks and spills from industrial development have created environmental hazards throughout the world. The problem is compounded by the fact that once these contaminants are released into the soil, they usually do not remain in one place, making them difficult to contain.

6. Quick Facts about the Impact of Soil Contamination on our Environment • The following information has been provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: • *Nearly 40 percent of rivers and streams in the United States are too polluted for fishing and swimming due to chemical and microbial contaminants. • *Both soils and sediments can be polluted with a host of chemical and microbial contaminants from a number of sources. Sources include municipal wastewater (and associated bio solids), industry and agriculture. • *Chemical contaminants range from heavy metals like mercury to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to relatively new emerging contaminants. Sediments and soils may contain multiple chemical contaminants combined with microbial pathogens. Emerging contaminants of concern such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) come from municipal wastewater, concentrated animal feeding operations and other sources.

7. The Problem of soil contamination is a worldwide issue… The BBC reports (on April 14, 2014) that one-fifth of China’s soil is contaminated. The information comes directly from the Chinese government which conducted a study from 2005-2013 that revealed that 16.1% of China's soil and 19.4% of its arable land showed contamination. According to the BBC, the report from the Environmental Protection Ministry, named cadmium, nickel and arsenic as top pollutants. Similar governmental reports in various nations in Europe also show widespread incidents of soil contamination.

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