Soil is a vital, life-sustaining part of terrestrial ecosystems. In urban settings, soil holds water, filters out pollutants, and is the foundation of green spaces like parks and gardens. Healthy soils support plant, animal, and human health.
Meanwhile, polluted soil can have detrimental impacts. Soil contaminants come from various sources, such as:
- Lead from old paints and industrial by-products such as steel manufacturing and waste incineration. Lead is known for its adverse effects on child development.
- Pesticides used in farms and gardens which contaminate soil with heavy metals. Pesticides may unintentionally kill beneficial insects such as pollinators.
- Road salt which accumulates near roadways and pollutes streams, harming freshwater life.
Because contaminants can accumulate over time, it’s important to be aware of what’s in your soil.
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Want to learn more? Check out these resources on soil and the environment:
Soil Health (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service)
How Pesticides Impact Human Health and Ecosystems
What Are BSEC Researchers Doing?
Sources of soil pollution and major contaminants in urban areas