What are the causes and consequences of soil pollution?

What is soil pollution?

Soil contamination refers to the presence of toxic chemicals or elements produced by human activities that degrade or destroy soil quality. This includes everything from industrial and agricultural waste, to chemical pollutants that directly impact its composition and functionality. Beyond the direct effects, soil pollution is closely linked to water and air pollution, amplifying their impacts.

Types of soil contaminants

Soil contaminant types can be classified into several categories according to their origin and type:

• Natural pollution: It occurs due to natural geological or biological processes, although its impact is generally minor compared to human activities.
• Anthropogenic pollution: It results from human activities such as industrialization, agriculture, and urbanization.
• Chemical pollution: Includes pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial products that alter the chemical composition of the soil.
• Pollution by residual disposal: Related to landfills of garbage and mismanaged toxic waste.
• Infiltration contamination: This occurs when toxic substances penetrate the soil through water.
• Runoff pollution: Chemical residues carried by rainwater contaminate the surface layers of the soil.
• Contamination from abandoned facilities: Industrial and mining sites that have not been properly managed contribute significantly to soil contamination.

What are the main soil pollutants?

Although some causes of soil pollution are natural, most come from human activities. Among the main causes are:

• Deforestation and soil erosion: Indiscriminate felling of trees exposes the soil to erosion, reducing its fertility and structure.
• Agricultural activities: The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides contaminates the soil with toxic chemicals.
• Mining: Mineral extraction releases heavy metals and toxic chemicals into the surrounding soil.
• Industrialization: Untreated industrial waste pollutes with substances such as lead, mercury, and other hazardous chemicals.
• Construction: Construction debris and debris can include toxic materials such as asbestos.
• Nuclear waste: Mismanaged radioactive materials represent one of the most dangerous forms of soil contamination.
• Drainage treatment: Untreated wastewater contains organic and inorganic contaminants that negatively impact the soil.

What causes pollution to the earth?

The impact of soil pollution goes beyond the earth's surface, also affecting ecosystems, human health and socio-economic development. Some of the main consequences or effects are:

• Loss of flora and fauna: Pollution alters natural habitats, reducing biodiversity.
• Difficulties for agricultural development: Contaminated soils lose their fertility, limiting food production.
• Landscape deterioration: The accumulation of hazardous waste and soil degradation affect the visual appeal of natural areas.
• Impossibility of development of new ecosystems: Pollutants prevent the growth of new biological communities.
• Groundwater and surface water contamination: Leachate carries contaminants from the soil to nearby water sources.
• Impact on human and animal health: Contact with heavy metals and other pollutants can cause chronic disease and cancer.
• Decreased soil fertility: The accumulation of pollutants affects the biological processes essential for soil regeneration.
• Changes in ecosystems: Pollution causes imbalances in ecological relationships.
• Toxic dust: The release of pollutants into the air affects both the soil and nearby people.

1. Resolution of administrative files

• Management with environmental authorities: We coordinate with organisations such as the Catalan Water Agency (ACA), the Waste Agency of Catalonia (ARC), the Unified Environmental Management Office (OGAU), among others.
• Processing of files: We take care of managing contamination and decontamination files before the authorities.
• Environmental Reports: Preparation of Preliminary Reports, Base Reports, Cessation of Activity Reports, Periodic Reports and other documents required for the renewal of environmental licenses.

2. Internal valuations

• Environmental Due Diligence: We carry out audits of the state of the subsoil in industrial purchase and sale processes or extensions.
• Valuation of environmental liabilities: We evaluate the impact of soil and groundwater contamination on the purchase and sale of land.

3. Actions in the event of historical incidents or contamination

• Drilling and sampling campaigns: Execution of boreholes, installation of piezometers and analysis of soil and water, complying with RD 9/2005.
• Research and laboratory analysis: All our analyses are certified under ISO 17025.
• Risk analysis: Preparation of risk analyses for human health in situations of contamination.
• Decontamination plans: Drafting and execution of remediation plans.
• Pollution monitoring: Design and management of environmental monitoring programs.

Featured projects: examples of success in the environmental management of contaminated soils

At SOCOTEC, our commitment to sustainability and technical excellence has allowed us to develop comprehensive solutions in soil restoration and decontamination projects. Here are three outstanding cases that illustrate our professional approach and the effectiveness of our methodologies.

These cases reflect our experience and commitment to excellence in environmental management. We work with a focus on sustainability, innovation and regulatory compliance, positioning ourselves as leaders in the prevention and remediation of contaminated soils.

At SOCOTEC we have the official qualification as Control Entities in the Sectoral Field of Soil Pollution Prevention (EC-SOL), granted by the General Directorate of Climate Change and Environmental Quality of Catalonia. In addition, we have accreditation number 139-EC-SOL, which guarantees our capacity and competence in research, risk analysis and decontamination projects.

Soil pollution is a global challenge that demands immediate action. At SOCOTEC, we are committed to environmental, social and economic sustainability, working alongside our customers to develop strategies that promote a greener and safer future. With our innovative solutions and focus on the Sustainable Development Goals, we transform environmental challenges into opportunities for progress.