Cracked earth with skeletal hands and vibrant green sprouts

Unearthing the Truth: How Soil Contamination Affects Your Health and What You Can Do About It

Theo Raines in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into petroleum hydrocarbon and trace element contamination in soil, its eco-toxicological impacts, and practical steps for a healthier environment."

Imagine the ground beneath your feet – seemingly solid and stable. But what if it's silently harboring toxic secrets? Soil contamination, particularly from petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC) and trace elements (TE), is a growing concern with far-reaching consequences. These contaminants, often the result of industrial activities and waste disposal, pose a significant threat to our environment and, more alarmingly, to our health.

Think of underground storage tanks at old auto repair shops, leaking their hazardous contents into the surrounding earth. These leaks release a cocktail of dangerous substances, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals like lead and cobalt. These aren't just abstract chemical names; they're compounds linked to various health problems, from respiratory issues to more severe conditions.

This article will unpack the complex science behind soil contamination, explore its real-world impact, and, most importantly, equip you with actionable knowledge to protect yourself and contribute to a healthier future. We'll delve into the findings of a detailed study conducted in Sweden, examining the specific threats posed by PHC and TE contamination, and translate that research into practical understanding.

The Hidden Dangers: Understanding the Impact

Cracked earth with skeletal hands and vibrant green sprouts

The study, conducted at a former auto scrap yard in Sweden, meticulously analyzed soil samples from areas contaminated with PHC and TE. Researchers compared these samples to control samples from nearby uncontaminated areas, providing a clear picture of the pollutants' effects. The analysis focused on both the chemical properties of the soil and its biological health, using various ecotoxicological tests. These tests involved observing the effects of the contaminated soil on plant growth (using Lepidium sativum, or cress), earthworm development (Eisenia fetida), and the activity of soil microorganisms.

The results were alarming. The contaminated soils exhibited a range of negative impacts: Contaminants significantly hindered earthworm development and reduced the shoot dry biomass of L. sativum, highlighting the toxicity of the soil. Oxygen uptake rate (OUR) in the aqueous phase of the contaminated soil was significantly higher, indicating increased microbial activity, but not necessarily in a positive way. This increased activity can sometimes be a sign of microorganisms working hard to break down the pollutants, but it can also indicate stress and imbalance in the soil ecosystem.

Key findings from the study include:

Reduced earthworm growth: Indicating a direct toxic effect on soil organisms.
Decreased plant biomass: Suggesting that pollutants interfere with plant nutrient uptake and overall health.
Increased microbial respiration: Showing a disturbance in the soil's natural biological processes.
High levels of trace elements: Confirmation of dangerous levels of pollutants within the soil.

It's important to understand that the total concentration of pollutants isn't the only factor determining risk. The bioavailability – the extent to which these pollutants can be absorbed by living organisms – is crucial. Factors like soil composition (organic matter, clay content) and the “aging” of contaminants in the soil play significant roles. This is why combining chemical analysis with toxicity testing provides a more accurate assessment of the real danger.

What You Can Do: Taking Action for a Healthier Future

While the issue of soil contamination can seem overwhelming, remember that awareness is the first step towards positive change. By understanding the potential dangers and advocating for responsible environmental practices, you can contribute to a healthier future for yourself and your community. Contact your local representatives, support environmental organizations, and make informed choices to protect our precious soil.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/10406638.2018.1517101, Alternate LINK

Title: Physicochemical And Ecotoxicological Characterization Of Petroleum Hydrocarbons And Trace Elements Contaminated Soil

Subject: Materials Chemistry

Journal: Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Charlotte Marchand, Yahya Jani, Fabio Kaczala, Mohamed Hijri, William Hogland

Published: 2018-12-22

Everything You Need To Know

What are the primary pollutants contributing to soil contamination, as highlighted, and where do they typically originate?

Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC) and trace elements (TE) are the main culprits in soil contamination. PHCs originate from sources like leaking underground storage tanks at old auto repair shops, releasing dangerous substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Trace elements include heavy metals like lead and cobalt, often stemming from industrial activities and waste disposal. These contaminants pose threats to environmental and human health.

How do ecotoxicological tests, such as those involving Lepidium sativum and Eisenia fetida, help in assessing the impact of soil contamination?

Ecotoxicological tests can reveal negative impacts from soil contaminants. The study used Lepidium sativum (cress) to observe plant growth, Eisenia fetida (earthworms) to assess development, and measured the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) to gauge microbial activity. Reduced earthworm growth, decreased plant biomass, and increased microbial respiration were indicators of a disturbed soil ecosystem due to PHC and TE contamination.

What is 'bioavailability' in the context of soil contamination, and why is it important to consider alongside the total concentration of pollutants?

Bioavailability refers to the extent pollutants can be absorbed by living organisms. Factors like soil composition, including organic matter and clay content, along with the aging of contaminants in the soil, affect bioavailability. Understanding bioavailability is crucial because the total concentration of pollutants alone doesn't determine the actual risk; the amount that organisms can absorb is key. Therefore, chemical analysis combined with toxicity testing provides a more accurate risk assessment.

Based on the study, what specific effects did soil contamination have on earthworm development, plant biomass, and microbial activity?

The study in Sweden at a former auto scrap yard showed contaminants hindered earthworm development and reduced the shoot dry biomass of L. sativum. The oxygen uptake rate (OUR) in the aqueous phase of the contaminated soil was significantly higher, indicating increased microbial activity. These findings suggest that PHC and TE contamination in the soil had toxic effects on soil organisms, interfered with plant nutrient uptake, and disturbed the soil's natural biological processes.

What concrete steps can individuals take to address soil contamination and promote a healthier environment, focusing on both personal actions and community involvement?

You can take action by increasing awareness of soil contamination and advocating for responsible environmental practices. Support environmental organizations that work to remediate contaminated sites and promote soil health. Contact your local representatives to push for policies that regulate industrial activities and waste disposal to prevent further PHC and TE contamination. Making informed choices in your daily life to reduce your environmental footprint also contributes to a healthier future.