How Does Soil Heterogeneity Affect Toxicant Distribution?
The distribution of toxicants in soil is highly influenced by soil heterogeneity. Different soil components such as clay, silt, and organic matter have varying affinities for chemical contaminants. For instance, clay and organic matter have a high capacity to adsorb heavy metals, thereby reducing their mobility. In contrast, sandy soils with low organic content may facilitate greater leaching and movement of toxicants. This variability affects the concentration and persistence of toxic substances in different soil layers.
