Soil contaminants can originate from various sources, including industrial activities, agricultural practices, and urban development. Common contaminants include:
Heavy Metals: Elements like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, which can be toxic even at low concentrations. Pesticides: Chemicals used to control pests that can persist in the soil and pose long-term risks. Petroleum Hydrocarbons: Compounds derived from oil and gas that can be toxic and carcinogenic. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Industrial chemicals that are highly persistent and bioaccumulative. Pharmaceuticals: Medicinal compounds that can enter the soil through wastewater and agricultural runoff.
