Soil Amendments for Site Restoration

In Soil Amendments for Site Restoration, you'll learn ...

• The environmental, human, health, economic, and other advantages of soil amendments in remediating and revitalizing contaminated sites
• How soil amendments can be used to address toxicity, pH, salinity (excess salts), sodicity (excess sodium), poor soil physical properties, and nutrient and fertility issues
• Types of soil amendments, as well as the types of sites where soil amendments can be used
• Logistic issues to be addressed in using soil amendments for remediation and revitalization at a specific site

Overview

Credit: 3 PDH

Length: 52 pages

Bioavailability of contaminants poses a health risk to animals and humans who may be exposed to contaminated sites. The source of these contaminants include Superfund sites, large and small mining sites, landfills, and industrial sites such as refineries, smelters, foundries, and milling and plating facilities. Possible exposure pathways include ingestion of contaminated soil or water from the site, direct contact with contaminated soil, inhalation of contaminants adhered to dust in the air, and ingestion of food items (i.e., plants or animals) that have accumulated contaminants from exposure to contaminated soil or water. Managing the risks posed by contaminants at a site involves understanding the possible pathways and applying appropriate remedial measures to mitigate, treat, or remove sources.

Soil amendments are a cost-effective, in situ method for remediation, revitalization, and reuse of many types of disturbed and contaminated landscapes. Soil amendments can be used to address two primary categories of problems at contaminated sites: (1) contaminant bioavailability/phytoavailability and (2) poor soil health and ecosystem function. Applied properly, amendments reduce exposure by limiting many of the exposure pathways and immobilizing contaminants to limit their bioavailability. The addition of amendments restores soil quality by balancing pH, adding organic matter, increasing water holding capacity, re-establishing microbial communities, and alleviating compaction.

This course is intended for environmental engineers who wish to expand their knowledge of alternative methods of site remediation or restoration.