Heavy Metals

Report includes:

1. Graphs and data analysis.
2. A 15-minute phone consultation with one of our soil scientists.

Sources of Heavy Metals in Soil

Heavy metals, including Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Molybdenum, Nickel, Zinc, and Arsenic, can enter soil through a variety of pathways. Natural geological processes, such as the weathering of rocks, contribute to baseline levels in the soil. Human activities, including industrial emissions, mining, the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and urban runoff, often increase these levels. Wildfires also act as a significant source, releasing metals stored in vegetation and depositing them into the soil via ash and atmospheric deposition. These sources typically result in elevated concentrations of heavy metals, which can impact soil quality and ecosystem health.

Impact on Plants

Heavy metals affect plants in complex ways. Essential metals like Copper, Zinc, and Molybdenum are required in small amounts for plant growth, contributing to processes like enzyme activation and nutrient metabolism. However, excessive levels of these metals can become toxic, disrupting root function, impairing nutrient uptake, and reducing plant vigor. Toxic metals such as Lead, Cadmium, and Arsenic can stunt growth, inhibit seed germination, and damage plant tissues, leading to lower yields and poor plant health. Over time, soil with high levels of heavy metals may become unsuitable for agriculture or natural vegetation.

Bioaccumulation and Methods of Cleanup

Certain plants can accumulate heavy metals in their tissues, a process known as bioaccumulation. While this can pose risks to food safety and ecosystems, it also presents an opportunity for remediation. Phytoremediation, for instance, uses plants to absorb and concentrate metals from the soil, which can then be harvested and removed. Other cleanup methods include soil amendments to bind heavy metals, pH adjustments to reduce metal solubility, and soil replacement in severe cases. Identifying the specific metals present through testing is essential to determine the most effective remediation strategy.