Soil pollution.

 

Soil pollution refers to the presence of contaminant(s) in the soil whose nature, location, or quantity produces undesirable effects in the environment or human health. The laboratory analysis will depend on the results of the preliminary pollution risk assessment (in many cases this is not related to stakeholder management), after which the contaminants of major concern could be identified, and the specific method implemented. The contaminants of major concern considered in this document are trace elements, different types of pesticides, excess nutrients, hydrocarbons, and plastics. For an accurate assessment, it is therefore recommended to compile the necessary information related to the possible pollution risks, such as the proximity to a factory or a mining area, the source of irrigation water; the type and frequency of supplies and equipements used; and the use of agroplastics and its management. In addition, if a soil management practice is known to (potentially) introduce contaminants into the soil, the additional measurements of soil pollution for such substances need to be performed.