ERM 433Transformation of Pollutants in Soils
The course provides the chemical and biological basis for understanding, predicting and controlling the fate of pollutants added to the soil. The material falls distinctly into two major sections: Section I discusses the fundamental concepts of soil science as they relate to the fate of pollutants in soil systems. Section II provides specific coverage of important classes of soil pollutants. The environmental impacts associated with soil enrichment of these pollutant groups are discussed. Primary emphasis is given to pollutants having adverse effects on human health via water and the food supply, namely, trace elements, trace organic contaminants, pathogens, and radionuclides. The major plant nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus, warrant coverage because of their potential negative impacts on aquatic systems. Salts can harm soil productivity and structure and thus represent a third distinct pollutant category.