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What is it all about?​

 

Soil is a large accumulation of mineral particles of various sizes. Between these particles there are many cavities capable of containing liquids, air and various organic matter. Contaminated soil has been  detected in improper concentration, in a manner that may cause a danger to humans. These processes of soil pollution are created as a result of gas stations, industry, construction waste and pollution resulting from industries but also spillage of cooking oil and medicines. As a result, a situation has arisen in which there are particularly high concentrations of fuels, oils and metals in various soils, which pose a health hazard, are harmful to the environment and some are even carcinogenic. Contaminated soil poses health and environmental risk, which can be manifested in various ways:

 

•  personal Injury: either through the digestive tract(via drinking contaminated water, swallowing contaminated soil, eating vegetables\fruits exposed to contaminated soil) or the respiratory system (breathing dust particles originating from contaminated soil). injury can also result through direct contact with contaminated water. 

•  Damage to flora and fauna: Soil contamination can reach habitats, such as riverbeds, and thus damage entire ecosystems.

• Damage to water sources: About 75% of Israel's water sources are underground, that is: groundwater. Contaminants found in the soil may be transported as rain seeps into the groundwater. 

 

Soil contamination requires a process of rehabilitation. A number of preliminary steps are taken before the rehabilitation itself. These steps include conducting a historical survey of the site and conducting a soil pollution survey aimed at defining the concentration and type of pollutants. Once the contamination has been defined as soil contamination, a remediation plan is defined according to the findings. The restoration is carried out, among other things, by biological means that are divided into one of the following three methods:

1. microorganisms that feed on the pollutant matter. 

2. vegetation that can absorb the toxins.

3. fungi that secrete enzymes which will break down the pollutants.

 

Based on this disturbing information, it is worth seriously considering the continuation of our path, given the great vitality and importance of the natural resources that surrounds us. Only in this way will we be able to ignite the motivation and determination expected from a generation whose actions and decisions will substantially shape the lives of all future generations in our planet.