Impact of Pollutants in Post-Industrial Soils on Soil Biota: A Comprehensive Analysis

Soil contamination is a pressing global issue, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. The presence of hazardous substances such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and other pollutants in soils poses significant risks to biodiversity and the functioning of natural systems. In the European Union, soil remediation has emerged as a priority area, underlined by its inclusion in various environmental policies and frameworks aimed at achieving a sustainable future. Addressing soil contamination requires robust scientific approaches to assess environmental risks and inform remediation strategies.

This research presents an evaluation of environmental risks posed by contaminated soil samples collected from post-industrial and post-mining areas. The adopted research methodology is based on an assessment derived from a comprehensive ecotoxicological analysis conducted using a battery of bioassays. These biotest include representatives of various trophic levels, offering a holistic perspective on the ecological impact of the contaminants. These bioassays, representing producers, consumers, and decomposers, provided a comprehensive assessment of the ecological hazards posed by the soil contaminants. The findings underscore the importance of integrated ecotoxicological analyses in understanding the impacts of soil contamination and guiding remediation efforts, particularly within the framework of European Union initiatives aimed at sustainable soil management.