ECOLOGY CALCULATOR
Soil Contamination
A precise tool.
What is the Soil Contamination & How does it work?
Soil contamination occurs when hazardous substances accumulate in the ground, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.
The concentration of a contaminant is typically expressed as mass of pollutant per unit mass of soil, which can be estimated from the total mass of the contaminant, the area affected, and the depth of the contaminated layer.
By applying the simple mass‑area‑depth relationship, practitioners can quickly assess whether remediation thresholds are exceeded.
\frac{M}{A \times d}
C = contaminant concentration (mg/kg)
M = mass of contaminant (kg)
A = area (m²)
d = depth (m)
M = mass of contaminant (kg)
A = area (m²)
d = depth (m)
Parameters
Result
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate soil contamination?
Use the formula M/(A*d) where M is the total mass of the contaminant, A is the affected area, and d is the depth of the contaminated layer.
What units should I use for the calculation?
Mass should be in kilograms (kg), area in square meters (m²), and depth in meters (m). The result will be in kg/m³.
When is remediation necessary?
Remediation is necessary when the calculated contamination level exceeds established safe thresholds for your specific region or contaminant.
Can this calculator handle multiple contaminants?
This calculator is designed for a single contaminant at a time. For multiple contaminants, repeat the calculation for each and assess overall risk.
What are some common soil contaminants?
Common soil contaminants include heavy metals like lead and mercury, organic compounds such as pesticides and PAHs, and inorganic compounds like arsenic and fluoride.
How does depth affect contamination levels?
Deeper contamination layers generally result in lower contaminant concentrations per unit volume of soil.
Can I use this calculator for contaminated groundwater?
This calculator is specifically for soil contamination. For groundwater, a different approach using concentration and volume would be more appropriate.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.