Soil Contamination in the Aftermath of Industrial Disasters: Risk Assessment and Crisis Management

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Taneja, Sonam | Karaca, Öznur | Haritash, A.K.^{; *}

Affiliations: Department of Environmental Engineering, Delhi Technological University, Delhi – 110042, India | [a] Department of Geological Engineering, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding Author. akharitash@dce.ac.in

Abstract: Industrialisation has brought numerous benefits to society, but it has also led to environmental challenges, including the risk of industrial disasters. Industrial disasters pose significant risks to environmental health, with soil contamination emerging as a prevalent consequence. The resultant contamination renders affected sites barren and unsuitable for reuse, necessitating the treatment of such sites post-disaster to restore soil functionality and ecosystem. In this context, the review proposes an appropriate approach to carry out risk assessment studies of contaminated sites and to discuss strategies for the post-disaster management of contaminated soil. The review delves into the policy and legislative landscape governing industrial disaster management in India to facilitate progress in the remedial direction.

Keywords: Industrial disaster, disaster management, soil contamination, heavy metals

DOI: 10.3233/AJW240077

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 21, no. 6, pp. 101-109, 2024