ANALYZE, UNDERSTAND, ACT
SOIL HEALTH: A MAJOR ISSUE
Soil is the poor relation of the environment
We know very little about what's happening beneath our feet. Yet, soil is crucial for life on Earth. It supports plant growth, filters water, stores carbon, and is home to immense biodiversity.
Is my soil polluted? What nutrients does it need? What plants are best suited to my soil type? Is it safe to consume what I grow?
To answer all these questions, you will need to know your soil better. The best way to do this is to have soil analyses performed in a laboratory.
FINDINGS
State zero
The baseline state of the soil is essential to know its initial characteristics, prevent disputes, comply with regulations and plan possible remediation actions in response to soil pollutants.
Example: A factory that uses zinc catches fire. How can we prove that zinc concentrations in neighboring gardens are directly linked if there is no zero state of the soil?
Lack of common threshold
There are no common thresholds in Europe for soil pollutants, each country having its own criteria.
Harmonizing thresholds would ensure better protection of the environment and populations, by imposing clear and universal rules in the management of soil pollutants and human interactions with soil.
Innovation
The first company that lets you know the health of your garden.
By carrying out the appropriate analyses, it becomes possible to certify the health of a soil while providing advice to improve its properties.
A common reading scale
With the SOILSCORE, it becomes possible for all stakeholders to speak a common language. This universal scale takes into account the environmental and health challenges of different countries.
GOOD
Highlights the absence of significant pollution in the soil. An A score allows you to cultivate your garden with peace of mind.
TO WATCH OUT FOR
Highlights pollutant levels that do not exceed thresholds. A B score allows for free cultivation, although changes in levels will need to be monitored.
CRITICAL
Highlights significant pollution levels. A C score suggests prohibiting soil cultivation. Remedial solutions are proposed based on the pollutants identified.
Professional Expertise
Beyond raw data analysis, environmental data requires interpretation by environmental management experts. We assess the contaminants present (nature, concentration, migration potential) and propose tailored recommendations for environmental and public health protection. These recommendations are systematically accompanied by the SOILSCORE rating.
COFRAC ACCREDITATION
Pouryère places paramount importance on the reliability and quality of the analyses performed, collaborating exclusively with laboratories accredited by COFRAC according to the international standard ISO 17025. This accreditation, issued by the French Accreditation Committee, guarantees that the laboratories meet strict criteria of technical competence, impartiality and methodological rigor.
By relying solely on these recognized laboratories, located in France and Europe, Pouryère ensures its clients reliable, traceable analysis results that comply with the most demanding standards.
Topic: Soil pollution & Suspected pollution View all
Frequently Asked Questions
Soils can be contaminated by various pollutants, including:
- Heavy metals : such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic.
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) : produced by the incomplete combustion of organic matter.
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) : formerly used in electrical equipment.
- Total hydrocarbons (THC) : originating from oil spills and its derivatives.
- Volatile organic compounds (BTEX) : including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes.
These contaminants can come from various sources, such as industrial activities, accidental spills, or the use of pesticides.
A soil pollution diagnosis is essential for:
- Prevent environmental risks : by identifying pollutants before any development.
- Ensure legal compliance : by respecting current regulations and avoiding sanctions.
- Reduce costs : by limiting expenses related to late pollution management.
- Add value to a property : by offering clean and secure land to buyers or investors.
Soil pollutants can have serious health consequences, including:
- Neurological disorders caused by exposure to heavy metals (lead, mercury).
- Respiratory illnesses linked to the inhalation of contaminated particles.
- Carcinogenic risks, particularly with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
- Hormonal imbalances caused by certain endocrine disruptors present in contaminated soils.
Decontamination techniques vary depending on the nature of the pollutants and the degree of contamination:
- Containment : Isolate contaminated soils to prevent the dispersion of pollutants.
- Bioremediation : Using bacteria or plants to naturally degrade pollutants.
- Soil washing : Extraction of pollutants by chemical or physical treatment.
- Excavation : Removal and treatment of polluted soil off-site.
A soil may be suspected of pollution if it presents:
- An industrial or agricultural history with the use of chemicals.
- Unusual odors (hydrocarbons, solvents).
- Abnormal coloring or the presence of chemical residues.
- Visible effects on vegetation (abnormal growth, dead zones).
In these cases, it is recommended to carry out a soil analysis to confirm or rule out the presence of pollutants.
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