Science Project-Heavy Metal Contamination of soil

What is it?

Caused by....

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domestic sludge

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understand

Land application of industrial

Animals

Industrial Waste

Phytoremediation

vs.

Cons

Pros

• Less expensive
• Disposal sites not needed
• If technology advances, it may treat more than one type of contamination at once
• Avoids transportation of pollutants- no chance of spreading
• Looks like plants- more aesthetically pleasing to public

• More dependant on climate conditions (e.g. soil, weather)
• Still a new scientific development (lack of knowledge towards this area)
• Success depends on the tolerance of the plant to the pollutant
• More time-consuming as it involves plant-growth

To summarize:

• Traditional methods are more expensive and less eco-friendly but are still used
• Phytoremediation is new, but effective. It's also cheaper and more natural
• Simple ways we can help are by buying organic and disposing of waste properly.

Phytoremediation is best for metals such as nickel, zinc and copper because over 400 hyperaccumulator plants prefer them.

Water

Traditional "clean-up" methods are generally more expensive, but is quicker than other methods in terms of time and effect.

Plants

Plants can be used to stabilize or remove metals in soil. These plants, called hyperaccumulators can remove or degrade soil pollutants like metals.

How to Help

Phytoremediation

• High temperature treatments

• Solidifying agents

• Washing process

Electronic Waste Collection

Plants are then harvested, incinerated, or composted to recycle the metals.

Phytoremediationis the process of growing plants in contaminated soil. Plant roots translocate metals into higher parts of the plant.

Electronics can be set out onto the curb for collection

Drop-Off Depots around Toronto also collect electronics (Etobicoke, Dufferin, Toronto all have locations)

Trees

There are many ways to treat contaminated soil.....

Traditional Treatments

I will be discussing traditional methods used, newer technological advances, and ways we can help.

Traditional treatments are used, but is expensive . Treatments can be done in-situ (on site) and ex-situ (offsite).

Also affects...

Heavy Metal Contamination of Soil

Photosynthesis

Plants absorb the heavy metals and store them in their roots and leaves

Chronic Exposure to Heavy Metals

Cadmium

Lead

Arsenic

Mercury

All heavy metals cause similar health problems and it is important that we do not have such contaminants in our food.

Brain damage

Cerebral palsy

Blindness

Seizures

Inability to speak

Kidney damage

Damage to the Central Nervous System

Birth defects

Mental retardation

Allergies

Dyslexia

Hyperactivity

Weight loss

Muscle weakness

Paralysis

Arthritis

Lack of concentration

Diabetes

Lung cancer

Bladder cancer

Skin cancer

Burning in hands and feet

Darkening of the skin

Nerve damage

Birth defects

Liver injury

Lung disease

Kidney disease

Fragile bones

Hair loss

Anemia

Arthritis

Migraines

Growth impairment

Loss of taste and smell

Poor appetite

Cardiovascular disease

Biomagnification

How does this influence us?

Taking a look at Impacts

The increase in the concentration of a substance within a food chain.

Initial Heavy Metal Poisoning Symptoms

Arsenic

Mercury

Cadmium

Lead

What happens if these plants containing heavy metals are consumed?

Nausea and/or vomiting

Abdominal pain

Difficulty breathing

Nerve damage

Nausea and/or vomiting

Diarrhea

Sore throat

Red, irritated skin at the exposure site

Severe abdominal pain

Fever

Stomach inflammation

Cough

Sore throat

Shortness of breath

A metallic taste in the mouth

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea

Headaches

Visual disturbances

Hypertension

Nausea and Vomiting

Headache

Seizures

Anemia

Abdominal pain

Hypertension

Kidney Dysfunction

Loss of appetite

Sleeplessness

Fatigue

Hallucinations

Numbness

Arthritis

Vertigo