Acid Sulfate Soils and Soil Degradation: Preventing Long-Term Environmental Damage
Rich in iron sulfides, acid sulfate soils (ASS) are naturally occurring soils common in Western Australia’s wetlands and low-lying coastal regions.
If left undisturbed in their waterlogged state, ASS are relatively harmless. However, if exposed to air, the iron sulfides will oxidise and produce sulfuric acid.
This acidification can lead to fast and significant soil degradation, damaging ecosystems and infrastructure and impacting agricultural operations.
West Soil & Water offers comprehensive ASS solutions with strategies that not only treat soil degradation, but also prevent it. If you would like to speak with a member of our team, feel free to contact WSW at sam@westsoilandwater.com.au or on 0424 021 264.
How Acid Sulfate Soils lead to Soil Degradation
The oxidation of iron sulfides in ASS produces sulfuric acid, lowering soil pH to create highly acidic conditions.
Acidification mobilises toxic metals like aluminium and iron into soil. This further degrades the soil’s quality and creates consequences such as:
Loss of Soil Fertility: Acidic conditions disrupt nutrient availability, impairing plant growth and reducing agricultural productivity.
Structural Damage to Soil: Acidification can break down soil aggregates, leading to increased erosion and reduced water-holding capacity.
Release of Toxic Metals: Mobilised metals can contaminate groundwater and surface water, posing risks to human health and aquatic life.
Managing ASS to Prevent Long-Term Environmental Damage
Effective management of ASS is crucial to prevent long-term environmental degradation. Key strategies include:
Preventing Disturbance: Where possible, avoid activities that expose ASS to air. This may involve redesigning projects to minimise excavation or altering drainage plans.
Soil Treatment: If disturbance is unavoidable, you can neutralise soil acidity by applying alkaline materials (such as agricultural lime). This treatment should be carefully calculated to ensure sufficient neutralisation.
Water Management: Implementing controlled drainage and maintaining appropriate water tables can help prevent the oxidation of sulfides. In some cases, re-flooding areas with water can restore anaerobic conditions, halting further acid production.
Soil degradation can also be caused by fuels, asbestos or other industrial waste. We provide contaminated land services geared toward these substances.
West Soil & Water’s Expertise
Preventing long-term environmental damage from acid sulfate soils requires proactive management and informed decision-making.
At WSW, we specialise in comprehensive acid sulfate soil management tailored to Perth’s unique environmental conditions. Our services include:
Baseline Investigations: Assessing the presence and extent of ASS on your site to inform effective management strategies.
Development of Acid Sulfate Soil Management Plans: Creating detailed plans that outline procedures for managing ASS during all phases of your project.
Soil Treatment Solutions: Implementing neutralisation and remediation techniques to mitigate acidification risks, with ongoing monitoring to ensure their efficacy.
Engaging experienced professionals like WSW safeguards both the success if your project and is surrounding environment. Our understanding of ASS-related risks means that we can implement suitable strategies to protect soil resources and promote sustainable development.
If you are worried about possible soil degradation and would like to speak with an experienced environmental consultant, please contact WSW at sam@westsoilandwater.com.au or on 0424 021 264.