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Approaches and methods of soil remediation from heavy metals pollution (review)

Approaches and methods of soil remediation from heavy metals pollution (review)

ISSN 2223-6775 Ukrainian journal of occupational health Vol.21, No 2, 2025

https://doi.org/10.33573/ujoh2025.02.162

APPROACHES AND METHODS OF SOIL REMEDIATION FROM HEAVY METALS POLLUTION

Dmytrukha N.M.1, Gromovoy T.Yu.1,2, Kozlov K.P.1

1 State Institution "Kundiiev Institute of Occupational Health of National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine", Kyiv

2 Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv

Full article (PDF), UKR

Introduction. In Ukraine, active hostilities have created new environmental, medical, and social challenges due to heavy metal contamination. The use of weapons, large-scale bombings, and destruction of industrial facilities cause long-term pollution of air, soil, and water. Because heavy metals are toxic and cumulative, they pose significant risks to public health in the post-war period. Restoring soils and other environmental components has therefore become a priority task for Ukrainian scientists, including hygienists and toxicologists.

Purpose. To analyze global and domestic literature on soil pollution with heavy metals resulting from military activities and to summarize modern approaches and methods for soil remediation aimed at preserving functionality and preventing health risks.

Materials and methods. The study applied information search and theoretical analysis. An analytical review of scientific publications was conducted using international (PubMed, MEDLINE, BioMed Central, Free Medical Journals) and national (V.I. Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine) databases, as well as open Internet resources.

Results. Soil remediation requires coordinated efforts of specialists across disciplines and integration of data from ecological, chemical, and toxicological monitoring. Current physicochemical approaches include excavation, thermal treatment, ion exchange, and sorption techniques. Biological methods—particularly bioremediation—are gaining attention due to their effectiveness and cost efficiency. Phytoremediation employs metal-hyperaccumulating plants that can store metals at levels 10–500 times higher than ordinary plants. Another promising direction is the use of microorganisms to immobilize or transform heavy metals. Literature data show that biological remediation methods are increasingly applied worldwide, offering sustainable solutions to reduce risks for crop productivity, food safety, and human health.

Conclusions. Military activities cause extensive and long-term environmental degradation, contaminating soils with heavy metals and other hazardous substances, which leads to ecological, medical, and economic consequences. Soil remediation strategies for Ukraine should be tailored to national conditions rather than fully rely on foreign experience. Effective approaches must restore soil structure and functionality, reduce heavy metal loads, and mitigate their impact on public health. Research into the environmental and health consequences of war should become a priority in Ukraine’s post-war recovery program.

Keywords: heavy metals, soils, remediation, health risks.

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