Soil pollution from fuels, such as diesel and gasoline, oils and other chemicals

Where diesel engines or vehicles are used, fuel can be unintentionally spilled into the ground. During maintenance, fueling, or accidents. For example, at gas stations, garages, shipyards, airports, factories, storage and transfer yards, and industrial sites.

Spills often occur on concrete or asphalt. For a long time, it was thought that fuels would not penetrate a thick layer of concrete. The edges of the concrete are sealed with a diesel and gasoline resistant coating. In places where fuel spills are almost inevitable, such as gas stations, double layers of concrete are often applied.

However, practical experience has shown that concrete does not stop fuels and other pollutants. Numerous studies show how contaminated the soil is around gas stations, industrial sites and other places where fuels are widely used.

Concrete and asphalt are porous materials. Without protection, fuels can penetrate the concrete and can cause corrosion. Not only of the top layer, but also in the concrete itself, which is not immediately visible to the naked eye. Harmful substances slowly penetrate the concrete and seep into the soil.

As a result, soil and groundwater are contaminated. Unwanted liquids can spread through the soil water, both at the surface and deep down. The surrounding water can no longer be used as drinking water, and trees, plants and animals can die. Even people in contaminated areas are not unaffected. Contaminated soil can cause cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems.

Nature does not simply break down materials. Often, areas remain abandoned for long periods of time because they are not safe enough to live or work in. Remediation of soil contaminated by fuels, oils and chemicals is very complex and incredibly expensive. In short, once soil is contaminated, it is virtually irreversible.