Soil Residues and Contaminants Testing

Soil residues and contaminants testing services aim to identify and quantify the presence of various chemicals and contaminants in soil samples. CD BioSciences, a reputable provider in this field, offers comprehensive testing services for pesticides, veterinary medicines, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and microbial contaminants.

Overview of Soil Residues and Contaminants

Soil residues pertain to the existence of chemical compounds or substances that persist in the soil even after their initial application. These residues can stem from diverse origins, such as the use of pesticides, fertilizers, veterinary medications, industrial practices, and environmental pollutants. Contaminants present in the soil can arise from natural occurrences or human activities, encompassing a range of substances including heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and microbial contaminants.

Fig. 1 Analysis of persistent organic contaminants in soils and sediments. (Chiaia-Hernández A. C., et al., 2020)

Chemicals that may be Detected as Residues

Soil residues and contaminants testing services aim to detect a wide range of chemicals that may persist in soil. These chemicals include:

• Pesticides: Pesticides serve as a prevalent method in agriculture for managing pests, weeds, and diseases. However, the presence of residual pesticides in soil can potentially give rise to risks for both human health and the environment. Organophosphates, pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids are among the commonly employed classes of pesticides.
• Veterinary Medicines: Veterinary medicines used in animal production can find their way into the soil through manure application or direct deposition. Antibiotics, anthelmintics, and growth promoters are examples of veterinary medicines that may be detected as residues in soil.
• Heavy Metals: Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury can accumulate in soil through various sources like industrial activities, mining, and atmospheric deposition. These metals can pose serious health risks if they enter the food chain through plant uptake.
• Persistent Organic Pollutants: Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are highly stable compounds that resist degradation in the environment. These include substances like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and furans. POPs can enter soil through industrial processes, waste disposal, and atmospheric deposition.
• Microbial Contaminants: Soil can harbor various microbial contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These contaminants can pose risks to human health and agricultural productivity. Testing for microbial contaminants is crucial in assessing soil quality and determining potential health hazards.

Our Services

CD BioSciences is a leading provider of soil testing services, specializing in the analysis of residues and contaminants. Our team of experienced scientists and technicians utilize advanced analytical techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate and reliable results.

Extraction

Soil samples are collected from different locations and depths, and the target substances are extracted using appropriate solvents or extraction techniques. This step helps to concentrate the residues and contaminants for further analysis.

Sample Preparation

Extracted samples are prepared for analysis by removing impurities and interfering substances. This may involve filtration, centrifugation, or other separation techniques to obtain a clean sample.

Analytical Techniques

Various analytical techniques are employed to identify and quantify the residues and contaminants in soil samples. These techniques include gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC), mass spectrometry (MS), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Each technique offers specific advantages in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, and the range of substances that can be detected.

Data Analysis

The obtained data is analyzed using statistical methods to determine the concentration of residues or contaminants present in the soil samples. This information is then compared to relevant regulatory standards and guidelines to assess compliance and potential risks.

Through our soil residues and contaminants testing services, CD BioSciences aims to contribute to the safety of agricultural products, protect the environment, and promote sustainable farming practices. If you are interested in our services, please contact us for more information.

Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.