Acid sulfate soils: formation, identification, environmental impacts, and sustainable remediation practices

Abstract

Acid sulfate soils (ASS) are prevalent and provide significant environmental hazards due to their capacity to produce high acidity when exposed to oxygen. This study offers a thorough summary of the development, identification, environmental effects, and sustainable remediation techniques for ASS. These soils generally form under anaerobic circumstances in coastal, estuary, and low-lying inland areas, where sulfide minerals build over time. Upon disturbance, ASS emits sulfuric acid, resulting in acidification, mobilization of heavy metals, deterioration of water quality, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecosystem services. Identifying ASS by chemical, mineralogical, and geographical methodologies is crucial for alleviating their effects. Sustainable remediation solutions encompass regulated drainage, groundwater management, and organic amendments to improve soil-buffering capacity and facilitate sulfate reduction. Moreover, new advancements in bioremediation, including microbial-assisted sulfate reduction, demonstrate potential for enduring soil stability. Notwithstanding continuous advancements, efficient ASS administration necessitates a cohesive strategy that amalgamates scientific inquiry with pragmatic field implementation. This review emphasizes the necessity for multidisciplinary collaboration to create adaptable, site-specific solutions that mitigate environmental concerns while promoting sustainable land use. This study enhances the management of ASS in fragile ecosystems by addressing critical information deficiencies and investigating new remediation strategies.