Abstract:
Soil is an essential ecosystem, delivering valuable services such as the provision of food, energy
and raw materials, carbon sequestration, water purification and infiltration, nutrient regulation,
pest control and recreation. Therefore, soil is crucial for fighting climate change, protecting human
health, safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystems and ensuring food security. Pollution of the soil
by organic and inorganic substances is, therefore, detrimental to ecosystem services and/or human
health. Heavy metals at harmful concentrations are highly detrimental, and here, mining activities
are one of the main sources of soil pollution. According to studies conducted, some of the major soil
factors affecting mineral (including P) sorption are time, soil pH, soil organic matter and iron and
aluminum oxides of soils. This paper looks at sources of mineral element pollution, including heavy
metals, as heavy metals are toxic to all living organisms, including humans. This paper also reviews
both cationic heavy metals and inorganic anionic pollutants, such as phosphate and arsenic, as well
as cationic, non-heavy-metal pollutants such as nitrogen and potassium.
