Contaminants in the soil can be ingested, breathed in, absorbed via the skin, or consumed through food that has been cultivated in contaminated soil. It may have adverse effects on one's health depending on the contaminant in question and the degree of exposure. This might severely restrict how land may be used, which would prevent construction.

Soil can be remedied using methods for site decontamination following testing to identify the kind and quantity of contaminants present. The possibilities for treating contaminated soil removal are as follows:

Biological treatment/bioremediation

To degrade, change, or essentially eliminate contaminants from soil and water, bioremediation uses biological processes. Microorganisms like bacteria and/or fungus, which utilize the contaminant as a food supply, are necessary for this process.

Because of this, bioremediation is frequently employed to remove organic pollutants and may be a useful tool for mitigating:

• hydrocarbons
• halogenated organic solvents
• halogenated organic compounds
• non-chlorinated pesticides and herbicides
• nitrogen compounds
• metals (lead, mercury, chromium)
• radionuclides

Chemical oxidation

• Chemical oxidation is the main focus of chemical decontamination techniques, which include injecting reactive chemical oxidants into the soil and groundwater to quickly destroy contaminants.
• In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) is a flexible method, especially for removing pollutants from hard-to-reach places like deep soils or soils under structures.
• Numerous organic contaminants, including TPH, BTEX, and PCBs, can be treated using the versatile treatment method known as chemical oxidation.

Soil stabilization

• By successfully encapsulating toxins in the soil, stabilization lowers the dangers associated with contamination. It may be done in two different ways: first, by changing the contaminant's form in the ground to one that is less harmful; and second, by solidification, which involves lowering the contaminant's mobility and binding it in place so that it cannot reach any receptors.
• Immobilizing chemicals are added to the soil to stabilize it by lowering the leachability and bioavailability of contaminants. Due to the stronger resistance and lower permeability, this approach may also be used to increase the geotechnical competency of the ground, making it more appropriate for building operations.

Physical methods like soil washing

• Hazardous contaminants are removed from the soil by washing them with a liquid wash solution. In this process, contaminants that are more likely to attach to fine soils, including silts and clays, are washed away together with the fine-grained soils.
• As a result, cleansed coarse-grained soils, including sands and gravels, which may be safely re-used, are distinguished from contaminated fines. Because washing soil does not eliminate or destroy pollutants, contaminated soil removal must be disposed of at a facility that is authorized to do so.