Fire-Induced Changes in Soil and Implications on Soil Sorption Capacity and Remediation Methods

Abstract

Vegetation changes caused by fire events are visible instantly but changes in soils are less apparent, and could be short-term, long-term or permanent in nature. Research has shown that soils undergo changes in their mineralogical, geochemical, physico-chemical and biological properties after a fire event that may vary depending on the intensity and duration of the fire, and the properties of the soil. Some of these properties make significant contributions towards soil’s ability to sorb contaminants. Changes in these properties could affect soil sorption complex and the effectiveness of remediation methods used to clean these soils when contaminated. This review synthesizes available information on fire-induced changes in soil properties affecting soil sorption and the factors which dictate these changes. The implications of changes in these properties on the soil’s natural attenuation capacity and choice of remediation method to clean up fire-affected contaminated soils are also discussed.