A call to action from the United Nations Environment Assembly is driving the global focus on monitoring and managing soil pollution, with one estimate suggesting there are 10 million contaminated sites globally, including almost 2.9 million in Europe alone.
This leaves a huge clean-up task for people such as Ravi Naidu, Distinguished Laureate Professor at the University of Newcastle and a global leader in contamination studies. He says leaching landfills and polluted service-station sites are just the beginning, while the presence of
cancer-causing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil and waterways highlights the long-term threat of these synthetic
chemicals.
“Site contamination is a significant and growing issue in Australia,” says Professor Naidu, the founderof remediation research and services agency crcCARE. “Legacy contamination from past industrial practices, unregulated waste disposal and the widespread use of materials
containing PFAS has left thousands of sites potentially contaminated. Many remain undocumented, especially in regional areas.”
LANDFILL LEGACY
Given Australia’s history in mining, agriculture and manufacturing, it is no surprise that remnants of past activities still pose serious environmental and health risks. Professor Naidu says that while the regulation of waste disposal has improved, the nation is still dealing
with legacy contaminants. “Landfills, both historical and current, often national approach to remediation. In collaboration with regulators and
industry, crcCARE led the development of the National Remediation Framework in 2018. “But it now requires updating to reflect current challenges and scientific advancements,” Professor Naidu says.
THE WAY FORWARD
Amid rising concerns about contamination, there are signs of progress. Developers are increasingly commissioning environmental assessments early, and communities are more informed and proactive. Better technologies and data access are also improving transparency and remediation eff ectiveness. Professor Naidu warns, though, that contamination planning must factor in climate change. For instance, sustained droughts can lower groundwater levels and concentrate pollutants. Ultimately, addressing Australia’s contamination problem will require collaboration among governments, industry and the public. With the rise of ‘forever chemicals’ and increasing urban pressure, Professor Naidu says Australia must invest more in pollution prevention, green chemistry and circular-economy practices.
He adds that securing a safer environment for future generations will require continued investment in agencies such as crcCARE which
delivers science-based solutions that safeguard soil, water and air quality. “We also need a cultural shift,” he says. “Contamination must not be seen as someone else’s problem. It is a national challenge requiring coordinated action, sustained funding and the courage to hold polluters accountable.”
