Factors that determine the sorption of mineral elements in soils and their impact on soil and water pollution

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.The University of South Africahttps://www.mdpi.com/journal/mineralsam2022Plant Production and Soil Scienc