Poisoned soil — hazardous substances found in soil in Mykolaiv region

Soils in the de-occupied territories of Mykolaiv region have been found to contain high levels of heavy metals and explosive residues. It will take a long time and a lot of effort to return the land to its natural state.

This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

Research results

Specialists from the Center of Excellence for Mine Action and Environmental Safety examined land near the town of Snihurivka and the village of Shevchenkove. They took samples of soil, silt and water from the Ingulets River and conducted measurements. They found the following in the soil and water:  

• arsenic;
• lead;
• copper;
• zinc.

"The detected pollution is a result of Russian army missile and artillery strikes, which were chaotic in nature and hit businesses and storage facilities for plant protection products, agrochemicals (pesticides), and fuel," the statement said.

It was previously reported that the activities of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea have led to the mass death of dolphins. According to ecologists, it will take at least fifty years to restore the population.

Additionally, it has become known that Russia has caused an environmental disaster in Horlivka.