How to Clean Up Soil Contaminated by Solvents and Industrial Chemicals

Soil contamination from solvents and industrial chemicals is far more common than most people realise. Beneath the surface of old factories, garages, workshops, and even domestic properties that once stored paints or cleaning fluids, the ground can hold invisible residues of toxic compounds. Many of these pollutants come from decades of industrial use when disposal practices were less controlled. If left untreated, they can damage the environment, threaten human health, and render land unusable for years. Thankfully, modern science has advanced well beyond the crude “dig and dump” solutions of the past. At BioGlobe, we have developed organic enzyme remediation solutions that can break down these pollutants safely and naturally, restoring soil health without disturbing the ecosystem.

Understanding the problem

Solvents and industrial chemicals are used across thousands of industries — from dry cleaning and automotive workshops to paint manufacturing, metal degreasing, and printing. These compounds are designed to dissolve grease, oil, and dirt, which makes them effective in industry but hazardous in nature. Common examples include chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), as well as alcohols, ketones, and degreasers. These chemicals are often volatile, toxic, and persistent. A single small spill can seep deep into the ground, spreading through soil pores and even entering groundwater. Unlike visible pollution such as oil slicks, solvent contamination can go unnoticed for years. You may not see it, but the effects slowly accumulate beneath your feet.

Solvents behave differently depending on their chemical nature. Chlorinated solvents are heavier than water and tend to sink deep into the ground, forming concentrated pockets that release vapours over time. Alcohols and ketones, meanwhile, are more mobile and can dissolve in water, spreading contamination through the soil and groundwater. In either case, once the contamination is established, it is extremely difficult to remove without intervention. Over time, natural processes may degrade a small portion, but most of the chemicals persist for decades, posing continuous risks to health and the ecosystem.

Industrial chemical contamination can also arise from equipment leaks, poor waste handling, illegal dumping, or ageing underground storage tanks. Even minor drips that occur repeatedly over months or years can saturate the surrounding soil. Once these compounds enter the soil matrix, they can adsorb onto soil particles, penetrate clay layers, and migrate into aquifers. In urban environments, vapours from volatile solvents can even migrate upwards through foundations and enter buildings, a phenomenon known as vapour intrusion. This can expose occupants to harmful fumes without them ever realising the source.

Consequences of solvent and industrial chemical contamination

The impact of solvent contamination is both environmental and economic. On an environmental level, these chemicals are toxic to soil organisms. They kill beneficial bacteria, fungi, and invertebrates that maintain soil structure and fertility. Without these natural recyclers, the soil loses its ability to sustain healthy plant life. Vegetation may struggle to grow, or in severe cases, die completely. This breakdown of the soil ecosystem also affects nearby habitats — polluted runoff can enter rivers and wetlands, poisoning aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems downstream.

From a human health perspective, exposure to solvents can cause serious illness. Some chlorinated solvents are known carcinogens; others cause neurological damage, liver toxicity, or respiratory irritation. Vapours from contaminated soil can accumulate in enclosed spaces, creating long-term exposure risks for residents or workers. Contaminated groundwater may become unsafe to drink or use, posing an even broader threat to surrounding communities.

The economic consequences can be equally severe. Contaminated land cannot easily be developed or sold. Planning permissions are often denied until remediation is complete, and landowners may face substantial costs to clean up the contamination. Traditional remediation methods such as excavation and disposal are expensive, disruptive, and environmentally damaging in their own right. For many property owners, this creates a dilemma: they know the land is contaminated, but the conventional solution is financially and logistically unfeasible.

Unaddressed contamination also diminishes property value. Even when contamination levels are moderate, lenders may hesitate to finance developments on affected land. Over time, this traps properties in a state of underuse or dereliction. For small businesses or local councils attempting to revitalise brownfield sites, solvent contamination can become a major barrier to progress.

Traditional approaches to soil remediation

Over the past few decades, several techniques have been used to address soil contamination. The most common methods are excavation and off-site disposal, chemical oxidation, soil vapour extraction, and thermal treatment. Each has its place, but they also come with drawbacks.

Excavation and disposal

This is the oldest and most straightforward method: dig up the contaminated soil and transport it to a licensed disposal facility. While this provides immediate removal, it is highly disruptive. Excavation destroys soil structure, removes all beneficial organisms, and leaves behind a lifeless landscape that must be refilled with imported soil. It is also extremely costly, particularly when dealing with deep or widespread contamination. Furthermore, this method does not truly solve the pollution problem — it simply relocates it. The contaminated material still exists, only now in a landfill.

Chemical oxidation

Chemical oxidation involves injecting strong oxidising agents into the soil, such as hydrogen peroxide or permanganate, to break down contaminants. This method can be effective for some organic compounds, but it also carries significant risks. The oxidants may react unpredictably with the soil matrix, alter pH, or harm natural microorganisms. There is also the possibility of generating toxic by-products. In short, it is an aggressive approach that can eliminate contaminants quickly but often at the expense of long-term soil health.

Soil vapour extraction

This technique uses vacuum systems to draw vapours out of the soil. It is particularly useful for volatile solvents like trichloroethylene that tend to evaporate. By capturing these vapours, the concentration of the contaminant in the soil can be reduced over time. However, soil vapour extraction is less effective for compounds that are less volatile or strongly adsorbed onto soil particles. It also requires significant infrastructure — extraction wells, blowers, piping, and monitoring systems — which makes it impractical for smaller sites.

Thermal treatment

Thermal methods involve heating the soil to drive off or destroy contaminants. This can include in-situ heating (where the soil is heated underground) or ex-situ treatment (where the soil is excavated and treated in a thermal unit). While effective for certain volatile compounds, thermal treatment is energy-intensive and expensive. It also sterilises the soil, killing beneficial microorganisms and leaving behind inert material that must later be reconditioned.

Each of these methods has a place, but they share one major flaw: they are intrusive and ecologically damaging. They focus on removing the contamination rather than restoring the soil. What if, instead of destroying the land to make it clean, we could heal it? That is where enzyme-based bioremediation comes in.

The natural alternative — enzyme bioremediation

Bioremediation is the use of biological processes to break down contaminants into harmless end-products. Traditionally, this has relied on microbes — bacteria and fungi that feed on pollutants as a source of carbon and energy. However, in many contaminated soils, microbial activity is suppressed by toxicity, oxygen limitation, or nutrient imbalance. That is where enzymes make a crucial difference.

Enzymes are natural biological catalysts — proteins that accelerate specific chemical reactions. Each enzyme is designed to break particular chemical bonds. By introducing the right enzymes into contaminated soil, we can trigger reactions that convert harmful compounds into safe, biodegradable substances such as carbon dioxide, water, and simple organic acids. The key advantage is that enzymes act rapidly and specifically, without introducing foreign organisms or harsh chemicals.

At BioGlobe, we have developed an Organic Enzyme Remediation Solution that takes this concept to a new level. In our laboratory in Cyprus, we analyse samples of polluted soil to identify the specific contaminants and their concentrations. Based on this data, we formulate a bespoke enzyme blend designed to target those pollutants with maximum efficacy. Each blend is unique, tailored to the site conditions and the pollutant profile. The result is a remediation solution that is both powerful and environmentally safe.

Unlike aggressive chemical treatments, enzyme remediation does not disrupt soil structure or kill beneficial organisms. Once the enzymes have completed their task, they naturally degrade into harmless amino acids that become part of the soil’s nutrient cycle. There are no toxic residues, no secondary pollution, and no loss of fertility. This approach turns soil from a passive victim of contamination into an active participant in its own restoration.

How enzyme-based remediation works

The process begins with an in-depth assessment of the site. Soil samples are collected from different depths and locations to identify the distribution of contamination. The laboratory then analyses the samples for pH, moisture content, organic matter, and the specific solvents or chemicals present. Once this information is known, the enzyme formulation is prepared.

The enzymes are then applied to the soil, usually in liquid form. Depending on the situation, the solution may be sprayed onto the surface, injected into the subsurface, or mixed with the soil. In some cases, aeration or nutrient supplements are added to create optimal conditions for enzymatic activity. Over time, the enzymes break down the contaminants into harmless substances.

For example, enzymes can cleave the carbon-chlorine bonds in chlorinated solvents, turning them into simpler organic acids and ultimately into carbon dioxide and water. Alcohols and ketones are even easier to degrade, often breaking down completely within days under the right conditions. Throughout the process, the soil retains its structure and living ecosystem, meaning that once the contamination is removed, fertility and biodiversity quickly return.

The great advantage of enzyme remediation is that it can often be done in situ — that is, treating the soil where it lies. There is no need to excavate or transport large volumes of soil. This drastically reduces cost, disruption, and environmental impact. It also makes enzyme remediation ideal for residential areas, commercial sites, and sensitive ecosystems where heavy machinery or chemical treatments would be undesirable.

Combining methods for maximum effectiveness

In some cases, enzyme remediation can be combined with other techniques for even better results. For example, if a site contains high concentrations of volatile solvents, a period of soil vapour extraction may be used to remove the most mobile portion before enzyme treatment is applied to the residual contamination. Alternatively, mild chemical oxidation can reduce very high contaminant levels initially, allowing enzymes to complete the process safely. This hybrid approach allows the strengths of each method to complement one another, achieving faster and more complete remediation.

For mixed contamination involving both solvents and heavy metals, enzyme remediation can target the organic pollutants while other methods immobilise the metals. This flexibility makes enzyme-based approaches suitable for a wide range of contamination scenarios.

Why an organic enzyme solution is safer for the environment

One of the most common concerns with any remediation process is whether it might cause secondary damage to the ecosystem. Chemical oxidants, for instance, can sterilise soil and harm nearby vegetation. Excavation destroys soil biology entirely. In contrast, BioGlobe’s Organic Enzyme Remediation Solution is completely biodegradable. Once its job is done, it breaks down into natural substances that enrich rather than harm the soil.

This means that the soil remains alive throughout the process. Microbes, worms, and plant roots can continue to thrive, allowing the ecosystem to recover naturally. Because the enzymes are derived from organic processes, they pose no hazard to people, animals, or groundwater. They can be used safely even in gardens, agricultural land, or sensitive ecological areas.

For property owners, this means you can restore your land without creating new environmental liabilities. There is no hazardous waste to transport or store, and no need to disturb the soil more than necessary.

Monitoring and verification

Cleaning up contaminated soil is not a single-day process. Even with enzyme remediation, careful monitoring is essential to ensure success. During and after treatment, soil samples are tested periodically to measure contaminant levels. Over time, the concentration of solvents and chemicals should decrease steadily until it reaches safe levels defined by environmental guidelines.

Verification testing ensures that the soil is “clean enough” for its intended use, whether that is residential gardening, commercial development, or agriculture. Once remediation is confirmed, the land can be safely reused or redeveloped. Because enzyme treatments leave no harmful residues, the restored soil is often healthier and more fertile than it was before.

The BioGlobe approach

At BioGlobe, we believe in solving pollution without creating new problems. Our approach combines scientific precision with ecological awareness. Every remediation begins with analysis — we identify exactly what is in your soil and how severe the contamination is. Then we design a bespoke organic enzyme blend in our laboratory to target those specific pollutants. This customised method ensures maximum effectiveness for every site.

We do not apply a one-size-fits-all chemical solution. Instead, our enzymes are selected for their ability to break down particular contaminants safely and efficiently. We then provide guidance on how to apply the treatment, how long it will take, and how to monitor progress. Our goal is not only to remove pollutants but to restore soil vitality. When the process is complete, the land can once again support healthy life, without risk to the environment.

Practical advice for property owners

If you suspect your land may be contaminated by solvents or industrial chemicals, it is important to act responsibly but not to panic. The first step is to identify the extent of the problem. You can start with visual and sensory clues: strange chemical odours, dead vegetation, oily residues, or patches of bare soil can all indicate contamination. If your property was formerly used for industrial or commercial purposes, there is an even greater likelihood that contamination exists.

Do not attempt to dig up or burn contaminated soil. These actions can release vapours or spread contamination further. Instead, contact a remediation specialist who can take proper soil samples for laboratory analysis. Once the contaminants are known, you can explore remediation options — and increasingly, enzyme-based solutions are proving to be the most practical and eco-friendly option.

If you choose an enzyme-based remediation process, follow all safety and application instructions. Keep the area undisturbed during treatment and monitor progress with periodic testing. Over time, you should see not only reduced contamination levels but also a visible improvement in soil health — richer texture, improved plant growth, and return of soil organisms.

The future of sustainable soil remediation

Across the world, governments and environmental bodies are moving away from heavy industrial remediation methods towards greener, sustainable alternatives. Enzyme-based bioremediation is at the forefront of this transition. It represents a shift in mindset: from treating soil as waste to be disposed of, to treating it as a living system that can be healed.

In the UK, as brownfield redevelopment accelerates and environmental standards tighten, sustainable remediation is becoming both an ethical and economic necessity. Developers, landowners, and councils all benefit from solutions that are effective yet gentle on the environment. BioGlobe’s technology provides a path forward — one where pollution is not merely displaced but truly neutralised.

By investing in organic enzyme remediation, we are investing in the long-term health of our land, our water, and our communities. The same enzymes that nature has used for millennia to break down organic matter can now be harnessed to repair the damage of modern industry.

FAQs

Which solvents are most commonly found in contaminated soil?
The most common solvents found in contaminated soil are chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), both widely used in degreasing and dry-cleaning. Other frequent contaminants include acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, and various industrial degreasers. These compounds are typically associated with workshops, garages, factories, and cleaning operations. Because they are volatile and mobile, they can spread easily through soil and groundwater.

Can enzymes break down chlorinated solvents?
Yes, enzymes can be designed to break down chlorinated solvents, though the process may require specific conditions. Specialised enzymes can cleave the carbon-chlorine bonds that make these chemicals so persistent, converting them into harmless organic acids, carbon dioxide, and water. Because every site is unique, it is important that the enzyme blend is tailored to the specific contaminants present. This is why BioGlobe analyses each sample in our laboratory before creating a bespoke enzyme formulation.

Is excavation the only safe way?
No, excavation is not the only safe method — and in many cases, it is far from the best. Excavation removes contaminated soil but causes major disruption, high costs, and ecological damage. Enzyme-based bioremediation can often achieve the same or better results without disturbing the soil. For many properties, especially those with moderate contamination, in-situ treatment using organic enzymes is the most practical and environmentally responsible option.

What protective measures should someone take during cleanup?
If you suspect solvent contamination, avoid disturbing the soil unnecessarily. Do not dig, burn, or dispose of the soil yourself. Ensure the area is well ventilated to prevent vapour build-up. Keep children and pets away from the contaminated area. Wear gloves and protective clothing if you need to handle any soil samples. Always consult professionals for testing and remediation. During treatment, follow all safety instructions provided by the remediation company.

How do you know when the soil is “clean enough”?
The only reliable way to know is through laboratory testing. After remediation, soil samples should show contaminant levels below the accepted environmental thresholds for your intended land use. Visual signs such as healthy vegetation, absence of odour, and normal soil texture are positive indicators but not conclusive proof. At BioGlobe, we verify remediation success through scientific analysis, ensuring that the soil is safe, healthy, and ready for use once again.

Problem

Soil contaminated by solvents and industrial chemicals poses serious risks to health, ecosystems, and property value. These chemicals can persist for decades, migrate through soil and water, and harm living organisms.

Consequences

If left untreated, solvent contamination can render land unusable, damage local habitats, and expose people to toxic vapours or groundwater pollution. It can also prevent development and reduce property value, creating long-term economic loss.

Solution

BioGlobe’s Organic Enzyme Remediation Solution offers a safe, sustainable, and scientifically advanced way to clean contaminated soil. Our enzymes break down pollutants into harmless natural substances without damaging the environment. Each solution is tailored to the specific contamination profile, ensuring maximum effectiveness and zero ecological harm.

Bioglobe offer Organic Enzyme pollution remediation for major oil-spills, oceans and coastal waters, marinas and inland water, sewage and nitrate remediation and agriculture and brown-field sites, throughout the UK and Europe.

We have created our own Enzyme based bioremediation in our own laboratory in Cyprus and we are able to create bespoke variants for maximum efficacy.

Our team are able to identify the pollution, we then assess the problem, conduct site tests and send samples to our lab where we can create a bespoke variant, we then conduct a pilot test and proceed from there.

Our Enzyme solutions are available around the world, remediation pollution organically without any harm to the ecosystem.

For further information:
BioGlobe LTD (UK),
Phone: +44(0) 116 4736303| Email: info@bioglobe.co.uk