View article

The impacts of the disturbance and resultant oxidation of sulphidic soils are well documented with a major feature being the formation of sulphuric acid resulting in the erosion of buffering capacity of soil and water with a subsequent increase in acidity and mobilization of metals in connected groundwater. In Western Australia, numerous areas have been affected where high concentrations of metals have been detected in residential groundwater sources. We hypothesize that the elevated metals pose a risk to residents watering home grown produce. Previous investigation has shown a high percentage of residents grow home grown produce in affected areas.