Soil contamination in contaminated sites with key standards: A global analysis and perspective

Soil contamination in contaminated sites has attracted considerable attention, particularly concerning the spatial distribution and identification of key determinants. Traditional research has primarily focused on the remediation of individual sites. Yet, it exhibits notable limitations in terms of global statistical analysis, standardized performance, and cross-evaluations of socio-economic factors. Herein, we introduce a multifaceted global assessment of contaminated sites, with an in-depth analysis of key soil standards and intrinsic drivers of development. The detailed collection includes 1,163,977 contaminated sites across 131 nations/regions with 18 hotspots at the provincial-scale, 60 different types of soil standards, and a correlational evaluation of 37 socio-economic impact factors. Europe accounts for over 80 % of the contaminated sites, which are concentrated in industrialized cities and densely populated areas. Soil screening and quality standards play a pivotal role in management, with Resident and industrial sites being the most prominent categories. Notably, the U.S. regional screening levels encompass the widest range of contaminants. The chemical industry and GDP per capita emerge as positive drivers influencing the contaminated sites. This study provides a robust analysis of contaminated sites, offering a holistic overview of relevant standards and delivering critical insights for advancing global soil contamination management and environmental protection across varied national experiences.