Acid sulfate soils
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Acid Sulfate Soils are soils which contain iron sulfides that can generate large amounts of sulfuric acid when exposed to air. These soils are usually waterlogged, and are safe unless dug up or drained. If this happens, then the sulfuric acid, as well as the aluminium, iron and the heavy metals which it releases from soils, can cause significant environmental and economic problems. Acid sulfate soils which have not been disturbed are known as potential acid sulfate soils (PASS); acid sulfate soils which have been disturbed are known as actual acid sulfate soils (AASS). Disturbing potential acid sulfate soils can have a destructive effect on plant and fish life, and on coastal ecosystems. Acid sulfate soil disturbance is a significant problem on the Australian coastline.
Acid sulfate soil disturbance is sometimes associated with canal housing and marina developments.
