What Does
Zone Of Aeration Mean?
The zone of aeration consists of the upper layers of soil in which there is air-filled porosity, pores or pockets filled with air rather than water. If toxic spills occur, chemicals move vertically through the zone of aeration and may penetrate the zone of saturation or ground water. The zone of aeration is also referred to as the unsaturated zone.
Safeopedia Explains Zone Of Aeration
Pollution of ground water may affect the health of ecosystems, crops and human health through contamination. It is the responsibility of industries to ensure that waste and spills are handled in such a way that ground water is not contaminated through their activities. Thus, pollutants should not be allowed to enter the zone of aeration in sufficient quantities to allow for contamination of the zone of saturation.