Scholars collaborating with Ukrainian counterparts to examine agricultural soils in areas affected by bombings have encountered unexpectedly high pollution levels in certain craters. The initiative, led by the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) located in Cirencester, aims to mitigate the risk of pollutants entering the food supply.

According to Professor Nicola Cannon, the issue arises when contaminated soil is simply returned to the craters without proper treatment. Early examinations of 28 craters have revealed the presence of toxic substances such as mercury and lead. Professor Cannon highlighted the grave risk posed by contaminants like mercury, lead, and potentially even depleted uranium from munitions, which could integrate into the food chain through agricultural practices. The discovery of metals, including unexpectedly high quantities of valuable copper in one crater, suggests that some munitions contained these elements.

To address the challenge of identifying contaminated soils, the RAU, in collaboration with Sumy National Agricultural University (SNAU) in Ukraine, devised a sampling technique on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. These soil samples undergo analysis using advanced equipment at the RAU's Cirencester campus. Training programs are being developed to equip individuals in Ukraine with the skills to assess bomb craters for contamination.

Professor Cannon emphasized the urgency of the situation for Ukrainian farmers, who cannot afford to wait for the war's end to remediate land damaged and polluted by warfare. Immediate and continuous support is necessary to ascertain which areas of their land are safe for cultivation. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring that agricultural practices do not inadvertently contribute to health risks via the food chain.