Digging up Dirt on Soil Ecotoxicology

Digging up Dirt on Soil Ecotoxicology

Author: JOY 94.9 - Rainbow Community Podcasts for our LGBTI, LGBTIQA+, LGBTQIA+, LGBT, LGBTQ, LGB, Gay, Lesbian, Trans, Intersex, Queer Communities May 21, 2026 Duration: 37:49

Soil is often overlooked – we walk on it, we grow food in it, but we rarely think about what’s actually in it. Yet soil is one of the most important ecosystems on Earth. And it’s under siege.

From traditional pollutants like heavy metals and petroleum compounds to emerging threats like PFAS and microplastics, our soils are becoming increasingly contaminated. But how do we know how bad it is? How do we assess the risk to human health?

Enter tardigrades – nearly indestructible microscopic creatures that can survive extreme temperatures, radiation, and even space. These tiny titans are helping scientists understand soil health and contamination in ways we never could before.

This week, we’re digging deep into soil ecotoxicology with Erin Koster from The University of Melbourne. We’ll learn how contaminants affect soil organisms and ecosystems, and how they move through the food chain into plants, animals, and ultimately into us.

Because healthy soil isn’t just about plants – it’s about all of us. And when we understand what’s beneath the surface, we can make better choices for our future.

Originally aired 12th May, 2026.

The post Digging up Dirt on Soil Ecotoxicology appeared first on Science Queeries.


Curiosity meets community in Science Queeries, a space where the wonders of the natural world and the vibrant spectrum of human identity intersect. Hosted by Cat, this podcast from JOY 94.9’s Rainbow Community collection approaches learning with a warm, questioning spirit. It’s less a formal lecture and more a series of engaging conversations that unpack scientific concepts through an inclusive, queer lens. You’ll hear explorations that connect the dots between biology, sociology, technology, and lived experience, making complex ideas both accessible and personally relevant. Each episode invites you to consider how science shapes and is shaped by the diverse LGBTIQA+ communities it seeks to understand. The tone is thoughtful and welcoming, designed for anyone who’s ever felt on the outside looking in at traditional science communication. Whether discussing the latest research or the fundamentals of how things work, this podcast consistently centers a perspective that is often overlooked. It’s a place for learning, questioning, and finding connection in the shared pursuit of knowledge. Tune in for a refreshing take that proves science is for everyone, and that some of the most insightful discoveries begin with a simple, open-minded query.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 55

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