The range and magnitude of pollution of soil and
groundwater is governed by numerous processes which determine
the fate and the pollution hazard of potential contaminants.
Some of the various methods used for the evaluation of these
processes, including: indexing, modelling, ranking, monitoring
and analytical tools are reviewed in this paper, emphasizing the
currect activity under way in Israel. Significant ?.dvances have
been made with regard to certain monitoring procedures for toxic
metals and other micro-pollutants in soil and groundwater. However,
these advances are experimental and at a development stage
and comprehensive and universal approaches have yet to be suggested
for routine monitoring of hazardous substances leaching
through the soil profile.