What environmental conditions put the natural cleanup crew (microbial life) on pause, extending contaminant persistence?

Answer

Cold, waterlogged, or extremely dry soils

Factors that boost microbial activity accelerate cleanup. Conversely, cold, waterlogged, or extremely dry soils essentially pause the natural cleanup crew, extending the persistence of contaminants.

What environmental conditions put the natural cleanup crew (microbial life) on pause, extending contaminant persistence?
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