Soil Pollution

Soil Pollution is defined as the poisoning of soil with harmful chemicals in abnormally high amounts.  According to Environmental Pollution Centers, soil pollution is defined as “the presence of toxic chemicals (pollutants or contaminants) in soil, in high enough concentration to pose a risk to human health and /or the ecosystem. In the case of contaminants which occur naturally in soil, even when their levels are not high enough to pose a risk, soil pollution is still said to occur if the levels of contaminants in soil exceed the levels that should naturally be present”. It has become a serious environmental concern since it harbors many health hazards. Polluted soil contains different harmful compounds that are harmful and toxic to all living organisms.

Xenobiotics (Substances that are not naturally found in nature and are synthesized by human beings) are the most soil hazardous soil pollution.      Heavy metals like lead, mercury, zinc, nickel, Chromium, Arsenic, Antimony etc, and Polycyclic Aromatic hydrocarbons are the major causes of soil pollution. Heavy metals constitute 31%, hydrocarbons constitute 42%, minerals oil constitutes 20% while other sources contribute 7% out of total soil pollutants.

The major activities causing soil pollution are listed below:

1. Industrial Activity

2. Agricultural Activity

3. Waste Disposal

4. Accidental Oil Spills

5. Acid Rain

 

  The devastating effect of Soil Pollution

1. 1.  Effect on Human Health: It causes cancer (Arsenic), brain damage, reduced IQ (Lead, Arsenic), renal illness, and other health issues (Lead, Cadmium, and Mercury).
2. 2.  Effect on Growth of Plants: It reduces the number of beneficial microorganisms that bind the soil together reducing soil fertility and productivity. It decreases the crop yield. It also increases the threat of soil erosion.
3. 3.  Toxic Dust: The emission of toxic and foul gases from landfills pollutes the soil ecosystem.
4. 4.  Change in soil structure: Soil pollution may lead to the death of soil organisms like earthworms.
5. 5.  Poisoning of the Underground Water table: The water stored beneath the layer of soil may have the toxin that percolates slowly and steadily into the water table. It may cause problems like Arsenic Poisoning, food Poisoning, etc.

Solution To Soil Pollution:

1.    Reduce the use of Chemical Fertilizer

2.    Reforestation and Afforestation Should Be promoted

3.    Recycle and Reuse Products

4.    Use of Natural Manure Should be Promoted

 

 

 Sources:

https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358877803_Major_soil_pollutants_sources_and_toxic_effects_of_Soil_Pollution

https://byjus.com/chemistry/soil-pollution/