An overview on the causes of soil pollution

Soil pollution occurs as a result of the untreated disposal of industrial wastes into soil; it contains high levels of toxic contaminants, resulting in soil pollution. Industrial wastes contain varying amounts of toxic and hazardous chemicals, and when deposited in soil, they affect the soil layer strength in the topsoil, reducing soil fertility and biological activity. Furthermore, a hazardous effect causes ecological imbalances, complicating crop production. Furthermore, because the soil and crops are contaminated with toxic chemicals and hazardous materials, it may cause severe health problems for those who consume such crops.

What is Soil Pollution?

Soil pollution is defined as the presence of toxic chemicals (pollutants or contaminants) in such high concentrations in the soil that they endanger human health and the ecosystem. Soil Pollution is defined as any change in the natural soil caused by human activities. Exposure to soil containing high concentrations of benzene, for example, can increase the risk of soil pollution diseases such as leukaemia.

The Causes of Soil Pollution

Soil pollution is a complex phenomenon that can be caused by a variety of things and activities, ranging from the disposal of cigarette butts to the overuse of chemical fertilisers. Every cause is interconnected with another. They are extremely difficult to pinpoint a single cause. However, they are the most common causes as listed below.

1. Industrial Activity

In the last century, industrial activity has been the most significant contributor to the problem, particularly as the amount of mining and manufacturing has increased. The majority of industries rely on mineral extraction from the Earth.

Whether it is iron ore or coal, the byproducts are contaminated, and they are not disposed of in a safe manner. As a result, industrial waste lingers on the soil surface for an extended period of time, rendering it unfit for use.

2. Agricultural Activities

Since technology provided us with modern pesticides and fertilisers, the use of chemicals has skyrocketed. They contain chemicals that do not occur in nature and cannot be broken down by it. As a result, they seep into the ground after mixing with water and gradually reduce soil fertility.

Other chemicals alter the soil’s composition and make it more prone to erosion by water and air. Many of these pesticides are absorbed by plants, and when they decompose, they cause soil pollution because they become a part of the land.

3. Waste Disposal

Finally, how we dispose of our waste is becoming a growing source of concern. While industrial waste is undoubtedly a source of contamination, there is another way in which we contribute to pollution. Every person excretes a certain amount of personal waste in the form of urine and faces.

While much of it enters the sewer system, a significant amount is dumped directly into landfills in the form of diapers. The sewer system, too, terminates at the landfill, where biological waste pollutes the soil and water. This is due to the fact that our bodies are full of toxins and chemicals, which are now seeping into the soil and causing soil pollution.

4. Accidental Oil Spills

Oil leaks can occur during chemical storage and transportation. This can be seen at the majority of gas stations. The chemicals in the fuel degrade soil quality and render it unsuitable for cultivation. These chemicals can enter groundwater through the soil and render it unfit for human consumption.

5. Acid Rain

Acid rain occurs when pollutants in the air combine with rain and fall to the ground. Polluted water has the potential to dissolve some of the essential nutrients found in soil and alter its structure.

Soil Contamination

All soils contain compounds that are toxic to humans and other living things. However, the concentration of such substances in unpolluted soil is so low that they pose no threat to the surrounding environment; however, when the concentration of such toxic substances becomes high enough to cause harm to living organisms, the soil is said to be contaminated. Soil contamination can occur as a result of either human activity or natural processes. However, it is primarily due to human activity. It occurs as a result of a variety of activities, including the overuse of pesticides, in which the soil loses its fertility and the presence of excess chemicals increases the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, thereby degrading its quality.

Conclusion

Soil pollution occurs as a result of the untreated disposal of industrial wastes into soil; it contains high levels of toxic contaminants, resulting in soil pollution. Industrial wastes contain varying amounts of toxic and hazardous chemicals, and when deposited in soil, they affect the soil layer strength in the topsoil, reducing soil fertility and biological activity. Soil pollution is defined as the presence of toxic chemicals in such high concentrations in the soil that they endanger human health and the ecosystem. Soil pollution is a complex phenomenon that can be caused by a variety of things and activities, ranging from the disposal of cigarette butts to the overuse of chemical fertilisers. Many of these pesticides are absorbed by plants, and when they decompose, they cause soil pollution because they become a part of the land.