Soil pollution:
Soil pollution is defined as the presence of toxic chemicals in soil, in high enough concentrations 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 the contaminants in soil exceed the levels that should naturally be present.
Arable land is turning to desert and becoming non-arable at ever-increasing rates, due largely in part to global warming and agricultural fertilizers and pesticides, lessening the hope that we can feed our booming population. Within 40 years, there will be over 2 billion more people, which is the equivalent of adding another China and India.
TYPES OF SOIL POLLUTION
There are many types of natural and human-born soil pollution:
Land pollution from domestic and industrial solid waste
Household waste, industrial waste etc. contain residues of harmful toxic inorganic and organic chemicals. In these residues, radiation elements such as strontium, cadmium, uranium, ladders are found, which affect the vitality and fertility of the land. Fly ash is a major source of pollution surrounding the industrial area.
Soil pollution by chemical substances
The use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers has increased for cultivating more crops and these pollutants are making the soil poisonous and in many places the soil has become dead due to excessive use of it
Continuous deforestation
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air; provide oxygen for humans and other organisms. Apart from these, tree plantations are also helpful in prevention of soil pollution and erosion.
Main Causes of Soil Pollution
- Industrial Activity:
- Agricultural Activities
- Waste Disposal
- Accidental Oil Spills
Effects of Soil Pollution
Effect on Health of Humans: Considering how soil is the reason we are able to sustain ourselves, the contamination of it has major consequences on our health.
Effect on Growth of Plants: The ecological balance of any system gets affected due to the widespread contamination of the soil.
Decreased Soil Fertility: The toxic chemicals present in the soil can decrease soil fertility and therefore decrease in the soil yield.
Decreased Soil Fertility: The toxic chemicals present in the soil can decrease soil fertility and therefore decrease in the soil yield.
Changes in Soil Structure: The death of many soil organisms (e.g. earthworms) in the soil can lead to alteration in soil structure.
What To Do About Soil Pollution?
Although laws and regulations have been put in place, there are additional steps that we can take to curb soil pollution.
Address Farming Practices
The effects of pesticides and other chemicals for farming purposes is well-documented. What is less discussed is the impact of overcropping and overgrazing. These practices should be avoided as they play a part in expediting soil erosion
Recycle
The old adage remains true – recycle, reduce, reuse. Develop the habit of using paper, plastic, aluminum and glass products. Reduce the use of products that are not recyclable. Reuse items such as containers rather than throwing them in the trash.
Reforestation
Regulations against cutting down trees are great. However, reforestation can also have a tremendous effect. Where appropriate, new trees should be planted where others have been cut down to help curb soil erosion.
Opt for Biodegradable
Try to use biodegradable products as much as possible. Even if they’re thrown away, they will break down naturally and not cause any toxic chemicals to go into the soil.
Soil Washing
Also known as soil separation, soil washing is a water-based process for scrubbing contaminants off soils. It’s been proven to be effective on soils contaminated by heavy metals and organic contaminants.
