Description
ABSTRACT
This study is on soil pollution. This study was carried out because soil is an integral part of the natural environment. Although much concern over the years has been on air and water pollution, prevention and control of soil pollution are as important as air and water pollution control. In fact, soil can impact on air and water quality as it is home to a wide range of organisms and plays a bigger role in the distribution of plant species.
Furthermore, the soil acts as a source and a store for gases. It also influences the flow of chemical substances and water between the earth and the atmosphere. Unfortunately, over the years, human activities like the use of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides have had an adverse effect on soil quality – which is known as soil pollution. Soil pollution is described as the build-up of chemicals, radioactive materials, toxic compounds, and disease-causing agents in the soil to levels that can cause adverse effects on plant growth and damage to both human and animal health. The pollution of the soil is either caused by natural activities or human actions that destroy its properties, such as structure, composition, and soil biota.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE
APPROVAL PAGE
DEDICATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
1.2 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
1.4 APPLICATION OF THE STUDY
1.5 TYPES OF SOIL POLLUTION
1.6 MAIN CAUSES OF SOIL POLLUTION
1.7 EFFECTS OF SOIL POLLUTION
1.8 SOLUTIONS TO SOIL POLLUTION
1.9 CONCLUSION
1.10 RECOMMENDATION
REFERENCES
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Soil pollution as part of land degradation is caused by the presence of xenobiotics (human-made) chemicals or other alteration in the natural soil environment. It is typically caused by industrial activity, agricultural chemicals or improper disposal of waste. The most common chemicals involved are petroleum hydrocarbons, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (such as naphthalene and benzo(a)pyrene), solvents, pesticides, lead, and other heavy metals. Contamination is correlated with the degree of industrialization and intensity of chemical substance. The concern over soil contamination stems primarily from health risks, from direct contact with the contaminated soil, vapours from the contaminants, or from secondary contamination of water supplies within and underlying the soil
However, like all other forms of nature, soil also suffers from pollution. The pollution of soil is a common thing these days, and it happens due to the presence of man-made elements.
According to Environmental Pollution Centers, soil pollution is, “The presence of toxic chemicals (pollutants or contaminants) 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.”
The main reason why the soil becomes contaminated is due to the presence of man-made waste. The waste produced from nature itself, such as dead plants, carcasses of animals and rotten fruits and vegetables only adds to the fertility of the soil. However, our waste products are full of chemicals that are not originally found in nature and lead to soil pollution.
1.2 AIM AND OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The main aim of this work is to carry out a research on soil pollution. At the end of this work the following objectives shall be achieved. The student shall be able to understand the following:
- The meaning of soil pollution
- Causes of soil pollution
- Effect of soil pollution
- Types of soil pollution
- Prevention of soil
1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study has exposed me to understand the need of avoiding soil pollution by knowing it effect and how dangerous soil pollution can be in our environment
1.4 APPLICATION OF THE STUDY
This study can be useful to:
- Agriculturist
- Industrialist
- Resident of every home
1.5 TYPES OF SOIL POLLUTION
Soil pollution can be broadly classified into two categories –
- Naturally caused soil pollution
- Anthropogenic soil pollution (caused by human activity)
Natural Pollution of Soil
In some extremely rare processes, some pollutants are naturally accumulated in soils. This can occur due to the differential deposition of soil by the atmosphere. Another manner in which this type of soil pollution can occur is via the transportation of soil pollutants with precipitation water.
An example of natural soil pollution is the accumulation of compounds containing the perchlorate anion (ClO4–) in some dry, arid ecosystems. It is important to note that some contaminants can be naturally produced in the soil under the effect of certain environmental conditions. For example, perchlorates can be formed in soils containing chlorine and certain metals during a thunderstorm.
Anthropogenic Soil Pollution
Almost all cases of soil pollution are anthropogenic in nature. A variety of human activities can lead to the contamination of soil. Some such processes are listed below.
- The demolition of old buildings can involve the contamination of nearby soil with asbestos.
- Usage of lead-based paint during construction activities can also pollute the soil with hazardous concentrations of lead.
- Spillage of petrol and diesel during transportation can contaminate soils with the hydrocarbons found in petroleum.
- Activities associated with metal casting factories (foundries) often cause the dispersion of metallic contaminants into the nearby soils.
- Underground mining activities can cause the contamination of land with heavy metals.
- Improper disposal of highly toxic industrial/chemical waste can severely pollute the soil. For example, the storage of toxic wastes in landfills can result in the seepage of the waste into the soil. This waste can go on to pollute groundwater as well.
- Chemical pesticides contain several hazardous substances. Excessive and inefficient use of chemical pesticides can result in severe soil pollution.
- Sewage produced in urbanized areas can also contaminate soil (if not disposed of correctly). These wastes may also contain several carcinogenic substances.
Other forms of waste that can pollute soil include nuclear waste, e-waste, and coal ash.
1.6 MAIN CAUSES OF SOIL POLLUTION
Soil pollution is a complex phenomenon, and it can be triggered by a variety of things and activities, from the littering of cigarette butts to excess use of chemical fertilizers. Every cause is linked with another. Pinpointing at one particular cause is quite difficult. However, the leading causes are listed below.
1. Industrial Activity
Industrial activity has been the biggest contributor to the problem in the last century, especially since the amount of mining and manufacturing has increased. Most industries are dependent on extracting minerals from the Earth.
Whether it is iron ore or coal, the by-products are contaminated, and they are not disposed of in a manner that cannot be considered safe. As a result, the industrial waste lingers in the soil surface for a long time and makes it unsuitable for use.
2. Agricultural Activities
The utilization of chemicals has gone up tremendously since technology provided us with modern pesticides and fertilizers. They are full of chemicals that are not produced in nature and cannot be broken down by it. As a result, they seep into the ground after they mix with water and slowly reduce the fertility of the soil.
Other chemicals damage the composition of the soil and make it easier to erode by water and air. Plants absorb many of these pesticides, and when they decompose, they cause soil pollution since they become a part of the land.
3. Waste Disposal
Finally, a growing cause for concern is how we dispose of our waste. While industrial waste is sure to cause contamination, there is another way in which we are adding to the pollution. Every human produces a certain amount of personal waste products by way of urine and feces.
While much of it moves into the sewer system, there is also a large amount that is dumped directly into landfills in the form of diapers. Even the sewer system ends at the landfill, where the biological waste pollutes the soil and water. This is because our bodies are full of toxins and chemicals which are now seeping into the land and causing pollution of soil.
4. Accidental Oil Spills
Oil leaks can happen during the storage and transport of chemicals. This can be seen at most of the fuel stations. The chemicals present in the fuel deteriorates the quality of soil and make them unsuitable for cultivation. These chemicals can enter into the groundwater through the soil and make the water undrinkable.
5. Acid Rain
Acid rain is caused when pollutants present in the air mix up with the rain and fall back on the ground. The polluted water could dissolve away some of the essential nutrients found in soil and change the structure of the soil.
1.7 EFFECTS OF SOIL POLLUTION
Soil influences almost all aspects of our daily lives. Sometimes we fail to understand it. As a result of this, we sometimes fail to understand the effect that soil pollution has on our daily lives. Polluted soil means stunted crops or even toxic underground water table. Some major effects of soil pollution are listed below.
1. 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. Crops and plants that are grown on polluted soil absorb much of the pollution and then pass these on to us. This could explain the sudden surge in small and terminal illnesses.
Long term exposure to such soil can affect the genetic make-up of the body, causing congenital illnesses and chronic health problems that cannot be cured easily. In fact, it can sicken the livestock to a considerable extent and cause food poisoning over a long period of time. The soil pollution can even lead to widespread famines if the plants are unable to grow in it.
2. Effect on Growth of Plants
The ecological balance of any system gets affected due to the widespread contamination of the soil. Most plants are unable to adapt when the chemistry of the soil changes so radically in a short period of time. Fungi and bacteria found in the soil that bind it together begin to decline, which creates an additional problem of soil erosion.
The fertility of the soil slowly diminishes, making land unsuitable for agriculture and any local vegetation to survive. The soil pollution causes large tracts of land to become hazardous to health. Unlike deserts, which are suitable for its native vegetation, such land cannot support most forms of life.
3. Decreased Soil Fertility
The toxic chemicals present in the soil can decrease soil fertility and therefore decrease in the soil yield. The contaminated soil is then used to produce fruits and vegetables, which lacks quality nutrients and may contain some poisonous substance to cause serious health problems in people consuming them.
4. Toxic Dust
The emission of toxic and foul gases from landfills pollutes the environment and causes serious effects on the health of some people. Besides, the unpleasant smell causes inconvenience to other people.
5. Changes in Soil Structure
The death of many soil organisms (e.g., earthworms) in the soil can lead to alteration in soil structure. Apart from that, it could also force other predators to move to other places in search of food.
A number of ways have been suggested to curb the current rate of pollution. Such attempts at cleaning up the environment require plenty of time and resources to be pitched in. Industries have been given regulations for the disposal of hazardous waste, which aims at minimizing the area that becomes polluted.
Organic methods of farming are being supported, which do not use chemical-laden pesticides and fertilizers. The use of plants that can remove the pollutants from the soil is being encouraged. However, the road ahead is quite long, and the prevention of soil pollution will take many more years.
6. Poisoning of the Underground Water Table
Soil pollution also leads to the poisoning of the underground water table. Since this water is stored beneath the layers of the soil, the toxins in the soil could easily percolate slowly and steadily into the water table.
We must also remember that this is the water that is available for consumption and usage through wells and tube wells. When such toxic water is consumed or used over a period of time, it causes a lot of ill effects on our health. Diseases like arsenic poisoning, food poisoning and others are caused due to the prolonged consumption of this toxic underground water. These diseases could also prove to be quite fatal.
1.8 SOLUTIONS TO SOIL POLLUTION
Soil pollution is a complex problem that ought to be solved. It is essential that we all realize how important soil is for us. The earlier we realize, the better we will be able to solve the problem of soil pollution. It is a complex problem, and thus, it requires everyone, from an individual to the government, to work in complete unison. Listed below are a few things that could help in reducing soil pollution.
1. Reduced Use of Chemical Fertilizers
Chemical fertilizers do more harm than good. While proper amounts could enhance the fertility of the soil, excess of it actually poisons the soil. The excess of chemical fertilizers could pollute the soil in several ways. It could mess with the pH levels of the soil.
It could also destroy the good microorganisms in the soil. Not only that, but the runoffs from such soils also cause water pollution as well. Thus using chemical fertilizers is like a double-edged sword.
2. Reforestation and Afforestation Should be Promoted
One of the major causes of soil pollution is soil erosion that is caused due to deforestation. It is natural that with the ever-growing population, the humankind needs more and more space to expand their civilization. Often it is achieved at the cost of the health of the soil. To prevent this from happening, reforestation of a deforested area should be promoted.
Also, afforestation should be promoted in the barren lands. The roots of the plants bind the soil particles together and even capture good microorganisms in the soil. It also ensures the maintenance of the underground water table.
3. Recycle and Reuse Products
These steps not only reduce waste generation but also ensure that soil pollution is reduced. At present, plastic forms a significant portion of the generated wastes. More often than not, these wastes are buried in landfills.
In these landfills, these plastics and other materials decompose slowly and release toxic materials into the soil. These toxic substances are very harmful to the health of the soil and are a major source of soil pollution.
By reusing and recycling things, we would ensure that lesser wastes are dumped in these landfills, and this, in turn, would reduce soil pollution.
4. Get the Locals Involved
In order to ensure that a problem like soil pollution is solved, it is essential that every individual must get involved. It is with their involvement that things can work out better. Awareness programs could be designed so that people understand soil pollution better. If people are aware, they will help even subconsciously.
5. Promote Use of Natural Manure
Natural manure is one of the best sources of nutrients for the soil. It is harmless and completely organic. It adds essential nutrients to the soil and restores the health of the soil. It has no harmful by-products that could harm the soil or the environment in any way.
1.9 CONCLUSION
In this study, soil pollution has been studied and it was discovered that developing countries tend to be less tightly regulated despite some of them having undergone significant industrialization. Soil pollution is the removal of useful substances from the soil or the addition of harmful substances to it. Garbage, cotton clothes, newspapers, trees waste, are the causes of soil pollution. Plastic, glasses, metal objects, are also caused by soil pollution
1.10 RECOMMENDATION
In addition, reducing the volume of refuse or waste in landfills by recycling materials such as plastics, papers and various other materials is another effective and common method of preventing the phenomenon of soil pollution which was highlighted in this study, the following recommendation are also needed:
- Strong regulatory programs to minimize soil contamination need to be introduced.
- Reuse and recycle unwanted items. Or even better, reduce consumption and reduce your trash. The less rubbish we create the less chance the waste will end up in our soil.
- There is a need to educate the public about the harms done when they litter.
- For gardens, make use of org fertilizers and organic pesticides, because they are usually made of natural substances, are bio-degradable and do little harm to the natural balance in the soil.
- Insist on buying natural and organic food, because chemical pesticides and fertilizers are not used in their growing process. Not only are organic foods healthier for the environment, also healthier for you and your family.
- Cut down usage of paper. Or use recycled paper. In this way, fewer trees need to be cut down and there would be reduced deforestation. Read about the benefits of recycling to the environment.
- People need to break the habit of using harmful pesticides and switch to using organic ones that break down quickly in the sunlight and in the soil. The faster a chemical breaks down, the sooner the soil can return to a healthy state. Most organic pesticides are also safe to use around people and pets. They can easily be washed from fruits and vegetables making them healthier for you and your family to eat.
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