Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Prepare for your exams
Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points to download
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Community
Ask the community for help and clear up your study doubts
Discover the best universities in your country according to Docsity users
Free resources
Download our free guides on studying techniques, anxiety management strategies, and thesis advice from Docsity tutors
A comprehensive overview of soil pollution, including its definition, causes, effects, and prevention strategies. It covers various sources of soil pollution, such as microplastics, oil spills, acid rain, intensive farming, and improper waste disposal. The document delves into the health and ecosystem impacts of soil pollution, highlighting the need for a better understanding of the soil environment quality baseline, proper management of agricultural land, and strengthening policies to manage pollution sources. The document also emphasizes the importance of promoting objective assessment and accountability among all stakeholders to ensure long-term success in the prevention and control of soil pollution. This information can be valuable for students, researchers, and policymakers interested in understanding and addressing the pressing issue of soil pollution.
Typology: Study Guides, Projects, Research
1 / 13
This page cannot be seen from the preview
Don't miss anything!
(^ nd
Definition of Soil Pollution Causes of Soil Pollution
Causes of Soil Pollution
Microplastics are emerging persistent contaminants of increasing concern. Although microplastics have been extensively detected in aquatic environments, their occurrence in soil ecosystems remains largely unexplored. This review focused on recent progress in analytical methods, pollution characteristics and ecological effects of microplastics in soils. In spite of the presence of microplastics in soils, no standardized methods are available for the quantification. Uniform protocols including microplastic extraction and identification are urgently needed to develop. In soil environments, main sources of microplastics include mulching film, sludge, wastewater irrigation and atmospheric deposition. The fate of microplastics is closely related to soil physio-chemistry and biota. Existing evidence shows that microplastics can influence soil biota at different trophic levels, and even threaten human health through food chains. Therefore, further research is needed to fully reveal the fate and ecological risks of microplastics in soils; and necessary action is required to control microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems.
While extracting mineral oil from the oil fields, an oil spill can occur and that crude oil can get mixed with the soil causing soil pollution. The chemicals in the mineral oil increase the soil Ph level and reduce the phosphorous concentration of the soil. The basic composition of the
Another contributor to soil pollution is acid rain. Acid rain is mainly caused by air pollution. When it rains, the contaminated air will add chemicals to the rain which increases the level of acidity. An increase in acidity will lead to soil pollution and affect the vegetation in an adverse way. Effects of Acid rain on Soil
b) Discharge of sewage 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. c) Landfill & illegal dumping The end products of the sewer also end up in landfills. Also, cases of illegal dumping of chemicals have witnessed disposal of highly poisonous materials in landfills. Because these wastes contain toxins and a mix of chemicals, they majorly seep into the land and causes soil pollution.
d) Electronic Waste The pollution of soil , water, and air by e - waste also pose a threat to human beings. Soil and water pollution can compromise the food chain, leading to a variety of neurological and organ problems. The dioxins released by burning e - waste can contribute to numerous health issues. e) Nuclear wastes Improper disposal of radioactive/nuclear waste can severely contaminate the soil and result in soil pollution. The radioactive matter present in this type of waste may mix with the components of the soil , rendering it highly toxic and infertile. Furthermore, any plants grown in such soils may absorb the radiation present in the soil and accumulate it within the bodies. This radiation may make its way up the food chain when herbivores consume these plants and carnivores consume those herbivores.
Prevention of Soil Pollution
In order to properly control and prevent soil erosion, it is paramount that every stakeholder understands the baseline of soil environment quality, which can be done by carrying out sensitizations and surveys on soil pollution. However, to ensure consistent results, the technical requirements for the survey should be formulated including the frequency of when the survey should be conducted.
Poor utilization of land is a major concern in the prevention and control of soil pollution. Agricultural land pollution usually causes the loss of soil fertility as it involves the loss of organic matter, topsoil and nutrients, and the soil’s ability to retain water. In agricultural land management, ideal soil conservation methods include mechanical and biological control techniques. Developing forests in new areas can help reduce erosion caused by rainwater and air thus ensuring increased soil fertility and formation. In areas with excessive pollution or surface degradation, reforestation should be done. The mechanical method of soil pollution control includes the use of contour holding system, gully control, and making bunds. In excessive sloping areas, making bunds across the slope helps to prevent erosion.
It is important to dispose of solid waste properly by treated it before it’s released into the environment. Acidic and alkaline waste, for example, can be neutralized before they are disposed of to avoid soil contamination. Biodegradable waste should also be broken down in a controlled environment before it is released into the environment. A great example is the proper treatment of sewage sludge. The waste materials should also be categorized based on the degree of contamination. Materials that are mildly or moderately contaminated should be treated in controlled environments before release into the natural environments while those that are heavily contaminated should be put under strict management, treatment, and control.
The best way to control soil pollution is to strictly control the mining and industrial pollutants. In addition to controlling the pollutants, daily environment supervision should be enhanced. This should be implemented by making a layout plan that should include close supervision on the soil environment including regular information updates. To ensure accountability, the companies in the specified area should conduct soil research at least once annually and release the information to the public. Surrounding soil should also be monitored on a regular basis to ensure the soil is not contaminated. The relevant authorities should also proactively look for potential risks and point out the alternatives for minimizing the risks. The government should also put in place measures to ensure electronic wastes and heavy metals do not contaminate the soil. At the same time, the government should take stronger measures against people, businesses, and companies that breach the policies.
To ensure long term success in the prevention and control of soil pollution, all stakeholders role in the implementation of the soil pollution control should be clear. All tasks should be defined and inter-departmental cooperation and coordination should be strengthened to ensure seamless implementation and immediate resolutions focused towards correct disposal of garbage, proper treatment of sewage sludge, minimized the use of agro-chemicals, reforestation, construction of drainage systems, and strengthening chemical use related laws. Soil Pollution & INDIA Industrial sector in India is witnessing rapid growth since the last decade of twentieth century with reforms in economic laws and with establishment of special economic zones (SEZ). Such rapid industrial growth has also increased threat to the environment. In spite of great difficulty in its remediation in comparison with polluted air and water, soil pollution as a threat to human life is by and large ignored at national level in India due to lack of comprehensive information on the subject. Though coordinated effort on assessment of soil pollution is absent at national level, sporadic information has been generated by several researchers on various aspects of pollution affecting soil quality. This chapter analyses this information and attempts to assess the quantum of threat being faced by agroecosystem in the country. It indicates that soil resources are facing threats from deliberate use of contaminated organics, amendment materials and irrigation water or from atmospheric depositions, spillage of effluents etc. Nature pollutants varies from salts, toxic metals, metalloids, persistent organics with varying degree of toxicity and may be of both industrial and geogenic origins.
References
