Land Pollution: Causes, Effects and Ways to control Land Pollution

You know! Which is the most drastic problem arising nowadays? I am here to talk about Land Pollution because there is a lack of awareness among people on this topic.

In the 21^st century, there is a single surface on the earth that hasn’t some way impacted by pollution. The consequences are so many problems created for humans and the environment. By changing regulations and policies, individuals can prevent their lives from pollution.

Land Pollution is basically due to the dumping of hazardous waste, other toxins, and garbage, which can make land contaminated.

The source of water pollution comes from human sources such as sewage outlets and also from boats, oil rigs, etc.

What is Land Pollution?

Land pollution means its contamination with various harmful factors, such as chemical or radioactive substances, toxic elements, or other matters that cause problems both in terms of normal plant growth and human and animal health.

Even if the presence of some contaminating substances in the environment such as salts, metals, certain organic compounds or naturally occurring inorganic ions is detectable in the soil, they do not produce negative effects.

Soil pollution occurs as a result of contamination with agents originating from human activities, in considerable quantities, and this has an impact on the quality of the soil, damaging its balance, content, and even texture.

Pollutants include waste produced by industrial activity, petroleum, and mining, but also those emitted by households, as well as chemical substances of artificial origin.

Land Pollution – What are the Types and Sources of Land Pollution?

Depending on the origin and type of materials or substances that reach the soil and alter it, pollution can be of several types. Next, you will discover a classification that helps you better understand what are its causes.

Industrial pollution

Industrial waste is among the most problematic causes of water pollution, representing a major source of pollution.

These include industrial pollutants from sources such as coal and mineral mining industries, pulp and paper mills, chemical fertilizers, oil refineries, sugar factories, tanneries, distilleries, textiles, steel, fertilizers, pesticides, drugs, glass, cement, and others.

Urban pollution

There is another cause of soil pollution named urban waste. Urban waste includes both commercial as well as domestic waste. Waste also includes rubbish and materials like plastic, metal, glass, paper, street debris, fuel residues, leaves, containers, and also household appliances.

Urban waste is also dangerous like industrial waste because this is generated on a large scale and decomposes very slowly.

Agricultural practices

Mars part of modern agricultural practices pollutes the soil in overwhelming proportions. Technological advancement has brought many benefits in terms of productivity, but there are also harmful effects, caused by the increasing amounts of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that are used to improve crops. They end up in the soil, affecting its composition.

Also, residues from farms, garbage from stables, and rubble, which contain many inorganic chemicals, cause soil erosion and soil pollution.

Radioactive Pollution

Unlike the types of pollution listed above, radioactive pollution is not as well known to the general public. Test laboratories in the nuclear industry and related industries produce radioactive substances, as a result of the activities and explosions produced.

After this, there are residues that penetrate the soil and alter it. But not only is the soil affected in this way, but also the products that come from it and that the public consumes.

For example, radium, thorium, and uranium are often found in soil, water, and air. Isotopes of iron, strontium, and cesium are among the most dangerous radioactive elements. Strontium can be deposited in bones and other tissues, instead of calcium.

Sources of Land Pollution

There are some sources of Land Pollution given below:

• Phenomena such as erosion, loss of organic carbon, increase in nitrate content, and chemical pollution are the main causes of soil degradation.
• The most common causes of chemical contamination are industry, mining, military activities, improper waste disposal, and household water management.
• The presence of toxic chemicals in the soil is not only a risk to the ecosystem but also to human health. Industrial activity has been one of the biggest contributors to the problem in the last century, especially industries that extract minerals from the earth.
• Even if it is iron or coal, the products used to extract them are not properly stored. The leakage of industrial waste into the soil makes it unusable.
• Agricultural activities also have a detrimental effect on the soil. Since technology has provided us with chemical-based pesticides and fertilizers, they have begun to negatively impact the composition of the soil and make it prone to erosion.
• Plants absorb these substances, and when they decompose, they cause soil pollution by becoming part of it.
• Another form of pollution to which we all contribute is household water; every human produces a certain amount of household water daily. Although much of this is absorbed by the sewage system, there are significant amounts that end up in the soil.
• Accidental spillage of oil or fuel is one of the factors leading to water and soil pollution. We can see this phenomenon every day in gas stations and car services, and occasionally there are accidents with a strong environmental impact when it comes to fuel transportation.

Effects on the Environment

 

The finite source of the environment is soil which includes loss or degradation that is not reversible within human lifetimes. It affects the food, water, air, and life of all organisms on the planet. Soil pollution leads to a chain reaction that alters its biodiversity, and reduces organic matter and its ability to act as a filter.

At the same time, the soil contaminates the water table and the nutrient balance. Its pollution is devastating to the environment and has consequences for all forms of life. Unsustainable agricultural practices that reduce organic matter can facilitate the transfer of pollutants into the food chain; polluted soil can contaminate water sources used by plants that are then consumed by animals, birds, or humans.

When pollution reaches the food chain, it can cause short-term conditions such as toxic infections, or long-term, chronic effects, cancer.

Preventions and Countermeasures for Organizations

There are some preventions and countermeasures to protect the environment from Land Pollution and also from other types of Pollution:

• As for companies, the regulations are tougher, especially due to the fact that they have an increased impact on the environment.
• In addition, you have to take into account that the legislation changes often, due to the realities facing the planet, and the scientific terms used are complex and difficult to understand.
• That is why it is recommended to call on the expertise of a consulting firm, which will guide you on every measure you need to implement for your company.
• Note that for organizations carrying out activities that generate various residues, soil pollution can be prevented through waste management. Also, obtaining the necessary approvals and authorizations to operate is very important for a commercial company.
• They help you carry out your activity in accordance with the law and avoid any fine or penalty from the authorities.
• With the passage of time, the consequences of soil pollution are more and more serious, and they affect the quality of life for everyone. Therefore, it respects the recommendations and rules in force and contributes to the protection of the environment.

Final Words

Guys! I have discussed Land Pollution in this post. We all know that Land Pollution is the most increasing problem all over the world. We should have the knowledge to overcome that issue. I have discussed some solutions to control Land Pollution, so, you just need to read them carefully. If you have any quires related to this topic, you can ask freely.