Main Causes, Effects and Potential Solutions of Soil Pollution

Soil pollution is commonplace these days and is because of the presence of human-made elements.

21:02 22 November 2021

Main Causes, Effects and Potential Solutions of Soil Pollution

With the development of concrete structures and roads, one part of the Earth that is seldom seen is Earth's soil. It's known in many different ways, like dirt, mud, or ground. It is, however, essential for us. The plants that nourish us thrive in soil, and maintaining its health is crucial to preserving the beauty of our planet.

 

Like all types of natural resources, the soil is also affected by pollution. Soil pollution is commonplace these days and is because of the presence of human-made elements.

 

We often look at the soil when talking about soil pollution causes and pollution; however, this issue is not confined only to the land. The soil we use to grow our veggies and fruits is also suffering from its effects that affect us directly by way of the food products mentioned earlier. The time is now to take care of everything around us, from the water to the air!

 

Main Causes of Soil Pollution:

 

1. Industrial Activity

Industrial activities have been the leading cause of the issue over the last century, mainly because the volume of manufacturing and mining has grown. Many industries are dependent on mining minerals from Earth.

 

2. Agricultural Activities

Chemicals are used in various ways and have been increasing exponentially since technology has provided us with the latest pesticides, fertilisers, etc. They contain chemical compounds that are not made naturally and can't be broken into smaller pieces by the process. In the end, they get absorbed into the soil after mixing with water. They slowly decrease the fertility of the soil.

 

3. Waste Disposal

Another reason for concern is the method the waste we produce is disposed of. While industrial waste is likely to create pollution, there is another method that contributes to environmental pollution. Each human being produces a quantity of personal waste through urine and Feces.

 

Much of it is disposed of in the sewer system; a substantial quantity is disposed directly into landfills as diapers. The sewer system is also a stop at the landfill where the biological waste contaminates the soil and the water. Our bodies are filled with chemical and toxic substances that are now entering the soil and leading to pollution of the soil.

 

4. Accidental Oil Spills

The leak of oil can occur in the transport and storage of chemicals. It is evident at the majority of fuel stations. The chemical content of the fuel can degrade the soil's quality and render it unsuitable for cultivation. These chemicals may enter the water through the soil, making the water inedible.

 

5. Acid Rain

Acid rain happens by pollutants in the air combined with rain and then falls back onto the soil. The water that is polluted could dissolve certain soil nutrients and alter the soil's structure.

 

Devastating Effects of Soil Pollution:

The effects of soil are evident in every aspect of our life. Sometimes, we don't fully comprehend the impact it has on our lives. Due to this, we often aren't aware of soil pollution's effects on our lives. A polluted soil could result in stunted crops or even a toxic underground water table. Some of the major impacts of soil contamination are listed below.

 

1. Decreased Soil Fertility

The harmful chemicals in soils can reduce the fertility of the soil, resulting in a decrease in the yield of soil. The infected soil is utilised to grow fruits and vegetables that lack high-quality nutrients and could contain poisonous substances that could cause serious health issues for those who consume the products.

 

The soil's fertility slows down, making it unsuitable for agriculture and any other local plant to live. Soil pollution leads to large areas of land being hazardous for health. Unlike deserts, which are suitable for native vegetation, this land can't support all kinds of life.

 

2. Effect on Health of Humans

When we consider that soil is the main reason we can maintain our lives, the pollution of the soil has a significant impact on our health. Plants and crops cultivated on polluted soils absorb a lot of the pollutants and then transmit them to us. This could be the focal reason for the sudden rise in the number of small and fatal illnesses.

 

3. Effect on Growth of Plants

The ecological balance in any ecosystem is affected by the massive contamination of soil. The majority of plants cannot adjust when the chemistry of the soil is altered so drastically within a short time. The bacteria/fungi in the ground that tie the soil together start to decrease and create a new problem with soil erosion.

 

4. Poisoning of the Underground Water Table

The soil pollution can also lead to the pollution of the water table beneath. Because the water table is stored in the soil beneath the soil's layers and the soil is contaminated, the toxins within the soil may get absorbed slowly and slowly through the table of water.

 

5. Changes in Soil Structure

The demise of many soil organisms (e.g. earthworms) in soil may cause changes in soil structure. In addition, it can also cause other predators to relocate to other areas to find food sources.

 

Organic farming methods are being promoted, which are free of chemical pesticides or fertilisers. The utilisation of plants that take out the contaminants from the soil is supported. But the path ahead is a pretty long one, and preventing soil pollution will require several more years.

 

6. Toxic Dust

The release of toxic and foul gasses from landfills can pollute the environment and severely impact the well-being of a few people. Apart from that, the unpleasant smell is a source of discomfort for others.

 

The Conclusion: Solution to Reduce Soil Pollution

The degradation of soil is a multifaceted problem that requires governments institutions, communities, and individuals to come together to tackle the issue. These are some methods worth adopting to help improve the health of our soil:

 

We can use sustainable foods, recycle batteries, make compost from scratch, and dispose of all drugs in regulated places. We can create a more eco-friendly approach for agriculture, industry, and breeding stock, as well as various other business activities. 

 

Restore the landscape and preserve topsoil. Local groups and native peoples can plan the implementation and evaluation of sustainable soil and land management. Also, we can enhance urban planning, transportation planning, and wastewater treatment and Improve the treatment of mining waste.