Land Pollution

Ms. Morris

Land Pollution Overview

Historically, land is a dumping ground for
waste
6 billion tons of waste produced each year
Agricultural
Commercial
Industrial
Domestic

Normally, not a problem if disposed of

properly

If Improperly Disposed of:

Household wastes breeding ground for
rats, flies, mosquitoes
One quart used motor oil contaminates
100,000s gallons of drinking water
Leachate liquid that results when water
moves through any non-water media and
collects contaminants

Soils
Land = earth = soil
Soil is critical to life
Plants get nutrients from soil
Animals get nutrients from plants

Soil
Four major components

Mineral particles (rocks and clays)

Organic matter
Water
Air

Soils vary in different aspects

Color
Thickness
Layers
Amount of clay, salt, & organic matter

Soil
Factors affecting how fast pollutants move
through soil
Soil composition
Soil structure
Pore sizes
Amount of organic matter

All = Soil profile

Image: www.lee-county.com

O Horizon
Organic matter
A Horizon Top
soil
B Horizon
Subsoil
C Horizon
Parent Material

Questions

Define a leachate.
List the four major soil components.
Explain why soil is critical to all life forms.
Turn in to Ms. Morris by the end of the
day (10 Points).