Soil Pollution

World Soil Day 2002 was introduced to celebrate the importance and essential contributions of
soil for human beings’ safety and wellness by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS).
The 68th General Assembly of the UN on December 20, 2013 remembered the 5th of December
2014 as the World Soil Day. This official recognition of these activities would highlight the
importance of soil beyond the community of soil science. We all know that we owe our lives to
the soil. As global production is rising, we face challenges in climate and sustainability. The soil
is a main component of nature. The plants, animals, rocks, shapes of land, lochs, and rivers are
just as important. It affects the distribution and habitat of a wide variety of species.

Soil pollution decreases soil productivity when soil contaminants are present. Soil contaminants
adversely affect and reduce the productivity of the soil’s physical and biological properties. The
causing of soil contamination is contributed by pesticides, fertilizer, organic manure, chemical
materials, toxic wastes, expired foods, garments, leather, plastic, paper and flasks, tin-tanks, and
carcasses. In industrial waste, contaminants such as iron plumes, mercury, copper, zinc,
aluminum, cyanide, acids, alkaline, etc., enter soil directly or indirectly with water. The
inappropriate and constant use of herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides to protect plants from
pests, fungi, etc., changes the basic soil structure and induces plant growth toxicity to the soil.
Organic insecticides are used against soil-borne pests such as DDT, aldrin, benzene hex chloride,
etc. They accumulate in the ground, as the soil and water bacteria degrade very slowly. They,
therefore, have a very detrimental effect on plant growth. Their growth stunting and yield
reduction, and fruit size reduction.Their growth stunting and yield reduction, and fruit size
reduction. The plants may absorb Their degradation products via the food chains from where
they meet the animals and man.

Causes of Soil Pollution

The contamination of soil is a result of many human activities that pollute the soil. Soil
contamination is also related to the indiscriminate use of chemicals for cultivation, such as
pesticides, fertilizers, etc. Plant-applied pesticides can also spill into the ground, leaving long-
lasting consequences. Some of the dangerous chemicals found in fertilizers (e.g., cadmium) can
accumulate above their toxic levels, leading ironically to Crop poisoning. By using contaminated
water for watering crops or mineral fertilizers, heavy metals can enter the soil. The release of
pollutants into the surrounding soil could be caused by defective landfills, overflowing
underground bins, and seepage from faulty drainage systems.

Acid rains caused by the mixing of industrial fumes in rains fall on the ground, and some of the
essential nutrients present in the soil can be dissolved as this affects the soil structure. One of the
most critical soil contamination factors is industrial waste. Iron, steel, power, and chemical
plants that use the Earth as a dumping ground irresponsibly often have lasting effects in the
coming years. Fuel leaks from cars washed away by rain may enter the surrounding soil and
pollute it. The leading cause of soil erosion is deforestation, which displaces soil particles and is
carried out by sea or wind. The soil loses both its structure and its value, which comes from soil
nutrients.

Some primary causes of Soil Pollution are :

 Industrial Effluents – harmful gases and chemicals

 Agricultural wastes – use of fertilizers,pesticides,insecticides etc.
 Ineffective soil management system
 Improper Irrigation Practices
 Improper management of septic systems
 Sanitary waste
 Acid rains
 Leakages from automobile
 Landfills
 Unscientific disposal of nuclear wastes

Effects of Soil Pollution

Direct or Indirect contact with contaminated soil can cause health hazards. Soil contamination
causes significant ecosystem equilibrium disruptions, and species are at risk for health. There are
very troubling effects of soil contamination, and they can contribute to severe problems in the
ecological balance and wellbeing of life on Earth. In polluted soil, plants usually cannot grow
and thrive. However, if those crops can grow, they can absorb the harmful chemicals in the soil,
which could cause severe health problems for people who eat them. Common effects are as
follows :

 An imbalance between Flora and Fauna population

 Reduction in Soil Fertility leading to reduced yield
 Loss of natural nutrients in the soil
 Improper nitrogen fixation
 Loss of top layer of soil
 Increased Soil erosion
 Increased soil salinity making it unfit for cultivation.
 Causes Toxic dust in the atmosphere
 Change in soil composition can lead to the death of many organisms
 Disturbs food chain
 Increased diseases in humans due to toxicity in plants

1. Effects on Humans :
 The effects of soil contamination on human health are significant. Cultivation and
plant consumption grown on contaminated soil poses a danger to health. Perhaps,
It can cause minor disease and terminal disease.
 Long-term exposure to infected soil changes the body’s genetic makeup and is
susceptible to congenital disorders and chronic health conditions.
 Chronic exposure to heavy metals, petroleum, solvents, and agricultural chemicals
can be carcinogenic.
 Long-term exposure to benzene is related to increased leukemia incidence—the
high levels of mercury cause kidney-related diseases. Liver toxicity is associated
with cyclodiene.
 Organophosphates can lead to a chain of responses leading to neuromuscular
blockage.
 Chlorinated solvents cause liver kidney and damage to the central system of
nerves.
2. Effects on Plant Growth :
  The balance of the ecological system is impaired by soil pollution.
 Plants are often unable to respond to changes in soil chemistry within a short
period.
 The microorganisms present in the soil are decreasing and causing further soil
erosion problems.
 Soil fertility declines due to soil contamination, rendering it unsuitable for the
survival of agriculture and local vegetation.
3. Effects on Soil Fertility :
 The chemicals present in the soil due to contamination are toxic and can reduce
the soil’s fertility, thus reducing its yield.
 Fruits and vegetables cultivated in polluted soil are low in quality nutrients.
 Consumption of these can be toxic and can cause severe health issues for people
who eat them.
4. Effects on Soil Structure :
 Soil contamination can contribute to many soil species’ deaths, such as
earthworms, leading to changes in soil structure.

Measures to control Soil Pollution

A variety of approaches have been proposed to reduce the rate of soil pollution. Attempts to
clean up the atmosphere take a lot of time and resources. Some significant steps are as follows:

 Ban plastic bags with <20 microns thickness

 Recycling plastic wastes
 Control on Deforestation
 Plantation Drives
 Encouraging social and agroforestry programs
 Awareness camps - There is a need to inform the public about the damage done
when they litter.
 Limited usage of fertilizers and chemicals
 Following 3 R’s – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Reuse and recycle unwanted
products, minimize consumption, and reduce garbage. The less trash we make, the
less risk of waste to end up in our soil.
 Suitable and proper disposal of household wastes and sewage waste
 Safe disposal of radioactive or nuclear wastes
 Promote the use of organic manures
 Vital regulatory programs to mitigate soil contamination need to be developed
 Since organic fertilizers and pesticides are typically produced from natural
ingredients, they are biodegradable and do not damage the soil’s natural balance.
 Insist on purchasing safe and organic food because toxic pesticides and fertilizers
are not used in the growing process. Organic food is not the only thing Healthier
for the environment; they’re healthier for you and your family, too. Learn all
about the benefits of organic food.
 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