“Soil pollution” is defined as the presence in the soil of a chemical or material that is out of place and/or present at a greater than normal quantity, causing harm to any organism not specifically targeted. Soil contamination is typically difficult to analyze or detect visually, making it a hidden threat.
Soil pollution is one of the key soil risks harming global soils and the ecosystem services they supply, according to the Status of the World’s Soil Resources Report (SWSR).
Soil contamination is a rising concern in every region. The United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA-3) has passed a resolution urging faster action and collaboration to combat and control soil contamination.
This agreement, signed by more than 170 nations, demonstrates the global importance of soil contamination and the countries’ determination to find tangible solutions to address the causes and consequences of this serious concern.
Causes of Soil Pollution
Soil contamination can be caused by natural processes or by human action. However, human activities such as heavy industries and pesticides in agriculture are primarily responsible for the majority of soil contamination.
Pesticides
Prior to World War II, the chemical nicotine found in tobacco plants was utilized as a pest control component in agricultural operations. During World War II, however, DDT was discovered to be particularly beneficial for malaria control and insect pest management. As a result, it was utilized to treat a variety of disorders.
As a result, after WWII, people began using it as a pesticide in agriculture to eliminate rats, weeds, insects, and other pests while avoiding the harm caused by these pests. However, when the negative consequences of this drug were more widely known, it was eventually banned in many countries of the world, including India.
Furthermore, bugs developed resistance to DDT as a result of its widespread usage. As a result, new dangerous compounds like Aldrin and Dieldrin were introduced. Pesticides are manmade poisonous compounds that kill many sorts of pests and insects, inflicting agricultural harm, but they also have other ecological consequences.
They are usually water insoluble and non-biodegradable. As a result, these compounds will not breakdown over time and will continue to accumulate in the soil. As a result, when these compounds are transferred from a lower to a higher trophic level via the food chain, their concentrations will rise. As a result, various metabolic and physiological diseases will occur in people.
Chlorinated Organic toxins
Because of the negative effects of DDT and other chemicals, less lasting organic and biodegradable substances such as carbamates and organophosphates were introduced. These compounds, on the other hand, behave as nerve poisons, making them more toxic to humans. Pesticides were linked to the deaths of field workers in several agricultural fields as a result.
Herbicides
Herbicides such as sodium arsenite (Na3AsO3) and sodium chlorate (NaClO3) were gradually introduced into the market. Herbicides can degrade in a matter of months. They do, however, have an environmental impact and are not environmentally friendly. The majority of herbicides are hazardous, even if they are not as damaging as organo-chlorides. They have been linked to birth abnormalities.
Furthermore, studies show that spraying herbicides causes more insect attacks and plant illnesses than physical weeding. It’s worth noting that the aforementioned elements account for just a tiny percentage of the reasons. The majority of the reasons are linked to manufacturing operations in chemical and industrial processes that discharge pollutants into the environment.
Inorganic Fertilizers
Inorganic nitrogen fertilisers used in excess contribute to soil acidification and contamination of agricultural land. Agrochemical contamination is another name for it.
Industrial Pollution
The improper disposal of chemical waste from several sorts of industry can lead to soil pollution. The disposal of industrial waste, heavy metals, hazardous chemicals, dumping oil and gasoline, and other human activities have resulted in soil acidity and pollution.
Inferior Irrigation Practices
Poor irrigation practices raise soil salinity. Furthermore, excessive watering, poor maintenance of canals and irrigation channels, a lack of crop rotation, and intensive farming all contribute to the deterioration of land over time.
Effects of Soil Pollution
Soil contamination is a global concern, not only a problem in India. It has a negative impact on the land and the ecosystem in general. The agricultural productivity of a field will be reduced if the soil is contaminated.
After-effects of soil contamination include:
Inferior Crop Quality
It has the potential to lower crop quality. The use of chemical fertilizers, inorganic fertilizers, and pesticides on a regular basis will reduce soil fertility and change its structure. This will result in decreased soil quality and low crop quality. Due to the massive buildup of hazardous substances, the soil will become less productive over time.
Harmful Effect on Human Health
People living nearby and on the damaged land will be exposed to more poisonous and dangerous substances, posing a greater health risk. Respiratory problems, skin disorders, and other ailments can result from living, working, or playing in polluted soil. It can also lead to other health issues.
Water Sources Contamination
After raining, surface run-off will convey toxic soil and reach various water resources. As a result, it has the potential to contaminate subsurface water, resulting in water pollution. Due to the presence of harmful substances, this water is unfit for human or animal consumption after contamination.
Negative Impact on Ecosystem and Biodiversity
Pollution of the soil ecology can lead to an imbalance. The soil serves as a vital home for a variety of microorganisms, animals, reptiles, mammals, birds, and insects. As a result, soil contamination can have a severe influence on the life of living creatures and lead to the death of many of them over time. It can endanger the health of animals grazing on polluted soil or microorganisms that live there.
As a result, human activities are to blame for the vast bulk of soil contamination. We, as humans, purchase hazardous and unnecessary items, utilize agricultural chemicals (fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and so on), and strew rubbish about. We destroy our own surroundings without realizing it.
As a result, if others around you are unaware of the value of the environment, it is critical to educate them. Soil contamination can be reduced by preventing soil erosion. As a result, it is our tiny actions and initiatives that can help us reach a healthy world. As a result, it is critical for companies, individuals, and enterprises to recognize the value of soil and to take steps to prevent soil contamination and the destruction of plant and animal life.
Solution to reduce the soil pollution
- Correct agricultural procedures are used
- Before disposing of waste, recycle and reuse products.
- Instead of artificial fertilizers and insecticides, organic fertilizers are used.
- Get the locals involved in community education and awareness
- Maintenance of the sewage system, as well as proper disposal of home and industrial waste
- The Promotion of Reforestation and Afforestation
- Afforestation is the process of planting additional trees and plants. Plants survive because we live. All living things will perish if the plants die. As a result, anytime trees are taken down, new trees should be planted in their place. The most efficient conservation method is to plant trees in steep places.
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