Soil Pollution

Soil pollution refers to the overall deterioration of the environment because of human activities such as soil pollution, soil erosion, desertification, soil salinization, etc. Soil is an essential resource. Soil fertility and productivity depend on the quality of the other layers of soil. Because of various artificial pollutants, nutrients are being removed from the surface layer of the soil, the activity of multiple microorganisms is being disrupted, and the addition of organic and inorganic elements to the soil is taking place.

Soil Contaminants – The various components that cause soil contamination are – 1) Living contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa, worms, etc., which cause various diseases. 2) Inorganic pollutants like sulfate, phosphate, etc., heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, etc.). Strange contaminants like salt, acid, etc. 3) Organic pollutants like various organic chlorine, pesticides, plastics, polythene, etc.

The cause of soil pollution:

Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides: 

One of the components of modern agriculture is the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Excessive use of these fertilizers and pesticides is one of the causes of soil pollution. Pesticides are usually used to increase soil fertility and protect crops from harmful pests and insects, but many times these toxic pesticides kill some beneficial animals that improve soil fertility.

Contaminated urban and industrial waste: 

Disposal of urban and industrial waste without proper management often results in loss of soil quality due to the use of water from irrigated ponds for irrigation.

Soil contamination is also caused by toxic industrial water.

Soil pollution caused by acid rain:  

When rainwater is mixed with carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, etc., it falls on the earth’s surface in the form of acid rain, resulting in loss of soil fertility and nutrients. It increases the soil’s acidity and changes the nature of the metallic and organic ions in the ground. It is called soil acid contamination.

Radiation Pollution: 

Radiation wastes from various industries, nuclear explosions, nuclear power plants, etc., are dumped underground, resulting in radioactive soil contamination that pollutes the earth.

Use of plastic products: 

Plastic is an indestructible material that does not spoil quickly. But the use of this plastic by human beings is increasing. Because they do not decompose, they are stored in the soil for a long time and contaminate the soil with toxic chemicals. It kills various soil microorganisms and harms humans and other animals. Harmful alloys of solid metals – Toxic metals like lead, zinc, cadmium, etc., are transmitted to the soil through waste. In addition, toxic wastes, paper, glass, storage batteries, chemical fertilizers, etc., accumulate in the ground and infect various inorganic chemicals and metals in the soil. As a result, the soil becomes toxic.

Blending of mineral oil: 

As a result of an accident or through a leak, mineral oil and gasoline spread over a wide area above the surface, making the soil unsuitable for use.

Natural and artificial causes of soil degradation are:

1] Deforestation 2] Excessive grazing 3] Mineral extraction 4] Soil erosion 5] Excessive irrigation 6] Decreased amount of soil microorganisms 6] Use of chemical fertilizers 6] Lack of planned land use 9] Decreased amount of organic matter 10] Unscientific crop rotation.