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Invisible Enemy: Pollution in soil also has a number of causes.
Soil pollution refers to the deterioration of soil quality by the presence of chemicals, the extent of which makes it undesirable for its presumed usage. This contamination can arise from various sources:This contamination can arise from various sources:
Industrial Activities: These wastes can pollute the soil in the worst way possible through industrial wastes like heavy metals, chemicals and oil spill. Such pollutants can stay there for at least 30-40 years, infiltrating the water table and the adjacent biotic community.
Agricultural Practices: Some of the most common things that affect the composition of the soil are use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizer instead of practicing organic farming. They are also known to eliminate useful organisms in the ecosystem and produce their residues that are detrimental to plant growth and crops.
Improper Waste Disposal: Further, most of the municipal and electronic wastes are disposed of in the environment without regard, and these chemicals have been seen to leach into the ground and pollute it with lead and mercury among others.
Mining Activities: Mining procedures always result in toxic waste and disrupt the earth’s grains, hence long-term environmental challenges in handling the waste products.
Research Spotlight: The first step to taking action is to understand the scale of the issue at hand, and this section aims at revealing the extent of the problem that learners experience. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations stated that the current assessment is that about 25% to 30% of the area of the world’s agricultural lands is already affected by soil pollution [1]. Such research such as the Status of the World’s Soil Resources by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) reveal the escalating rate of world soil degradation [2].
How serious is soil pollution and where is it most rampant :
Youth also pointed out that developing countries are normally worse affected in issues to do with soil pollution because rules in such countries are more relaxed and such countries lack adequate facilities to manage wastes. Developed and developing companies of Asia, African and eastern Europe’s industrial areas are the most affected. Also, highly industrialized agricultural lands like the North American country and European nation are some regions where this type of erosion is more prevalent.
According to United Nation World Health Organization (WHO) and Government of India:In March 2009, the issue of uranium poisoning in Punjab attracted press coverage. It was alleged to be caused by fly ash ponds of thermal power stations, which reportedly lead to severe birth defects in children in the Faridkot and Bhatinda districts of Punjab The news reports claimed the uranium levels were more than 60 times the maximum safe limit. In 2012, the Government of India confirmed that the ground water in Malwa belt of Punjab has uranium metal that is 50% above the trace limits set by the United Nations' World Health Organization (WHO). Scientific studies, based on over 1000 samples from various sampling points, could not trace the source to fly ash and any sources from thermal power plants or industry as originally alleged. The study also revealed that the uranium concentration in ground water of Malwa district is not 60 times the WHO limits, but only 50% above the WHO limit in 3 locations. This highest concentration found in samples was less than those found naturally in ground waters currently used for human purposes elsewhere, such as Finland.Research is underway to identify natural or other sources for the uranium. (sources by wikipedia)
A Cause for Concern: In this article, learn about the types of pollutants that contribute to the soil pollution and how the affected us or humans.
The consequences of soil pollution are far-reaching and affect us all:
Food Security: This is because when soil gets contaminated its efficiency in producing crops is affected and leads to what is known as crop nutrient deficiencies. This can be very disastrous depending on the region, therefore, negative effects on the food security.
Water Pollution: Contaminated soil thus poses a threat to polluting water sources such as the groundwater, which is an essential supply of water to many people and communities.
Human Health: As mentioned earlier, the health effects of exposure to contaminants in the soil may include cancer, birth defects, neurological diseases among others resulting from food and water contamination.
Climate Change: The soil is commonly known to have a capacity to store carbon from the air in its heath condition. When the soil biophysical properties are disrupted the process is affected, which leads to increase in greenhouse gas emission and thus Climate change.
Addressing soil pollution requires a multi-pronged approach:
Sustainable Agriculture: Fields with such practices as crop intercropping, crop rotation, organic farming, cover crops can go a long way in the reduction of usage of the chemicals and improved soil quality.
Improved Waste Management: Just as much, the limitations to chemical usage could be achieved by applying stricter set of rules and regulation as well as investing on impressive waste treatment plants to reduce the risks of soil pollution.
Bioremediation: Microorganisms have the ability to disintegrate pollutants and if they can be used to extract them from contaminated soil, then there is hope for this method of cleaning up the environment.
Public Awareness: To address problems in the long run, awareness creation on the part of the beneficiaries –namely, the health of the soil– and the responsibilities that come with waste management practices are paramount.
Recent Research: Exciting research is making the way for a future with healthier soil. Here are a few promising areas of study:
Mycoremediation:This innovative approach utilizes fungi to break down pollutants in the soil. Mycoremediation shows promise in tackling a wider range of contaminants compared to traditional bioremediation methods.
Nanotechnology: Scientists are exploring the potential of nanomaterials to deliver targeted treatments for contaminated soil. Nanoparticles can be designed to bind to specific contaminants, facilitating their removal or breakdown.
Biostimulants: These naturally occurring substances can help stimulate the growth of beneficial soil microbes, promoting soil health and resilience to contamination.
Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility for a Healthy Planet
Soil contamination is a complex issue, but it's not impossible. By adopting sustainable agricultural practices, investing in innovative technologies, and supporting research in this field, we can work together to heal our soil. Let's remember, healthy soil is the foundation for a healthy planet – and ultimately, a healthy future for all of us.
