Soil pollution
Soil pollution is the soil that deteriorates from original or pollutants exceeding concentrations higher than normal that have adverse effect on human health and organisms, as well as the growth of the plant and animals by direct and indirect.
Main Causes of Soil Pollution
1. Industrial Activity especially mining; whether it is iron ore or coal. The products are contaminated and they are not disposed off in a manner that can be considered safe. As a result, the industrial waste lingers in the soil surface for a long time and makes it unsuitable for use.
2. Agricultural Activities Chemical utilization fertilizers. Then the result, they seep into the ground after they mix with water and slowly reduce the fertility of the soil. Other chemicals damage the composition of the soil and make it easier to erode by water and air. Plants absorb many of these pesticides and when they decompose, they cause soil pollution since they become a part of the land.
3. Accidental Oil Spills The chemicals present in the fuel deteriorates the quality of soil and make them unsuitable for cultivation. These chemicals can enter into the groundwater through soil and make the water undrinkable.
4. Waste Disposal
5. Acid Rain
Effects of Soil Pollution
• Effect on Health of Humans
The contamination of soil has major consequences on human health. Plants grown on polluted soil absorb much of the pollution and then it pass these on to human bodies. That Caused to illnesses on human. Badly, for long term exposure to such soil can affect the genetic make-up of the body and causing congenital illnesses and chronic health problems that cannot be cured easily. However; the soil pollution can even lead to widespread famines if the plants are unable to grow in it.
• Effect on Growth of Plants
Most plants are unable to adapt when the chemistry of the soil changes so radically in a short period of time. Fungi and bacteria found in the soil that bind it together begin to decline, which creates an additional problem of soil erosion. The fertility slowly diminishes, making land unsuitable for agriculture and any local vegetation to survive. The soil pollution causes large tracts of land to become hazardous to health.
• Affect animal ,human through the food chain.
• Decreased Soil Fertility
• Toxic Dust
• Changes in Soil Structure
• The soil is acidic or alkaline
• Make some kind of creature was extinct
The solutions to solve the problems
• Short term
1. Flushing contaminants out of the soil using water, chemical solvents.
2. Destroying the contaminants by incineration.
3. Adding the substance that features ability to capture a certain contaminants to the soil to encapsulate the contaminants and prevent them from spreading.
4. Cover cropping.
5. Encouraging natural organisms in the soil to break them down.
6. Reducing the use of chemical fertilizer and pesticides should be replaced by organic fertilizers because an organic fertilizer is a way to replenish the fertility of the soil. The healthier the soil, the healthier the plants will be.
• Long term
1. Digging out the soils for treatment and disposal.
2. Soil can be left in the ground and treated in place.
3. Soil can be left in the ground and contained to prevent the contamination and prevent it from spreading. Containment of soil in place is usually done by placing a large plastic cover over the contaminated soil to prevent direct contact and keep rain water from seeping into the soil and spreading the contamination.
4. Crop rotation for gives various nutrients to the soil and can also improve soil structure and fertility.
5. Improve soil structure to appropriate conditions.
6. There are correct ways to conserve soil conditions.