Land pollution refers to all forms of pollution affecting
any type of soil: agricultural, forestry, urban, etc. Soil pollution is a
disruptive element for many biological resources and ecosystems. A soil is polluted when it contains an abnormal concentration
of chemical compounds potentially dangerous to human health, plants or animals.
WHAT
ARE THE CAUSES OF SOIL/LAND
POLLUTION?
1) Agricultural
activities
It is one of the major sources of land pollution. The
spreading of plant protection products such as pesticides and herbicides, as
well as the emissions of livestock buildings and farms are at the origin of
soil pollution, in particular by nitrogen and phosphates.
2) Deforestation
Because of deforestation and
forest fires, soils lose their vegetation cover. The erosion process is thus
accelerated, creating soil degradation as well as water pollution.
Deforestation leads to the loss of the land’s value as, once converted into a
dry or barren land, it can never be made fertile again.
3) Urbanization
Urbanization is another source
of land degradation. The artificialisation of soils can cause a rapid and
consequent carbon depletion, which contributes to climate change. Besides, it
fragments natural habitats, ecosystems and landscapes, affecting biodiversity.
4) Mining
Mining waste is usually left behind in the form of spoil
tips. These pit heaps can contain a wide variety of toxic substances that then
seep into the ground as a result of rain. This can have a big impact on the
regeneration of the vegetation.
5) Industrial waste
Heavy industry often produces quantities of undesirable
chemicals. If cleaning agents such as detergents are released irresponsibly,
they can cause significant pollution on the ground. Storage tanks can also be a
major source of land pollution in case of leakage.
6) Waste disposal
We produce large quantities of household waste every year,
many of which could and should be recycled or degrade naturally. Much of our
waste is either incinerated, causing potential air pollution issues or
buried in landfills, causing soil pollution problems.
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