Land is a part of the earth and upper part of the land is called as Soil. Earth is called as “Mother” as it provides nutrients and food for all living organisms. There are specific physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. Any change in these properties is termed as soil pollution.
Sources and Type of Soil Pollution :
1. Domestic Wastes :
Domestic wastes is a major cause of soil pollution in India, as we don’t have any developed system of disposal of wastes and we through it outside the houses. The domestic wastes include glass, plastic, polythene, kitchen waste, rusted iron etc. The problem of domestic waste is increasing with the urbanization.
2. Industrial Wastes :
Industrial waste is again a major cause of soil pollution. Because of poor enforcement & lack of proper monitoring, the industrialist do not use functional and effective waste disposal plants. They through the wastes here and there that causes soil pollution.
3. Agricultural Wastes :
The agricultural wastes again a cause of soil pollution. India is an agriculture dominated/ based country and 60 to 70% population is associated with agriculture. The agriculture waste is of two types –
- Biodegradable – It includes rotten fruits and vegetables. They are degraded by the nature, hence are of less harm.
- Non-biodegradable – It includes insecticides like DDT, BHC, Aldrin, Heptachlore etc. They are highly dangerous and remain in the soil for very long period.
4. Plastic Wastes :
Plastic waste is non-biodegradable, hence imposing serious threat to the pollution mitigation. We use polythene bags for our domestic use and are thrown here and there. There is no scientific and proper way to dispose plastic waste.
Effects of Soil Pollution :
Soil pollution is harmful directly and indirectly.
(a) Indirect effect :
- House flies sit on the human excreta and later on the food items. They act as vector for many diseases like diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, typhoid etc.
- Cockroaches live in the debris and in the Kitchen, they destroy our food. Hence, there are chances of infection of the food material.
(iii) Sewage is used for the agriculture purpose. In long time, it reduces soil fertility.
(b) Direct effects :
Direct contact with polluted soil and intake of pollutants along with air cause allergy, asthma, enteritis, arthritis, skin diseases, TB etc.
Control of Soil Pollution :
Soil pollution can be controlled as follows :
- Proper disposal of the garbage, and not doing should be considered as a punishable crime.
- The License to put industry should be released only when there is a proper and scientific system of disposal of the wastes. The industries without proper management of waste disposal should be closed.
- Formation /Construction of Lavatories at every public place and in homes.
- Biological control of pest should be used in place of pesticides.
- Educating students at schools and colleges regarding the benefits of clean environment.
