Land Pollution Sources

Twenty-first-century scientists are well aware of the problems caused by pollution, most of which is human produced. As population grows to beyond carry capacity levels, increase in ground pollution levels is becoming a danger to the entire planet, and global efforts are underway to stop and reverse the damage. To succeed, people need to understand the causes of ground pollution and how to help stop soil pollution.

Pollution Migration

• Pollution, whether it is air, water or soil pollution, does not remain where it happens. Pollution migrates. Rain washes air pollution to the ground, where it becomes ground pollution. Water pollution becomes ground pollution when it is washed up to shorelines or when the water is used and then discarded on land. Land pollution also becomes water pollution as storm waters travel through soil and drain into waterways.

Natural Causes

• Some ground pollution results from natural causes. Volcanoes are a good example of natural pollution. Volcanoes throw ash and gas molecules into the air that end up on the ground. The chemical elements of these emissions pollute soil and kill plant life. When the soil is barren, winds pick up the soil, complete with the toxic elements, and blow them to other areas.

Industry and Mining

• Wastes from industry and mining were carelessly dumped in land areas for many decades. Dumped metals and chemicals, even when buried, can seep through the soil for long distances. While regulations are now being enforced, much damage is done and pollution is still spreading throughout soil and waterways. Factory emissions carried in the air are also ending up in soils long distances from factories. Wind blowing the dust of dessicated soils in the air helps spread chemicals over land.

Agriculture

• Agriculture is a major source of land pollution. Insecticides used by farmers stay in soils. Manure from farm animals pollutes soils with both heavy metals and e-coli and other harmful bacteria. Accumulations of crop waste attract insects and rodents. While some fertilizers are not in themselves poisonous in small doses, accumulated amounts can become toxic and make people living around them extremely ill.

Human Waste

• Human waste is one of the most devastating sources of land pollution. In the United States alone, produces 3285 pounds of hazardous waste annually. Landfills leak toxins into the adjoining lands. Sewage systems become overloaded so that pipes are compromised. Human waste leaks into the soil, spreading bacteria that can cause severe illness. Dumped waste also attracts insects and rodents, which also spread disease.

Households and Individuals

• Households and individuals are also major contributors to land pollution. Everything humans do creates pollution. Improper disposal of household chemicals, automotive fluids, toxic cleaning agents and personal care products all end up in our soils. Fertilizers and insecticides used on lawns, gardens and in homes end up in soils. Individuals also litter. If waste is allowed to sit, the chemicals it contains run off into soils. Rodents and insects are attracted to the trash and spread bacteria. Individuals can go a long way toward pollution control by changing their personal habits.