How Land Pollution Happens

Land pollution occurs as a result of poor waste management, as trash accumulates over the landscape and as harmful chemicals leach into the soil. There are various causes of land pollution, from litter to agricultural practices, and it should be of major concern to people since it can contaminate local water systems and crops. From there, it works its way back to our bodies.

Litter

• Litter is the most visible form of land pollution. Rubbish gets strewn about the environment either accidentally or by people who just don't care enough to dispose of their trash properly. This adversely affects the environment, where wildlife may mistake garbage for food and where chemicals can leach into the soil. However, it also impacts the tourism industry adversely because of the increasing pervasiveness and ugliness of this "sight pollution."

Mining

• Mining can devastate the natural environment. For example, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that mountaintop coal mining debris is often strewn about the environment, destroying forest lands and clogging streams, and leaching harmful chemicals which can taint ground and water systems.

Power Plants

• Out the top of the coal-burning plant and back down to Earth

  Coal-fired power plants emit a variety of chemicals into the air, some of which eventually fall back down to the soil. In addition to greenhouse emissions such as carbon dioxide and particulates which build up in the atmosphere, coal plants are a major emitter of other hazardous chemicals such as mercury, which enters soil and then leaches into water systems. When ingested by humans and other animals, mercury can lead to developmental and neurological disorders.

Landfills

• Common items like televisions can leach harmful chemicals.

  Landfills are filled with decomposing garbage, much of which contains harmful chemicals. Not only does decomposition cause the emission of greenhouse gases, but everyday consumer items like batteries and television sets contain toxins like mercury and radium which eventually leach out of landfills as liquids, and from there into surrounding soil and ground water. These "leachates" work their way through the environment until they are eventually absorbed by plants or animals.

Agriculture

• The agricultural industry is a major cause of land pollution and erosion. Modern agriculture makes increasing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These poisonous chemicals contaminate the soil over time. Practices like tilling then weaken the soil, making the toxic topsoil brittle and easily swept away by rains and winds. From there, it can spread its contamination into surrounding land and water systems, along with its contagions.