The Impact of Pollution on Soil Health

Soil is the foundation of the world's ecosystems. Healthy soil supports life. Unfortunately, an increase in pollution has had terrible effects on our soil. Soil supplies the Earth with food by supporting growth and recycling nutrients. However, soil that is tainted by pollution can impact food quality and overall environmental health.

Considerations

• Most soil becomes contaminated through man-made chemicals and industrial waste. Heavy metals and organic pollutants can change the quality and composition of the soil. As the quality of the soil changes, crops are damaged. This can pose a risk to human health.

Acid Rain

• Acid rain, caused by emissions that react with water molecules to create acids in the air, is one burden on the soil. When acid rain hits soil in farmland areas, the soil becomes less productive. Acid ran has the potential to damage soil and crops and is also damaging to rivers, lakes, trees and animals.

Chemical Changes

• Pollution can change the chemical composition of soil. When the foundation of the food chain is compromised, life forms suffer. Although there are companies, such as Profile Products LLC, working to create solutions for damaged soil, the best solution is to prevent soil contamination.

CERCLA

• According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act was established in 1980. This law protects public health and the environment by taxing polluters and cleaning up uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. The world is attempting to deal with soil pollution through regulatory means.

Biodegradable Products

• Although regulatory programs minimize the impact of pollution on soil, more needs to be done. On an individual level, people can use their purchasing power to select biodegradable products and dispose properly of toxic waste. Less pollution in landfills means less pollution that ends up in the soil.