Question

Explain the following.

Soil pollution

Answer 1

Soil pollution is the alteration of the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties by human activities that reduces its quality and productivity and allows harmful substances to enter food chains. It commonly arises from sources such as industrial and chemical wastes, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, biomedical and municipal waste dumping, and, in some cases, radioactive fallout; these inputs introduce heavy metals, persistent organic compounds, pathogens, and excess nutrients into the soil. The consequences include loss of soil fertility and structure, contamination of groundwater and surface waters through leaching and runoff, bioaccumulation of toxins in crops and animals with attendant human-health risks (including poisoning and disease), and disruption or killing of beneficial soil organisms that maintain soil health.