Brian Barton
Soil pollution is defined as the presence of toxic chemicals in soil, in high enough concentrations to pose a risk to human health and/or the ecosystem. Soil pollution affects plants, animals and humans alike, and children are especially susceptible to its effects. There may or may not be visible indications of soil contamination. Soil testing can reveal what contaminants are present, and it is prudent to do so before allowing children to play in the soil or growing edible plants. Soil pollution can be caused by natural processes or human activity, with the latter being the main cause. Contaminants enter the soil through atmospheric deposition, direct application, and accidents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil pollution definition | Presence of toxic chemicals (pollutants or contaminants) in soil, in high enough concentrations to pose a risk to human health and/or the ecosystem |
| Soil contaminants | Metals, inorganic ions and salts (e.g. phosphates, carbonates, sulfates, nitrates), organic compounds (lipids, proteins, DNA, fatty acids, hydrocarbons, PAHs, alcohols, etc.), man-made chemicals, wastes from landfills, runoff from livestock manure, industrial waste, mining operations, septic systems, storage cisterns, pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, sludges |
| Soil pollution causes | Natural (e.g. accumulation of perchlorate in arid environments) and anthropogenic (man-made) causes |
| Widespread pollutants | Lead, arsenic, cadmium |
| Health risks | Chronic exposure to heavy metals and other contaminants may increase the risk of cancers, neural disorders, reproductive issues, birth defects, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, rashes |
| Testing | Soil tests can identify specific contaminants |
| Prevention | Locate gardens away from old painted buildings, roadways, driveways, and industrial areas; cover garden soil with mulch, compost, or groundcover; build raised beds with untreated wood |
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What You'll Learn
Soil testing
Soil pollution is defined as the presence of toxic chemicals or contaminants in the soil, in high enough concentrations to pose a risk to human health and/or the ecosystem. Soil acts as a natural sink for contaminants, accumulating them from various sources. These contaminants can enter the soil through atmospheric deposition, direct application, or accidents. Atmospheric deposition includes heavy metals and nitrogen, which enter the soil through precipitation, wind activity, or other types of soil disturbances. Direct application sources include synthetic fertilisers, manure, pesticides, sludges, and waste. Finally, accidents such as spills at industrial sites can also contaminate soil.
If you suspect your soil may be contaminated, there are several testing options available. The University of Illinois Extension provides information about soil quality and testing, and you can contact an educator there to discuss your specific concerns and testing options. There are also private companies that offer soil testing services. When taking a soil sample for testing, be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands before eating or drinking. It is also important to discourage children from playing in or eating soil, especially in areas where contamination is suspected or confirmed.
In addition to testing, there are some general guidelines for minimising the risk of soil contamination. Locate gardens away from old painted buildings, roadways, driveways, and sidewalks to reduce the risk of contamination from heavy metals, petroleum by-products, and other chemicals. Cover garden soil with mulch, compost, or another type of ground cover to increase nutrient content and water retention while also reducing the risk of contamination. When constructing raised garden beds, use untreated wood for the frame and apply fabric sheeting at the bottom of the bed before filling it with clean soil. By following these guidelines and conducting soil tests when necessary, you can help ensure the safety of your family and the environment.
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Pollution sources
Soil pollution is caused by a variety of human activities and natural processes. The main sources of soil pollution are agricultural activities, industrial waste, and urban waste.
Agricultural Activities
Agricultural practices such as the excessive and improper use of pesticides, fertilizers, and manure can contaminate soil. Pesticides are substances used to kill or inhibit the growth of pests, such as weeds, unwanted plants, and insects. Common types of pesticides include herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. When pesticides are applied to crops, they can be washed off by rainfall or irrigation, and end up in the soil. Accidental releases of pesticides from leaking pipes, spills, or damaged containers can also occur. The use of fertilizers, such as mineral fertilizers and organic fertilizers (manure and sewage sludge), can also contribute to soil pollution. For example, copper and zinc, commonly found in manure, can accumulate in the soil and exceed safe thresholds.
Industrial Waste
Industrial activities generate a range of wastes that can pollute soil. Some common pollutants from industrial waste include dioxins, produced from the manufacture of pesticides and incineration of waste, and petroleum hydrocarbon waste products, such as benzene and methylbenzene, which are known to be carcinogenic. Other industrial wastes that can contaminate soil include wastewater sludge, which may contain industrial effluents and other pollutants, and untreated septic sludge, which can contain harmful microbes.
Urban Waste
Waste generated in urban areas, such as sewage and municipal waste, can also contribute to soil pollution if not disposed of correctly. This waste may contain carcinogenic substances, nuclear waste, e-waste, and coal ash. Plastic waste, if not properly collected and recycled, may be dumped in the countryside, leading to soil contamination. Open burning of plastics is a potential source of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans, which are persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
Natural Processes
In addition to human activities, soil pollution can also be influenced by natural processes. For example, flooding and atmospheric deposition can result in the indirect input of pollutants into the soil. Heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants can accumulate in soils, despite decreases in their release from industrial and transport sources.
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Health risks
Soil pollution is a critical and growing threat to human health. It is important to understand the health risks associated with soil pollution, especially as it can lead to food crop contamination and disease. Soil pollutants can also wash into rivers, causing further water pollution.
Soil can become contaminated through various means, including industrial releases, homeowner maintenance activities, or naturally from local geology. Industrial activities, such as intensive agricultural production and deforestation, can release pollutants into the soil and atmosphere, leading to wind erosion and the spread of contaminated dust. Contaminants in the soil can include heavy metals, organic chemicals, pesticides, biological pathogens, and micro/nanoplastic particles.
The health risks from contaminated soil are significant, especially for children. Young children are more vulnerable as they tend to ingest more dust and soil when playing or crawling on the ground, and they often put their fingers in their mouths. Children with pica, a condition characterised by the persistent eating of non-food substances, are at an even higher risk of consuming contaminated soil. Lead exposure, for example, is linked to reduced IQ and attention span, hyperactivity, impaired growth, and learning disabilities in children. Arsenic, another common contaminant, can cause skin abnormalities, numbness in extremities, and cancer.
The ingestion of contaminated soil or dust can lead to the absorption of harmful substances, increasing the risk of long-term health issues. This is particularly concerning for children, who may exhibit more pronounced effects. Adults who regularly consume home-grown fruits and vegetables from contaminated soil are also at risk. Furthermore, contaminated soil can lead to reduced crop yields and affect the nutritional value of the crops, impacting food security and human health.
It is important to take precautions when working with soil, such as wearing gloves and washing hands before eating or drinking. Preventing children from playing in contaminated areas and regularly washing their hands is also crucial. Additionally, washing produce grown in contaminated areas with running water, discarding outer leaves, and peeling root vegetables can help mitigate the health risks associated with soil pollution.
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Soil contamination signs
Soil contamination, or soil pollution, is defined as the presence of toxic chemicals or contaminants in the soil, in high enough concentrations to pose a risk to human health and/or the ecosystem. There may or may not be visible indications of soil contamination.
One obvious sign of lead contamination may be paint chips around the exterior of a house, if the paint is known to have contained lead. Buildings constructed before 1978 are potential sources of lead contamination to nearby soils. Paint residue falls to the ground and contaminates the soil as precipitation wears away a home's exterior. The area with the highest contamination is the "drip zone", which extends 6 feet out from the perimeter of a home.
Soil near industrial areas, fuel stations, roadways, and parking lots may be contaminated with arsenic, cadmium, lead, manganese, and other heavy metals. Arsenic, for example, is found across Illinois at levels exceeding cancer guidelines. Soil pollution can also be caused by pesticides, manure, synthetic fertilizers, and industrial waste.
Soil acts as a natural sink for contaminants, accumulating and sometimes concentrating them. Depending on the environmental conditions and the degradability of the contaminant, tiny amounts of contaminants can reach high levels and pollute the soil. If the soil is contaminated, home-grown vegetables and fruits may become polluted too, as plants extract soil pollutants along with water. Therefore, it is always prudent to test the soil before growing anything edible or allowing children to play in the area.
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Pollution prevention
Soil is an essential natural resource that supports a wide variety of plant and animal life. It is also the basis of food production for humans. Soil pollution occurs when the soil contains contaminants that threaten the health of nearby water sources, organisms, plants, animals, and humans.
The most common sources of soil pollution are agricultural and industrial activities, as well as the improper disposal of waste. Agricultural activities such as stock breeding and intensive farming use chemical substances that can pollute the soil, including pesticides, fertilisers, and heavy metals. Industrial activities such as metal smelting, chemical manufacturing, and oil refining can also release toxic waste that harms soil quality. Additionally, waste disposal sites located near rivers or streams can contaminate the soil and water through the release of pollutants.
To prevent soil pollution, it is crucial to minimise the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers in agricultural practices. Sustainable farming methods such as organic farming, crop rotation, and integrated pest management can reduce the reliance on synthetic chemicals and improve soil health. Proper waste management is also essential, ensuring that waste is treated and neutralised before disposal to prevent the release of toxins into the soil.
Furthermore, governments, organisations, and individuals all have a role to play in preventing soil pollution. Governments should lead by example and collaborate with educational institutions and non-profit organisations to raise awareness about the harmful effects of soil pollution. By providing educational programmes, workshops, and campaigns, the public can be informed about sustainable practices and the importance of soil conservation. Additionally, partnering with environmental firms can provide access to soil remediation techniques such as bioremediation and phytoremediation, which help restore the health and fertility of contaminated soil.
By addressing the sources of soil pollution and adopting preventive measures, we can protect this vital natural resource for future generations and ensure the health and well-being of ecosystems and humans alike.
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