SOIL POLLUTION

Definition:
The presence of toxic chemicals (pollutants or contaminants) in soil in high enough concentration to be of risk to human health and/or ecosystem.

Soil Pollution and Effects

Affects us all including plants and animals CHILDREN are most susceptible since they come in close contact with the soil by regularly playing in the ground Effects may vary based on age, general health status, and other factors

Causes

All soils contain a variety of compounds (contaminants) which are naturally present
Examples of contaminants are metals, inorganic ions and salts, and many organic compounds Compounds are mainly formed through soil microbial activity and decomposition of organisms Compounds get into the soil from the atmosphere and from surface water bodies

Causes

When the amount of soil contaminants exceed natural levels, pollution is generated

Natural events like volcanic eruptions and tsunamis can bring about land pollution.

Causes

domestic and municipal waste

industrial wastes are dumped to the soil

agricultural pollution-excess the use of pesticides

nuclear waste acid rain- falls to the soil and pollutes it by making it acidic mining activities

Types of Soil Pollution

Anthropogenic through human activity Natural natural accumulation of compounds in soil

ANTHROPOGENIC

Accidental spills and leaks Foundry activities and manufacturing processes resulting in possible dispersion of contaminants in the environment

Mining activities
Construction activities

Agricultural activities
Transportation activities Dumping of chemicals Storage of wastes in landfills

NATURAL

Imbalances between atmospheric deposition and leaching away with precipitation water (concentration and accumulation of perchlorate in soils)
Natural production in soil under certain environmental conditions (natural formation of perchlorate in soil in the presence of a chlorine source)

Leaks from sewer lines into subsurface

SOIL POISONING FACTS

It is always prudent to evaluate and test the soil for pollution Home-grown vegetable and fruits may become polluted too if the soil is polluted

Sources of soil pollution are not always in the closed vicinity In such situations, pollutants are transported by wind or by ground water
The smaller the particle and the more soluble and less reactive the pollutant, the higher is its potential to travel over long distances (Hg)

The bare soil generate a higher health risk as compared to vegetated soil
Soil pollution may generate health effects long after the original exposure occurred Poisoned soil may affect you through inhalation, direct skin contact, poisoned vegetables and fruits, as well as poison groundwater

Soil Pollution Examples (Pollutants, Sources, Effects)

Main Soil pollutant Potential Specific Sources Some Common Symptoms/Effects of Poisoning with the Polluted Soil

Lead (Pb)

-Lead paint -Mining -Foundry activities -Vehicle exhaust (historical exhaust since lead is not used in gasoline anymore)

-Affect the nervous system and memory, growth and development, as well as cognitive development (lower IQs) -Learning difficulties -Autism in genetically predisposed people

-Construction activities -Agriculture activities (pesticide with lead such as lead arsenate that was banned but has been historically used) Mercury (Hg) Mining Incineration of coal Alkali and metal processing Medical and other waste Volcanoes and geologic deposits (natural sources) Accumulation in plants and vegetables grown on polluted soils

-Growth reduction and weight loss -Impair pituitary-thyroid endocrine system Favor osteoporosis at old age Itching, burning, pain Damage to brain kidney and lungs Pink disease (acrodynia) skin discoloration (pink cheeks, fingertips, toes), while red cheeks and nose in affected children Desquamation (peeling off in layers of dead skin) High blood pressure and hyper salivation tachycardia Loss of hair, teeth, nails, photofobia, kidney dysfunction, memory

Arsenic (As)

Mining Coal-fired power plants Lumber facilities (used as CCA chromate copper arsenate in pressure treated wood) Electronic Industry Foundry activities Agriculture (Pesticides including some of those currently used) Natural accumulation under specific conditions

If ingested the most specific effects relates to skin pattern changes andcancer (incl uding liver, kidney, bladder, prostate and lung cancer); also at lower doses the digestive system may be affected with symptoms such as: nausea vomiting, stomach irritation, diarrhea, damage of blood vessels If inhaled skin changes; irritation of throat and lungs, circulatory problems, nervous system disorders

PAHs (polyaromatic hydrocarbons)

Coal burning

Harm to skin, body fluids, Vehicle emissions autoimmune system Accumulation in plants Eye irritation, nausea, and vegetables grown vomiting, diahrea on polluted soils Cataracts Cigarette smoke Kidney and liver Wildfires damage Agricultural burning Cancer (skin, lung, Wood burning bladder, Asphalt roads gastrointestinal) (construction Difficulty in activities) reproduction in Industrial plants (e.g., animals (not yet coal tar, bitumen, confirmed in humans) coal-gasification) Accumulation in plants and vegetables grown on polluted soils Construction activities

Herbicides/Insectic Agricultural ides activities Gardening

Large range of effects from skin rashes to death

Sichuan, China

Philippines

Landfill

Dumpsite

What is to be done?