Land and Soil Pollution

Land pollution is caused by agrochemical, urban and industrial sources. Agrochemical sources include fertilizers and pesticides commonly used in agriculture which contaminate the soil with heavy metals. Urban sources include methods of waste disposal like landfills and transportation of other chemicals that pollute the soil. For example, oils and chemicals accidentally spilled on roadways can build up in the soil along with litter accumulated on roadsides. Emissions from coal or nuclear power plants may also be absorbed into the soil. Industrial sources include the byproducts of mining, which results in slag heaps from coal mines which pollute the land. Due to land and soil pollution, many areas worldwide now pose dangers to entire ecosystems. Designated as brownfields, these sites cannot be redeveloped or used until careful efforts are made to restore and clean up the land. Restoration is possible via several methods. ¹