By Riley Boag
While the Coronavirus should not be taken lightly,
there still are many other issues facing the world, whether it be climate
change or something else along those lines. One of those issues happens to be
the pollution of soil worldwide. Huge industrialization and human activities such
as a spray of various chemicals to kill pests and herbs could leach out into
the soil, resulting in raised levels of toxic agents and chemicals in soil.
Soil contamination may not only negatively affect the health of people residing
in the vicinity but also result in weak plant growth for the future, due to a
decline in the level of soil fertility. Numerous cases of diseases affecting
people as a result of soil pollution have been reported in several regions of the
US such as New Jersey, Tennessee, Montana, according to Bioexplorer.
Many activities can lead to soil pollution. Some of
these are, but not limited to, industrial activity, agricultural activity,
waste disposal, and acid rain, according to Rinkesh of Conserve Energy Future.
Most industries are dependent on extracting minerals from the Earth. Whether it
is iron ore or coal, the by-products are contaminated and they are not disposed
of in a manner that can be considered safe. As a result, the industrial waste
lingers in the soil surface for a long time and makes it unsuitable for other use
(Rinkesh). Agricultural activity is a big polluter as well. Chemical
utilization has gone up tremendously since technology provided us with modern
pesticides and fertilizers. They are full of chemicals that are not produced in
nature and cannot be broken down by it. As a result, they seep into the ground
after they mix with water and slowly reduce the fertility of the soil
(Rinkesh).
Finally, a growing cause for concern is how we dispose
of our waste. While industrial waste is sure to cause contamination, there is
another way in which we are adding to the pollution. Every human produces a
certain amount of personal waste products by way or urine and feces. While much
of it moves into the sewer system, there is also a large amount that is dumped
directly into landfills in the form of diapers. Even the sewer system sludge
often ends up at the landfill, where the biological waste pollutes the soil and
water. This is because our bodies are full of toxins and chemicals, which are
now seeping into the land and causing pollution of soil.
There are a plethora of examples of this pollution
happening in my home county alone. In Bergen County in 2014, there was
groundwater contamination in the town of Garfield. The former E.C.
Electroplating Company's activity at its Garfield site spilled and leaked
cancer-causing chromium into the ground, creating a plume of groundwater
contamination at least a half a mile wide. One of New Jersey's orphan sites,
the EPA hasn't identified a funding source for a cleanup, and says there's
"insufficient data" to measure the risk it poses to the surrounding
community.
Obviously, scientists and geologists and other
professionals have been working tirelessly to find ways to combat this
pollution. A number of ways have been suggested to curb the current rate of
pollution. Such attempts at cleaning up the environment require plenty of time
and resources. Industries have been given regulations for the disposal of
hazardous waste, which aims at minimizing the area that becomes polluted.
Organic methods of farming are being supported, which do not use chemical-laden
pesticides and fertilizers. Use of plants that can remove the pollutants from
the soil is being encouraged. However, the road ahead is quite long and the
prevention of soil pollution will take many more years.
Works Cited
BioExplorer. “Top 15 Current Environmental Issues In
America: Biology Explorer.” Bio Explorer, 7 July 2019, www.bioexplorer.net/current-environmental-issues-usa.html/#1_Contaminated_Soil.
Rinkesh, J. “Causes and Effects of Soil Pollution on
the Environment and Human Health.” Conserve Energy Future, 12 Apr. 2019, www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php.
Sullivan, S.P., and NJ Advance Media. “The Most Toxic
Sites in Each New Jersey County.” Nj, 6 Apr. 2017, www.nj.com/news/2017/04/the_most_toxic_sites_in_each_new_jersey_county.html
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