Terrestrial pollution

Terrestrial pollution

Also known as land pollution, terrestrial pollution is the addition of harmful substances to the soil, which adversely affect plants, animals, microorganisms, soil structure, and fertility.

Causes of terrestrial pollution

1. Agricultural activities: Poor farming methods can lead to soil erosion. Intensive irrigation may cause an accumulation of salts in the soil, increasing its alkalinity. Agrochemicals such as pesticides and synthetic fertilizers can remain in the soil for a long time, affecting soil microorganisms.
2. Garbage disposal: Waste materials like food remains, wood ash, glass, metal, polythene papers, and plastic cans are often dumped into the soil. Some of these are non-biodegradable and pollute the soil. Decomposing organic wastes release acids and gases. The acids penetrate the soil, lowering its pH, while the gases contribute to air pollution.
3. Factories and garages: These produce chemical wastes and oil spills, which affect the environment, harm living organisms, and make the land infertile.
4. Mining activities: Mining leaves rock fragments, soil heaps, and minerals like lead and mercury on the soil surface. Explosive remnants used to break rocks also have adverse effects on living organisms and their habitats.
5. Industrial activities: Gases released from industries form acid rain, which falls onto the soil. Acid rain increases soil acidity, affects nutrient availability, and kills soil organisms.
6. Nuclear plants: Nuclear (radioactive) wastes are produced by nuclear reactors, bombs, and natural disasters involving nuclear reactors. These wastes have long-term adverse effects on living organisms.

Hazards caused by terrestrial pollution

1. Most solid waste cannot decompose, posing health threats to living organisms.
2. Chemical wastes affect plant and animal cells, causing diseases and death to organisms.
3. Land pollution may cause soil infertility, leading to reduced agricultural productivity.
4. Unattended quarries and heaps from old mines can cause waterlogging and flooding.
5. Non-biodegradable wastes, open mines, and soil heaps spoil the natural beauty of the landscape.
6. Nuclear wastes have long-term health effects, such as cancer and deformities.
7. Local governments and NGOs spend significant resources addressing problems caused by soil pollution.

Methods of preventing terrestrial pollution

1. Place dustbins in streets, gardens, and parks for proper waste disposal. Label bins as "Organic Waste" and "Plastic Waste" to facilitate waste sorting.
2. Encourage farmers to use natural manure instead of synthetic fertilizers.
3. Recycle waste by sorting and processing it into usable raw materials instead of discarding it.
4. Plant trees in various areas to absorb excess carbon dioxide and reduce acid rain. Trees also improve soil structure and reduce wind erosion.
5. Raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean environment.
6. Promote the use of degradable plastics for carrying or packing goods. Degradable plastics break down under sunlight, water, or soil solutions.
7. Governments should formulate and enforce strict policies to prevent and control terrestrial pollution.
8. Discourage the use of agrochemicals such as pesticides and weedkillers.