LAND POLLUTION

ASTHA KOHLI ESHA JAIN PUNIT BABEL SONAM YADAV SUMAN YADAV

Land Pollution is the degradation of Earths land surfaces often caused by human activities and their misuse of land resources. It occurs when waste is not disposed properly. Haphazard disposal of urban and industrial wastes, exploitation of minerals, and improper use of soil by inadequate agricultural practices are a few factors. Urbanization and industrialisation are major causes of land pollution. The Industrial Revolution set a series of events into motion which destroyed natural habitats and polluted the environment, causing diseases in both humans and animals.

EXAMPLES OF LAND POLLUTION

Soil Pollution Soil pollution is mainly due to chemicals in herbicides (weed killers) and pesticides (poisons which kill insects and other invertebrate pests). Litter is waste material dumped in public places such as streets, parks, picnic areas, at bus stops and near shops.

EXAMPLES OF LAND POLLUTION

Waste Disposal The accumulation of waste threatens the health of people in residential areas. Waste decays, encourages household pests and turns urban areas into unsightly, dirty and unhealthy places to live in.

SOURCES OF LAND POLLUTION

The major sources of land pollution are activities like littering disposing of industrial wastes agriculture-generated wastes oil refineries mining human sewage.

1. Littering Litter is misplaced waste and trash. The primary sources of litter are pedestrians dropping garbage in the street or gutter, motorists discarding garbage out of windows, household garbage cans spilling over, construction sites etc. 2.Industries Industrial waste is one of the biggest contributors to land pollution. This is waste generated by industries during the manufacturing process, such as chemicals, paints and foundry wastes, which are sometimes dumped directly into the soil.

3.Agriculture The pesticides and fertilizers used by farmers for crop enhancement seep into the land, polluting it. Agricultural wastes produced by crops and animals and other residues from farm operation also contribute to land pollution. 4.Mining Mining gas and petroleum also pollutes the land. Petroleum extraction and manufacturing contaminates the soil with bitumen, gasoline, kerosene and mining brine solutions.

Other Sources of Land Pollution In underdeveloped countries where the sewage system is not maintained properly, human waste accumulates in the soil. Overcrowded landfills, deforestation, construction debris and oil and antifreeze leaking from cars also contribute to land pollution.

EFFECTS OF LAND POLLUTION

EFFECTS OF LAND POLLUTION

Tonnes and tonnes of domestic wastes are dumped every day. Since people do not follow proper methods for the disposal of such wastes, it leaves the places look dirty and makes them unhealthy. Land pollution indirectly affects the respiratory system of human beings. Breathing in polluted dust or particle can result in a number of health problems related to the respiratory system. Skin problems are often diagnosed due to land pollution. It is said that the improper disposal of household wastes leads to allergic reactions on the skin.

EFFECTS OF LAND POLLUTION

Land pollution has been found as one of the leading causes for birth defects. Pregnant women living in unhealthy and dirty environment can incur breathing problems and a number of diseases, which may affect the health of the baby as well. Land pollution has serious effect on wildlife. Flora, which provides food and shelter to wildlife, are destroyed. Land pollution often disrupts the balance of Nature, causing human fatalities.

REMEDIES OF LAND POLLUTION

The following are some of the solutions for land pollution :

As the most common cause for land pollution is waste disposal, most of the control measures are associated with that. Proper waste disposal is one of the golden rules for curbing land pollution. This is much more important in case of disposal of toxic waste products. Industries must follow the laws with regard to waste disposal. Another land pollution solution is recycling. Apart from reducing the amount of waste products in the landfills, it also helps in curbing the dumping of non-biodegradable waste on the Earth. Recycling is also beneficial in lowering other forms of pollution, cost savings and savings of energy resources.

REMEDIES OF LAND POLLUTION

You must also try to reuse materials, if possible. Reusing is always beneficial than buying new ones. For example, you may use plastic and cardboard containers for further use. Otherwise store them and sell them for recycling. You may also make some money by refraining from buying new products and also by selling the unwanted materials for recycling. So, each and every individual can contribute for this good cause, by taking efforts to curb land pollution. You may also reduce the use of non-biodegradable materials. For example, you may carry paper or cloth bags with you, so as to avoid taking a plastic carry bag from the shop. If you can, switch over to biodegradable materials. Use glass or metal products instead of plastic ones.

CONCLUSION
As land pollution is a problem that is detrimental to mankind as well as to nature as a whole, efforts to curb it must be taken by each and every individual. Authorities must take efforts to spread awareness about the causes and effects of land pollution. Even the industries must strictly follow the norms for waste product disposal. So, encourage recycling and reuse of non-biodegradable materials, avoid the use of harmful chemical pesticides as well as fertilizers and refrain from dumping toxic wastes on land. All these measures can contribute greatly for controlling land pollution.