Soil Pollution

Soil Pollution

Soil can be polluted through the polluted water and air. These pollutants are mixed into the soil through the rainwater, such as H₂SO₄ acid is formed by mixing of SO₂ with rainy water in the air. The fertilizers are used to increase yield of the crops. Various types of pesticides and weedicides etc. are sprayed over the crops. All these mixed with soil to produce harmful effects. The growth of plants inhibited or reduced due to this type of pollution and sometimes death also takes place. Excluding these soil pollution is also caused by the disposal of house hold detergents, sewage, flowing oils, radioactive substances and hot water etc. The main soil pollutants are D.D.T., 2, 4 - D (2, 4 di-chlorophenoxy acetic acid) 2, 4, 5-T (2, 4, 5, tri-chlorophenoxy acetic acid).

• Control measures: Soil pollution can be controlled through biological degradation of waste materials. The various carbonic materials of agricultural waste, cattle dung etc. can be minimized by the use of biogasplants, which can produce energy also. Inspite of all measures pesticides and weedicides should be used in limited quantity only when they are required. Bhopal Gas Tragedy (in which the tank of methyl isocyanate burst during the manufacturing of savin insecticide on 3rd December 1984) is the best example of human hazard which took the life of many persons.