Journal of Pollution Effects & Control
Open Access

Soil Contamination

Soil contamination or soil pollution as part of land degradation is caused by the presence of xenobiotics chemicals or other alteration in the natural soil environment. It is typically caused by industrial activity, agricultural chemicals or improper disposal of waste. Common contaminants in urban soils include pesticides, petroleum products, radon, asbestos, lead, chromated copper arsenate and creosote.The main anthropogenic sources of soil pollution are the chemicals used in or produced as ... The health risks associated with the widespread soil contamination. Generally, soil contamination is cited as a consequence of non-organic farming practises, industrial activity and improper waste disposal. The major point sources of contaminants released into the soils include untreated industrial effluent, sewage plants, effluent treatment plants. Soil pollution is defined as the presence of toxic chemicals (pollutants or contaminants) in soil, in high enough concentrations to pose a risk to human health. Soil pollution can also cause neuromuscular blockage as well as depression of the central nervous system, headaches, nausea, fatigue, eye irritation and skin rash. Soil does not need to be highly contaminated to be harmful to humans. The fertility slowly diminishes, making land unsuitable for agriculture and any local vegetation to survive.