By: Miss Bahaw
Objectives
(i) Sources: industrial; agricultural; municipal; domestic.
(ii) Causes of land pollution: atmospheric fallout, waste disposal (domestic,
industrial, open dumps, sanitary landfills), dumping of mineral extraction spoils,
agricultural processes and oil spills.
(iii) Environmental pathways and receptors.
(iv) Environmental impacts (for example, reduced aesthetic quality, lowering of
land value, health implications, change in land use).
What is Land Pollution
Tidbit:
Land pollution refers to the Over 93% of landfills
degradation of the geosphere in across the globe are
particular soil, primarily due to considered
human activities that introduce unsustainable or
harmful substances into the unsanitary,
Earth’s surface. contributing to soil,
air, and water
pollution.
https://youtu.be/Hnfdq2htoKU?si=fddUDafs-2IEKmNB
Illegal dumping in Diego Martin Illegal dumping in Arranguez
Soil pollution in Ukraine Land pollution seen in the streets of LA
Sources of Land Pollution
1. Industrial Sources:
○ Chemical Factories: Industrial facilities often release pollutants into the air and
water, which can eventually settle into the soil. Chemical spills and improper
disposal of industrial waste contribute to land pollution.
○ Mining Operations: Extractive industries such as mining can disturb large areas
of land, exposing soil to contaminants. Mining activities may also introduce toxic
substances and heavy metals into the soil, affecting its quality.
○ Manufacturing Processes: Industrial manufacturing processes generate solid
waste, including hazardous materials. Improper disposal of industrial by-products
can lead to contamination of soil in and around manufacturing sites.
Sources of Land Pollution
2. Agricultural Sources:
○ Pesticides and Herbicides: The use of chemical pesticides and herbicides in
agriculture can lead to soil contamination. Residual chemicals may accumulate in
the soil, affecting both soil quality and the health of organisms within it.
○ Fertilizer Runoff: Excessive use of fertilizers in agriculture can result in nutrient
runoff into nearby soil and water bodies. This nutrient pollution can disrupt the
balance of ecosystems and lead to soil degradation.
○ Livestock Farming: Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) produce
large amounts of manure. If not managed properly, the runoff from these
operations can contaminate nearby soil and water with pathogens and nutrients.
Sources of Land Pollution
3. Municipal Sources:
○ Landfills: Improperly managed landfills are a significant source of land pollution.
Solid waste in landfills may include non-biodegradable materials that can leach
chemicals into the soil, contaminating it over time.
○ Sewage Disposal: Improper disposal of sewage and wastewater can introduce
pathogens and contaminants into the soil. Inadequate treatment of sewage can
lead to the spread of diseases and soil degradation.
○ Illegal Dumping: Disposal of household waste, construction debris, or other
materials in unauthorized areas contributes to land pollution. This often includes
hazardous substances that can leach into the soil.
Sources of Land Pollution
4. Domestic Sources:
○ Improper Waste Disposal: Inadequate waste management at the household
level, such as improper disposal of household waste, electronics, and plastics, can
lead to soil pollution.
○ Excessive Use of Household Chemicals: The use and disposal of household
chemicals, such as cleaning agents, paints, and solvents, can introduce harmful
substances into the soil if not handled properly.
○ Sewage from Septic Systems: In areas without centralized sewage systems,
poorly maintained septic systems can result in the seepage of untreated sewage
into the soil, causing contamination.
Causes of Land Pollution
08 Atmospheric Fall Out
What is Atmospheric Fallout
The sedimentation of dust or fine particles from the atmosphere.
For example: After a nuclear explosion, debris and soil can mix with
radionuclides. This mixture is sent up into the air and then falls back to Earth.
Environmental Receptors & Pathways
1. Soil:
Receptor: The soil itself is a primary receptor of land pollution.
Pathways: Pollutants can directly enter the soil through activities like industrial discharges, agricultural
practices, and improper waste disposal. Once in the soil, contaminants can affect soil structure,
composition, and fertility.
2. Flora:
Receptor: Vegetation and crops are receptors for land pollution.
Pathways: Contaminants in the soil can be taken up by plants through their roots. This process, known as
bioaccumulation, can result in the accumulation of pollutants in plant tissues, affecting the health of plants
and potentially impacting organisms higher up the food chain.
Environmental Receptors & Pathways
3. Air:
Receptor: The air can indirectly be affected by land pollution through airborne particles and dust.
Pathways: Particulate matter, dust, and volatile compounds can be released into the air during activities like construction,
mining, and transportation. These pollutants can settle on the land and surface water, contributing to contamination.
4. Fauna:
Receptor: Various wildlife species, including mammals, birds, and insects, can be impacted by land pollution.
Pathways: Wildlife can be exposed to pollutants through contaminated food sources, water, and soil. This exposure can
lead to adverse effects on reproductive success, behavior, and overall population health.
5. Human Health:
Receptor: Human populations can be directly affected by land pollution.
Pathways: Humans can be exposed to pollutants through the consumption of contaminated food and water, inhalation of
airborne particles, and direct contact with polluted soil. This exposure can result in a range of health issues, including
respiratory problems, skin disorders, and more severe conditions.
Impacts of Land Pollution
Soil Degradation:
- Loss of Fertility: Land pollution can
lead to a decline in soil fertility due to the
accumulation of pollutants, such as heavy
metals, pesticides, and industrial
chemicals.
- Erosion: Contaminated soil is often
more susceptible to erosion, which can
result in the loss of topsoil and further
degrade land quality.
Impacts of Land Pollution
Loss of Biodiversity:
- Habitat Destruction: Land pollution can lead to the destruction of habitats, reducing
the availability of suitable living spaces for various plant and animal species.
- Toxicity Effects: Pollutants in the soil can directly harm plant and animal life, leading
to a decline in biodiversity.
Impacts of Land Pollution
Human Health Risks:
- Contaminated Food and Water:
Land pollution can lead to the
contamination of food and water
supplies, posing risks to human health
through the consumption of polluted
resources.
- Respiratory Issues: Airborne
pollutants from land pollution activities
can contribute to respiratory problems
in nearby populations.
Impacts of Land Pollution
Aesthetic and Recreational Value Loss:
- Visual Pollution: Improper waste disposal
and land use practices can result in visual
pollution, diminishing the aesthetic value of
landscapes.
- Impact on Recreation Areas: Polluted land
can limit the use and enjoyment of recreational
spaces, impacting the quality of life for local
communities. It can also lower the land value
and change in land use.
