Land pollution refers to the presence of at least one pollutant in or on an area of land. A contaminant is a substance that is toxic or pollutant. Land pollution is the deposition of liquid or solid waste on or below the ground surface. This material then contaminates the Land or groundwater. It also threatens public health. Land pollution often occurs when we do not dispose of waste properly. Certain agricultural activities, such as the use of pesticides, fertilizers and pesticides, can also contaminate the Land.
Mining activities have contributed significantly to the degradation of the Earth’s surface.
The term pollution refers to the presence of a substance or substances in the environment that is toxic or harmful.
For millions of years, Land pollution did not exist on our planet. However, since the industrial revolution, humans have been polluting our atmosphere (air pollution), water (water pollution) and land at an increasing rate.
Encyclopaedia Britannica has the following definition of the term:
“Land pollution, the deposition of solid or liquid waste on or below ground in a way that can contaminate Land and groundwater, threaten public health, cause unsightly conditions and nuisance.”
Land pollution – garbage
There are three main types of waste that pollute our territory: 1. Municipal solid waste. 2. Garbage or construction and demolition waste. 3. Hazardous waste.
Municipal solid waste
Municipal solid waste is made up of everyday items that we throw away. We also call it trash or trash (UK: trash).
The composition of solid waste varies from country to country and even from city to city within the same country. Its composition also changes significantly over time.
If a municipality has a well-developed waste recycling system, the waste stream will mainly include waste that is difficult to handle such as non-recyclable packaging materials and plastic films.
Construction and demolition waste (CDW)
CDW covers concrete, wood, glass, metal, plastic, solvents and plaster. Excavated Land and asbestos are also classified as this waste. The excavated Land can be recycled.
According to the European Commission:
“CDW is one of the heaviest and heaviest waste streams generated in the EU.
hazardous waste
This type of waste presents potential or significant threats to human health, animal and plant health and the environment.
Hazardous waste can be reactive, toxic, corrosive or flammable.
According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive, a government agency:
“Waste is considered ‘hazardous’ under environmental law when it contains substances or has properties that could be harmful to human health or the environment.”
“That doesn’t necessarily mean it poses an immediate risk to human health, although some litters may be.”
Eight causes of Land pollution
Here are the top eight causes of Land pollution, according to Conserve Energy Future:
- Deforestation and Land erosion.
- Mining activities. –
- The landfill is overloaded.
- Industrial.
- Construction activities.
- Nuclear waste.
- Wastewater.
