What Is Land Pollution?
Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. Sometimes naturally occurring substances can be unsafe if their presence causes damage or disrupts natural cycles in the ecosystem. For example, fertilizers can benefit plants by supplying necessary nutrients, but overapplication can kill plants with the potential that drift or runoff will affect other nontargeted areas. The once-useful fertilizer now becomes a pollutant.
Sources
Land can be polluted directly through improper disposal of contaminants. The landscape theoretically functions like a target, with pollutants from the air and water also harming the environment. Air pollution sources include acid rain, which is caused by industrial emissions and particulate matter deposition from fires and combustion. Water pollution can in turn contaminate the land through agricultural and urban runoff.
- Land can be polluted directly through improper disposal of contaminants.
- Water pollution can in turn contaminate the land through agricultural and urban runoff.
Effects
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The environmental impacts of land pollution depend upon the nature of the pollutant. Herbicides and fungicides degrade relatively quickly in the environment. However, nonselective pesticides can potentially harm any organism that comes in contact with it, regardless of whether it was the initial target. These poisonous agents can cause cancer and birth defects, as well as short-term skin irritations.
Industrial pollution can slow plant growth and reduce crop yield, according to a 2004 study published in the Encyclopedia of Plant and Crop Science 2. Some toxins persist in the environment without breaking down readily. This lack of action allows these pollutants to accumulate and become more toxic in higher concentrations.
- The environmental impacts of land pollution depend upon the nature of the pollutant.
- These poisonous agents can cause cancer and birth defects, as well as short-term skin irritations.
Significance
The significance of land pollution is a function of the harm it causes. A 2007 Cornell University study estimated that pollution causes 40 percent of all deaths worldwide each year 4. Land pollution rarely affects only the landscape. As trash decomposes, it can release toxins into the air or into groundwater sources, compounding its effects.
- The significance of land pollution is a function of the harm it causes.
Cleanup
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Adding to the effects and significance of land pollution is the cost of cleanup. Decontamination of polluted soils, for example, requires extensive measures that can be costly. The effects of land pollution become not only environmental, but also economic. Enforcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in fiscal year 2009 resulted in 387 new environmental crime cases and commitments to clean up over 700 million pounds of hazardous waste by violators of environmental regulations 5. Enforcement also will bring in over $5 billion in investments for pollution cleanup.
- Adding to the effects and significance of land pollution is the cost of cleanup.
- Decontamination of polluted soils, for example, requires extensive measures that can be costly.
Solution
The results of EPA enforcement illustrate the need for resources to continue to monitor compliance of land pollution issues as well as the need for education and awareness 3. It is essential that the general public as well as businesses become more aware of the impact of land pollution both on the environment and on people.
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References
- Elmhurst College: Acid Rain
- "Encyclopedia of Plant and Crop Science"; Air Pollutants: Effects of Ozone on Crop Yield and Quality; H. Pleijel; February 2004
- Pollution Issues: Soil Pollution
- Chronicle Online: Water, Air and Soil Pollution Causes 40 Percent of Deaths Worldwide
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Fiscal Year 2009 Enforcement and Compliance Annual Results
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Agencies for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. What Are Possible Sources of Indoor Air Pollution? Updated 08/09/16. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=33&po=7
- Hansel NN, Mccormack MC, Kim V. The Effects of Air Pollution and Temperature on COPD. COPD. 2016;13(3):372-9. doi:10.3109/15412555.2015.1089846
- Marć M, Śmiełowska M, Namieśnik J, Zabiegała B. Indoor air quality of everyday use spaces dedicated to specific purposes-a review. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2018;25(3):2065-2082. doi:10.1007/s11356-017-0839-8
- EPA. Health Risk of Radon. 2019.
- Pegas PN, Alves CA, Nunes T, Bate-epey EF, Evtyugina M, Pio CA. Could houseplants improve indoor air quality in schools? J Toxicol Environ Health Part A. 2012;75(22-23):1371-80. doi:10.1080/15287394.2012.721169
- Laumbach RJ. Outdoor air pollutants and patient health. Am Fam Physician. 2010;81(2):175-80.
- Wang C, Xu J, Yang L, et al. Prevalence and risk factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China: a national cross-sectional study. Lancet. 2018;391(10131):1706-1717. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30841-9
- Laumbach R, Meng Q, Kipen H. What can individuals do to reduce personal health risks from air pollution? J Thorac Dis. 2015;7(1):96-107. doi:10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2014.12.21
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Agencies for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. What Are Possible Sources of Indoor Air Pollution? Updated 08/09/16.
- Li, J., Sun, S., Tang, R. et al. Major Air Pollutants and Risk of COPD Exacerbations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 2016. 11:3079-3091.
- Ling, S., and S. Eeden. Particulate Matter Air Pollution Exposure: Role in the Development and Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 2009. 4:233-243.
- Liu, Y., Yan, S., Poh, K., Liu, S., Ivioriobhe, E., and D. Sterling. Impact of Air Quality Guidelines on COPD Sufferers. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 2016. 11:839-72.
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Writer Bio
Chris Dinesen Rogers has been online marketing for more than eight years. She has grown her own art business through SEO and social media and is a consultant specializing in SEO and website development. Her past work experience includes teaching pre-nursing students beginning biology, human anatomy and physiology. Rogers's more than 10 years in conservation makes her equally at home in the outdoors.