Land Pollution
Land pollution occurs when the Earth’s soil is misused or its quality degraded due to environmentally unethical and unsound practices, exploitation of mineral deposits, industrial waste dumping, and inefficient and improper urban waste disposal. Litter and other kinds of rubbish may also be considered as a form of land pollution.
Waste as Land Pollution
Have you ever spared on a thought of what the world does with its waste? Landfills are one of the most common methods used for waste disposal. These are massive holes in the ground that may have been created incidentally or purposely and are filled with trash.
In most cases, all kinds of trash are dumped into a landfill and as such, some of its contents may be toxic or reactive when they undergo decomposition. Due to its nature, landfills are often dusty and emit a strong and undesirable odor. They also attract flies and other insects and pests.
When landfills are filled, they would appear no different from its surroundings. Even so, they aren’t a viable location for human habitation.
Bacterial decomposition that takes place in landfills leads to emission of greenhouse gases, particularly methane and carbon dioxide. As everyone knows, increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can then lead to global warming and major climate changes. But these aren’t the only downsides to using landfills for waste disposals. Waste that contains dangerous levels of methane are potentially explosive and may lead to fires.
Most countries opt to use landfills for waste disposals, believing it to be the more affordable options. But in the long-term, landfills are actually more costly as countries would have to spend money for constant surveying and assessment of contamination levels caused by landfills. When it does damage the environment, such as groundwater supply and waterways, treatment and rebuilding would also require huge funds.
Communities living near landfills are also at a great risk of incurring various health complications. When groundwater and surface water in the area are contaminated, these could lead to infections and the spread of deadly diseases such as malaria. Quality and growth of local produce may also be affected and, when consumed, can lead to another bout of health problems. Elderly and young individuals are at a greater risk due to their weak immune systems.
What You Can Do Today
Of the many types of pollution, land pollution is the one that everyone can immediately resolve. Unlike air and water, land is accessible to everyone. You can reduce the amount of waste produced by your household and purchase recyclable products. But most importantly, share your awareness so that others may do the same.
 |