An Introduction to Soil Pollution
An Introduction to Soil Pollution in Houston, TX
Soil pollution can have a negative impact on plants, animals, the water table, and other environmental elements. When industrial factories do not practice proper waste management, their byproducts could enter the surrounding soil and cause pollution. With correct industrial waste disposal, it is possible to minimize soil pollution in Houston, TX.
What Is Soil Pollution?
Soil pollution is the contamination of soil by toxic chemicals, pollutants, hazardous waste, or contaminants in high enough concentrations that it poses a risk to human health or the ecosystem. While some contaminants occur naturally in the soil, soil pollution is caused by the introduction of higher levels of contaminants than are naturally present.
What Are the Primary Causes of Soil Pollution?
Understanding soil pollution and its causes can help your company design and implement a comprehensive prevention plan. All soils contain a natural level of contaminants like metal, phosphates, sulfates, nitrates, and organic compounds. If the levels of contamination exceed natural levels, the soil is polluted. The most common causes of soil pollution are anthropogenic and natural. Anthropogenic pollution is caused by man, while natural pollution is caused by wind, rainwater, soil disturbances, and animal activity.
- Natural Pollution – Natural pollution is often caused by rainwater or water runoff, animal activity, wind, erosion, or soil disturbances.
- Man-Made Pollution – Man-made pollution is by far the most common cause of soil pollution. Man-made pollution is caused by improper disposal of chemical and industrial waste, including manufacturing, agricultural, and pharmaceutical processes.
Most Common Types of Soil Pollution in the U.S.
Soil pollution is a combination of contaminants and pollutants. Pollutants can be natural or man-made. Contaminants are the byproducts of pollutants. Man-made pollutants are typically the result of agricultural practices, industrial and chemical manufacturing, or radioactive emissions. The most common types of soil pollution in the U.S. are:
- Biological – Biological pollutants are non-native species introduced to the soil, such as contaminants from living organisms.
- Agricultural – Agricultural pollutants include pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, slurry, debris, and manure.
- Radioactive – Radioactive pollutants include radium, thorium, uranium, and nitrogen.
- Urban – Urban waste includes garbage, dried sludge, sewage, and domestic and commercial waste.
- Industrial and chemical – Industrial and chemical waste is generated by paper mills, oil refineries, mines, factories, petroleum production, and other processes. Pollution includes drugs and pharmaceuticals, hazardous waste, cement, glass, steel, and more.
The most common soil contaminants are:
- Arsenic
- Copper
- Herbicides
- Insecticides
- Lead
- Mercury
- Nickel
- Pesticides
- Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons
- Zinc
Understanding the Effects of Soil Pollution
Soil pollution can cause illness, injury, and death to plants, animals, and humans. Soil pollution can increase the risk of illness or disease and affect the nervous and immune systems. Some of the most serious effects of soil pollution are:
- Health problems like developmental disorders, brain damage, neurological conditions, nervous system conditions, and illness
- Increased risk of certain cancers like leukemia
- Damage to crops
- Water and air pollution if soil pollutants wash into rivers or volatile compounds enter the atmosphere
- Loss of habitats for wildlife and loss of biodiversity
- Degradation of land
- Loss of livelihood and economic downturn
The Connection Between Industrial Waste & Soil Pollution
Industrial waste is one of the leading causes of soil pollution. Industrial chemical waste contains toxins and hazardous materials that can contaminate soil, such as lead, zinc, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. If industrial waste is not properly disposed of or if it leaks from buildings, trucks, or storage containers, it can cause soil pollution, water pollution, and air pollution. It’s crucial to have a comprehensive industrial waste management program in place at any facility that generates industrial chemical waste.
Preventing Soil Pollution
The most effective way to prevent soil pollution is to properly dispose of, recycle, or reuse chemicals or industrial byproducts. You can also reduce the use of certain contaminants like pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Some crucial ways you can prevent soil pollution are:
- Reusing or recycling plastics, chemicals, and metals when possible
- Properly disposing of hazardous and non-hazardous waste
- Composting organic waste
- Storing chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and manure properly
- Using biodegradable and eco-friendly products
- Using soil remediation services if you become aware of a spill or soil pollution
Learn More About Soil Pollution and Remediation Solutions
When you are seeking top-quality industrial waste disposal services or soil remediation services in Houston, TX, look no further than Excel Industrial Group, LLC. Our company can assist you with all of your industrial waste disposal needs, and we will make sure that your waste disposal methods are not causing pollution. To book a consultation with a waste analysis professional, call or contact us online.