Soil Pollution and its Adverse Effects: Understanding the impacts of soil pollution on human health and the environment

Abstract

When harmful compounds (also known as pollutants or contaminants) are present in soil insufficient amounts to pose a threat to human health andor the environment, this is referred to as soilpollution. Whether the soil is highly polluted or relatively pristine, it will always contain a wide variety ofpollutants. These contaminants include metals, inorganic ions and salts, and a wide variety of organiccompounds. Soil microbes and decomposed organic matter are mostly responsible for the production ofthese chemicals. Water from precipitation is only one example of an atmospheric chemical that can makeits way into the soil, but there are many others. These chemicals can also penetrate the soil by winderosion or other forms of soil disturbance, as well as via surface water bodies and shallow groundwaterthat move through the soil. Soil pollution occurs when the quantity of contaminants in the soil rises overthe levels normally present in the environment.