LAND POLLUTION

land pollution, the deposition of solid or liquid waste

materials on land or underground in a manner that can
contaminate the soil and groundwater, threaten public
health, and cause unsightly conditions and nuisances. The
waste materials that cause land pollution are broadly
classified as municipal solid waste (MSW, also called
municipal refuse), construction and demolition (C&D)
waste or debris, and hazardous waste. MSW includes
nonhazardous garbage, rubbish, and trash from homes,
institutions (e.g., schools), commercial establishments,
and industrial facilities. Garbage contains moist and
decomposable (biodegradable) food wastes (e.g., meat
and vegetable scraps); rubbish comprises mostly dry
materials such as paper, glass, textiles, and plastic objects;
and trash includes bulky waste materials and objects that
are not collected routinely for disposal (e.g., discarded
mattresses, appliances, pieces of furniture). C&D waste (or
debris) includes wood and metal objects, wallboard,
concrete rubble, asphalt, and other inert materials
produced when structures are built, renovated, or
demolished.
Hazardous wastes include harmful and dangerous
substances generated primarily as liquids but also
as solids, sludges, or gases by various chemical
manufacturing companies, petroleum refineries,
paper mills, smelters, machine shops, dry cleaners,
automobile repair shops, and many other industries
or commercial facilities. In addition to improper
disposal of MSW, C&D waste, and hazardous waste,
contaminated effluent from subsurface sewage
disposal (e.g., from septic tanks) can also be a cause
of land pollution.
The permeability of soil formations underlying a waste-disposal site is of great importance with regard to land pollution. The
greater the permeability, the greater the risks from land pollution.Soil consists of a mixture of unconsolidated mineral and
rock fragments (gravel, sand, silt, and clay) formed from natural weathering processes. Gravel and sand formations are porous
and permeable, allowing the free flow of water through the pores or spaces between the particles. Silt is much less permeable
than sand or gravel, because of its small particle and pore sizes, while clay is virtually impermeable to the flow of water,
because of its platelike shape and molecular forces.

Until the mid-20th century, solid wastes were generally collected and placed on top of the ground in uncontrolled “open
dumps,” which often became breeding grounds for rats, mosquitoes, flies, and other disease carriers and were sources of
unpleasant odours, windblown debris, and other nuisances. Dumps can contaminate groundwater as well as pollute nearby
streams and lakes. A highly contaminated liquid called leachate is generated from decomposition of garbage and precipitation
that infiltrates and percolates downward through the volume of waste material. When leachate reaches and mixes with
groundwater or seeps into nearby bodies of surface water, public health and environmental quality are jeopardized. Methane,
a poisonous and explosive gas that easily flows through soil, is an eventual by-product of the anaerobic (in the absence of
oxygen) decomposition of putrescible solid waste material. Open dumping of solid waste is no longer allowed in many
countries. Nevertheless, leachate and methane from old dumps continue to cause land pollution problems in some areas
What are the primary causes of land
pollution?

The process of contamination of

the land surface of our planet is
referred to as land pollution. It
results from human activities that
cause the contamination of soil and
degradation of land. Dumping of
human and industrial waste in soil,
harmful agricultural practices, and
harmful chemicals are the primary
causes of land pollution.
Many human activities can contribute to land pollution.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common causes.

1.Urbanization
As cities continue to grow, more and more land is converted into urban land. Therefore,
urbanization contributes to the destruction of natural habitats and an increase in the production of
waste.

2.Construction
Construction projects often involve the use of heavy machinery, which can damage the land. In
addition, construction waste, such as concrete and bricks, can cause severe land environmental
issues.
3. Mining
Unfortunately, when mines are not properly managed, they can pollute the surrounding
environment with dust and toxic chemicals.

4.Agriculture
Intensive farming practices can lead to land pollution in a number of ways. For example, pesticides
and fertilizers can contaminate the soil, while livestock waste can pollute water supplies
4.Agriculture
Intensive farming practices can lead to land pollution in a number of ways. For example, pesticides and fertilizers can
contaminate the soil, while livestock waste can pollute water supplies

5.Littering
When people carelessly throw their trash on the ground, it can end up polluting the environment as a result.

Effects of Land Pollution

1.Land pollution can have several negative effects on the environment.

2.Soil Pollution
Soil pollution effects can be quite disastrous because it contaminates the soil with harmful chemicals. This
can make it difficult for plants to grow.

3.Groundwater Poisoning
Groundwater poisoning occurs when toxic chemicals from the land reach groundwater supplies. This can
make drinking water unsafe and cause many health problems.
Habitat Destruction
Habitat destruction is one of the most serious effects of land pollution. When the land is polluted, it can
become uninhabitable for plants and animals, leading to biodiversity loss and wildlife displacement.

Climate Change
Land pollution can also contribute to climate change. When the land is polluted, it can absorb more heat,
which can lead to an increase in global temperatures.

Human Health Problems

Land pollution can also have a number of negative effects on human health. Exposure to harmful chemicals
can cause a variety of health problems, including cancer, congenital disabilities, and respiratory problems.
In addition, land pollution can also lead to the contamination of food supplies.

Wildfires
One of the most dramatic effects of land pollution is an increase in wildfires. When the land is polluted, it
becomes drier and more flammable.

Water Issues
Last but not least, land pollution causes some water-related problems. The contamination of drinking water
supplies, flooding, and soil erosion are only some of the most dangerous examples of water pollution
>The Solution to Land Pollution: How Can You Reduce the Risks
There are a number of ways to prevent land pollution, so let’s see.

>Reforestation
Replanting trees can help prevent land pollution. Trees help stabilize the soil and
prevent erosion. Not to mention, they help filter out harmful chemicals from the
environment.

>Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The rule of reducing, reusing, and recycling is crucial to preventing land pollution.
By reducing the amount of waste we produce, we can reduce the amount of
pollution in the environment.

>Use Fewer Pesticides and Fertilizers

Pesticides and fertilizers can pollute the environment and cause severe health
problems. By using fewer of these products, the risk of land pollution can be
reduced.
 GROUP 10
Hyacinth Azarcon
Shena Bedes
Rica Pearl Aguirre
Mary Grace Escamina