Soil Pollution Effects | Soil pollution impact on human health | Effects of soil pollution on plants

The effects of soil pollution can be categorized into the following types.

1) Effects on Human Health
2) Effects on Growth of Plant
3) Decreased Soil Fertility
4) Toxic Gases
5) Changes in Soil Structure

1) Effects on Human Health:

Soil pollution can have several of harmful effects on human health. The harmful effects of soil pollution may come from direct contact with polluted soil or from contact with other resources, such as water, that have come in direct contact with the polluted soil. Plants that are grown in polluted soil continuously absorb the pollutants. Animals who eat these plants take on all the pollutants that plants have accumulated. Humans who eat vegetables and animals that have accumulated large amounts of soil pollutants may be poisoned.

2- Effects on Growth of Plant:

Most plants are unable to adapt when the chemistry of the soil changes so radically in a short period. The fertility slowly diminishes, making land unsuitable for agriculture and any local vegetation to survive. Unlike deserts, which are suitable for its native vegetation, such land cannot support most forms of life.

3- Decreased Soil Fertility:

The toxic chemicals present in the soil can decrease soil fertility and therefore decreases soil yield. The contaminated soil used to produce fruits and vegetables lacks quality nutrients and may contain some poisonous substances to cause serious health problems in people consuming them. 

4- Toxic Gases:

The emission of toxic gases from landfills pollutes the environment and causes serious effects on the health of many people. The unpleasant smell causes inconvenience to many people.

5- Changes in Soil Structure:

The death of many soil organisms (e.g. earthworms, bacteria, and fungi) can lead to alteration in soil structure. 

Several ways have been suggested to curb the rate of soil pollution:

Industries have been given regulations for the disposal of hazardous waste, which aim at minimizing the areas that become polluted. The organic method of farming is being supported, which does not use chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers. The use of plants that can remove pollutants from the soil is being encouraged.