When it comes to knowing the meaning of the term soil pollution, it is necessary, first, to discover the etymological origin of the two main words that shape it:
-Contamination derives from the Latin “contaminatio”, which, in turn, derives from the verb “contaminare” that can be translated as “dirty” or “corrupt”.
-Soil also has its origin in Latin. In your case, exactly in the word "solum".
When we mention the idea of contamination , we are referring to act and the result of contaminating : generate, through physical or chemical agents, a harmful alteration in the natural or normal characteristics of something.
There are different types of pollution, such as environmental pollution , the air pollution and the water contamination . In this case we will focus on the soil pollution : the degradation of the properties of a land .
When the soil is contaminated, it can no longer be used by the human being for cultivation But also the soil can not fulfill its natural functions due to the modification of its conditions.
Soil contamination can occur due to the spillage of chemical substance (such as pesticides, for example), the accumulation of radioactive substances waves sewage leaks , to cite some possibilities. It is important to keep in mind that the risk to the Health It transcends direct contact with contaminated soil, since pollution can even reach groundwater.
Atomic tests, the so-called agricultural technology and even the dumping of plastics are other causes that can cause soil contamination. That without forgetting the so-called land compaction.
Among the main consequences of the aforementioned contamination, in addition to the damage it causes to health, there are some such as:
-There is a direct and forceful attack against the vegetation, which will be degraded because the soil is no longer suitable.
-The previous consequence will also result in animal species being seriously harmed. Hence, not only the food chain is overwhelmingly altered but many species can be taken seriously.
-It directly affects the landscape, which will be degrading clearly and forcefully.
-The possibility of drinking water is difficult.
Suppose an edible plant grows in contaminated soil. When the people and animals ingest those plants, harmful substances can enter your body. In this way soil contamination can cause a poisoning , either mild or severe.
To protect the health of individuals and the subsistence of fauna and flora, therefore, it is imperative that governments protect the soil and control the state thereof. Contaminated soils affect the quality of life and can compromise the future of a population.
In order to avoid soil contamination and these aforementioned adverse consequences it is necessary that, in addition to the actions of governments and administrations, other solutions such as recycling are chosen. And it is that many of the articles that end up contaminating the soil, such as bottles or bags, can have a new useful life.
