Chung, Cinco, Ereneta, Garcia, Mercado, Prieto, Taylo Land Pollution Chung, Cinco, Ereneta, Garcia, Mercado, Prieto, Taylo

DEFINITION: WHAT IS LAND POLLUTION? The result of man’s misuse of the soil The degradation of the health and quality of the land surface The addition of undesirable matter to the land, matter that damages terrestrial organisms that depend on the land.

CAUSES OF LAND POLLUTION 1. Agriculture 2. Mining and Quarrying Accumulation of animal manures Excessive input of chemical fertilizers Illicit dumping of tainted crops on land Overgrazing Use of explosives to blow up mines Use of machineries which emit toxic byproducts that leak to the ground

CAUSES OF LAND POLLUTION 3. Sewage Sludge Improper or inadequate sanitation system causes sludge to leak at surrounding soil

HEALTH EFFECTS Diseases transmit from direct contact with polluted soil or from contact with other resources, such as water that has made direct contact with polluted soil. Children are more susceptible simple because they usually have more frequent contact with the soil as compared to adults. Diseases causes by land pollution include: cancer, neurological problems, and tissue damage and irritation. Indirectly affects the respiratory system. The polluted dust and/or particles can enter the lungs. Skin problems are frequently linked to land pollution. One of the leading causes for birth defects. Pregnant women living in unhealthy and dirty environment can incur breathing problems and a number of diseases, which may affect the health of the baby as well.

HEALTH EFFECTS: CHEMICAL POISONING Organ damage and bioaccumulation Main Soil Pollutant Potential Specific Sources Some Common Symptoms/Effects of Poisoning with the Polluted Soil Lead (Pb) Lead paint Mining Foundry activities Vehicle exhaust (historical exhaust since lead is not used in gasoline anymore) Construction activities Agriculture activities (pesticide with lead such as lead arsenate that was banned but has been historically used) Affect the nervous system and memory, growth and development, as well as cognitive development (lower Iqs) Learning difficulties Autism in genetically predisposed people Growth reduction and weight loss Impair pituitary-thyroid endocrine system Favor osteoporosis at old age

HEALTH EFFECTS: CHEMICAL POISONING Main Soil pollutant Potential Specific Sources Some Common Symptoms/Effects of Poisoning with the Polluted Soil Mercury (Hg) Mining Incineration of coal Alkali and metal processing Medical and other waste Volcanoes and geologic deposits (natural sources) Accumulation in plants and vegetables grown on polluted soils Itching, burning, pain Damage to brain kidney and lungs Pink disease (acrodynia) – skin discoloration (pink cheeks, fingertips, toes), while red cheeks and nose in affected chlidren Desquamation (peeling off in layers of dead skin) High blood pressure and hypersalivation tachycardia Loss of hair, teeth, nails, photofobia, kidney disfunction, memory impairment, insomnia -  in children

Potential Specific Sources Main Soil pollutant Potential Specific Sources Some Common Symptoms/Effects of Poisoning with the Polluted Soil Arsenic (As) Mining Coal-fired power plants Lumber facilities (used as CCA – chromate copper arsenate in pressure treated wood) Electronic Industry Foundry activities Agriculture (Pesticides - including some of those currently used) Natural accumulation under specific conditions If ingested –the most specific effects relates to skin pattern changes and cancer (including liver, kidney, bladder, prostate and lung cancer); also at lower doses the digestive system may be affected with symptoms such as: nausea vomiting, stomach irritation, diarrhea, damage of blood vessels If inhaled – skin changes; irritation of throat and lungs, circulatory problems, nervous system disorders

Potential Specific Sources Main Soil pollutant Potential Specific Sources Some Common Symptoms/Effects of Poisoning with the Polluted Soil Other metals (Mn, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, etc.) Mining Foundry activities Construction activities Depend on metals – please follow individual links PAHs (polyaromatic hydrocarbons) Coal burning Vehicle emissions Accumulation in plants and vegetables grown on polluted soils Cigarette smoke Wildfires Agricultural burning Wood burning Asphalt roads (construction activities) Industrial plants (e.g., coal tar, bitumen, coal-gasification) Accumulation in plants and vegetables grown on polluted soils Construction activities Harm to skin, body fluids, and autoimmune system Eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, diahrea Cataracts Kidney and liver damage Cancer (skin, lung, bladder, gastrointestinal) Herbicides/Insecticides Agricultural activities Gardening Large range of effects from skin rashes to death

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS Animals Soil Toxic litter can be eaten by wildlife, both in the water and on land Pests increase as the edible garbage become breeding grounds resulting in an increase of their population and communicable diseases. These diseases can be transferred to other animals. Pesticides have unintended effects on plants and animals inadvertently exposed during application. A common agricultural pesticide, atrazine has different effects with respect to which animal receives exposure. For example, reptile eggs were not found to be affected, likely due to their thick, leathery shell. Conversely, quail were found to have reduced food consumption and inhibited reproductive capabilities. Items such as batteries, light bulbs and televisions leach toxic chemicals like mercury into the ground. Sources like smokestacks and fertilizers can coat large plots of land with toxins. These chemicals enter the soil, either attached to soil particles or trapped in air pockets. They then contaminate local plant and animal life, as well as nearby water systems.

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS Water Plants Chemicals that enter the soil can easily spread to water systems. Groundwater absorbs chemicals from the soil. It is often used to supply local communities with drinking water, and to support local agriculture. Nearby rivers can sweep chemicals downstream toward oceans or lakes, which affects fish and other wildlife. As pollution is introduced into major bodies of water it begins to saturate the water with phosphates and nitrates, especially when human waste is introduced. This over-saturation causes an exponential growth in algae and other plants, which can ultimately block the sun's rays from reaching deep into the water. Toxic chemicals can seep into the ground and contaminate local affect every part of the ecosystem---both plants and animals. If plants are exposed to harmful pollution, their fruits may become tainted, thus placing animals who feed on these plants in danger of being poisoned.

WAYS TO PREVENT/MINIMIZE THE PROBLEM Reduce, reuse, recycle Buy biodegradable products Avoid the use of pesticides Don’t litter Use reusable containers Try to use organic products (products that are biodegradable and environment-friendly) Have a proper waste management system Make use of scratch paper Avoid the use of plastic shopping bags – use reusable bags instead

SOURCES Websites used: http://library.thinkquest.org?C0111040/Popups/pop_table_land1. htm http://www.livestrong.com/article/159831-health-effects-from-soil- pollution/ http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/causes-and-effects-of-land- pollution-4470.html http://www.livestrong.com/article/176005-the-effects-of-soil- pollution-on-humans/ http://www.ehow.com/list_6453037_effects-land-pollution- health.html http://www.environmentalpollutioncenters.org/soil/ http://www.environmentalpollutioncenters.org/soil/examples/ http://www.livestrong.com/article/140586-how-does-land- pollution-affect-environment/#ixzz1leKRbEvf http://www.ehow.com/list_6497593_effects-land-pollution- environment.html#ixzz1leJfRqC9