Potential Pollutants in Soil System: Impacts and Remediation

Abstract

The economic upswing of the developing countries propelled the agricultural and industrial growth which has resulted in serious environmental degradation. All the ecosystems of earth are equally facing the problems caused by different types of pollutants. In our day-to-day life, we are exposed to various kinds of pollutants. We often talk about water and air pollution but soil pollution is very less discussed and reported. Soil have been carrying in itself number of contaminants mainly heavy metals, pesticides, organophosphates and radioactive residues from thousands of years acting as a sink of pollutants. These accumulated contaminants cause various types of health issues and affect other life forms. Any kind of imbalance causes visible changes not only in soil ecosystem but also in air, water and biological life. Once it degrades it is very difficult to reclaim it fully in its natural form. This chapter is an outcome of reading various works of literature regarding soil pollution, its possible causes and effects on life forms, various types of pollutants and the bioavailability of these contaminants. The chapter at the end is closed by discussing various strategies for the remediation of the contaminated soil.