Environmental Studies Unit 8 – Soil Pollution

A collection of key vocabulary terms and concise definitions drawn from Unit 8 on Soil Pollution, covering sources, effects, pollutants, and control measures.

Pollution

The presence of adverse or contaminated materials in the environment that harm its components.

Pollutants

Unwanted substances—natural or man-made—that cause pollution (e.g., smoke, heavy metals, pesticides).

Soil Pollution

Contamination of soil through the absorption of toxic elements such as garbage, plastics, fertilisers and pesticides.

Land Pollution

Degradation of the earth’s surface that affects both soil and groundwater; soil pollution is a subtype.

Air Pollution

Contamination of the atmosphere by harmful particles and gases produced naturally or by human activity.

Water Pollution

Introduction of hazardous or poisonous substances into water bodies, adversely affecting aquatic life.

Noise Pollution

Harmful or excessive sound that disrupts normal activities and can damage health.

Microplastics

Tiny plastic particles that persist in soil and water, acting as significant soil pollutants.

Pesticides

Chemical agents used to kill pests; overuse contaminates soil and reduces fertility.

Herbicides

Chemicals applied to eliminate weeds; contribute to agricultural soil pollution.

Chemical Fertilisers

Synthetic nutrients added to boost crop growth; excess use leads to soil degradation.

Agricultural Sources (of soil pollution)

Inputs such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers that contaminate soil during farming.

Industrial Sources (of soil pollution)

Gaseous, liquid or solid wastes (e.g., CO₂, NO₂) released from industries that alter soil pH.

Urban Waste

Household and municipal garbage—including plastics and food waste—that pollute land and rivers.

Sewage Sludge

Semi-solid waste from septic tanks; improper disposal contaminates land and water.

Mining and Smelting

Extraction activities that erode mineral-laden soil, releasing pollutants into surrounding land.

Acid Rain

Rainwater mixed with industrial gases like NO₂ and SO₂, lowering soil pH and harming crops.

Oil Spills

Accidental release of petroleum that infiltrates soil, degrading quality and harming organisms.

Heavy Metals

Toxic elements (e.g., lead, cadmium, copper) that accumulate in soil and enter the food chain.

E-waste

Discarded electronic devices; improper dumping releases metals that contaminate soil and groundwater.

Deforestation

Massive cutting or burning of trees, leading to infertile soil and increased erosion.

Food Chain

A series of organisms each dependent on the next for food; soil pollution disrupts its base.

Groundwater

Water stored beneath Earth’s surface; can be polluted by soil contaminants.

Runoff

Flow of chemicals from land into water bodies, often originating from factories or farms.

Soil Fertility

Soil’s capacity to support plant growth; decreases when contaminated by chemicals.

Soil Acidity (pH)

Measure of soil’s acid level; pollution typically decreases pH, harming vegetation.

Crop Rotation

Alternating crops on the same land to maintain nutrients and reduce soil pollution.

Afforestation

Planting trees in non-forested areas to improve soil quality and reduce pollution.

Intensive Farming

High-input agriculture relying on chemicals; a major cause of soil degradation.

Control Measures (for soil pollution)

Actions like reducing chemicals, planting trees, and proper waste disposal to restore soil health.

Biodiversity Loss

Decline in plant and animal species due to contaminated soil environments.

Neuromuscular Blockage

Human health effect linked to soil toxins interfering with nerve and muscle function.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food (e.g., plants); harmed by soil contaminants.

Greenhouse Effect

Atmospheric warming caused by trapped sunlight; related concept within broader pollution studies.

Eutrophication

Nutrient enrichment of water bodies leading to algal blooms; often linked to agricultural runoff.

Radioactive Materials

Naturally decaying atoms like radon; can act as pollutants in soil and air.

Urbanisation

Expansion of cities that increases waste production and land contamination.

Industrialisation

Growth of industries on a large scale; a key driver of multiple pollution types.

Copper (Cu)

Heavy metal detected in high concentrations near e-waste sites, posing soil toxicity risks.

Lead (Pb)

Toxic heavy metal; elevated levels in soil can cause neurological disorders.

Cadmium (Cd)

Poisonous metal found in polluted soils; accumulates in plants and human tissues.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

Greenhouse gas released by industries; contributes to acid rain when combined with water vapor.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Gases from combustion processes that form acid rain and degrade soil quality.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Chemicals that deplete the ozone layer; part of wider pollution concerns.

Peroxyacetyl Nitrate (PAN)

Photochemical pollutant contributing to smog; harmful to plants and soil microorganisms.

Sewage

Wastewater from households and industries; improper disposal contaminates soil.

Vegetation Cover

Plant layer that protects soil from erosion and contamination; maintaining it reduces pollution.

Barren Land

Soil rendered infertile and useless due to prolonged contamination.

Case Study – Mandoli, Delhi

Research site where e-waste raised soil copper to 283 mg/kg, far above normal levels.

3R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)

Environmental strategy recommended to curb pollution, including soil contamination.