Soil Pollution and Remediation

EPSM 15 Lec 22

Soil Pollution

The introduction of substances or organisms into the soil, resulting in a change of the soil quality, likely affecting its normal use and endangering public health and the living environment.

Point Source Pollution

Pollution originating from a single identifiable source, such as a pipe or drain.

Non-Point Source Pollution

Diffused pollution that refers to inputs occurring over a wide area from multiple sources.

Bioremediation

A sustainable remediation method that uses naturally occurring organisms to break down hazardous substances into less toxic or non-toxic substances.

Phytoremediation

An environmentally friendly technology involving the use of green plants to remove, contain, or render harmless contaminants in soil or water.

Eutrophication

The excessive richness of nutrients in a water body, frequently due to runoff from land, causing a dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen.

Inorganic Contaminants

Contaminants that include metal(loid)s (like lead and arsenic), fertilizers, and radionuclides.

Organic Contaminants

Contaminants that include petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides, and industrial organics.

Emerging Contaminants

Chemicals discovered in water at levels significantly different than expected, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products.

Containment

A remediation strategy involving methods to prevent the spread of contaminants in soil.

Dig and Dump

A remediation method involving the excavation of contaminated soil and transporting it to a landfill.

Arsenic

A toxic element responsible for the largest mass poisoning in human history, particularly affecting populations in Bangladesh.

Sustainable Remediation

An approach that minimizes the environmental impact while effectively addressing contamination, often through immobilization of contaminants.

Remediation

The process of cleaning up contaminated sites to restore them to a safe condition.

Public Health Risks

Potential negative health impacts on the population due to exposure to pollutants, particularly in urban environments.

Heavy Metals

Toxic metals, such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium, which can contaminate soil and pose serious health risks.