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Land Pollution
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Land Pollution

How Land is Polluted
Littering and Illegal Dumps
Land is polluted when waste is not disposed of properly. Sometimes, waste is thrown along roadside as litter. At other times, it is left in great heaps in public places which have not been set aside as rubbish dumps. When people discard waste in such inconsiderate ways, a lot of time and effort have to be spent on cleaning up the land. Improper disposal of waste also occurs in mining sides where heaps of waste materials are left behind on the land after the minerals have been mined or extracted.

Pesticides and Herbicides
Many farmers also use other chemicals to produce better quality crops. Such chemicals include pesticides and herbicides. Pesticides are used to kill insects and other animals that may eat the crops or spread disease. Herbicides are used to kill weeds that may compete with the crops for water and nutrients in the soil. Although the use of chemicals may lead to healthier yields, they can pollute the land when they are washed into the soil.

Effects of Land Pollution

Negative effects on public health
Besides being an eyesore, waste that is carelessly thrown away can be smelly, unhygienic or even dangerous. This waste attracts pests such as flies and rats, which are carriers of disease. These pests can spread disease to people.
 
Poisoning of plants and animals
The problem with pesticides and herbicides is that they do not disappear once used. They may be washed into the soil and be consumed by organisms such as earthworms. These organisms accumulate the toxic chemicals in their bodies. When they are eaten by bigger animals, the chemicals pass on to the predators causing side effects.
 
Soil contamination
Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides can also remain in the soil and affect plant growth. When it rains, some of this chemicals are carried by surface runoff into rivers and streams, thus contaminating the water. These chemicals may also seep into groundwater and pollute it.