Soil and Land Pollution

Abstract Mining, agriculture, and deforestation are important energy-intensive activities that impact economies and at the same time directly and indirectly cause soil, air, and land pollution. Mining produces vast quantities of almost sterile and structureless geologic materials (crushed rock) that often contain significant amounts of toxic metals, such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium in the form of primary minerals such as metal sulfides, and secondary minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and metal sulfates and carbonates. Mine overburden and tailings are often stockpiled next to large open pit excavations. Modern agricultural production requires the use of large quantities of commercial fertilizers and pesticides, and produces animal wastes, all of which can pollute land, air, and water. Land deforestation indirectly affects the quality of land and water by increasing the rates of soil erosion and sediment transport, and accelerating the loss of the nutrient-rich soil surface. Invasive exotic plant species also have a significant impact on the quality of our lands by creating soil conditions that may be toxic to other plants and by increasing fire hazards. All of these activities in turn can affect soil salinity and acidity of surrounding land areas by releasing or concentrating unwanted metals, salts, and acid or acid-forming minerals. These materials can also be released into air or water sources.