A STUDY BASED ON SOIL POLLUTION IN KERALA

SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

UNDER THE UNIVERSITY OF KERALA

SEMESTER I

Submitted by: NAJLA NAZAR

Candidate’s code: 19516800022

A.J COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY THONNAKKAL

TRIVANDRUM, 17
 CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES
SCOPE
LIMITATIONS
FINDINGS
SUGGESTIONS
CONCLUSION
 INTRODUCTION
The word Environment comes from the French word ‘environed’ which means ‘to
surround’ or ‘to encircle’. The dictionary meaning of the word ‘environment’ is a
surrounding; external conditions influencing development or growth of people, animals
or plants; living or working conditions etc. Environment refers to the sum total of
conditions which surround man at a given point in space and time. It includes abiotic
(Physical) and biotic (plants, animals and man) components. So environment not only
means our environment but also a variety of issues connected with human activity and its
impact on natural resources. As long as mutual action, reaction and relationship of these
components remain harmonious, the environment maintains a balance.

Earnes Macked of Germany for the first time introduced the concept of environmental
consciousness. Environment can be divided into three parts:-

1. Natural Environment: It includes air, water, tree, forests, rivers, plants etc.

2. Social Environment: It includes all the socio- economic influence affecting mankind as
population growth, employment, culture etc.

3. Man- made Environment: It include village, city, institutions, industries, roads,

buildings, agriculture, transport etc.

Environmental Degradation means lowering the total environmental qualities due to

various human activities. Human beings damage the basic structural components of
environment for their selfish interest. Such activities bring adverse changes to all
biological communities of the nature and to the human society as well. World is facing
environmental instability which has reached a danger level. The serious environmental
problems are not only posing a threat to man’s own survival but also to fauna and flora.
About 1 million species have already become extinct. Now it is feared that man- made
problems to environment will bring ecological disaster. Man will destroy himself if he
thoughtlessly upsets the ecological balance of which he is a part.
Environmental Degradation can be divided into two categories on the basis of factors
responsible for the lowering of environment.

i) Extreme Events and Hazards and

ii) Pollution

Soil is a mixture of minerals, organic materials, living organisms, air and water. It is a
thin layer covering the land and supports the growth of plants life. The soil is a natural
resource for which no substitute can be provided. Donald Warster reminded people long
back that soil and fertilizers are not substitute for fertile soil. Decrease in the quality of
soils either due to anthropogenic sources or natural sources or by both is called soil
pollution or soil degradation.

Land and soil pollution are rapidly and continuously growing problems as they are
related to rapid growth of population, urbanization, industrialization, agricultural
production and other related activities. Land is mainly polluted by solid waste disposal.
The solid waste disposal remains in a place for relatively longer periods than the
pollutants remain in water and air. Dumping of industrial and municipal wastage for a
long time in the same place produced a liquid which diffuse through the soil and affect
the ground water. The formation of soil is a slow process as the formation and
development of one inch of soil require about one thousand years whereas the destruction
of soils through erosion and pollution is quick process. The quality of soil depends upon
the nutrients both organic and inorganic, humus content, moisture, temperature etc.
present in the soils. The dumping of domestic and municipal wastes although considered
as less effective to cause diseases in human body but is hazardous to human health. Its
impact on environment and on human health is considered serious. Diseases like
dysentery, diarrhea, plague, malaria and some other diseases occur due to indiscriminate
dumping of wastage. The main factors of soil pollution are accelerated rate of soil erosion
consequent upon major land use changes ( e.g. deforestation ); excessive use of chemical
fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides and herbicides; polluted waste water from industrial
and urban areas; a few micro- organisms; forest fires; dumping of urban and industrial
solid wastes; water logging and related capillary process; .leaching processes; drought;
etc.

Stripping soil of its natural fertility by using artificial chemicals like pesticides,
insecticides, ripening agents etc. is known as “Soil Pollution”. Plants depend on the
nitrogenous compounds present in the soil for their nutrition. Use of insecticides,
pesticides and other artificial chemicals absorbs the nitrogen from the soil making it unfit
for the growth for plants. Plants are responsible for holding the soil together firmly so,
when the plants can’t grow the soil splits, leading to soil erosion. The most common
chemicals involved in soil pollution are petroleum hydrocarbons, solvents, pesticides,
lead, and other heavy metals. A soil pollutant is any factor which deteriorates the quality,
texture and mineral content of the soil or which disturbs the biological balance of the
organisms in the soil.

Pollution in soil has adverse effect on plant growth. Pollution in soil is mainly associated
with:

 Indiscriminate use of fertilizers

 Indiscriminate use of pesticides, insecticides and herbicides
 Dumping of large quantities of solid waste
 Deforestation and soil erosion

Soil, like air and water, is the source of all life on the earth. Soil is the major resource of
food for human beings. It is a vital resource which supports the existence, security,
prosperity and sustainable development of a whole country. If soil is polluted and the soil
environment is destroyed, no matter which state or nation, will pay for what they have
done.
The key to build a society that can be characterized as an ecological civilization is
environmental protection. Ecological civilization requires great emphasis on
strengthening environmental governance by improving and modernizing the governance
institutional system and strengthening the national and local capacity to deliver results.
Soil pollution has become a major threat to the food safety, human health and ecological
safety and is a common concern around the world.
 OBJECTIVES

 To study the environmental degradation through soil pollution in the market area
of Kerala.
 To study the awareness among the people of market area with regards to soil
pollution.
 To know the affect of the soil pollution in the market area in different aspects of
life.
 To know the incentives taken by the people of market area for prevention.

Large number of hazardous chemicals and several thousand tons of wastes are ultimately
dumped on the land. These are leached by municipal and industrial wastes and are
responsible for pollution of ground water. The problem of soil pollution is compounded
by the use of agrochemicals, e.g. pesticides, fungicides, bactericides, insecticides,
biocides, fertilizers and manure. Besides these the soil is polluted by deadly pathogenic
organisms. The soil pollution differs from air and water pollution in the sense that the
pollutants in soil remain in direct contact with the soil for relatively longer periods. In
fact, the soil has been heavily polluted as a result of industrial revolution and green
revolution. Basically humans are responsible for the pollution of the land. The main
sources of soil pollution include industrial wastes, urban and domestic waste, radioactive
pollutants, agrochemicals, chemical and metallic pollutants, biological agents, acid rain
etc.

 Need and Significance of the Study:

Kerala is a state considered to be having a developed modern society. The

consumption of more resources results in the generation of more waste. All types of
waste including solid, hazardous and biomedical waste generation in the state are more
compared to other states in the country. There is a series of actions initiated at National
and State level abate the problems arise due to the wastes, particularly the pollution
problem. Solid waste generation is mainly due to industrial and domestic activities. The
waste generated due to industrial activities is of hazardous as well as non-hazardous
nature. The solid waste generation due to domestic sources, the garbage, is very high in
the State. The biomedical wastes are generated from all health care institutions. The
responsibility of collection, treatment and safe disposal of all types of solid wastes rests
with the generator.

The Population of the State is increasing steadily, apart from the development in all
spheres of life of the people. These will definitely an impact on the solid waste generation
as well.
Municipal Solid Waste: Even though there are 58 urban municipalities in the state, most
of the Grama panchayaths are showing the characters of urban areas particularly in
respect of municipal solid waste generation. So the state should plan to have municipal
waste management system in all the Grama Panchayath areas. In short the burden on the
municipal solid waste will increase necessitating very huge expenditure on MSW
management.
The qualities of domestic and municipal wastes are related to population growth and
production of plastic materials. The use of various non-disposable waste (plastic material)
and other household garbage along with municipal wastes polluted the soil and land
greatly. Environment is the sum total of the whole circumstances that assert their
influences on the individual from the moment of their birth till death. In other word,
everything that surrounds an individual may be said to be environment.
Harmful effects that can be caused by soil pollution are-

1. Particles that flow with the water to the land may clog the micro holes of the soil
and also destroy the micro organisms necessary for the soil.
2. Soil and land pollution when decompose various types of waste material produce
harmful gases and bad smell, thus pollute the environment. It becomes more
harmful when mixed with chemicals.
 3. The municipal and domestic waste is also source of land pollution. These are most
often discharged in water bodies and caused water pollution.

So therefore, serious implications should be taken to conserve the environment with a

stern look out for soil pollution in Kerala itself.
 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Soil is an irreplaceable resource that sustains life on the planet, challenged by food and
energy demands of an increasing population. Therefore, soil contamination constitutes a
critical issue to be addressed if we are to secure the life quality of present and future
generations. Integrated efforts from researchers and policy makers are required to
develop sound risk assessment procedures, remediation strategies and sustainable soil
management policies.

With the rise of concrete buildings and roads, one part of the Earth that we rarely see is
the soil. It has many different names, such as dirt, mud and ground. However, it is
definitely very important to us. The plants that feed us grow in soil and keeping it healthy
is essential to maintaining a beautiful planet. However, like all other forms of nature, soil
also suffers from pollution. The pollution of soil is a common thing these days, and it
happens due to the presence of manmade elements. The main reason why the soil
becomes contaminated is due to the presence of manmade waste. The waste produced
from nature itself such as dead plants, carcasses of animals and rotten fruits and
vegetables only adds to the fertility of the soil. However, our waste products are full of
chemicals that are not originally found in nature and lead to soil pollution.

 Main causes of soil pollution:

1. Industrial Activity: Industrial activity has been the biggest contributor to the problem
in the last century, especially since the amount of mining and manufacturing has
increased. Most industries are dependent on extracting minerals from the Earth. Whether
it is iron ore or coal, the byproducts are contaminated and they are not disposed off in a
manner that can be considered safe. As a result, the industrial waste lingers in the soil
surface for a long time and makes it unsuitable for use.
2. Agricultural Activities: Chemical utilization has gone up tremendously since
technology provided us with modern pesticides and fertilizers. They are full of chemicals
that are not produced in nature and cannot be broken down by it. As a result, they seep
into the ground after they mix with water and slowly reduce the fertility of the soil. Other
chemicals damage the composition of the soil and make it easier to erode by water and
air. Plants absorb many of these pesticides and when they decompose, they cause soil
pollution since they become a part of the land.

3. Waste Disposal: Finally, a growing cause for concern is how we dispose of our waste.
While industrial waste is sure to cause contamination, there is another way in which we
are adding to the pollution. Every human produces a certain amount of personal waste
products by way or urine and feces.

While much of it moves into the sewer the system, there is also a large amount that is
dumped directly into landfills in the form of diapers. Even the sewer system ends at the
landfill, where the biological waste pollutes the soil and water. This is because our bodies
are full of toxins and chemicals which are now seeping into the land and causing
pollution of soil.

4. Accidental Oil Spills: Oil leaks can happen during storage and transport of chemicals.
This can be seen at most of the fuel stations. The chemicals present in the fuel deteriorate
the quality of soil and make them unsuitable for cultivation. These chemicals can enter
into the groundwater through soil and make the water undrinkable.

5. Acid Rain: Acid rain is caused when pollutants present in the air mixes up with the
rain and fall back on the ground. The polluted water could dissolve away some of the
important nutrients found in soil and change the structure of the soil.

 Effects of soil pollution :

1. Effect on Health of Humans: Considering how soil is the reason we are able to
sustain ourselves, the contamination of it has major consequences on our health. Crops
and plants grown on polluted soil absorb much of the pollution and then pass these on to
us. This could explain the sudden surge in small and terminal illnesses.

Long term exposure to such soil can affect the genetic make-up of the body, causing
congenital illnesses and chronic health problems that cannot be cured easily. In fact, it
can sicken the livestock to a considerable extent and cause food poisoning over a long
period of time. The soil pollution can even lead to widespread famines if the plants are
unable to grow in it.

2. Effect on Growth of Plants: The ecological balance of any system gets affected due
to the widespread contamination of the soil. Most plants are unable to adapt when the
chemistry of the soil changes so radically in a short period of time. Fungi and bacteria
found in the soil that bind it together begin to decline, which creates an additional
problem of soil erosion.

The fertility slowly diminishes, making land unsuitable for agriculture and any local
vegetation to survive. The soil pollution causes large tracts of land to become hazardous
to health. Unlike deserts, which are suitable for its native vegetation, such land cannot
support most forms of life.

3. Decreased Soil Fertility: The toxic chemicals present in the soil can decrease soil
fertility and therefore decrease in the soil yield. The contaminated soil is then used to
produce fruits and vegetables which lacks quality nutrients and may contain some
poisonous substance to cause serious health problems in people consuming them.
4. Toxic Dust: The emission of toxic and foul gases from landfills pollutes the
environment and causes serious effects on health of some people. The unpleasant smell
causes inconvenience to other people.

5. Changes in Soil Structure: The death of many soil organisms (e.g. earthworms) in the
soil can lead to alteration in soil structure. Apart from that, it could also force other
predators to move to other places in search of food.

A number of ways have been suggested to curb the current rate of pollution. Such
attempts at cleaning up the environment require plenty of time and resources to be
pitched in. Industries have been given regulations for the disposal of hazardous waste,
which aims at minimizing the area that becomes polluted. Organic methods of farming
are being supported, which do not use chemical laden pesticides and fertilizers. Use of
plants that can remove the pollutants from the soil is being encouraged. However, the
road ahead is quite long and the prevention of soil pollution will take many more years.

Speaking about the soil pollution in Kerala, the fresh fruits and vegetables which are
consuming today are harmful as most them contains chemicals, which are used during
cultivation as pesticides and herbicides for better yield. These chemicals not only kills
pests and weeds, but also pollute the soil where used. Pesticides are substances intended
for preventing, destroying or controlling any pest. Pest includes insects, mice and other
animals, unwanted plants, fungi, or disease spreading microorganisms like bacteria and
viruses. Insecticides and herbicides are also kinds of pesticides.
Generally, pesticides are synthetic toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment. If
the same or similar kind of pesticide is used continuously a number of times, the pests
grow resistant to them. That is why pesticides with highly concentrated organic toxins
were made. For example, when insects grew resistant to DDT, organic toxins such as
aldrin and dieldrin were introduced.
These pesticides are water-insoluble and non-biodegradable, and, therefore, harmful for
the atmosphere. Moreover, the toxins are carried from the lower species to the higher
species through the food chain. The toxins become more concentrated with each
consuming rung. Although the chemical effect is minimal in the lower level species, it
becomes dangerously concentrated when it reaches the upper level species, such as
humans.
In humans, it causes serious metabolic and physiological disorders. Because of the
harmful effects of organic toxins, more bio-degradable products with less toxin
concentration, known as organo-phosphates and carbamates, were introduced. These
chemicals turned out to be more harmful to humans as they contain severe nerve toxins
that can cause death. DDT was found to be a great disease control tool during World War
II. After the war, it was used on a very large scale to control insects, rodents, weeds and
various crop diseases. Moreover, the ill-effects of DDT on human health came to light
later on. Today, some countries have banned its use.
Soil pollution can also lead to water contamination, and hence, should be
treated effectively.
It is observed that in the industrial sector also the State is steadily developing, in turn the
hazardous waste generation will be more. Particularly the hazardous waste generated
from electrical and electronics industries such as PCB, the oil wastes, waste paints and
varnishes and even the house hold hazardous waste will be more.
Most industrial units are identified as generating and handling hazardous waste in the
State as per the Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules. Apart from this,
there are hundreds if industrial units generating industrial solid waste. All industries with
wastewater treatment plants are generating solid waste. Hazardous wastes handling units
are classifies on the basis of their size of operation as large, medium and small. The
sector wise distribution of industrial units that hazardous waste in Kerala State as shown
in the below figure:

The Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) quality is same in all areas but its quantity varies.
There are cases of biomedical waste, industrial waste and hazardous waste mixing with
MSW. No segregation of MSW done in general. However in certain urban areas like
Kozhikode Municipal Corporation an attempt is being made to segregate the waste.
Industrial hazardous waste quality and quantity is based on the type of source.
Industrial solid waste and Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) sludge are not properly
disposed. Waste generated from conventional industries like coir and cashew also causing
problems.
According to the pollution potential, hazardous wastes handling units are classified
into three categories namely red category (highly polluting), orange category (medium
polluting) and green category (less polluting). The distribution of hazardous waste
handling units as per the category wise classification is given below.

 Major impacts

Municipal Solid Waste: The improper disposal of municipal solid waste at the
disposal/dumping sites attracts rodents, files, etc. apart from this the open dumping of
wastes create an unhygienic condition.

 Soil Contamination: The unscientific management of municipal solid waste will

lead to contamination of soil. The contamination of soil was reported from a few
MSW dumping sites. The soil purification activities cannot be dreamed at the
present level of economic condition of the State.
 Ground water Contamination: The contamination of soil, in turn, leads to
contamination of ground water. This is mainly due to percolation of leachate. The
quantity of leachate will be more in Kerala due to heavy rainfall. Once the ground
water is polluted it may take decades to attain the normal condition. Some studies
show that ground water contamination is observed near some waste dumping
yards.
 Health Problems: The open dumping areas can create health problem, as it will
lead to multiplication of rodents and flies. Open dumping may result in the
 generation of anaerobic gases, which lead to creation of bad odour primarily
resulting in a variety of diseases. There are persistent complaints from people
residing near open dumping areas. Health care establishment premises with poor
solid waste management are more prone to spreading diseases.

Hazardous Waste: The improper and unscientific disposal of hazardous wastes

results in adverse impact on ecosystem including human health. In absence of common
hazardous waste handling facilities in the State the industrial units generating hazardous
waste are presently storing the wastes in their own premises.

 Soil Contamination: Once hazardous wastes are disposed on land toxic metals,
oils and toxic chemicals will contaminate soil. It is reported that some toxic
organic chemicals can affect the soil productivity.
 Ground water Contamination: The contamination of soil results in the pollution
of groundwater due to heavy metals and toxic organic compounds. Groundwater
once contaminated may take years to get purified. Kerala is a State where large
numbers of wells are used for drawing groundwater for domestic purposes as well
as for agricultural use. The use of such polluted water will affect adversely the
health of the people. There are a few areas in the state near industrial units where
the groundwater contamination is reported.
 Health problems: The contamination of soil as well as groundwater will affect the
health of the people.

Biomedical Wastes: The biomedical wastes, which comprises of toxic chemicals and
pathogens will lead to more environmental problems if not managed properly.

 Soil Contamination: The disposal of biomedical waste on land without treatment

will lead to the contamination of soil. The disposal of needles, biomedical solid
waste, etc. is a major area of concern.
 Groundwater Contamination: The failure of deep burial system as well as
disposal of biomedical waste incineration ash may contaminate groundwater.
 Health Problems: Cases of infectious diseases, reappearing in some parts of the
State are of concern. This is feared to be mainly due to improper management and
handling of biomedical waste by health care institutions.
 LIMITATIONS
Soils are critical environment where rock, air and water interface. Consequently, they are
subjected to a number of pollutants due to different anthropogenic activities (Industrial,
agricultural, transport etc). The chemical composition of soil, particularly its metal
content is environmentally important, because toxic metals concentration can reduce soil
fertility, can increase input to food chain, which leads to accumulate toxic metals in food
stuffs, and ultimately can endanger human health. Because of its environmental
significance, many studies to determine risk caused by metal levels in soil on human
health and forest ecosystem have attracted attention in recent years. In India, many urban
and dense cities with significant industrial waste generation have been found to have
contaminated soil. Many studies have been done in this field. But there are certain
limitations for the conservation of soil. As time pass by, more and more technological
innovations are being invented by which it is indirectly affecting the earth material.
Biomedical wastes, hazardous wastes and solid waste can be eradicated through the
major support of man itself who is the source reason of all this problems.

When it comes to the environment itself, the toll of contaminated soil is even direr. Soil
that has been contaminated should no longer be used to grow food, because the chemicals
can leech into the food and harm people who eat it. If contaminated soil is used to grow
food, the land will usually produce lower yields than it would if it were not contaminated.
This, in turn, can cause even more harm because a lack of plants on the soil will cause
more erosion, spreading the contaminants onto land that might not have been
tainted before.

In addition, the pollutants will change the makeup of the soil and the types
of microorganisms that will live in it. If certain organisms die off in the area, the larger
predator animals will also have to move away or die because they've lost. Creation of
toxic dust is another potential effect of soil pollution.
Foul smell due to industrial chemicals and gases might result in headaches, fatigue,
nausea, etc., in many people.
Pollutants in soil pose a threat to the health of children and adults who play or work in the
affected area. Residences, businesses and industrial areas may contain chemicals of
concern in paints, heating oil and solvents, among others. Children and adults who work
or play in the area can be exposed to the chemicals through direct skin contact with the
contaminated soil, inhalation of chemical vapors emanating from the land surface,
accidental ingestion of particulates and consumption of food grown in the contaminated
soil. Effects occur to agricultural lands which have certain types of soil contamination.
Contaminants typically alter plant metabolism, often causing a reduction in crop yields.
This has a secondary effect upon soil conservation, since the languishing crops cannot
shield the Earth's soil from erosion. Some of these chemical contaminants have long half-
lives and in other cases derivative
chemicals are formed from decay of
primary soil contaminants.

Soil pollution reduces the ability of

land to support life, affecting wild
species, domestic animals,
agricultural crops and people. The
reduction in plant cover leads to
accelerated soil erosion by wind and
water.
Water is lost off the land instead of soaking into the soil to provide moisture for plants.
Even long-lived plants that would normally survive droughts die. A reduction in plant
cover also results in a reduction in the quantity of humus and plant nutrients in the soil,
and plant production drops further. As protective plant cover disappears, floods become
more frequent and more severe.
Soils polluted by acid rain have an impact on plants by disrupting the soil chemistry and
reducing plants' ability to take up nutrients and undergo photosynthesis. Acidic
deposition into the soil can hamper its ability to buffer changes in the soil pH, causing
plants to die off due to inhospitable condition. While aluminum occurs naturally in the
environment, soil pollution can mobilize inorganic forms, which are highly toxic to plants
and can potentially leach into ground water, compounding their effects.
 FINDINGS
1. From the survey, it is seen that environment is degrading through soil pollution in the
market area of Kerala due to waste products thrown here and there. They do not maintain
dustbin and throws all the waste products in the drain, due to which water logging took
place. Slum area results in bad odour- flies, diseases spread over the habitants of the area.
2. Most of the people in the market area are not aware of the soil pollution. Few of
them are aware but still are not interested in dealing with these issues.
3. Soil pollution affects the people of Kerala market area. Diseases like dysentery,
diarrhea, plague, malaria and some other diseases occur due to indiscriminate dumping of
wastage in the area. The dumping of domestic and municipal wastes although considered
as less effective to cause diseases in human body but is hazardous to human health. Its
impact on environment and on human health is considered serious.
4. People in the market area have not taken any incentive as a whole for prevention.
Waste products are thrown after three or four days. Maintaining cleaning system for daily
routine is not practical in nature whereas the shopkeepers or the habitants themselves
managed themselves in cleaning their own surroundings.
5. During rainy seasons the whole area is shrunk in water where the public faces
difficulties in daily life styles. It is due to misuses of drainage system by throwing waste
products.
6. People are ignorant about using urinals and latrines and hence are unhygienic, thus
pollute the area with bad odour which becomes difficult for the laymen to go around the
market area.
Role of stakeholders, community participation, awareness, education
In the case of biomedical waste and hazardous waste management the generators
are the main stack holders. The generators are responsible for the proper management of
waste. However, though the local bodies are the main stack holders, the community
participation is very important. The awareness and education of the public is equally of
importance in this case.
The awareness of the health care workers and their education and awareness of industrial
workers and their education is important in the case of biomedical waste management
and hazardous waste management.
The Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Kerala State
Pollution Control Board, Clean Kerala Mission, Universities, Professional Organizations,
Productivity Council, NGOs etc have taken lead in the awareness and education
activities.
Role of Education in Preventing and Controlling Environmental Pollution:
Education is considered as an instrument of social change, as well as social control.
Education plays significant role in controlling and solving the social problems.
Environmental pollution is the serious problem at global, regional, national as well as
local levels. The following methods can be used in solving the problems at these levels:
1. Providing the awareness of environmental pollution in every type of educational
institutions.
2. Providing the specific and more scientific knowledge subject wise.
3. Organizing orientation programs and courses for administrators, executives and the
authorities at different levels.
4. Interdisciplinary seminars, conferences, group discussion at regional and local levels.
5. Including ‘Environmental Education’ as a compulsory course and organizing some
project work in teacher- education program.
6. Scouting, guiding N.S.S. programme and village workers should be provided the
awareness about environmental pollution and remedial ways.
7. Encouraging the scholars for research studies on environmental pollution. These
should be interdisciplinary in nature.
8. Environmental management, organization, impact assessment and agencies should
work effectively and sincerely in solving the problem of Environment. Thus, there is a
need to study the soil pollution in the market area.
The paper argues that these potential threats of environmental deterioration continue to be
ignored. This is partly due to the difficulty associated with regulating the industry that
produces resources of high strategic importance. It is, however, important to pay attention
to the ill-effects of soil pollution in Kerala because of its high population density, and the
threat that mining poses to human health as well as the serious negative impacts that it
has been found to have on the environment, water and soil.
The pollution has affected the life and livelihoods of the people in the surroundings areas
of Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd. (KMML). The paper ends by arguing that a
multidisciplinary approach involving in-depth studies in geology, hydrology, soil
chemistry and toxicology are required to understand issues related to contamination.
Health risk assessments due to
the contaminated soil and water
from various exposure pathways
should be undertaken on a
priority basis to evaluate the
health impacts on the population.
The State govt. is providing
incentives by way of grants for
putting up municipal solid waste
management programmes. The Govt. of India under the ministry of Environment and
Forests is having a funding mechanism by sharing the investment cost under their model
facility scheme. One municipal corporation in the state has already availed of this facility
and a few other local bodies are waiting for Government of India assistance
The Kerala State Pollution Control Board is continuously and vigorously monitoring the
waste management activities by various agencies as well as the environmental problems
if treatment, disposal etc. corrective measures are suggested to adopt environment
friendly techniques for the management of all sorts of solid waste.
 SUGGESTIONS
Legislative measures and their efficiency: There are a number of legislations on
treatment of waste, both national as well as state level. The actions initiated in the state
are the following
Municipal Solid waste:

 The Municipalities Act,1994

 The Panchayath Raj Act,1994

 The Muncipal Solid Waste(Management and Handling) Rules 2000

 The Environmental Protection Act, 1986

In the case of municipal solid wastes, the Govt of Kerala is having an ambitious
programme-the Clean Kerala Mission. As this programme, Govt. of Kerala is planning to
have scientific solid waste management system to all local bodies in the State. In the first
phase, the mission proposes, to assist all urban local bodies to provide solid waste
management system and then to extend the programme to all rural local bodies. The
assistance is by way of preparation of solid waste management schemes, help to identify
suitable waste processing and land disposal sites and extending financial assistance for
matters exclusively for these purposes. It is hoped that all local bodies will be providing
scientific municipal solid waste management system within next two years.

In the case of municipal solid waste management the municipal corporations, the
municipalities and all the Grama Panchayath are engaged in the solid waste management
activities. The Clean Kerala Mission is assisting all local bodies for selection of proper
technology, identifying treatment and disposal sites, preparing action plans, arranging
training programme to various personal involved in the municipal solid waste
management, etc. even though the State Pollution Control Board is a statutory agency, the
Board is proactively participating in the implementation of municipal solid waste
management systems.
 Biomedical waste:

 The Municipalities Act,1994

 The Panchayath Raj Act,1994

 The Biomedical Wastes(Management and Handling) Rules 1998

 The Environmental Protection Act 1986

In the case of biomedical waste management, the Government of Kerala has

prepared a vision document on biomedical waste management. This document is the first
of its kind in India. As per the vision document, Government is proposing to install three
common biomedical waste treatment and disposal facilities in the State. Already there is
one common biomedical waste treatment and disposal plant in Kerala working at
Palakkad district, The Indian Medical Association (IMA). Apart from this the IMA is
having proposal to start two more common facilities at other parts of the state, which are
at different stages of its implementation. Once these common facilities become a reality
the environmental problems due to the biomedical waste management can be totally
avoided.
In the case of biomedical waste all the health care institutions are responsible for
the management of the biomedical waste generated. Most of them are having some
facility or other for the treatment and disposal of biomedical waste. In many cases the
facilities are as per the Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998.
However it is noted that common waste management facility is the most acceptable
solution for biomedical waste. Govt. is planning to have three common facilities with
private participation. The Kerala State Pollution Control Board is extending all technical
assistance to the State Govt. in this respect
 Hazardous Waste:

 The Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989

 The Environmental Protection Act

In the case of hazardous waste, temporary disposal/storage facilities in their own

premises have been installed on a few places. There is a proposal to start a common
hazardous waste facility at some central location
In the case of hazardous waste management with the initiative of the Kerala State
Industrial Development Corporation and the Industries Department Govt. is planning to
have one common facility at a central place in the State. The Kerala State pollution
Control Board of extending all technical help to Govt. in this aspect.

 Infrastructure provided for waste collection, treatment and disposal its

performance.
The Kudumbasree, a voluntary agency is assisting all local bodies for the house-to-house
collection of municipal solid waste and transportation of waste.
IMAGE a sub organization under the IMA has installed a common biomedical
waste treatment and disposal facility at Kanjikode in Palakkad district. The IMAGE is
giving training to health care workers of hospitals affiliated to their facility on segregated
storage of biomedical waste, precautions to be taken while handling the biomedical
waste, storage of biomedical waste, use of needle destroyers, provisions of the
Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, etc. they undertake transportation
of biomedical waste to their common treatment facility after proper segregation and
labeling. The proposed common facility of hazardous waste will have collection and
transportation arrangements, also apart from treatment and disposal

Unlike air or even water pollution, which is visible through phenomenon such as smog or
discolored water, soil pollution is largely invisible. Unfortunately, even unseen, soil
pollution still has devastating effects on the environment. To make matters worse, soil
pollution is contributed to on a daily basis on both a large scale, through the waste
products of corporations, and on a smaller scale with the improper use and disposal of
chemicals in and around the home. Luckily, by employing certain measures, soil
pollution can be reduced to help protect the environment for the future.

Household Chemical Disposal

The chemicals you use to clean your home can contain toxic chemicals that eventually
can make their way into the soil if not disposed of appropriately. To prevent
contamination from these products the Environmental Protection Agency recommends
purchasing cleaning products that are labeled as non-toxic whenever possible. You
should also dispose of toxic chemicals and their containers through designated
hazardous-waste collection centers instead of pouring them down the drain or outside.

Chemical Killers

Chemical killers can also cause problems with soil pollution if not used and disposed of
correctly. This includes weed killers, pesticides, insecticides and fungicides. The proper
use of these chemicals is especially important when using on large areas of soil, such as
killing weeds or bugs in grass yards. Use non-toxic killers when possible, and keep the
chemicals away from the street or other areas that drain into the public water supply. Use
just enough to be effective to avoid over use.

Solid Waste

Leaking and improperly maintained septic systems can also contribute to soil
contamination. To avoid this problem be sure to pump out your septic system every three
to five years. Regular annual septic system inspections are also recommended.

Planting and Reforestation

Erosion can also contribute to soil pollution. Erosion occurs with development as trees
and plants are cleared leaving the soil to be disturbed whenever it rains. Erosion pulls
toxins from surrounding soil into bodies of water and leads to sedimentation which can
reduce water quality. By planting new vegetation and trees in areas that are prone to
erosion, soil pollution can be further prevented.

Government Programs and Regulation

As soil pollution has become a greater concern, both state and federal government have
become involved in designing programs to limit the introduction of pollutants into the
soil, as well as introducing legislation to help reduce overall soil pollution. Legislation
such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of
1980 have helped legally enforce the prevention of soil pollution through taxing
industries largely responsible for soil pollution problems, and authorizing government
response actions to prevent and clean up large-scale soil contamination.
The Government as well as the individuals has realized the importance of environmental
education in the present day context. Environmental education should be incorporated at
every level of education- pre-school, formal and non-formal education. Environmental
awareness can be provided to students through the formal and non- formal system to
students by introducing various programmes and including the content of environment in
their study subjects. The United Nation Conference of Human Environment in Stockholm
stated that environmental awareness may be developed by:
1. Identifying; analyzing and understanding the needs and problems of personal life
including health, vocation etc.
2. Social life at different levels, viz., family, caste, community, religion, town, village
life, state and country.
3. National life including civics, economic, etc.
4. Appreciating, promoting and using the environment to improve health, vocation,
social and national life.
5. Interacting with government and social agencies and utilize the developmental
facilities provided by these agencies in his/her individual capacity and also for organizing
certain community activities.
6. Develop the aesthetic sense to appreciate beauty and adopt it in personal and social
life. There is a need for generating an awareness of environmental problems in view of
the growing conflicts between short and long term goals of development. Awareness
tends to lead to analysis of issues.
Analysis promotes action.
Education is fundamental to the
fostering of a healthy and dynamic
awareness- analysis- action chain.
Studies on environment should be
introduced right from the low
levels and continued to the highest
level of education. Students need
to understand the environmental issues and solve them in an effective manner. By doing
this they are able to utilize a problem- oriented approach from real-life situations.

Other measures:

Proper dumping of unwanted materials: Excess wastes by man and animals pose a
disposal problem. Open dumping is the most commonly practiced technique. Nowadays,
controlled tipping is followed for solid waste disposal. The surface so obtained is used for
housing or sports field.
Production of natural fertilizers: Bio-pesticides should be used in place of toxic
chemical pesticides. Organic fertilizers should be used in place of synthesized chemical
fertilizers. Ex: Organic wastes in animal dung may be used to prepare compost manure
instead of throwing them wastefully and polluting the soil.
Proper hygienic condition: People should be trained regarding sanitary habits.
Ex: Lavatories should be equipped with quick and effective disposal methods.
Public awareness: Informal and formal public awareness programs should be imparted
to educate people on health hazards by environmental education.
Ex: Mass media, Educational institutions and voluntary agencies can achieve this.
Recycling and Reuse of wastes: To minimize soil pollution, the wastes such as paper,
plastics, metals, glasses, organics, petroleum products and industrial effluents etc should
be recycled and reused.
Ex: Industrial wastes should be properly treated at source. Integrated waste
treatment methods should be adopted.
Ban on Toxic chemicals: Ban should be imposed on chemicals and pesticides like DDT,
BHC, etc which are fatal to plants and animals. Nuclear explosions and improper disposal
of radioactive wastes should be banned
Kerala is one among the most thickly populated region in the world and the population is
increasing at a rate of 14%
per decade. As a result of
the measures to satisfy the
needs of the huge
population, the rivers of
Kerala have been
increasingly polluted from
the industrial and domestic
waste and from the
pesticides and fertilizer in
agriculture. Industries discharge hazardous pollutants like phosphates, sulphides,
ammonia, fluorides, heavy metals and insecticides into the downstream reaches of the
river. The river periyar and chaliyar are very good examples for the pollution due to
industrial effluents. It is estimated that nearly 260 million litres of trade effluents reach
the Periyar estuary daily from the Kochi industrial belt.
 CONCLUSION
Pollution on soil is a man--made problem. Pollution being a man-made
made problem can be
controlled by men themselves through various adoptable measures. Soil and land are
mainly polluted by solid wastes that can be disposed through various technologies but it
requires
equires high amount of money. Man must be aware of not to make attempts for dumping
and disposing solid waste on land so that top-soil
top soil erosion can be stopped. There are
various inexpensive and commonly usable method for solid waste disposal. These may be
mentioned
entioned as sanitary land fill, open dumping and ocean dumping. The cheapest waste
disposal method is sanitary land fill. These methods possess the quality of avoiding acute
pollution problem normally occurs when waste are discharged into water ways or wastes
was
are burn to ashes. Soil
oil pollution which causes cancers including leukemia etc. The
presence of lead in soil is hazardous for young children and can damage to the brain. The
high level of Hg can increase the risk of kidney damage and causes neuromuscula
neuromuscular
blockage. It also causes skin rashes, headaches, eye irritation, nausea and fatigue. The
polluted air and water also affect animals such as acid rain destroys aquatic life in water
bodies.
This project thus concludes the fact that soil pollution in Kerala
Kerala has become a major
threat to the people along with the productivity of waste materials and other
anthropogenic factors. A fast and accurate measure should be takenn into account for the
reduction of soil pollution so that we can live in a pollutant free environment. Kerala,
being the God’s own country should step forward to bring back the title back. Nature
should be conserved not only for one or two days but for the long last future.