IMPACTS OF LAND POLLUTION

A Position Paper College of Teacher Education

Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Sciences
Urdaneta City University Urdaneta City,Pangasinan

E322-Geography Instructor: Mr. Jessie A. Estorel, LPT

By: Bangayan,Bernadette P.
Cariño, Rachelyn May E.
Castro, Kiana Mae D.
Cervantes, Roxanne E.
De Leon, John Lester L.
Fabia, Raezhelle Jheane E.
Gadaza, Lira T.
Jose, Angelica Mae L.
Mejia,Joana Rose D.
Miraran,Justine D.
Quisora, Audrey B.
Sison, Jean Elizabeth V.
Vinoya, Jessa Mae M.

BSESOCSCI-1 Block 1

April 2024

I.Introduction
"We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." - Chief
Seattle Land contamination is a severe problem that needs to be addressed right away. The
rich soil that gives rise to life will turn into a wasteland if we do nothing, leaving a
burden for future generations. This endangers not just our well-being but also the basis of
human society.
 The land, the basis of our existence, is under increasing threat from pollution. The
contamination of our soil and landscapes is a serious threat to human health, ecological
stability as well as food security from industrial waste to agricultural discharges. The
paper argues that land pollution is not simply an environmental problem, but a complex
crisis requiring immediate and comprehensive action.There is a great deal of land pollution
and its consequences are very wide. A mixture of toxic chemicals that harm soil and
groundwater is released into the environment by industries, such as mining or manufacturing.
(Smith et al., 2023) Intensive farming, which relies on heavy use of pesticides and
fertilizers, disrupts natural soil balance and leads to harmful residues in the food chain.
(UNEP, 2021). These pollutants not only harm beneficial soil organisms but also contaminate
crops, posing health risks for consumers. Land degradation also affects ecosystem functions,
reducing biodiversity and limiting soil's capacity to absorb important nutrients such as
water filtration and Carbon Dioxide sequestration(IPBES, 2022). The paper will examine the
various sources and types of land pollution, their negative effects on people's health,
ecosystem services as well as food production in more detail. We'll review the existing
policies and practices, showing their limitations in dealing with this complicated issue.
Finally, the article will put up a number of solutions, such as tighter laws,
environmentally friendly land management techniques, and raised public awareness. We can
start to restore our damaged lands and guarantee a healthy future for future generations by
realising the seriousness of land pollution and acting immediately.

II.Overview of the issue Land pollution is a serious issue with vast consequences. These
issues need an urgent attention and efforts from individuals, communities, and governments
to mitigate its impact. According to the updated Philippine National Action Plan to Combat
Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (NAP-DLDD) (2010-2020), about 45% of arable
land in the Philippines has been moderately to severely eroded.

Land pollution can be caused by many different things, such as dumping garbage or chemicals
on land, runoff from roads and agricultural fields, oil spills in our oceans or rivers,
etc.The effects of land pollution include water contamination, biodiversity loss, loss of
natural habitat for plants and animals, destruction of ecosystems like coral reefs which are
so important to marine life and coastal economies.Land pollution has a huge impact on our
environment and it is important that we do something about it now before it continues to
worsen (sydney cohen, 2015)

We all know how important land is to economic development and human well-being. It is among
the most precious resources to humans because healthy land and soil means higher
agricultural productivity and good ecosystems balance, factors which translate to food
security and overall wellbeing of humans and the planet.

Soil contaminants can enter the food chain and cause disease and mortality in soil-
dwelling, terrestrial (including humans) and aquatic organisms. The loss of biodiversity and
biomass therefore leads to a decrease in organic matter and changes in nutrient inputs and
cycling. This affects the primary productivity of natural and agricultural ecosystems and
leads to the overall loss of soil ecosystem services. Additionally, polluted soils in turn
become a source of pollution for groundwater, through leaching of contaminants, and for
fresh water and the marine environment, because contaminants can be transported off-site
through wind and water erosion. These changes can be gradual or remain inert until an
inflexion point when severe degradation occurs (Baudrot et al., 2018).

Soil pollution affects above- and below-ground biodiversity in two main ways. The number of
organisms can be reduced due to the toxicity caused by the contaminants, but also changes
can be observed at community level in that tolerant or resistant organisms will benefit
compared to those sensitive to the contaminants. It has also been observed that the exposure
to some trace elements can induce resistance in soil microorganisms and also promote
resistance to antimicrobials (Heydari, 2020).

The pollution of land, whether through improper waste disposal, industrial activities, or
agricultural practices, not only harms our ecosystems but also poses health risks to humans
and animals. In addressing land pollution requires a strict regulations. Like effective
waste management systems, and promoting sustainable practices to preserve our environment
for future generations.Given the increasing pressure on land from agriculture, forestry,
pasture, energy production and urbanization, urgent action is needed to halt land
degradation (United Nation Developement Programme,UNDP 2015)
III. Presentation of Arguments

Firstly, land pollution affects people's health, foods, or agriculture. This paper argues
that it is necessary to know about environmental problems because they affect us and our
society.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. 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. (JF Artiola, et al., 2019).We need to know that the use of pesticides and other
chemicals used in agriculture is harmful to our land.

Secondly, land pollution is the excessive soil contamination caused by agriculture and
industrial activities. According to the UN Environment Programme for 2020, soil or land
pollution has an adverse impact on food security in two ways: it can reduce crop yields due
to toxic levels of contaminants, and crops grown in polluted soils are unsafe for
consumption by animals and humans. Soil contamination can lead to serious illnesses or
dangerous effects on living organisms, especially humans and animals. Soil contamination is
also caused by the industrial sector for production, which adds to environmental issues not
only in air and water pollution but also in land pollution. The report found that the main
anthropogenic sources of soil pollution are the chemicals used in or produced as byproducts
of industrial activities; domestic, livestock, and municipal wastes (including wastewater);
agrochemicals; and petroleum-derived products (UNEP, 2020)

Lastly, the activity of using different chemicals may affect a person's way of life and will
affect everyone's well-being. Soil pollution doesn't get the same attention as environmental
issues, unlike tree planting or deforestation, and the problem gets worse as time passes.
Chemicals used in agriculture are released into the environment accidentally or
intentionally. For example, oil spills or fertilizers will flow into the irrigation system
or into untreated water, which will also cause water pollution. The improper and continuous
use of herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides to protect crops from pests, fungi, etc.
alters the basic composition of the soil and makes the soil toxic for plant growth. Organic
insecticides like DDT, aldrin, benzene hex chloride, etc. are used against soil-borne pests
(Rajesh Kumar Mishra et al., 2016). It indicates that the chemicals used in growing plants
play a crucial role in crop protection, but the misuse of these products can harm soil
health. Right practice and use of pest control and awareness of its effects may minimize the
input of chemicals that can maintain soil fertility and support plant growth without any
harm or cost.

IV.Examination of Counterarguments

Land pollution is indeed a pressing concern. Its worth nothing that the presence of
pollutants can sometimes lead to unexpected advantages. For example certain pollutants, in
the soil can stimulate the growth of microorganisms that benefit soil health and fertility.
Moreover addressing land can drive advancements fostering the creation of new methods and
materials with potential benefits across various industries.

This counterargument does not undermine the severity of land pollution but rather offers a
perspective that acknowledges the complexities of environmental challenges and the potential
for positive outcomes through innovation and adaptation.

Furthermore the issue of land pollution has spurred awareness and action toward
sustainability. It has prompted collaboration and the implementation of regulations aimed at
not only reducing pollution but also preserving natural resources. This increased
environmental consciousness has fueled movements promoting recycling and upcycling turning
waste into products and diminishing our impact.While the adverse effects of land pollution
are significant they also present an opportunity for creativity to devise solutions that not
tackle pollution but also enhance our approach, to environmental stewardship and sustainable
living.
Opposing view claims that the land pollution is severe to every living organisms because it
produces toxic chemicals that may harm every living organisms in Earth, that in this
environmental problem, urgent action should be implemented. However, yes, land pollution or
soil contamination is a serious problem that needs an immediate action, but it should be
studied by experts first. This type of environmental problem needs an comprehensive study in
able to execute the plan properly. Every aspects and actions must be studied so the problem
will not go any worse to the point wherein the Earth becomes unhabitable. For instance, the
action will not go according to the plan if the people do not cooperate.

V.Conclusion

In conclusion, land pollution, caused by industrial and agricultural activities, poses

significant threats to human health, ecological stability, and food security, with negative
impacts including soil and groundwater contamination, disruption of natural soil balance,
harm to beneficial soil organisms, and health risks from harmful residues in the food
chain.Land pollution caused by mining, agriculture, and deforestation has a harmful impact
on society and the environment. The chemicals used in modern agricultural production can
pollute land, air, and water, affecting human and animal health. Soil pollution is a serious
issue, reducing crop yields and contaminating crops grown in polluted soils. The main
anthropogenic sources of soil pollution are industrial activities, domestic and municipal
waste, agrochemicals, and petroleum-derived products. The misuse of pesticides and other
chemicals in agriculture can harm soil health, making the soil toxic for plant growth.
Raising awareness and implementing proper pest control practices can minimize the input of
harmful chemicals, maintaining soil fertility and supporting plant growth.

Furthermore,man is causing all round damage to atmosphere, water, land, to the various
elements of environment and to the ecosystem itself. There is so much man-made pollution and
environmental degradation that the nightmare ahead is enough jittery to shake us all. Taking
a synoptic view of the general scenario a few trends are underway. Our atmosphere on global
as well as regional scale is heavily polluted. The protective ozone shield in the heavily
populated latitudes of the northern hemisphere is thinning twice fast as scientists thought
a few years ago.

The buildup of green house gases will lead to significant changes in the weather patterns
in the near future leading to global warming. The destruction of ozone layer and the further
warming of the earth surface threaten catastrophic consequences such as eruption of
cancerous and tropical diseases, disruption of oceans food chain, rising of sea levels,
submersion of many islands, melting of small land-based glaciers, flooding in many low lying
coastal areas and harvest loss etc.(Ramamohana Reddy Appannagari,2017)

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, “Each year, the world marks World
Soil Day on December 5th to raise awareness about the growing challenges in soil
management,” an often-overlooked land pollution crisis.Land pollution is not just an
environmental issue; it threatens food security and human health. Contaminants in the soil
can reduce the yield of plants and affect the plant and if we consume contaminated food it
will harm our health and safety.Soil pollution is a result of unsustainable anthropogenic
activities and at the same time puts human development and well-being at risk. To solve this
environmental problem, the world organizations must do a comprehensive actions that may
cause less harm and effects to living organisms in this planet.In Addition, soil pollution
is a complex problem that requires joint measures from governments, institutions,
communities, and individuals. To improve soil health, sustainable food consumption, proper
battery recycling, homemade composting, and authorized drug disposal are recommended.
Additionally, eco-friendly practices should be encouraged in industry, farming, and stock
breeding, while urban planning, transportation, and wastewater treatment should be improved.
Proper mining waste management, landscape restoration, and topsoil conservation are also
crucial, as is involving local communities and indigenous peoples in sustainable land and
soil management design, implementation, and assessment.However, it's not just the world
organizations, but also the people itself, every individuals, must do their part to save the
earth. We must avoid doing such activities that may cause land pollution or make the
pollution worse. Instead of using modern technologies (even though it makes our life
easier), we must use environmental friendly equipments to gradually eliminate the problem.
To close this up, we, as a responsible citizens, must take steps for better tomorrow.

V.References

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IPBES (2022). The Assessment Report on Land Degradation and Restoration.

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Icsd, & Icsd. (2023, April 24). Taking responsibility for the causes & effects of
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Global assessment of soil pollution: Report. (2021b). In FAO and UNEP eBooks.
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Mishra, R. K., Mohammad, N., & Roychoudhury, N. (2016b). Soil pollution: Causes,
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Radniw. (2019, July 10). Pollution Philippine Clearing House Mechanism. Philippine
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UNEP – UN Environment Programme. https://www.unep.org/

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