Soil pollution: definition, causes and consequences

Definition: What is soil pollution

Soil pollution refers to the greater or lesser concentration of toxic substances in soils, regardless of their type.

Generally attributed to human activities, this abnormal concentration can be linked to the use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture, the passage of heavy machinery, accidental discharges from industries or the increase in concrete surfaces. Among many other causes.

This pollution can then spread into the environment via water, air or living organisms in the soil (bacteria, plants, fungi), leading to variable disturbances in associated ecosystems and significant dangers for health.

The 20th century thus gave rise to a very clear deterioration of the world’s soils, and it is estimated that 95% of them could be degraded by 2050. Pollution whose origin is not always simple to be determined, which sometimes complicates the implementation of appropriate measures.

Understanding soil pollution in North Carolina

Thanks to ecological awareness, our outlook and our behavior are gradually changing. Little by little, we understand the extraordinary services that nature provides us on a daily basis, and we try to preserve it in return through a multitude of small gestures.

But this awareness mainly concerns the most visible facets of the environmental emergency such as deforestation, plastic pollution in the oceans or the consequences of global warming. Yet beneath our feet, everywhere across the planet, soils are also deteriorating and with them one of the most precious ecosystems in the world.

This new subject will look at this silent pollution, its consequences and the means to finally restore all its fertility to the earth.

The quality of a soil in NC

First of all, what makes the analysis much more difficult is that the quality of a soil cannot be assessed as such. Also some of that pollution comes from local landfills.

We will rather take into account its composition, its structure, and its capacity to fulfill its ecological functions. The sandy soils of cold regions, for example, are rich in organic matter, the so-called loamy soils as found on the banks of the Loire are very friable and easy to work. In hotter, drier climates, clay soils can be recognized by their ocher color and the impressive quantities of water they are capable of storing.

We speak of soil pollution in the event of a high concentration of chemical compounds that are dangerous to the health of plants and animals. These compounds will also spread in the air and in water, and contamination can then occur via the respiratory route by inhaling dust, or through the digestive route by consuming polluted water for example.

Once pollution is proven, it is generally very difficult for the earth to return to its initial state, which endangers the balance of a multitude of ecosystems. Because the soil is not simply the support of our crops or what we walk on and build our cities. It is also the home of a colossal quantity of living beings, among the most essential on the planet.

The role of soils in NC

In fact, it is estimated that a single tablespoon of healthy soil is home to more living things than there are humans on the planet. Soil is a mixture of sand, clay, rock debris and remains of decomposed organisms which forms a surface layer of 30 cm on average on the earth’s surface. This is what we call humus.

Air and water circulate there permanently thanks to the crowd of living beings that evolve there. An extraordinary crowd, which alone represents more than 70% of all animal biomass on Earth.

There we find known species such as earthworms, spiders, centipedes, but also mites and even more fungi and bacteria visible only under a microscope. Currently, 80% of soil invertebrates have already been recorded, but we still only know about 1% of bacteria and fungi.

These living beings in underground ecosystems play essential roles, fulfilling two very distinct missions. On the one hand, microorganisms feed on dead plants and animals and thus create organic matter from which plants will draw the nutrients essential to their development. And on the other hand, the incessant movement of different species helps to aerate the earth, to facilitate the supply of water and the diffusion of roots.

95% of all our food comes directly or indirectly from soils. Without them, there will be no drinking water either since it is thanks to the soil that rainwater gets rid of its bacteria before reaching the groundwater. And as a bonus, they recover a good quantity of minerals beneficial for our body.

The price of renting a dumpster in Kannapolis, NC

In order to reduce soil pollution, some residents of Kannapolis use waste management and dumpster rental services. This way they can send all their junk into a recycling facility in NC, instead of polluting the soil!

The cost of renting a dumpster in Kannapolis, North Carolina, can vary based on several factors. The primary factors influencing the price include the size of the dumpster, the rental duration, the type of waste being disposed of, and the specific rental company you choose.

Generally, in Kannapolis, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $600 for a standard 10 to 20 cubic yard dumpster rental. Smaller dumpsters may cost less, while larger ones designed for major construction projects or cleanouts will come at a higher price. The rental duration, often ranging from a few days to a week, will also affect the final cost.

The type of waste you’re disposing of can significantly impact the price. General household or construction debris is typically cheaper to dispose of than hazardous materials or appliances. Be sure to check with the rental company about their pricing structure for different types of waste.

Lastly, the choice of the rental company itself matters. Prices may vary between different providers, so it’s essential to obtain quotes from multiple companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal. To get an accurate cost for renting a dumpster in Kannapolis, it’s advisable to reach out to local rental companies (check this website) and provide them with the specific details of your project for a customized quote.