Skip to main content
Version: Current

Sources of Soil Contamination

Soil pollution comes from various sources, both natural and human-made. Here are the main categories:

Industrial Sources​

  • Chemical manufacturing waste
  • Mining and smelting operations
  • Oil and fuel leaks
  • Electronic waste disposal

Agricultural Sources​

  • Pesticides and herbicides
  • Chemical fertilizers
  • Animal waste
  • Irrigation with contaminated water

Urban Sources​

  • Municipal waste
  • Construction debris
  • Vehicle emissions
  • Underground storage tanks

Waste Management​

  • Landfills
  • Illegal dumping
  • Sewage treatment
  • Industrial waste disposal

Accidental Contamination​

  • Chemical spills
  • Transportation accidents
  • Pipeline leaks
  • Storage tank failures

Understanding these sources is crucial for developing effective prevention and remediation strategies.