SOIL POLLUTION & SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Question 1

WHAT IS SOIL POLLUTION

Answer 1

Soil Pollution can be defined as the introduction of substances, biological organisms or energy into the soil that led to a charge in the quality of soil so that plant growth and animal health is adversely affected.

Question 2

CAUSES OF SOIL POLLUTION

Answer 2

Poor agricultural practices, improper solid waste management, unsafe storage of hazardous chemicals and nuclear waste, leachates from mismanaged landfills, uncontrolled dumping of waste from households, industrial plants, mining.

Question 3

LIST SOME WAYS TO CONTROL SOIL POLLUTION

Answer 3

Ways to Control Soil Pollution:

1. Treat waste before disposal.
2. Properly collect and dispose of solid waste.
3. Recycle useful materials from waste.
4. Use biodegradable waste for biogas.
5. Plant trees to prevent soil erosion.
6. Clean polluted soil using microorganisms (bioremediation).

In short, treat waste properly, recycle, plant trees, and use eco-friendly methods to protect soil.

Question 4

WHAT IS SOLID WASTE

Answer 4

The waste materials which have been rejected for further use and which can neither readily escape into the atmosphere nor can be transported by water
into streams are called solid waste.

Question 5

LIST DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOLID WASTE

Answer 5

• Municipal Waste: Includes food waste (garbage) and non-biodegradable waste from homes, offices, markets, and hotels.
• Domestic Waste: Waste from cooking and serving food at home.
• Agricultural Waste: Waste from farms, animals, and livestock areas.
• Industrial Waste:
  
  • Process Waste: Waste depends on the product being made.
  • Non-process Waste: Common waste in all industries.
• E-waste: Discarded electronic items like phones, chargers, batteries, TVs, and computers.

Question 6

LIST SOME WAYS OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Answer 6

Solid Waste Management: The 3 R’s

1. Reduce: Use fewer raw materials to cut down waste production.
2. Reuse: Use items like refillable containers or repurpose discarded materials (e.g., making rubber rings from old tubes).
3. Recycle: Turn waste into new products, like melting old cans or bottles to make new ones, or creating insulation from paper.

Benefits: Saves money, energy, raw materials, land space, and reduces pollution.

In short, follow “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” to manage waste effectively and protect the environment.

Question 7

WRITE SOME WAYS OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL

Answer 7

• Composting: Organic waste breaks down with bacteria and fungi to become nutrient-rich manure.
• Open Dumping: Waste is dumped in open areas or along roadsides without treatment.
• Sanitary Landfills: Waste is buried in a safe way to prevent pollution and protect groundwater.
• Incineration: Waste is burned to reduce its size, sometimes producing energy.