ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
SOIL POLLUTION BY WASTE FROM INDUSTRIAL AREAS
1. INTRODUCTION
Soil plays a significant and valuable role in providing and
supporting essential services needed by humans and other
organisms as well as providing a variety of ecosystem service.
(Namazi et al., 2025)
Soil pollution is the contamination of the soil at higher
concentrations than normal which is caused by waste materials
originated from humans and leads to adverse effects on the
human and ecosystem. Soil pollution is currently one of the
critical environmental crises globally and is a significant threat
to living organisms and the ecosystem. (Amoateng, 2024.) One
of the leading factors contributing to the pollution of the soil is
industrial production process. (Jabbarov et al., 2024).
Industrial waste may comprise of solid wastes (e.g., slags, ash,
sludge), semi‐solid wastes, wastewater discharge, and gaseous
emissions that is later deposited into the soil.
(Karkush & Kareem, 2017)
Such soil contamination has multiple adverse
impacts on soil physical and chemical properties (e.g., pH,
cation exchange capacity, organic matter), biological activities
(soil microorganisms, fertility), crop productivity, on
groundwater and surface water via leaching, and on human and
ecosystem health via exposure pathways. This challenge is
especially acute in industrial zones where waste management
practices may be inadequate, regulatory oversight weak, or
legacy contamination present. (Paz-Ferreiro et al., 2018)
Given these circumstances, there is an urgent need to
investigate soil pollution associated with industrial-waste
disposal, to assess the extent and harms of the contamination,
and to explore management and remediation strategies.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives of this paper are;
Characterise sources and pathways of soil pollution in industrial
areas:
Examine the extent and severity of the soil contamination
Evaluate the risks and impacts
Explore management and remediation options
Recommend policy or practical measures:
BENEFITS
When proper attention to soil pollution from industrial area wastes,
the implemention of effective management yields a range of benefits
which are:
Improved soil health and fertility
Protection of human and ecosystem health
Safeguarding water resources.
Economic benefits
Sustainability and circular economy
Regulatory and social benefits
LITERATURE REVIEW
Soil pollution from industrial waste has emerged as a pressing global
environmental issue, especially in developing countries undergoing
rapid industrialization. Across the reviewed studies, soil
contamination is identified as a complex interaction between industrial
activities, waste mismanagement, and inadequate policy enforcement,
leading to widespread public health and ecological consequences.
Dahalan & Mulia, 2025highlight that Indonesia produced over 60 tons
of hazardous and toxic (B3) waste in 2021, primarily from industrial
sectors, much of which was improperly disposed of, causing severe
soil and groundwater contamination. Similarly, Omer, 2024
emphasizes that in developing countries, weak environmental
governance and poor waste management systems intensifies pollution
levels, thereby posing health risks associated with soil, air, and water
contamination. Paz-Ferreiro et al., 2018 provide a broader global
perspective, showing that soil pollution results not only from
industrial effluents but also from mining, mechanized agriculture, and
improper waste disposal practices. These activities introduce heavy
metals and persistent organic pollutants into soils, reducing soil
fertility and threatening food safety.
Broader research supports the view that industrial waste alters soil,
decreases microbial activity, and leads to the accumulation of toxic
substances in crops, posing risks to food safety and groundwater
quality. Polluted soils near industrial areas often show reduced
agricultural yields and higher levels of carcinogenic compounds in
edible plants. Ecologically, contamination disrupts soil organisms,
reduces biodiversity, and affects water bodies through leaching and
erosion.
To address these challenges, recent literature promotes integrated
strategies combining technical, policy, and social measures. Cleaner
production technologies, stricter enforcement of waste regulations,
and the promotion of circular economy principles can reduce
industrial discharges at the source. Public awareness and community
involvement also play crucial roles in sustainable waste management
and environmental monitoring.
In summary, the reviewed literature reveals that soil pollution from
industrial waste is both an environmental and a public health crisis. It
damages ecosystems, endangers food and water safety, and increases
disease risks among exposed populations. Effective mitigation
requires a combination of technological innovation, strong
governance, and global cooperation to restore soil health and ensure a
sustainable future.