Adverse effects of solid waste
Answers
Effects of Solid Waste Pollution: ... Industrial solid wastes are sources of toxic metals and hazardous wastes, which may spread on land and can cause changes in physicochemical and biological characteristics thereby affecting productivity of soils. Toxic substances may leach or percolate to contaminate the ground water.
In an industrial society that produces millions of tons of waste every year, disposal becomes a major issue. Recycling, landfills and incineration all play a part in the solution. The effects of toxins in garbage, and the sheer physical mass of its presence, cause concern for municipalities and waste disposal agencies in many places.
Land Use
The size of some landfills is nearly inconceivable. The Fresh Kills landfill, on Staten Island outside of New York City, takes up 2,200 acres. In a society that generates this amount of garbage, land use for landfills becomes an issue. Particularly in densely populated, high-consumption places such as Japan, the amount of space being dedicated to storing trash is disturbing to residents. Solutions include recycling, reduction of packaging, and lowering consumption rates.
Toxins
Many types of objects that are thrown away contain toxic substances that can leach into soil and water, affecting the health of plants, animals and humans. Electronics contain mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium and other metals that compromise environmental health. Construction waste may contain asbestos, fossil fuel derivatives, and other toxic substances. Measures to control these substances are hampered by the fact that they are dispersed within millions of tons of less toxic trash, making their removal very problematic.