Effect of industrial waste

Since the onset of industrial revolution, industrial waste, though earlier not pronounced to pose significant adverse impact, to date has been a problem owing to intensified industrialization (Nongpluh, Noronha & Energy and Resources Institute, 2013). This is because of the states’ realization of how industrialization boosts blocs’ economies thus acquiring not only political but also economical influence in the world. Some of the most claimed industrial wastes embrace paper products, chemicals, paints, industrial by-products, toxic gasses and even radioactive wastes not only released to the atmosphere but also to the environment. Toxic release by the industries poses danger to the lives of human beings as well as other life forms that inhabit the affected habitats. This industrial waste leads to water pollution, air pollution that can lead to respiratory problems once inhaled; hence affecting humans and even animals though the latter studies have not produced conclusive data. Waste product destroys the upper layer of the soil most used for cultivation and construction. Waste product is currently the leading environmental disaster as the hazard waste damping has led to the destruction of the natural resources in the world (Adeola, 2012). Some waste materials such as toxic gasses have effects on the climate. From the above text, it is clear that the industrial waste has affected land, air and water.

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Industrial waste contains some elements such as chloride, which leads to water hardness and makes the water slightly alkaline. The industrial waste from the factories in the form of water, is accumulated with solids and other solvents which make this water hazardous to aquatic life. When this contaminated water gets into other large water bodies, it causes death of aquatic animals such as fish and aquatic plants (Acton, 2012). Contaminated water is not suitable for irrigation, such water this leads to accumulation of chemicals in the roots and the shoot. This will automatically lower the production of the agricultural field. Water pollution has lowered the quality of water that reduces the capacity of life the water can support.

Water in most rivers and in other large water, bodies in most countries cannot support effective fishing due to waste disposal. This has led to reduced fish production in most countries. Waste contains chemicals that may trigger the growth of excess aquatic plants, which will result in an imbalance in aquatic life since these aquatic plants consume all the dissolved oxygen in the water hence the water will not have the ability to support life of other animals (Acton, 2012). The plants and animals such as fish will now be competing for air and nutrients in the water. Lastly, human beings depend on this water for drinking, bathing and washing (Adela, 2012). Once people drink water with this waste from industries, the water may lead to water borne diseases, which can easily kill and lead to loss of lives. It is therefore important to note that industrial waste leads to hazardous effects on water and life.

Soil pollution comes from improper disposal of waste products whether domestic or industrial.  Waste contains both biodegradable and non-biodegradable products. The non-biodegradable products do not decompose and thus destroy the surface soil, which is the best for agricultural purposes (Fullen & Catt, 2014). Soil supports ecosystems in the world.  Waste chemicals may lead to increased or decreased PH levels in the soil. This leads to killing of the microorganisms that live in the soil and helps in distribution of nutrients in the soil. Soil pollution may lead to soil acidification brought by waste which has carbonates which dissolves slowly in the soil water hence making it a little bit alkaline. Soil acidity leads to permanent loss of soil fertility thus lower agricultural production (Fullen & Catt, 2014).

The industries of mining have also led to a great soil pollution problem. Mining activities have adversely led to poor soil quality. Mining therefore leads to destruction of the surface soils, which are fertile, and bringing up the deep soils, which are very infertile (Spellman & Stoudt, 2013). The mining process also interferes with the soil water and destroys the habitat of certain microorganisms that promote the ecosystem. Minerals such crude oil, when they pour on soil surface may block air circulation and hence kill life in the soil. Industrial waste has once again proved what damage it can bring to the life of any living thing that depends on soil.

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Air pollution is another great effect of industrial waste and it results from the release of toxic gasses. Industrial air pollution is associated with the release of gasses such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The gasses have many bad effects on the atmosphere, environment and human life. These glasses once inhaled can lead to respiratory problems and complications (Velzen, 2012). Other gasses released from the factories lead to global warming hence causing adverse changes in the climate. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are highly soluble in water and when they are released in the atmosphere, the gasses will dissolve in the cloud raindrops. This will lead to acid rain, which is very dangerous. Acid rain leads to many problems such as corroding buildings and the roofing materials such as iron sheets, causing acidity in the soils and finally killing of plants. Acid rain destroys vegetation, which is a habitat for many animals that play a great role in promoting the ecosystem (Velzen, 2012).

In conclusion, industrial waste has many effects on the air, water and soil, which are the main components of the earth, and the ones that work together to support life on earth. Important measures ought to be in place before releasing this waste into the environment despite states globally seeking to intensify their level of industrialization that acts as the backbone of any given thriving economy.