Chemically Contaminated Soil: Sources, Impacts and Restoration Approaches

1. Vikas Thakur, Nandita
   School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
   
2. Seema Singh
   School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
   
3. Amit Anthwal
   School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
   Correspondence Author: anthwalamit1984@gmail.com

Abstract

The exponential growth of chemical industries in society has resulted in disposal of chemicals in the form of waste and effluent which resulted in pollution of soil. Soil is vital factor for growth of plant and plays important role in food chain. Chemical pollution of soil is one of the major issues which need to be addressed with concern as it affects whole ecosystem. In current chapter we herein, summarize various classes of chemicals responsible for the pollution of soil and effects of various chemical pollutants on plants growth. Besides, various strategies which are being applied for restoration of chemically polluted soils are also highlighted. Removal of chemical pollutants is very important step towards the revegetation process of soil. Also, the applicability of particular remediation methods for specific type of chemical pollutant has also been highlighted.

Keywords: Phytoremediation, Polyaromatic hydrocarbons, Pesticides, Insecticides