Abstract

POLLUTING THE FOUNDATION: A REVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF CONTAMINANTS ON GROUNDWATER QUALITY AND SOIL HEALTH

Bhavna Sharma*, Uma Rathore and N. Bhojak

ABSTRACT

The increasing presence of pollutants in groundwater and soil has become a pressing concern worldwide, with far-reaching consequences for human health, ecosystems, and the environment. This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge on the effects of various pollutants, including industrial chemicals, agricultural runoff, and municipal waste, on groundwater quality and soil health. We examine the pathways of contamination, the chemical and physical changes that occur in soil and groundwater, and the resulting impacts on plant growth, microbial communities, and human health. Our analysis highlights the complex interplay between soil properties, pollutant characteristics, and environmental factors that influence the fate and transport of contaminants. We also discuss the implications of these findings for sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and environmental policy. The use of fertilizers has become a ubiquitouspractice in modern agriculture, aimed at increasing crop yields and meeting the world's growing food demands. However, the excessive and improper use of fertilizers can have detrimental effects on soil health, leading to degradation, nutrient imbalances, and environmental pollution. This review paper examines the effects of fertilizers on soil properties, microbial communities, and the environment, highlighting the need for sustainable fertilizer management practices.

Keywords: Groundwater contamination, soil pollution, environmental impact, chemical transport, sustainable agriculture, water resource management.