The Spontaneous Dump of the Village Ak-Tyuz
Illegal dumps of solid household waste (SHW) pose one of the main threats to the environment, particularly in terms of soil and groundwater contamination. Since such dumps are not properly managed, the waste stored in them undergoes uncontrolled decomposition, releasing toxic substances into the environment. As a result, both surface and deep layers of soil, as well as aquifers, become contaminated, which can have long-term negative consequences for ecosystems and human health. When waste in illegal dumps begins to decompose, various chemicals are released, many of which are toxic. Particularly dangerous are elements such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and other heavy metals found in electronic waste, batteries, medical, and industrial waste. These substances penetrate the soil through surface layers, gradually spreading to deeper levels.
Main mechanisms of soil contamination:
Toxin infiltration: Rain and melting snow pass through the waste masses, carrying toxic substances that seep into the soil. This process is called infiltration, and it leads to harmful compounds deeply penetrating the soil, making it unsuitable for agriculture and disrupting the ecosystem.
Disruption of soil structure: Waste, especially plastics and other non-biodegradable materials, physically alters the soil structure, disrupting natural processes such as water exchange and oxygen saturation. In areas where waste accumulates, the soil can become denser and lose its ability to support plant growth.
Suppression of vegetation: Chemicals entering the soil have a toxic effect on plants, reducing their ability to photosynthesize and grow. This leads to a decrease in vegetation in areas around dumps and a decline in biodiversity.
Groundwater contamination
Groundwater is the underground water supply that feeds wells, springs, and rivers. It is an important source of drinking water for the population and is also used in agriculture. Groundwater contamination occurs when toxic substances from illegal dumps seep into the ground along with rainwater, reaching aquifers.
Main groundwater pollutants:
Heavy metals: Lead, cadmium, and mercury, present in electronic waste and some industrial materials, can easily penetrate groundwater. These metals are toxic even in small concentrations and can cause severe illnesses in humans and animals.
Organic substances: Decomposing organic waste, such as food scraps, releases substances like ammonia, nitrates, and phosphates during decomposition. The entry of these substances into groundwater leads to contamination, which can cause mass die-offs of aquatic organisms and poisoning of humans consuming contaminated water.
Chemical compounds: Substances found in plastics, paints, pesticides, and other industrial waste can release toxic chemical compounds such as phenols, dioxins, and furans. These substances do not decompose naturally and remain in aquifers for many years, making them particularly dangerous.
Pathogenic microorganisms: Illegal dumps often become sites for biological waste accumulation, such as food remnants, medical waste, and feces. This creates favorable conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and viruses, which can enter groundwater and cause outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Consequences of contamination
Health risks for humans: Contaminated groundwater and soil pose a serious threat to public health, especially for those who use water from wells or springs located near illegal dumps. Continuous consumption of such water can lead to heavy metal poisoning, carcinogenic diseases, and disruptions in the functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems.
Degradation of ecosystems: Soil and water contamination negatively affects biodiversity. In contaminated bodies of water and soils, plants, animals, and microorganisms die, disrupting ecosystem connections and leading to the extinction of entire species.
Decreased quality of agricultural products: In regions where agriculture depends on the use of groundwater or contaminated soil, crops can be poisoned by harmful substances. This not only reduces the quality of the products but also poses a threat to the health of people consuming such products.
Illegal dumps of SHW pose a significant danger to soil and groundwater, having a devastating impact on nature and human health. To prevent these issues, it is necessary to develop proper waste management systems and implement measures to protect natural resources.
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