Question

Which of the following is the major soil pollutant?

• A. Radioactive waste
• B. Pesticides
• C. Nitrates
• D. Dioxins

Hint:

Pesticides are the most common soil pollutants due to their widespread agricultural use and persistence.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Soil pollution arises when harmful substances accumulate in the soil, altering its physical, chemical, and biological properties, often due to human agricultural practices. Step 1:Examine the origin of contaminants.
Agricultural intensification introduces large quantities of synthetic chemicals into soil systems, which are designed to persist long enough to eliminate pests but often remain in the environment.
Step 2:Assess the impact of each option on soil systems.

• Pesticides → Persist in soil, disrupt microbial activity, and degrade fertility on a large scale
• Radioactive waste → Highly hazardous but limited in distribution
• Nitrates → Important nutrients; pollution occurs mainly in excess, not primary source
• Dioxins → Highly toxic but comparatively less widespread in soil contamination

Step 3:Determine dominant cause.
The most widespread and agriculturally linked pollutant affecting soil quality over large areas is pesticide contamination.