Dear Mannan Rouhani

Human Nutrient Supply from Soils

A mere 11 elements constitute 99.9% of the atoms in the human body. These are typically divided into major and minor elements. The four major elements, H, O, C, and N, make up approximately 99% of the human body, and seven minor elements, Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, S, and Cl, make up another 0.9% of the body (Combs 2005). Approximately 18 additional elements — called trace elements — are considered essential in small amounts to maintain human life. However, human health experts do not universally agree on the exact number and identity of these trace elements. Out of the approximately 29 elements considered essential for human life, 18 are either essential or beneficial to plants and are obtained from soil, and most of the other elements can be taken up from the soil by plants (Brevik 2013a).

Negative Health Effects

Heavy Metals

Exposure to heavy metals through soil contact is a major human health concern. Arsenic is a metalloid, but it is commonly grouped with the heavy metals. The heavy metals of greatest concern for human health include: As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Zn (Fergusson 1990). Heavy metals enter soils naturally through the weathering of rocks, but they have also been introduced into soils through human activity. Heavy metals are the by-products of mining ores, and they are present in mine spoils and in the immediate surroundings of metal processing plants. Heavy metals are released into soils from landfills that contain industrial and household wastes and from sewage sludge that comes from wastewater treatment plants. E-wastes, or wastes associated with electronic appliances, are an increasing source of Pb, Sb, Hg, Cd, and Ni in the soil (Robinson 2009). Urban soils are particularly susceptible to significant accumulations of heavy metals from automobile exhaust, coal burning, erosion of metal structures, and refuse incineration. In agricultural settings, the use of fertilizers, manures, and pesticides has also contributed to the accumulation of heavy metals in soils (Senesi et al. 1999). Arsenic has been used in pesticides, and the build-up of arsenic in orchard soils is problematic since it may persist for decades (Walsh et al. 1977). The heavy metals with the most toxicity in humans, including Cd, Pb, Hg, and As, are those with no biological function that disrupt enzymatic activities commonly affecting the brain and kidneys (Hu 2002).

Organic Chemicals

Organic chemicals have been deposited into the soil both naturally and anthropogenically, and many of the organic chemicals deposited into the air and water eventually end up in the soil. Soil contamination with organic chemicals is a serious problem in all nations (Aelion 2009). A large amount of these organic chemicals come from the agricultural application of herbicides, insecticides, and nematicides (Figure 2). Soil pollution with organic chemicals is not limited to farming areas. Soils in urban areas are also polluted with organic chemicals as a result of industrial activities, coal burning, motor vehicle emissions, waste incineration, and sewage and solid waste dumping (Leake et al. 2009). Both farming and urban areas have soil contamination that includes a complex mixture of organic chemicals, metals, and microorganisms caused by municipal and domestic septic system waste, farm animal waste, and other biowastes (Pettry et al. 1973). A more recent health concern includes pharmaceutical waste derived from antibiotics, hormones, and antiparasitic drugs used to treat humans and domestic animals (Albihn 2001).

The most common types of organic chemicals found in soil include polyhalogenated biphenyls, aromatic hydrocarbons, insecticides, herbicides, fossil fuels, and the by-products of fossil fuel combustion (Burgess 2013). These organic chemicals are highly diluted in the upper layers of the soil, and they form chemical mixtures used in reactions involving microorganisms. We have very little toxicological information about the health effects of these chemical mixtures (Carpenter et al. 2002). Studies of the health effects of low concentrations and mixtures of these chemicals in soil have been very limited (Feron et al. 2002). Due to the very long half-lives of many organic chemicals, they are referred to as "persistent organic pollutants." These persistent organic pollutants are organic chemicals that resist decomposition in the environment and bioaccumulate as they move up the food chain. An example of this is 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), which was shown to disrupt the hormonal systems of raptors (Vega et al. 2007).

Airborne Dust

Airborne dust can impact human health, especially when the particles are less than 10 microns in size (Monteil 2008). The main direct health effect of inhaled dust is irritation of the respiratory passages and diseases, such as lung cancer. However, airborne dust can carry additional materials, such as pathogens, harmful gases, organic chemicals, heavy metals, insects, pollen, and radioactive materials, that can cause other health problems (Bartos et al. 2009). Humans can breathe airborne dust containing toxicants into the lungs, where the toxicants may enter the bloodstream. Cultivation for agricultural production and deflation (wind erosion) from unpaved road and work sites and denuded fields can introduce dusts into the atmosphere. Airborne dust from Africa is a significant health concern for North American soils. Clouds of dust from the Sahara and Sahel deserts follow the trade winds across the Atlantic Ocean, and African dust has been linked to elevated levels of Hg, Se, and Pb in North American soils (Garrison et al. 2003). The number of asthma cases in the United States more than doubled between 1980 and 2000, and asthma rates have also increased in the Caribbean (Brevik 2013a). Airborne dust from Africa has been tentatively linked to increased asthma in North America (Monteil 2008).

Soil Pathogens Although most organisms found in soil are not harmful to humans, soil does serve as a home for many pathogenic organisms. Bacteria are the most abundant type of organism in soil, and they are found in every soil on Earth. Most fungi are saprophytes that absorb nutrients by aiding in the decomposition of dead organisms, but approximately 300 soil fungi species out of the more than 100,000 total fungi species are known to cause disease in humans (Bultman et al. 2005) (Figure 3). For example, the soil fungus Exserohilium rostratum was responsible for the 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak in the United States (Brevik & Burgess 2013a). Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic organisms. Most protozoa found in soil feed on bacteria and algae, but some cause human parasitic diseases such as diarrhea and amoebic dysentery (Brevik 2013a). Helminths are parasites that may inhabit the human intestines, lymph system, or other tissues. Diseases caused by helminths require a non-animal development site or reservoir for transmission, and the soil is a common development site. Billions of people are infected by helminths worldwide each year, with an estimated 130,000 deaths annually. Helminth infections generally occur through ingestion or skin penetration, and in most cases involve infection of the intestines (Bultman et al. 2005). The soil is not a natural reservoir for viruses, but viruses are known to survive in soil. Pathogenic viruses are usually introduced into soil through human septic or sewage waste. Viruses that cause conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, polio, aseptic meningitis, or smallpox have all been found in soil (Hamilton et al. 2007; Bultman et al. 2005).

One of the simplest ways , by getting the pollutants accumulated into crops that are grown on polluted soils and getting entry into the ground water through a continum involving soil- plant- water- human...

Humans of any age may suffer kidney or liver damage from exposure to excessive mercury in soil. In addition to endangering human health, soil pollution can also cause economic damage. ... The grain grown in these soils is often polluted with heavy metals.

It is somewhat similar to bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Once a toxic substance is dumped into an area where crops are grown, naturally, some of them will be absorbed to the plant through capillary action if the substances are soluble in water. However, this would take some time but by the time the crops are harvested, portion could be in there too.

Soil pollution generally occurs in industrial or urban areas. Heavy metals that pollute the soil and the environment will be absorbed by plants. Plants consumed will cause toxicity to the human body. Poisoning will cause health problems

Soil if contaminated may pose an adverse impact on human through crops, fruits and vegetables which grow on soil

Logic of this question is human health and soil health are inter- related.....

Agree, that contaminated land indirectly will cause human health problems@

Contaminated soil may affect human health.The contaminated root vegetables such as radish ,potatoes ,peanuts ,carrots and others with pesticides and heavy metals , can directly reach human beings through the digestive system .Some contaminants ,they do have high vapor pressure .These contaminants might reach human through the respiratory system .

Thanks a lot all of you.

Most of you mentioned to the farming aspect which contaminated soils affect human health by eating crops, fruits and vegetables. except all of these factors, are there any ways that contaminated soils by heavy metals can effect on human health?such as dust which come from soils. or any other ways?

the contamination can move from soil to the plants or the groundwater

In the case of many Brazilian cities that only use groundwater in their supply and even a portion if surface water can be contaminated or directly polluted due to soil contamination. Brazilian water and sewage treatment plants usually do not have advanced technologies for the detection and removal of specific pollutants that may be in the soil. This becomes a problem not only environmental but also public health

crops and vegetables consumed will cause toxicity to the human body.

Dear Mannan Rouhani

Human Nutrient Supply from Soils

A mere 11 elements constitute 99.9% of the atoms in the human body. These are typically divided into major and minor elements. The four major elements, H, O, C, and N, make up approximately 99% of the human body, and seven minor elements, Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, S, and Cl, make up another 0.9% of the body (Combs 2005). Approximately 18 additional elements — called trace elements — are considered essential in small amounts to maintain human life. However, human health experts do not universally agree on the exact number and identity of these trace elements. Out of the approximately 29 elements considered essential for human life, 18 are either essential or beneficial to plants and are obtained from soil, and most of the other elements can be taken up from the soil by plants (Brevik 2013a).

Negative Health Effects

Heavy Metals

Exposure to heavy metals through soil contact is a major human health concern. Arsenic is a metalloid, but it is commonly grouped with the heavy metals. The heavy metals of greatest concern for human health include: As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Zn (Fergusson 1990). Heavy metals enter soils naturally through the weathering of rocks, but they have also been introduced into soils through human activity. Heavy metals are the by-products of mining ores, and they are present in mine spoils and in the immediate surroundings of metal processing plants. Heavy metals are released into soils from landfills that contain industrial and household wastes and from sewage sludge that comes from wastewater treatment plants. E-wastes, or wastes associated with electronic appliances, are an increasing source of Pb, Sb, Hg, Cd, and Ni in the soil (Robinson 2009). Urban soils are particularly susceptible to significant accumulations of heavy metals from automobile exhaust, coal burning, erosion of metal structures, and refuse incineration. In agricultural settings, the use of fertilizers, manures, and pesticides has also contributed to the accumulation of heavy metals in soils (Senesi et al. 1999). Arsenic has been used in pesticides, and the build-up of arsenic in orchard soils is problematic since it may persist for decades (Walsh et al. 1977). The heavy metals with the most toxicity in humans, including Cd, Pb, Hg, and As, are those with no biological function that disrupt enzymatic activities commonly affecting the brain and kidneys (Hu 2002).

Organic Chemicals

Organic chemicals have been deposited into the soil both naturally and anthropogenically, and many of the organic chemicals deposited into the air and water eventually end up in the soil. Soil contamination with organic chemicals is a serious problem in all nations (Aelion 2009). A large amount of these organic chemicals come from the agricultural application of herbicides, insecticides, and nematicides (Figure 2). Soil pollution with organic chemicals is not limited to farming areas. Soils in urban areas are also polluted with organic chemicals as a result of industrial activities, coal burning, motor vehicle emissions, waste incineration, and sewage and solid waste dumping (Leake et al. 2009). Both farming and urban areas have soil contamination that includes a complex mixture of organic chemicals, metals, and microorganisms caused by municipal and domestic septic system waste, farm animal waste, and other biowastes (Pettry et al. 1973). A more recent health concern includes pharmaceutical waste derived from antibiotics, hormones, and antiparasitic drugs used to treat humans and domestic animals (Albihn 2001).

The most common types of organic chemicals found in soil include polyhalogenated biphenyls, aromatic hydrocarbons, insecticides, herbicides, fossil fuels, and the by-products of fossil fuel combustion (Burgess 2013). These organic chemicals are highly diluted in the upper layers of the soil, and they form chemical mixtures used in reactions involving microorganisms. We have very little toxicological information about the health effects of these chemical mixtures (Carpenter et al. 2002). Studies of the health effects of low concentrations and mixtures of these chemicals in soil have been very limited (Feron et al. 2002). Due to the very long half-lives of many organic chemicals, they are referred to as "persistent organic pollutants." These persistent organic pollutants are organic chemicals that resist decomposition in the environment and bioaccumulate as they move up the food chain. An example of this is 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), which was shown to disrupt the hormonal systems of raptors (Vega et al. 2007).

Airborne Dust

Airborne dust can impact human health, especially when the particles are less than 10 microns in size (Monteil 2008). The main direct health effect of inhaled dust is irritation of the respiratory passages and diseases, such as lung cancer. However, airborne dust can carry additional materials, such as pathogens, harmful gases, organic chemicals, heavy metals, insects, pollen, and radioactive materials, that can cause other health problems (Bartos et al. 2009). Humans can breathe airborne dust containing toxicants into the lungs, where the toxicants may enter the bloodstream. Cultivation for agricultural production and deflation (wind erosion) from unpaved road and work sites and denuded fields can introduce dusts into the atmosphere. Airborne dust from Africa is a significant health concern for North American soils. Clouds of dust from the Sahara and Sahel deserts follow the trade winds across the Atlantic Ocean, and African dust has been linked to elevated levels of Hg, Se, and Pb in North American soils (Garrison et al. 2003). The number of asthma cases in the United States more than doubled between 1980 and 2000, and asthma rates have also increased in the Caribbean (Brevik 2013a). Airborne dust from Africa has been tentatively linked to increased asthma in North America (Monteil 2008).

Soil Pathogens Although most organisms found in soil are not harmful to humans, soil does serve as a home for many pathogenic organisms. Bacteria are the most abundant type of organism in soil, and they are found in every soil on Earth. Most fungi are saprophytes that absorb nutrients by aiding in the decomposition of dead organisms, but approximately 300 soil fungi species out of the more than 100,000 total fungi species are known to cause disease in humans (Bultman et al. 2005) (Figure 3). For example, the soil fungus Exserohilium rostratum was responsible for the 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak in the United States (Brevik & Burgess 2013a). Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic organisms. Most protozoa found in soil feed on bacteria and algae, but some cause human parasitic diseases such as diarrhea and amoebic dysentery (Brevik 2013a). Helminths are parasites that may inhabit the human intestines, lymph system, or other tissues. Diseases caused by helminths require a non-animal development site or reservoir for transmission, and the soil is a common development site. Billions of people are infected by helminths worldwide each year, with an estimated 130,000 deaths annually. Helminth infections generally occur through ingestion or skin penetration, and in most cases involve infection of the intestines (Bultman et al. 2005). The soil is not a natural reservoir for viruses, but viruses are known to survive in soil. Pathogenic viruses are usually introduced into soil through human septic or sewage waste. Viruses that cause conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, polio, aseptic meningitis, or smallpox have all been found in soil (Hamilton et al. 2007; Bultman et al. 2005).

Plants will bioaccumulate metals, which if they are food plants pass this on to the receptor eating them.

I agree with the explanation of Dr. Md. Saiful Islam. All the probable sources of pollutants coming from soil to the human via various agents have been nicely discussed. I like to appreciate him greatly.

In urban areas, the very common threaten by contaminanted soil is vapor intrusion, which has been reported by a lot litertures. In addition, oral ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation could be significant exposure pathways for these elecments or compounds with less volitile feature.

Let us have some discussion on , how shall we unload the accumulated pollutants from such contaminated soils ..?? What are the recent breakthroughs, lets have some debate , Dr Ghosh...thank you

Prior to reclaiming an urban soil for crops cultivation, the same should be evaluated for the following:

1. pollutants (e.g.: heavy metals, asbestos, pesticide residues)

2. a history of the use that was made of that space will be very valuable for this assessment (e.g.: were there buildings, or factory, paved parking lot? Etc.).

Based upon the the use of that land then a composite/representative soil sample should be analyzed to search for specific, toxic residues. Bioremediation can be pursued through the cultivation of non-edible plant species that will uptake the pollutants. Removal and disposal of these plants will follow. Amendation of the soil with good quality compost will ensue. A new soil test and analysis of the samples is necessary to verify the achieved reclamation that now should indicate a better feasibility for growing edible plants. These are simplifications however, as every site may require different times for the reclamation process. A vast body of literature will guide you to select specific plant species to be employed in this phytoremediation effort in order to achieve a successful soil reclamation.

Dear mannan

Soil can have impact on human health as well all know..by multiple exposure-

1)consuming plants and vegetables grown in contaminated soil( by uptaking it from soil..)

2)soil , a major constituent of dust particles by mulitple exposure routes like ingestion, inhalation and dermal contacts. Children generally have pica habits of ingesting soil

3) through soil, pollutant may leach to the level of ground water

Like in india, if i say about my study area Delhi..

Major contributor to soil pollution are - 1)irrigation of agricultural sites by using contaminated yamuna river.. generally river flood plains are used for agriculture purpose in urban areas.

2) industrial and vehicular emmissions

3) dumping

4) soil displacement and deposition and repositioning

It all creates a polluted environment harming both ecology and human health.

The possible sources of heavy metals that pollute soil have been discussed by all Professors very nicely. Now these toxic metal in soil can pollute air, water and produced edible biological substances and may enter in human body during respiration, drinking water consumption and uptake of food resulting in bio- accumulation and cause undesirable consequences.

We have studied metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, etc) in urban soil and sediments in cities in the United States (New Orleans, and Miami). It is well known that urban areas with housing older than 50 years are likely to have been painted with paint containing lead. And of course, the most sensitive population to consuming lead in soil around old houses is enfants and children. With respect to sediments in drainage canals we found high levels of lead and arsenic, and it is believed that this contamination resulted from the use of lead arsenate as a rodenticide and in some cases as a insecticide.

Im very OK with the detailed explanation of Md Saiful Islam. Polluted soils will negatively affect human health especially when the concentration of the pollutants (Possibly heavy metals or organic pollutants) reached toxic limits. The exposure routes could be through dust, plants (consumption), surface and underground water (by leaching process), or by direct ingestion in the case of children. Several research findings had earlier established the absorption of toxic metals and other pollutants from polluted soil to various part of plants. Similarly, cases of lakes, rivers and underground water pollution due to contaminated soils were reported in different parts of the world, where detailed and precise health risks assessment and evaluation revealed probable health threat due to the pollutants.

Best regards.

Heavy metals enter to the human through food chain from soil, producers, primary and secondary consumers

Contaminated soil may affect human health.The contaminated root vegetables such as radish ,potatoes ,peanuts ,carrots and others with pesticides and heavy metals , can directly reach human beings through the digestive system .Some contaminants ,they do have high vapor pressure .These contaminants might reach human through the respiratory system

In urban area soil can be contaminated by several kind of heavy metals (mostly from traffic) : As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Hg, Fe, Ni, Pb, Se, Pt, Zn. Three heavy metals Zn, Pt and Cu for example represent 90% of them (depending on the city). Plants cultivated in gardens in the city such as Apium graveolus and Allium cepa can respectively absorb Cd and Zn in large quantities. Geranium can absorb Cd, Ni, Pb in large quantities. One of the most polluted city in the world is Oroya in Peru where soil and air are heavily polluted by Pb, As and other heavy metals (mining city).

Source: Les Plantes hyperaccumulatrices de métaux lourds, une solution à la pollution des sols et de l’eau. Jean-Pierre Jost, Eds Conaissances et Savoirs, 2018. (Research Gate)

Dear Mannan Rouhani pleae find the attached RG links. It might helpful in your research. Thanks

Article Urban soil and human health: A review

Article Urban Soil Contamination

Soil pollution means the introduction of foreign matter into the soil or an increase in the concentration of one of its natural components, which causes a change in the chemical and physical composition of the soil. These substances are called soil contaminants and may be pesticides, chemical fertilizers, acid rain or industrial- Soil contamination leads to contamination of agricultural crops, which leads to damage to human health directly fed, and through the transfer of pollutants to animal products such as milk, eggs and meat.

I agree with Dr. Ibrahim.

Poluted soils can affect the wuality of food we eat. The polutants would surely find their way into the fruits and seeds, which in turn have negative impacts on our health

https://www.nature.com/scitable/.../the-influence-of-soils-on-human-health-127878980

Because the heavy metals can rich the human organism through food chain.

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/ca0e/17617e0916b451f091f3367d52b0b7de512e.pdf

In urban areas, with older housing which may have been painted with lead-based paint the most sensitive population is small children (1-3 years old). Typically, they may consume 100-200 mg of soil/day, and if they exhibit soil-pica behavior they may consume several grams of soil per day. We have measured lead in soils around old houses (60 years old) at concentrations up to 1000 mg/kg. Children consuming soil with these lead concentrations may be subject to reduced learning capacity (reduced IQ). To me this is one of the most serious ways in which urban soils can affect human health. There are ways of reducing the bio-availability of lead and other toxic metals in urban soils.

There is risk of bioaccumulation and cause adverse impact on human health

Kidney or liver diseases may arises from exposure to excessive mercury in soil. In addition to endangering human health, soil pollution can also cause economic damage.

I agree with Dr. Ibrahim

Contaminated soil may affect human health.The contaminated root vegetables such as radish ,potatoes ,peanuts ,carrots and others with pesticides and heavy metals , can directly reach human beings through the digestive system .Some contaminants ,they do have high vapor pressure .These contaminants might reach human through the respiratory system . … Read more

Interesting question.

If the soil (lithosphere) in urban areas becomes polluted with toxic heavy metals, then these metals undergo redistribution in water(hydrosphere), air (atmosphere) and in various plants and animals (biosphere) by the help of physical, chemical and biological agents. The main objective of these types of partitioning is to reduce the effect of toxicity and is called as self rectification capacity of nature. This sharing happens in cases of any types of toxic materials transfer, transformations etc. Absorption in the biota is called as bio accumulation and connects with animals through the food chain and may undergo bio-magnification in the end members of food chain. If food materials are produced in these soils, may be contaminated and ultimately may reach to the humans and could show harmful effects.

The contaminated root vegetables such as radish ,potatoes ,peanuts ,carrots and others with pesticides and heavy metals , can directly reach human beings through the digestive system .Some contaminants ,they do have high vapor pressure

Polluted soils have a great impact on human health.

Polluted soil will lose its fertility .

Soil has a considerable effect on human health, whether those effects are positive or negative, direct or indirect. Soil is an important source of nutrients in our food supply and medicines such as antibiotics. However, nutrient imbalances and the presence of human pathogens in the soil biological community can cause negative effects on health. There are also many locations where various elements or chemical compounds are found in soil at toxic levels, because of either natural conditions or anthropogenic activities

Soil has a considerable effect on human health, whether those effects are positive or negative, direct or indirect. Soil is an important source of nutrients in our food supply and medicines such as antibiotics. However, nutrient imbalances and the presence of human pathogens in the soil biological community can cause negative effects on health. There are also many locations where various elements or chemical compounds are found in soil at toxic levels, because of either natural conditions or anthropogenic activities

Soil has a considerable effect on human health, whether those effects are positive or negative, direct or indirect. Soil is an important source of nutrients in our food supply and medicines such as antibiotics. However, nutrient imbalances and the presence of human pathogens in the soil biological community can cause negative effects on health. There are also many locations where various elements or chemical compounds are found in soil at toxic levels, because of either natural conditions or anthropogenic activities

Polluted soil will kill living microorganisms in it .

Polluted soil will contaminate water .

Therefore, prior to any vegetables or fruits, or edible plants cultivation in an urban environment it is always necessary to do a soil analysis (especially for heavy metals). If this is not possible, then a phytoremediation plan should be done before planting edible crops.

In urban areas, there are numerous point and non-point pollution sources. When heavy metal pollutants eventually get into urban soils, the major pathways through which they can get into humans and influence their health are:

1. Ingestion (By consumption of contaminated vegetables, fruits, and water. Of course, no one feeds on soil. But soil is a critical and crucial component in the food chain. Roots absorb nutrients from soils. Surface water bodies and aquifers are recharged by water flowing through the soil.)

2. Inhalation (Contaminated soils in the form of dust particles can be inhaled by humans.)

3. Dermal contact (The contaminated dusts can stick to the skin. And, the skin is a porous organ. The potentially toxic elements may eventually find their way into the human systems through the skin.)

Ultimately, when the toxic elements get into humans, they gradually begin to alter the functions of some cells, tissues, and organs.

There are three pathways to exposed to pollutants in soils:

Ingestion, direct breathing and dermal contact absorption.

when pollutants can entry to the human body by mentioned routes, they could have adverse effects on human health.

Polluted soil can adversely effects human health through food chain.

Agree with @ . Soil contamination negatively affects microorganisms that bind pollutants and translate them into an insoluble form.

Soils in urban areas are polluted with organic chemicals as a result of industrial activities, coal burning, motor vehicle emissions, waste incineration, and sewage and solid waste dumping.

بالتأكيد ستؤثراً سلباً عل حياتنا من خلال دورة الحياة الطبيعة

Due to the residues of pesticides and other chemicals that reach the water and affected by subsequent crops

A polluted soil in an urban area due by high levels of heavy metals, Sulphur and nitrogen oxides and particulates will eventually affect human health as these compounds accumulate in certain body organs (Liver, kidney, lymphnodes) and/or tissues (adipose tissues) when the fruits and vegetables harvested from such a soil are consumed. Rachel Carson described this phenomenon, which is known as biomagnification in her famous book "Silent Spring" in 1962.