It is usually caused by the presence of man-made chemicals. Such chemicals can enter the soil through different modes like rupture of underground storage tanks, application of pesticides, percolation of contaminated surface water into the soil, oil and fuel dumping, leaking of wastes from landfill sites or discharge of industrial wastes directly into the soil. The occurrence of soil contamination has strong ties with the extent of industrialisation and intensities of chemical usage.

Some common causes of soil contamination are incorrect storage of products or waste in industrial activities, uncontrolled waste disposal, underground drums, accidents during transport of hazardous substances, inappropriate wastewater disposal, and old sewers in states of disrepair. Soil contamination results in surface and/or ground water contamination, river sediment contamination, use of contaminated water for consumption, ingestion of contaminated soil especially by young children, danger in digging, and contamination of farm vegetables and animals through use of ground water.

The intensity of contamination has a big influence on the level of contamination of the soil. Spillage of oil, wastewater or other hazardous liquids can result can seep into soil continuously over a long period of time and can result in a very high level of contamination. Rupture of underground storage tanks and leakage from landfill sites also pose similar threats of high levels of soil contamination. It is very difficult to remedy or rectify such levels of contamination. Causes like application of pesticides cause lesser level of contamination and are relatively easier to remedy.

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