Urban and Industrial Pollution of Water and Soil Systems

Urbanization and industrialization drive economic growth, yet they also play a major role in polluting water and soil systems. In this chapter, we examine the key sources of pollutants, such as domestic wastewater, industrial and mining effluents, and solid waste. Their effects on ecosystem services such as water treatment, biogeochemical cycling, and biomass production are also presented. It features key processes influencing pollutant transport and persistence, as well as the interplay between water and soil pollution. The chapter also highlights the environmental and public health impacts of pollution. Strategies for prevention, control, and sustainable management of environmental degradation are also delineated. Overall, it provides a succinct framework to better understand and address the challenges of urban and industrial pollution in developing regions.