ABSTRACT
The realization that both controlled and uncontrolled disposal of wastes can result in the contamination of soils, surface waters and groundwaters has led to the development of a wide range of diverse regulatory measures and guidelines aimed at reducing or eliminating waste-related pollution. This practice applies not only to urban industries, but also to agriculture, horticulture and forestry and their associated populations. Even so, waste disposal and its associated environmental contamination is an ongoing issue, with the list of potential pollutants in wastes increasing as new chemicals and processes are developed. In addition, many sites contaminated in the past by waste disposal operations, or by a particular agricultural or industrial activity carried out at the site, continue to pose a serious threat to the environment.
