ABSTRACT
JEYABALAN SANGEETHA1, DEVARAJAN THANGADURAI2, MUNISWAMY DAVID3, JADHAV SHRINIVAS3, ABHISHEK CHANNAYYA MUNDARAGI2, PAIDI MURALI KRISHNA3, ETIGEMANE RAMAPPA HARISH3, PRATHIMA PURUSHOTHAM2, and SWAPNA KISHOR DESHPANDE2
1Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India 2Department of Botany, Karnatak University, Dharwad 580003, Karnataka, India 3Department of Zoology, Karnatak University, Dharwad 580003, Karnataka, India
13.1 INTRODUCTION
Soil executes pivotal role in our environment by providing an active atmosphere for existence of life on earth. A wide array of diverse organisms that are living on earth is haphazardly dependent on soil for growth, development, and survival. Soil is the niche habitat for numerous types of microand macroorganisms which assists the processes of biogeochemical cycling, degradation of organic/inorganic wastes and other natural activities that further helps in maintenance of ecological balance. Despite the fact that soil acquires major significance on earth, it is being polluted by number of hazardous activities by human beings. Urbanization and industrialization are the main agencies of environmental pollution. The exudates from industries includes several non-degradable chemicals, oils, toxic materials, synthetic dyes, heavy metals, acidic contents, and radioactive wastes from nuclear energy plants are the main sources that brings a threatening outcomes toward life on earth. In addition to this, the new advancements in the field of agriculture, pharmaceutical, and other sectors are also causing damage to the soil habitats. It was assumed that, if this dangerous practice continues for few more years, there will be a severe destruction may occur in the environment that eventually leads to an irreversible destructive impact on environment and the living creatures on earth.
