PTE Summarize Written Text Task Sample 129
Soil Pollution
Read the passage below and summarize it using one sentence. Type your response in the box at the bottom of the screen. You have 10 minutes to finish this task. Your response will be judged on the quality of your writing and on how well your response presents the key points in the passage.
Soil pollution, a pervasive environmental issue, arises from the contamination of the soil with harmful substances, adversely affecting its quality and fertility. Human activities, including industrial processes, agricultural practices, and improper waste disposal, contribute significantly to soil pollution.
Industrial discharges often release hazardous chemicals and heavy metals into the soil, contaminating it with substances like lead, mercury, and arsenic. Agricultural activities, particularly the use of pesticides and fertilizers, contribute to soil pollution by introducing harmful chemicals that can persist in the soil and impact both plant and human health.
Soil pollution poses a severe threat to ecosystems, disrupting the balance of microorganisms and affecting plant growth. Contaminated soil can lead to the bioaccumulation of toxins in the food chain, ultimately affecting human health. Additionally, it can degrade soil structure, reducing its ability to retain water and nutrients, thereby impacting agricultural productivity.
Addressing soil pollution requires comprehensive measures, including proper waste management, reduced use of chemical inputs in agriculture, and remediation efforts for contaminated sites. Sustainable agricultural practices, organic farming, and the implementation of soil conservation techniques are essential for preventing further degradation of soil quality.
In conclusion, soil pollution is a pressing environmental concern with far-reaching implications for ecosystems and human well-being. Mitigating this issue necessitates a concerted effort to adopt sustainable practices, regulate industrial emissions, and promote responsible waste management to ensure the health and fertility of our soils for future generations.
Summary:
Soil pollution, stemming from industrial discharges, agricultural activities, and improper waste disposal, threatens ecosystems and human health by contaminating the soil with hazardous substances, necessitating comprehensive measures such as sustainable practices, waste management, and remediation efforts for healthier and more fertile soils.