LAND DEGRADATION IN ADDIS ABABA DUE TO INDUSTRIAL AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

urbanization alld industrialization resulting in physical sealing of soils, and
contamination of ecosystems with pollutants such as heavy metals. The
physical sealing of soils occurs due to iI/creasing constn/ction of industrial
and residence buildings, roads, play grounds, etc. Municipal and industrial
wastes are constwrtly added i"to river water or farmlands, with little or 110
treatment. COlisequelllly, heavy metals build up in river water, soils and
vegetables. Consumption of contaminqted vegetables may have negatiye
health implications and hence it is very imperative to increase public
awareness at all levels. Treatment of eJJ1uents and bio·reclamation. of
degraded soils could ameliorate the current situation.