**8.2 Impact of biomedical waste on soil**

Soil quality near waste dumping sites is greatly affected by improper and unscientific disposal of HCW, resulting in alteration of physical and chemical soil properties. The chemistry and biology of the soil ecosystem may change due to different pollutants getting mixed with the soil. The soil samples near the HCW incinerator and dumping sites were found to have very high concentrations of heavy metals like Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Ni [37–40]. Soils at these sites showed high pH, TDS, and EC regime in comparison to control sites resulting in deteriorating soil quality and a decrease in vegetation [41]. The study in china indicated that the HW ashes contained large amounts of metal salts of various common metals with a concentration range of 1.8–315 g /kg. Abundant precautions and measures are needed to further prevent and reduce soil damage due to HCW with increased waste development due to increased establishment and utilization of healthcare facilities [42].
