What is one major environmental concern related to landfilling waste?

The major environmental concern related to landfilling waste is the release of toxic pollutants into the soil and groundwater. When waste materials are deposited in landfills, they can decompose and generate leachate, a liquid that can seep out of the landfill. This leachate can contain harmful substances, including heavy metals, chemicals, and organic pollutants, which pose significant risks to surrounding soil and water sources. Contaminating groundwater can lead to adverse health effects for humans and wildlife, as this water can be used for drinking and agriculture. The potential for soil and water pollution from landfilled waste is a critical environmental issue, highlighting the need for effective waste management and landfill design to mitigate these risks.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the recognized environmental impacts of landfilling. For example, landfill operations do not enhance soil fertility; in fact, they can degrade soil health. Additionally, landfills typically do not promote an increase in local wildlife populations and can even be detrimental to them due to habitat disruption and pollution. Finally, rather than improving air quality, landfills often emit gases like methane and other volatile organic compounds, leading to air pollution.