Filtering Ground-Level Pollution: Innovative Ways To Breathe Easier

Ground-level pollution is a serious issue, causing almost half a million early deaths worldwide in 2017 alone. It is caused by a range of factors, including vehicle emissions, power plants, industrial processes, and landfills, and can lead to a host of respiratory problems, as well as damage to ecosystems and crop production. While there are measures in place to reduce ground-level pollution, such as air quality standards and sector-specific technological solutions, it remains a complex issue that requires coordinated efforts across regions and countries. One of the challenges in addressing ground-level pollution is that it is not directly emitted but is formed by the reaction of various pollutants with each other, making it difficult to control and reduce.

Ground pollution sources: tailings, garbage, sewage, and more

Ground pollution, or land pollution, is caused by a variety of human activities and is a serious threat to the environment and human health. Here are some of the main sources of ground pollution:

Tailings

Mining activities generate large amounts of waste rock and tailings, which are the crushed and processed remnants of extracted ore. These tailings often contain hazardous substances such as heavy metals, radioactive materials, and toxic chemicals. Improper disposal and storage of tailings can lead to the contamination of soil and groundwater.

Garbage

Municipal solid waste (MSW) includes non-hazardous garbage, rubbish, and trash from various sources such as homes, institutions, commercial establishments, and industrial facilities. Garbage can contain biodegradable food waste, while rubbish includes dry materials like paper and plastic. Improper disposal of MSW in landfills can lead to soil and groundwater contamination.

Sewage

Sewage treatment, while necessary, can also contribute to ground pollution. Partially treated wastewater can contaminate nearby creeks, rivers, flora, and fauna. Solids, such as plastic microfibers, can pass through treatment processes and end up in the environment. Additionally, septic systems and sewage sludge can pollute groundwater if not properly managed.

Construction and Demolition Waste

Construction, industrial production, and demolition activities generate large amounts of waste, including wood, metal, concrete rubble, asphalt, and other inert materials. Inadequate waste management and illegal dumping of these materials can lead to land pollution. Leaving behind hazardous substances such as asbestos, concrete, and plasterboard during demolition can also pose risks to human health and the environment.

Intensive Agriculture

While agriculture is essential for food production, intensive agricultural practices can contribute to land pollution. Chemical fertilizers, even natural ones like manure, can lead to high concentrations of ammonia and nitrogen oxide in the soil. Heavy machinery used in farming, such as tractors, can compact the soil, impacting drainage and nutrient transportation, a phenomenon known as densification.

Other Sources

Other sources of ground pollution include nuclear waste, industrial waste lagoons, oil field brine pits, leaking underground storage tanks, and pipelines. Additionally, improper disposal of household and industrial chemicals can contaminate the ground.

Air pollution: caused by smog from burning fuels and vehicles

Air pollution is a serious issue, particularly in urban areas, where emissions from burning fuels and vehicles contribute to smog formation. Smog, a combination of smoke and fog, refers to intense air pollution characterised by high levels of ground-level ozone, smoke, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxide, and other particulates. The burning of fuels, such as gasoline, oil, and natural gas, for transportation, power plants, and heating, releases a multitude of chemicals into the atmosphere, leading to poor air quality.

Vehicular emissions from internal combustion engines play a significant role in the formation of smog. Traffic emissions from trucks, buses, and automobiles release pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, which react with sunlight and other compounds to form the harmful components of smog. This is particularly prevalent in cities with a high number of motor vehicles and warm, sunny climates, as the chemical reactions that create smog are favoured by these conditions.

The transportation sector is a major contributor to air pollution, accounting for approximately 45% of nitrogen oxide emissions and a significant portion of volatile organic compound and particulate matter emissions in the United States. The combustion of diesel fuel in vehicles is of particular concern, as diesel engines create up to 100 times more particles than gasoline-powered engines, leading to an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

To combat air pollution from burning fuels and vehicles, governments have implemented various regulations and standards. For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set stringent emissions standards for passenger vehicles and fuel quality, such as limiting the amount of sulfur in gasoline. Additionally, the EPA has established regulations for heavy-duty diesel engines, including standards for tractor-trailers, large buses, and construction equipment. These efforts have led to significant improvements in air quality and public health.

It is important to note that air pollution from burning fuels and vehicles has severe health impacts, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Exposure to air pollution can cause respiratory illnesses, aggravate asthma, increase hospital admissions, and even lead to premature deaths. Therefore, it is crucial to continue implementing measures to reduce emissions and improve air quality, ensuring the well-being of people and the environment.

Ozone: good vs bad

Ozone is a gas molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. It can be "good" or "bad" for health and the environment, depending on where it's found in the atmosphere.

Stratospheric ozone, or "good" ozone, occurs naturally in the upper atmosphere, where it forms a protective layer that shields living things from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. This beneficial ozone layer has been partially destroyed by man-made chemicals, causing what is known as a "hole in the ozone." However, the good news is that this hole is diminishing.

On the other hand, ground-level ozone, or "bad" ozone, is a harmful air pollutant and the main ingredient in smog. It forms in the atmosphere from gases emitted by tailpipes, smokestacks, power plants, factories, cars, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources. These gases react with sunlight to produce ozone smog. Ground-level ozone is harmful to human health, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with lung diseases such as asthma. It can cause a range of respiratory issues, including shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and an increased risk of respiratory infections. Additionally, it can affect sensitive vegetation and ecosystems, including forests, parks, and wildlife refuges.

To address ground-level ozone pollution, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented regulations to help states reduce ozone levels. These include vehicle and transportation standards, regional haze and visibility rules, and regular reviews of national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). Individuals can also take steps to protect themselves on days with high levels of air pollutants and advocate for policies to reduce air pollution.

Health problems: respiratory issues, and other health consequences

Ground-level pollution can trigger a variety of health problems, especially in children, the elderly, and people of all ages with lung diseases such as asthma. It can also cause respiratory issues and other health consequences.

Ground-level ozone is a harmful air pollutant and the main ingredient in smog. It is formed by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds, which are emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources. These chemical reactions occur in the presence of sunlight, and ground-level ozone can reach unhealthy levels on hot sunny days in urban environments. Even rural areas can experience high ozone levels due to wind.

Ozone in the air can harm respiratory health, especially in susceptible individuals such as those with asthma. It can trigger a variety of respiratory issues, including asthma attacks, coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Additionally, ground-level ozone can have other health consequences, including cardiovascular issues. Studies have shown a correlation between ground-level ozone exposure and cardiovascular diseases such as coronary arteriosclerosis, hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart insufficiency.

Furthermore, ground-level ozone can also affect the skin and eyes, leading to skin aging, spots, and irritation. It can also cause dry eye syndrome and, in severe cases, eye damage.

Other ground-level pollutants, such as nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and lead, can also have respiratory and other health consequences. Nitrogen oxide, for example, can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, wheezing, and even pulmonary edema at high levels. Sulfur dioxide can irritate the respiratory system, eyes, and skin, and lead to bronchitis and bronchospasm. Lead exposure, on the other hand, can cause both direct poisoning and chronic intoxication, affecting the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and other organs.

Overall, ground-level pollution, including ozone and other pollutants, poses significant risks to respiratory health and can also lead to other health consequences, including cardiovascular issues and skin and eye irritation. It is important to take measures to reduce ground-level pollution and protect vulnerable individuals from its harmful effects.

Strategies to reduce pollution: monitoring, transboundary cooperation, civil society engagement

Monitoring

Air quality monitoring is essential for understanding the extent and sources of pollution. Monitoring can be done through various means, including ground-based sensors, satellite technology, and citizen contributions. For instance, the Global Environment Monitoring System for Air (GEMS/Air) employs low-cost sensors and satellite surface estimates to monitor air quality and provide real-time data to inform decision-making.

Transboundary Cooperation

Pollution does not respect national borders, and international cooperation is crucial to address transboundary flows of pollutants. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides an example of transboundary cooperation, working with Mexico and Canada to address air pollution issues in North America. Through bilateral and multilateral forums, such as the U.S.-Mexico Border Program and the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation, these countries collaborate to mitigate the impact of air pollution on health and the environment.

Civil Society Engagement

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recognizes the importance of engaging Major Groups and other Stakeholders, such as researchers, think tanks, and advocacy groups. By involving these groups in policy-making processes, governments can gain broader recognition and support for their decisions. Civil society plays a crucial role in fostering long-term, broad-based support for environmental missions and can contribute valuable research, advocacy, and perspectives.

Strategies for Reducing Ground-Level Ozone Pollution

Ground-level ozone, formed by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), is a significant air pollutant. Strategies to reduce ground-level ozone pollution include implementing national ambient air quality standards, designating attainment and nonattainment areas, and developing state implementation plans to improve air quality in areas that do not meet the standards. Additionally, vehicle and transportation standards, regional haze and visibility rules, and regular reviews of air quality standards are essential components of reducing ground-level ozone pollution.

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