Reducing Air Pollution: Greener Soil, Healthier Planet

Soil is foundational to human health and survival. It is the medium in which nearly all food-producing crops grow, and it also acts as a natural filter to remove contaminants from water. However, soil pollution, caused by human activities, poses a great and growing threat to human health. It is contaminated by heavy metals, organic chemicals, biological pathogens, and micro/nanoplastic particles. These pollutants reduce soil fertility, spoil the soil structure, and make it unfit for growing crops. They can also have severe implications for human health, from skin irritation to chronic conditions like cancer and developmental disorders. Activities that decrease air pollution will also decrease soil toxins by reducing the presence of airborne pollutants that can seep into the soil and contaminate it.

Reducing the use of pesticides and fertilisers

Pesticides and fertilisers are essential for agricultural development and public health. They help control weeds and insect pests, increase crop yields, and reduce the burden of vector-borne diseases. However, their misuse and presence as contaminants in the environment have raised concerns due to their negative health and environmental impacts.

Pesticides are toxic chemicals that can contaminate the air, soil, water, and food. They are harmful to beneficial soil microorganisms, insects, non-target plants, fish, birds, and other wildlife. For example, chlorpyrifos, a common contaminant of urban streams, is highly toxic to fish and has caused fish kills in waterways near treated fields or buildings. Herbicides can also be harmful to fish, causing vertebral deformities. Pesticides can also indirectly damage plants by harming soil microorganisms and beneficial insects.

To reduce the use of pesticides, it is essential to adopt safer, non-chemical pest control methods. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective approach that focuses on long-term prevention of pests through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and resistant varieties. By using IPM, farmers can minimise the use of chemical pesticides and reduce the risk of environmental and health hazards.

Similarly, fertilisers, when applied in excess, can negatively impact air and water quality. Nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilised soils can be lost through runoff into waterways, leading to eutrophication and the creation of "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive. To mitigate this, farmers can improve nutrient management practices by applying fertilisers in the proper amount, at the right time of year, with the appropriate method, and in the correct placement.

Conservation drainage practices, such as subsurface tile drainage, can also help manage water movement and reduce nutrient losses. Implementing conservation tillage, where fields are tilled less frequently and with reduced intensity, can improve soil health, reduce erosion and runoff, and decrease the chance of nutrients reaching waterways. Additionally, ensuring year-round ground cover by planting cover crops or perennial species can prevent soil erosion and nutrient loss during periods of bare ground.

Limiting industrial waste and emissions

Industrial waste and emissions are significant contributors to air and soil pollution. To limit their impact, industrial corporations must implement robust waste management initiatives and adhere to emission guidelines. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Waste Management Strategies:

• Waste Characterization and Auditing: Organizations should categorize and audit their waste streams to determine waste types and accumulation rates. This enables managers to develop effective plans for pollution reduction and recycling initiatives. For example, identifying electronic waste (e-waste) and implementing recycling programs can prevent toxins and chemicals from leaking into the environment.
• Accurate Waste Tracking: Proper waste tracking is essential for compliance with environmental regulations. Software solutions can help flag mistakes, ensure consistent data entry, and generate various reports, including emission inventories. Accurate waste speciation is crucial, and lab sampling may be necessary, despite being expensive and potentially unreliable due to process changes.
• Pollution Prevention Techniques: Industrial facilities should integrate pollution prevention into their waste management practices. This involves utilizing tools, techniques, and procedures to reduce hazardous waste accumulation across various industries, including agriculture, technology, and health sciences.

Emission Guidelines and Standards:

• Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration (CISWI) Standards: The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emission Guidelines (EG) for CISWI units. These standards aim to reduce emissions of harmful air pollutants, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and dioxins/furans, which have known adverse health and environmental effects.
• Compliance and Regulations: Organizations must comply with regulations set by entities like the EPA, OSHA, and RCRA. Non-compliance can lead to penalties and damage to corporate reputation. It is essential to maintain accurate records, track waste data, and ensure proper emission crediting to avoid negative consequences.

By implementing these strategies and adhering to emission guidelines, industrial corporations can significantly limit their waste and emissions, contributing to a healthier environment and reduced pollution levels.

Cleaning contaminated soil

Soil contamination is caused by the presence of harmful substances, which render the soil unfit for growing crops and plants. The most common soil pollutants are heavy metals like lead and mercury, pesticide compounds, salt, and mineral ores. These pollutants are often the result of dangerous chemicals finding their way into the soil and disrupting the soil structure.

Before planting a garden, it is wise to have a soil sample analyzed to determine the quality of the soil and the presence of any contaminants. If contaminants are found, there are several methods to treat or clean up contaminated soils:

• Containment: This involves containing the contaminated soil to prevent the further spread of pollutants.
• Soil washing: This method involves washing the soil to remove pollutants.
• Thermal treatment: This involves using heat to treat the contaminated soil.
• Vapor extraction: This method extracts hazardous vapors from the contaminated soil.
• Bioremediation: Bioremediation is the treatment of soil by naturally occurring organisms. For example, certain types of fungi and bacteria can break down pollutants into a safer state or neutralize and decontaminate polluted land.
• Incineration: This method involves burning the contaminated soil to destroy the pollutants.
• Physical/chemical treatments: Other physical or chemical treatments can be used to treat the soil, such as adding rich organic matter, peat moss, compost, or aged manure.

In addition to these methods, it is important to address the sources of soil contamination and prevent the improper disposal of waste to reduce the impact of contaminants on the environment and human health.

Preventing soil erosion

Soil pollution is the contamination of soil by harmful substances, which spoil soil fertility and make it unfit for growing crops. Soil erosion is the gradual loss of soil to natural elements like wind and rain. Intensive farming practices, deforestation, poor land management, and climate change can accelerate soil erosion.

• Crop Rotation: Alternating crops such as cereal rye, oats, and certain strains of wheat can create a protective blanket over the field. These crops anchor the soil with their roots, making it harder to disturb and preventing erosion.
• Terracing: Constructing a series of stages or "terraces" on a slope can break up the incline and act as plateaus to stop water runoff from flowing straight down. These terraces can then be used to plant cover crops with strong root systems, such as trees and shrubs, to hold the soil together and reduce its detachment.
• Mulching: Using organic materials such as shredded leaves, wood chips, or clear-cutting tree debris to cover the topsoil creates a protective barrier against wind and water. Mulch shields the soil, prevents it from becoming acidic, and enriches it as it decomposes.
• Permanent Vegetation: Planting permanent vegetation with deep root systems, especially on vulnerable areas like riverbanks, stream edges, and hillsides, is crucial. These plants hold the soil together and reduce soil loss.
• Conservation Techniques: Conservation techniques such as contour farming and conservation tillage help channel small runoff streams across, rather than down, slopes. No-till systems that leave residue on top of the soil also improve water infiltration and reduce runoff.

Reducing air pollutants

Understanding Pollutants:

Firstly, it's crucial to recognize the sources of air pollution. Common air pollutants include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. While these substances are usually present in small, non-harmful amounts, excessive levels can be detrimental. Other pollutants include fumes, dust, mist, smoke, and biological allergens like pollen, which can trigger asthma and hay fever.

Addressing Industrial Activities:

Industrial activities are significant contributors to air pollution. The burning of fossil fuels, for example, releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Moving towards cleaner energy sources, such as renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro), can help reduce these emissions. Additionally, implementing stricter emission standards and regulations for industries can limit the release of harmful pollutants into the air.

Agricultural Practices:

Agricultural activities also play a role in air pollution. For example, the overuse of pesticides and fertilisers can contribute to air and soil pollution. Encouraging sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming, precision farming, and integrated pest management, can reduce the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.

Transportation Sector:

The transportation sector is another major contributor to air pollution. Vehicles emit pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs), improving public transportation, and encouraging active travel (walking, cycling) can help reduce vehicle emissions.

Soil Management:

As mentioned earlier, soil pollution is often interconnected with air pollution. By reducing the use of pesticides and fertilisers, improving waste management practices, and preventing soil erosion, we can decrease the presence of toxins in the soil. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of pollutants being released into the air through dust and other airborne particles.

Public Awareness and Education:

Educating the public about the impacts of air pollution and providing information on sustainable alternatives can empower individuals to make environmentally conscious choices. This includes raising awareness about the health risks associated with air and soil pollution, as well as promoting initiatives like recycling, reducing energy consumption, and supporting renewable energy projects.

Frequently asked questions