Ohio's Industrial Pollution: A Battle For Clean Air And Water

Ohio is a state in the midwestern region of the United States with a population of over 11.7 million people. It has a strong industrial presence, with large amounts of manufacturing and automobile production. As a result of its dense population and high level of industrial activity, Ohio faces significant air pollution issues. The state's PM2.5 readings, which measure the concentration of fine particulate matter in the air, indicate that several of its cities suffer from moderate to good ratings of pollution. Additionally, industrial pollution in Ohio has impacted its waterways, with the Ohio River being identified as the nation's leader in industrial pollution.

Nitrate compounds from industrial effluent

Nitrate compounds are a form of nitrogen, which is found in several different forms in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Nitrates are essential plant nutrients, but in excess amounts, they can cause significant water quality problems. Nitrates in excess amounts, along with phosphorus, can accelerate eutrophication, causing dramatic increases in aquatic plant growth and changes in the types of plants and animals that live in the stream. This, in turn, affects dissolved oxygen, temperature, and other indicators.

Nitrate compounds are released into the Ohio River, which has been ranked first in the nation for industrial pollution. The river is a dumping ground for toxic chemicals, urban and agricultural runoff, and treated and untreated wastewater. In 2020, industrial discharges from coal-fired power plants, steel and aluminium manufacturers, petrochemical plants, and other businesses accounted for nearly 41 million pounds of toxic pollution released into the Ohio River Basin.

Nitrate compounds are also released from industrial activities such as mining and agriculture. In mining, ammonium nitrate-based explosives are used to detonate and crush rocks to expose minerals. In agriculture, nitrogen-based fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides are used in crop farming practices.

The removal of nitrate compounds from industrial effluent can be achieved through biological, chemical, and physical methods. Biological methods involve the use of bacteria to reduce nitrate compounds to nitrogen gas. Chemical methods involve the use of metals such as aluminium and iron to reduce nitrate compounds to ammonia or nitrite. Physical methods include reverse osmosis, ion exchange, membrane filtration, adsorption, and electro-dialysis.

Air pollution from vehicles

Ohio's air quality is impacted by a range of factors, with vehicle emissions being a significant contributor to air pollution. With a large population, Ohio experiences widescale commutes between its cities, with people travelling to major economic hubs for work. The state also has a high volume of manufacturing and automobile production, which necessitates the transport of goods and materials by heavy-duty vehicles.

The large number of vehicles on the road, from personal cars to lorries and trucks, contributes to air pollution through exhaust fumes and the release of microscopic rubber particles from tyre wear. These emissions contain chemical compounds and hazardous fine particulate matter, which negatively affect air quality and human health.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are two prominent pollutants released from vehicle engines. Nitrogen dioxide is especially associated with areas of high traffic, with levels of this pollutant often indicating the volume of traffic on the ground. Black carbon and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are also released from vehicle exhausts, posing health risks due to their carcinogenic and toxic properties.

To address vehicle emissions, some states have incentivised the use of electric vehicles, which produce lower noise and pollution levels than traditional petrol or diesel-fuelled vehicles. Additionally, regulations and standards for vehicle noise and emissions have been implemented to control and reduce the impact of vehicle pollution on air quality.

Waterways as dumping grounds for toxic chemicals

Ohio has a long history of industrial activity, which continues today, and this is a major cause of the state's air pollution issues. The state also has a large amount of manufacturing and automobile production, with these sectors being among the most prominent in the United States.

The state's waterways have also been affected by industrial pollution. In 2012, industrial facilities dumped over 7.5 million pounds of toxic chemicals into Ohio's waterways, making it the 10th worst-affected state in the nation. The Muskingum River watershed region was the fourth most polluted in the US, with approximately 4.4 million pounds of toxic chemicals dumped there. The Middle Ohio River-Laughery Creek watershed was found to have discharged around 21,000 pounds of chemicals linked to cancer, making it the 11th highest in the country.

The state of Ohio has sued chemical companies, including DuPont, for dumping toxic chemicals into the Ohio River. In 2018, Ohio's attorney general, Mike DeWine, stated that DuPont was aware of the health risks posed by PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), a toxic chemical that takes a long time to break down naturally. The lawsuit accused DuPont of negligence, stating that the company's discharge of PFOA into the Ohio River for nearly 60 years had caused substantial harm to the state's citizens and natural resources.

The industrial facilities in Ohio discharge toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, phthalates, lead, mercury, and dioxin. These chemicals contaminate drinking water and are absorbed by fish, which people then consume. Exposure to these toxins is linked to cancer, developmental disorders, and reproductive issues.

The Clean Water Act is a potential solution to curb toxic pollution in Ohio's waterways. Environment Ohio Research and Policy Center recommends requiring industries to switch from toxic chemicals to safer alternatives and restoring Clean Water Act protections to all of Ohio's waters.

Pollution from coal-fired power plants

Ohio has been affected by industrial pollution from coal-fired power plants. In 2020, industrial discharges from coal-fired power plants, among other businesses, accounted for nearly 41 million pounds of toxic pollution released into the Ohio River Basin. The Ohio River has been the nation's leader for industrial pollution since 2001.

In 2010, a study by the Environmental Integrity Project, the Sierra Club, and Earthjustice reported that Ohio, along with 34 other states, had significant groundwater contamination from coal ash that is not currently regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The report mentioned the Cardinal Plant, Gavin Power Plant, Industrial Excess Landfill Superfund Site, and the Muskingum River Plant as having groundwater contamination due to coal ash waste.

In 2022, the EPA ordered the Gen. James Gavin Power Plant in southern Ohio to stop dumping dangerous coal ash into unlined storage ponds and speed up the cleanup of the site. The Gavin plant is one of the largest coal-fired electricity plants in the US and is located along the Ohio River. The coal ash contains a toxic mix of mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and other heavy metals that can pollute waterways, poison wildlife, and cause respiratory issues among those living near massive ponds where the waste is stored.

In 2024, new EPA rules on coal-burning power plants will affect four plants in Ohio, requiring them to reduce 90% of their climate-change-causing emissions by 2039. The regulations also limit water pollution, mercury, and other toxins and coal ash from these plants. Environmentalists applaud the rules, which some experts believe could be a fatal blow to coal.

Forest fires and their impact on air quality

Ohio is a state located in the Midwest region of the United States with a population of over 11.7 million, making it the seventh most populous state in the country. The state has a strong industrial presence, with a large number of manufacturing plants and a substantial electricity generation sector. As a result, Ohio is one of the most polluted states in the US, with harmful fumes emitted from these plants contributing to poor air quality and health complications.

Forest fires can significantly impact air quality and have detrimental effects on human health. They release a mixture of gaseous pollutants, hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), water vapor, and particle pollution. Particle pollution, or particulate matter (PM), is a significant component of wildfire smoke and the principal threat to public health. These particles, including solid and liquid droplets, can easily penetrate indoors, increasing indoor particle concentrations. During a wildfire, particle concentrations can become visible to the naked eye.

Fine particulate matter, PM2.5, is of particular concern as it can travel deep into the lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream. Individuals with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, older adults, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those of lower socioeconomic status are at greater risk of adverse health effects from inhaling wildfire smoke. The health impacts can include dry coughs, chest pains, mucous membrane irritation, skin issues such as eczema, and heightened risks of lung cancer and respiratory conditions.

Forest fires contribute to air pollution, and when combined with industrial emissions in Ohio, the state's air quality is further degraded. The impact of forest fires on Ohio's air quality can be influenced by wind patterns, as smoke and haze can travel across long distances, affecting cities hundreds of miles away.

To address the air pollution issues in Ohio and mitigate the impacts of industrial activities and forest fires, efforts must be made to reduce emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and implement effective smoke management strategies.

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