Eco-friendly chimneys in brick kilns can reduce air pollution by 58%: Survey

The installation of eco-friendly chimneys in brick kilns can reduce air pollution by up to 58%, according to research conducted by the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU).

Approximately 8,500 brick kilns in the country are still using old technology and the black smoke from these kilns is severely polluting the atmosphere, risking public health, particularly the respiratory system and lungs.

The results of the study conducted under the leadership of BAU environmental scientist Prof Dr Murad Ahmed Faruk have revealed that the use of modern carbon purification plants (CPT) will significantly reduce the levels of particulate matter, methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions.

He said, "If eco-friendly chimneys can be installed in the country's brick kilns, the amount of harmful elements in the air will be reduced significantly, which is very important for climate control and public health."

Tests conducted at the 'Soil Ecology and Fertility' lab of the Bangladesh Institute of Technology have shown that the level of PM 2.5 particles in smoke samples filtered through modern chimneys has decreased from 314 mg/litre to just 32 mg/litre.

Similarly, methane emissions from the old chimneys were 747 mg/litre, which is reduced by 90% in the new eight-chamber filtering system.

Carbon dioxide emissions have decreased from 11,822 ppm to 3,776 ppm (a 32% reduction), and nitrous oxide levels have decreased from seven ppm to three ppm (a 50% reduction).

These three gases are among the causes of global warming.

Dr Faruk warned, "The tiny particles and gases in this smoke are very harmful to human health, especially for children."

These toxic gases are one of the causes of breathing problems, lung diseases, allergies and long-term respiratory problems.

It has been seen on the ground that air pollution is being controlled using Carbon Purification Technology (CPT) in a brick kiln in Kushtia Namapara, Muktagachha upazila, Mymensingh, on an experimental basis.

Although the initial cost of setting up this plant was Tk3 million, the production cost has been significantly reduced.

Ali Hossain invented this eco-friendly technology in 2020.

He said, "My goal is not only to make profit, but also to protect the environment. As a result of installing CPT technology, the black smoke from industries and brick kilns is purified through water filtration and emitted as white cool steam. This reduces air pollution to zero."

Ruhul Amin, owner of ABC Bricks in Muktagachha, said that due to the new technology, not only the environment but also the production cost is decreasing.

Because, the carbon sludge purified from the smoke is being reused in making bricks. The modern chimney is basically an eight-chamber water spray channel, which filters carbon and harmful particles from black smoke through groundwater.

As a result, instead of black smoke, environmentally friendly white steam is being released into the atmosphere.

In addition, the black water accumulates in the basin and creates a pile of carbon, which is used for re-production.

Prof Dr Murad Ahmed Faruk emphasized, "Installing environmentally friendly chimneys is not longer a luxury, but is essential for sustainable development. If this initiative is implemented, the dream of building a green Bangladesh will be fulfilled."