Curbing Air Pollution in Education Institutions, Industrial and Mining Areas
While it is not appropriate to stamp biomass as an effective source of air pollution abatement in a particular location like school, factory, offices or market, it is also a fact to consider that in a closed area like educational institutions and industries humans stay for a long time per day and some specific issues related to abatement of air pollution here needs attention.
While educational institutions don’t pollute or pollute negligibly, most of the industries contribute to air pollution particularly those which are in Red, Orange and Green categories as defined by the Central Pollution Control Board. However air pollution is not limited by physical boundaries, but traverse long areas covering various installations. The human density inside the academic institutions and industries needs special emphasis in air pollution mitigation measures.
Trees act as natural filters, absorbing harmful gases and releasing oxygen. By planting trees the enclosed boundary like academic institutions, mining areas and industrial estates, we create cleaner and healthier air for students, teachers, workers and staff, reducing respiratory problems and creating a more conducive learning environment. Presence of biomass here has a positive impact on the mental and physical well-being of individuals. Planting biomass also improves soil quality and reduce erosion, which can indirectly contribute to cleaner air by preventing the release of dust and soil particles into the atmosphere.
Studies have shown that exposure to nature improves mood, reduces stress levels, and increases attention spans. Tree-filled campuses offer a peaceful and serene environment, fostering a positive atmosphere for learning, increased efficiency and personal growth. We now find increasing number of indoor plants in all the places for this reason.
Planting trees in schools provides invaluable educational opportunities. Students can learn about the life cycle of trees, carbon sequestration, the importance of biodiversity, and the interdependence of ecosystems. By engaging in tree planting activities, students develop a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship, cultivating a lifelong commitment to preserving and protecting nature.
Tree plantation initiatives in industries and schools and colleges extend beyond the campus, involving the wider community. By organizing tree planting events, these institutions create a platform for students, parents, factory workers, administrators and community members to come together, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility for the environment.
In schools, we can have outdoor classrooms that can contain a variety of different plants such as trees, hedges, shrubs and climbers selected for their air quality performance, with information provided about the multiple benefits that plants provide.
Plantation can be used as a barrier between roads and boundaries of schools, colleges, factories etc to intercept pollutants, and trees can also provide shelter and shade for parents waiting to collect pupils, factory workers and staff while they relax in the shadow of trees.
In some instances, planters can be installed on the road to keep vehicles away from the school entrance and provide safer pedestrian space for children at drop-off and pick-up times. On-street planting can also be used to encourage behaviour change by creating more attractive ‘clean air walking routes’ to reduce exposure from more polluted roads.
Trees and hedges planted windows of classrooms, factories, office chambers etc can potentially reduce indoor pollutants and provide shading and cooling during the summer months to reduce the use of air conditioning. Vegetation has heat Island effect mitigation that lower temperatures through shade and transpiration, reducing the formation of ground-level ozone, a common air pollutant.
Institutions should have horticulturists who can be an asset in selecting the correct species for the site conditions, providing good post plantation care, enriching the students, teachers and all about good horticultural practices.
Institutions can plant trees of different heights and shapes as it creates more air turbulence which increases the amount of particulate deposition. Trees in planters have a limited lifespan and it is always preferable to plant trees directly in the ground wherever possible.
With so many benefits of increasing green cover, it is but natural for all of us to support greening efforts in academic institutions, industrial belts, factories, mining areas etc. Dense plantation including through the Miyawaki, green barricading along campuses, incentives to students for green initiatives, support of the forest department, development authorities, education departments, pollution control boards, environment department and other Community based organisations, individuals – the prognosis is for improved air and healthy life. Greening is a part of the approval by the regulatory authorities for building, plants etc. and needs to be seen as one main condition for such approvals.
While plantation can help improve air quality, it should be complemented with efforts to reduce emissions from industrial processes through cleaner technologies and practices. Planting a variety of native species can promote biodiversity in and around industrial areas, which can have positive ecological effects and help maintain a balanced ecosystem. Vegetation can act as a natural sound barrier, reducing noise pollution from industrial operations. This can have positive effects on the well-being of workers and nearby communities.
Biomass plantation can be a valuable tool for abating air pollution through a process Phytoremediation involves using plants to remove, degrade, or contain pollutants from the environment. Through Carbon Sequestration biomass plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store it as biomass. This process helps mitigate the effects of greenhouse gases and reduces the overall carbon footprint, which can lead to improved air quality. Not only that some trees and shrubs have leaves and branches that can trap airborne particulate matter (PM), such as dust and soot. Certain plant species have the ability to filter out specific pollutants from the air, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Trees like oaks and pines are known for their capacity to absorb and break down pollutants.
Biomass plantation calls for adequate attention including species selection as per location, post plantation care consisting of watering, pruning, and pest control etc. Involvement of community in plantation insures higher success rate as people try contribute to efforts. Continuously monitor air quality in the vicinity of the plantation to assess the effectiveness of the phytoremediation efforts.