Dhaka: Installation of eco-friendly chimneys in brick kilns can reduce air pollution by up to 58 percent, according to a research of 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.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the study conducted under the leadership of BAU environmental scientist Professor Dr. Murad Ahmed Faruk revealed that the use of modern carbon purification plants (CPT) would significantly reduce the levels of particulate matter, methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide emissions. Dr. Faruk stated, “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 promising results. The level of PM 2.5 particles in smoke samples filtered through modern chimneys decreased from 314 mg/liter to just 32 mg/liter. Similarly, methane emissions from the old chimneys were 747 mg/liter, which is reduced by 90 percent 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 gases are significant contributors to global warming.
Dr. Faruk warned of the health risks posed by these toxic gases, particularly to children, as they are causes of breathing problems, lung diseases, allergies, and long-term respiratory issues. It has been observed 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 Tk 3 million, the production cost has been significantly reduced.
Ali Hossain, who invented the eco-friendly technology in 2020, stated, “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, noted that the new technology benefits both the environment and production costs, as the carbon sludge purified from the smoke is being reused in making bricks.
The modern chimney is an eight-chamber water spray channel that filters carbon and harmful particles from black smoke through groundwater, releasing environmentally friendly white steam into the atmosphere. Additionally, the black water accumulates in a basin and creates a pile of carbon, which is used for reproduction.
Professor Dr. Murad Ahmed Faruk emphasized the necessity of installing environmentally friendly chimneys, stating, “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.”