Chemical suppressants, not water, can remove more dust from roads, says study, Pg5

Key Highlights:

• A study by EPRI and NEERI found chemical dust suppressants are 50-60% more effective than water in reducing particulate matter.
• CPCB commissioned the study in 2018 and spent Rs 2.97 lakh on it.
• Trials in Delhi during October-December 2018 showed dust levels dropped roughly 30% for about six hours after using chemical suppressants.
• Water sprinkling, widely used in Delhi, is effective for only 10-15 minutes due to evaporation.

Detailed Insights:

• The study highlights the need for more effective dust control measures in Delhi, where dust pollution is a major contributor to air pollution.
• Chemical suppressants form a layer on the surface to keep dust down, but their effectiveness decreases with movement from vehicles, machinery, or foot traffic.
• Concerns exist regarding the impact of chemicals on public health, with potential for respiratory or skin irritation and longer-term soil and water impacts.
• CSIR-NEERI experts suggest that chemical suppressants are not economical due to their limited usage frequency of once every six hours.
• Chloride-based salts, used in the 2018 trials, can negatively affect soil quality, groundwater, and vegetation if applied repeatedly without monitoring.
• The CPCB also undertook a pilot study in 2018 to evaluate the performance of chemical suppressants at construction sites in the capital.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Particulate Matter: Microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the air.
• Dust Suppressants: Materials used to reduce or eliminate dust emissions.
• Efficacy: The ability to produce a desired or intended result.