Brick kilns are becoming one of the most significant air pollution sources. It contributes to environmental and health issues in Bangladesh. This study collected data from 41 brick kilns in the Trishal Upazila utilizing a questionnaire survey and other instruments from March 12-15, 2022. In the study area, there were 80.49% Zigzag kilns, 17.07% Fixed Chimney kilns, and 2.44% Hoffman kilns. Most brick kilns had a 60-foot-tall stack, which contributed to air pollution. Brick kilns of Trishal Upazila emitted an estimated 360.628 Gg CO2, 1.104 Gg SO2, and 1.271 Gg NO2 per year where 107.143 Gg CO2, 0.328 Gg SO2, and 0.378 Gg NO2 were emitted from Balipara union and 13.066 Gg CO2, 0.04 Gg SO2, and 0.046 Gg NO2 (Based on coal) were emitted from Mathbari union. Instrument reading of CO2 ranged from 1015.58 ppm to 825 ppm, with a mean of 954.09 ppm. The average PM2.5 and PM10 values were 69 gm-3 and 116.51 gm-3, respectively. The average value of CO was 2.3 ppm. In addition, the study found that kiln employees suffered from skin diseases, respiratory issues, back and muscle pain, eye irritation, etc. Brick kilns were the primary cause of topsoil deterioration, and environmental pollution in this region. Thus, the government should adopt a new strategy to upgrade kilns' energy-efficient technology to establish brick kilns as a sustainable sector.
Key words: Brick kilns, Air pollutants, Emission, Environment, Human health
|
