Effect of Brick kilns emissions on land, water, agriculture production, socio-economic and livelihood status: A Review

Abstract

Rapid growth in population leads to urbanization resulting in considerable land use, land covers changes, and creates a sequence of environmental and food security problems. Due to speedy urbanization the agricultural lands has been converted into no-agricultural activity such as brick production. Brick kilns required larger areas for brick production and it removes agriculturally productive topsoil rich in clay, soil organic matter content and others important soil nutrient that is viable for agricultural growth. In addition to the removal of fertile top soil, brick kilns making process also emits harmful gases into the atmosphere. This harmful gaseous emission from brick kilns impacts the available natural resources and livelihood nearby it. Its emission results in decreased land and plant productivity, lowered ground water levels, and particularly leads to air pollution. It was found that neighbouring areas of brick kilns has low organic matter content and soil nutrients, and high soil electrical conductivity and low pH. It also changes the chemical and biological characteristics of soil and water. A change in physical, chemical and biological parameters of soil and water leads to reduce cultivated areas, and finally reduces agricultural production and productivity. It also directly impacts the food production system and could threaten the livelihood of present and future generations by degrading agricultural soil and consequently also eroding the economic basis of farmers.