Bahrain's Pollution Problem: Causes And Concerns

Bahrain has been ranked among the most polluted countries in the world for air quality. A Swiss air quality company, IQAir, reported that the country's air concentration level of 66.6 micrograms per cubic meter in 2022 was 13 times higher than the World Health Organization's PM2.5 annual guideline. This means that for every cubic meter of air, there were 66.6 micrograms of lung-damaging airborne particles known as PM2.5.

The sources of pollution in Bahrain include sandstorms, industrial emissions, private vehicle usage, and fertilizer manufacturing. The country's dense urban environment, high vehicle usage, and industrial emissions are significant contributors to its poor air quality.

The impact of air pollution on the health of residents is a growing concern, with many experiencing red or teary eyes, constant coughing, and post-nasal drip. Research has linked exposure to particulate matter to heart attacks, asthma attacks, and premature death. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has also been associated with a higher death rate from Covid-19.

To address these issues, Bahrain has implemented initiatives to conserve energy and promote a transition to green energy. Additionally, the country has set a target to reach 10% solar power by 2035 and has launched an afforestation campaign to double the number of trees.

Industrial emissions

Bahrain's industrialisation, combined with its population increase, has put immense pressure on the country's land area. The country has undergone significant land reclamation from the sea, blocking natural drainage channels, killing date palm trees, affecting mangrove swamps, and stopping the flow of natural springs. This rapid industrialisation has stressed the environment and natural resources.

The Bahraini government has recognised that economic development and environmental protection are complementary. In 1996, the government established the Environmental Affairs (EA) agency under the Ministry of Housing, Municipalities and Environment to address these issues. EA has two directorates: the Directorate of Assessment and Planning and the Directorate of Environmental Control. Their responsibilities include drawing up plans and policies to protect the environment, coordinating with relevant authorities, and educating the public about environmental issues.

EA has implemented several strategies to manage industrial emissions and effluents. They have established a database, assessed the stress on the marine environment, set national standards for effluent discharge, and conducted periodic monitoring and evaluation. EA also requested industries to perform self-monitoring of their effluents and report the results. Additionally, EA has worked with the Ministry of Oil and Industry to incorporate Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures for new industries.

Despite these efforts, industrial emissions remain a significant source of air pollution in Bahrain. The country's industrial activities, particularly in the oil and gas sector, contribute to the release of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM2.5).

The health impacts of industrial emissions are significant. Exposure to PM2.5, for example, has been linked to respiratory problems, heart attacks, asthma attacks, and premature death. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has also been associated with a higher death rate from COVID-19.

Vehicle usage

The dense urban environment of Bahrain, coupled with high vehicle usage, exacerbates the problem. The country's small size means that industrial areas are located close to residential areas, increasing the exposure of the population to air pollution.

The negative impact of vehicle emissions on air quality is not unique to Bahrain. Other countries, such as Singapore and Japan, have implemented measures to reduce this effect by developing public transportation and making private vehicle ownership more expensive.

To address the issue of vehicle emissions, Bahrain has implemented an action plan to reduce car emissions and introduce unleaded petrol. Additionally, a program called "Fume Watch" was introduced in 1994 to report vehicles emitting smoke, with noticeable improvements.

Sandstorms

Strong winds can carry debris, and when coupled with sandstorms, they can be particularly dangerous. In September 2007, a dust storm blew over Bahrain and Qatar, with NASA's Terra satellite capturing an image of the dust, which appeared as a pale beige arc moving in a clockwise direction, almost entirely obscuring Bahrain.

To protect oneself during sandstorms, it is advisable to avoid driving and seek shelter in a designated public space if your current location loses power or communication. It is also essential to cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth to protect your respiratory tract.

Sewage smells

In Bahrain, the problem is exacerbated by the country's mixed development, with industrial areas located close to residential areas. This means that sewage from both types of areas is funnelled into the same system, which can become quickly overwhelmed during periods of heavy rainfall.

The Bahraini government has recognised the importance of environmental protection and has implemented various measures to mitigate and minimise the impact of sewage on the environment and human health. These include the expansion of the sewerage system, the installation of treatment plants, and the improvement of treatment facilities in various plants.

The government has also prioritised the reuse of treated water, with plans to utilise it for irrigation in restricted and controlled areas. In addition, the government is encouraging the private sector to invest in recycling businesses and is promoting public awareness campaigns to encourage residents to sort their garbage at home, schools, and offices.

To address the issue of sewage smells, Bahrain could consider implementing more advanced sewage treatment technologies, such as the Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) or the Membrane Bio-reactor (MBR). These technologies offer compact, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for treating sewage and can help reduce the environmental and health impacts of sewage systems.

Agricultural burn-back

Bahrain's agricultural sector has historically been an important part of its economy, with date palm cultivation dominating before the development of the oil industry. However, due to changing food consumption habits and the increasing salinity of aquifers used for irrigation, date cultivation has been in decline since the 1950s. This has led to a shift towards new types of agricultural activities, including vegetable gardens, nurseries, poultry production, and dairy farms.

Despite the challenges posed by low rainfall and poor soil quality, Bahrain has implemented various initiatives to expand domestic crop production. These include the free distribution of seeds, technical assistance with modern irrigation technologies, and low-interest credit. As a result, there have been significant increases in the production of eggs, milk, and vegetables.

However, the small size of most plots and the unequal distribution of land ownership have discouraged private investment in agriculture. Additionally, the number of skilled farmworkers has declined as more villagers obtain high-paying, non-agricultural jobs. These factors, coupled with the limited extent of cultivable land, mean that agricultural imports remain a permanent feature of Bahrain's international trade.

The burning of agricultural waste and the clearing of land through fire contribute to air pollution, particularly when coupled with other sources such as sandstorms, industrial emissions, private vehicle usage, and fertilizer manufacturing.

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