A REVIEW OF STUBBLE BURNING-INDUCED SMOG: RIPPLE EFFECTS ON SOIL ECOSYSTEMS AND HUMAN HEALTH

Abstract

Smog pollution poses a significant threat to the environment, public health, agriculture, and economy of Pakistan. This paper elucidates the mechanisms involved in the generation of smog, impact on the environment and key recommendations to address this pressing issue. It accords much attention to crucial sources which include industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, burning of crop residue, and unfavorable meteorological conditions with a major focus on urban centers especially Lahore, Multan, and Islamabad. The detrimental adverse effects on agriculture include reduction of photosynthetic rate and a decrease in crop yield, soil health deterioration, and high economic losses to the farming community. Concurrently, smog poses a severe public health risk exacerbating diseases such as respiratory and cardiovascular ailments. Socioeconomic repercussions include escalating healthcare costs, loss of labor productivity, and environmental degradation. Addressing these challenges necessitates integrated approaches combining strict environmental protection policy measures, developments and advancements in clean technologies, and effective large-scale public awareness campaigns. By synthesizing currently available data and identifying critical knowledge gaps, this review aims to recommend sustainable development policies and strategies to mitigate the pervasive impacts of smog on Pakistan's environment and society.