GUWAHATI: In a recent study conducted by scientists from the CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology in Jorhat, concerns have been raised about the corrosive effects of biomass burning, industrial emissions, and particulate matter on Assam's cherished medieval-era architectural wonders — Rang Ghar, Kareng Ghar, and Talatal Ghar, located in the Sivasagar district.
The research, headed by Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awardee scientist Binoy K Saikia, highlights the potentially damaging impact of emissions from biomass burning in households and industries.
Dust particles from road surfaces and vehicular emissions also contribute to the corrosive effects on these historical monuments.
The findings of the study, titled "Chemical and toxicological studies on black crust formed over historical monuments as a probable health hazard," were recently published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials.
The research reveals that emissions from coal burning in industries may have led to the deposition of toxic elements in the black crust covering Rang Ghar, Kareng Ghar, and Talatal Ghar.
Saikia has cautioned that long-term exposure to the toxic elements found in the black crust could pose health hazards. The study emphasises that the black crust and its components have a low possibility of health implications unless they are disturbed without proper care.
Historical monuments often fall victim to atmospheric particulate matter (PM), a complex pollutant with the ability to spread over large distances and deposit on building surfaces. The interaction between PM and other gaseous pollutants results in the formation of a black or greyish crust on the surfaces of these monuments.
For the first time, the research provides a detailed analysis of black crust samples from historical monuments and structures in northeast India, shedding light on potential health hazards associated with their long-term exposure.
As concerns mount over the preservation of cultural heritage, the study underscores the need for environmental care linked with monument conservation. The government's plan, unveiled in the 2020 budget, to develop five archaeological sites, including Sivasagar, into "iconic" sites gains significance in light of these findings.
The team of scientists includes Nazrul Islam, Kallol Roy, Pankaj Barman, Shahadev Rabha, Himangsu Kousik Bora, Puja Khare, and Rituraj Konwar.
