Management of fine dust crisis and national economic security: An approach based on circular economy and utilization of industrial by-products

Abstract
Introduction
In the contemporary paradigm, national security is no longer confined to military-political dimensions but is increasingly shaped by environmental challenges. Particulate matter (PM) fine solid particles with a diameter of less than 10 microns capable of transboundary transport exemplifies these non-traditional threats. Driven by persistent droughts, ecosystem degradation, and climate change, the intensification of PM levels has evolved into a multifaceted security crisis. This phenomenon jeopardizes health security by increasing the prevalence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases; undermines economic security by disrupting industrial production, agriculture, and tourism; destabilizes social security through quality-of-life degradation and environmental migration; and ultimately challenges regional political stability by fostering tensions over the management of transboundary pollution.
One technical response to this threat involves the stabilization of erosion-prone soils through mulching. While traditional petroleum-based mulches offer rapid stabilization, they are increasingly viewed as unsustainable due to high costs, dependence on fossil fuels, and the risk of long-term soil and water contamination. Consequently, the circular economy approach provides a strategic alternative by emphasizing waste valorization and resource recovery.
A prominent example of this strategy is the production of calcium chloride (CaCl₂) mineral mulch from hydrochloric acid (HCl), an unwanted and hazardous byproduct in the petrochemical industry. Major petrochemical facilities produce approximately 320,000 tons of excess HCl annually, the management of which poses significant economic and environmental burdens. Converting this industrial waste into a soil stabilizer transforms an environmental liability into a security opportunity. Calcium chloride production closes the material loop, reduces pressure on natural resources, and strengthens national security across multiple layers. By mitigating the sources of fine dust, it enhances public health security. Economically, it converts a low-value byproduct into a versatile commodity used in de-icing, oil drilling, and construction, thereby reducing reliance on imports and preventing economic disruptions caused by dust storms. Politically, such initiatives can serve as models for environmental diplomacy, fostering regional cooperation and positioning Iran as a responsible actor in environmental governance.
Objective
The primary objective of this study is to address the dual challenge of industrial waste management and soil erosion by evaluating the feasibility of producing high-purity calcium chloride mulch from industrial hydrochloric acid and limestone. By linking the problem of petrochemical waste with the need for sustainable soil stabilization, this research aims to provide a strategic framework that integrates industrial efficiency with national environmental security.
Results and Discussion
The production of calcium chloride was conducted using limestone (97% calcium carbonate purity) and 32% hydrochloric acid sourced from Karun Petrochemical Company. The process resulted in a 32% (by weight) calcium chloride solution. In this laboratory and pilot-scale method, limestone was added in excess of the stoichiometric requirement, with hydrochloric acid acting as the limiting reactant. The reaction was found to be highly exothermic, releasing acid vapors and carbon dioxide, necessitated rigorous safety protocols, including the use of specialized ventilation systems.
The reaction was performed in batch mode; after a 12-hour period, the cessation of gas bubbles indicated the completion of the reaction, and the pH was adjusted accordingly. The supernatant was then separated and subjected to classical titration with 0.1 N caustic soda, confirming a 32% weight concentration of calcium chloride. To determine the elemental composition and identify potential impurities, the solution was thermally dried and the resulting white solid was analyzed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The analysis detected minor impurities including iron, magnesium, and potassium, while the high concentrations of calcium and chlorine confirmed the production of calcium chloride with a high purity level of approximately 99.36%.
Policy Recommendations
Combating dust emissions is a vital mission for national security. This study underscores that the dust phenomenon, affecting approximately 15 million hectares of Iran’s natural landscape, is a multidimensional threat that erodes the ecological foundations of human security. A sustainable solution requires a paradigm shift from fragmented technical interventions toward an integrated, intelligent strategy tailored to regional soil and climatic conditions.
The integration of circular economy principles is essential to this success. By utilizing industrial byproducts such as converting hydrochloric acid into calcium chloride mulch the reliance on virgin resources is minimized, and environmental pressure is reduced. Furthermore, focusing on products with broad industrial applications, such as oil drilling, can mitigate strategic dependencies and strengthen economic resilience. However, implementing this vision necessitates robust legal frameworks, transparent oversight, and the active engagement of local communities. Ultimately, the restoration of degraded lands must be centered within economic and security decision-making. Dust control should be viewed not merely as a technical measure, but as a strategic imperative for preserving territorial integrity, social resilience, and sustainable national security through cross-sectoral and cross-border cooperation.