Authored by Jordana Georgin, Dison S. P. Franco, Claudete Gindri Ramos and Noureddine El Messaoudi, this review, published in Sustainability (Vol. 18, 2026, Article 7383), examines cement industry pollution across air, water, soil and noise, assessing mitigation technologies and their potential to support decarbonisation.
Cement manufacturing contributes to climate change and several forms of environmental pollution. The study notes that the industry accounts for approximately 5 per cent to 7 per cent of global CO2 emissions, while particulate matter, sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other pollutants affect air quality. Beyond emissions, cement production can also contribute to soil and groundwater contamination, wastewater pollution and occupational noise exposure. The review highlights the interconnected nature of these impacts. For instance, airborne particulate matter and heavy metals can settle on soil and enter water systems, while improperly managed cement kiln dust can contaminate groundwater. This makes it necessary to consider emissions control alongside broader environmental management rather than treating each pollutant or environmental impact in isolation.
Research methodology and scope
The researchers conducted a systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The initial search identified 435 records from the Web of Science Core Collection, with 175 studies selected through the screening process. An additional 12 relevant articles were included through reference and manual searches, resulting in a final review of 187 research articles. The review assessed technologies and strategies for reducing emissions, improving resource efficiency and mitigating environmental risks. Its scope included carbon capture, clinker substitution, alternative fuels, dust control, noise reduction, soil remediation, wastewater treatment and emerging digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital twins.
Key findings: Mitigation technologies and their potential
The review identifies several opportunities for reducing the environmental impact of cement production. Under optimal conditions, clinker substitution combined with alternative fuels could reduce direct emissions by up to 50 per cent and total energy consumption by 44 per cent. Integrated carbon capture systems, classified at Technology Readiness Levels 7 to 9, could potentially reduce exhaust emissions by up to 90 per cent, although energy requirements and economic barriers remain significant challenges.
The study also highlights improvements in pollution management beyond carbon emissions. In a specific dry-process cement mill case study, engineering controls reduced daily occupational noise exposure from 102.9 to 88.3 dB(A). Cement kiln dust was found to increase the compressive strength of certain native soils by up to 9.9 times in geotechnical stabilisation applications. Hybrid biological wastewater-treatment systems removed 94.5 per cent of particulate matter and reduced oxygen demand by more than 87 per cent, while advanced biomonitoring approaches reduced effluent toxicity by over 90 per cent.
Conclusion
The review concludes that effective environmental management in cement manufacturing requires a combination of technological innovation, resource recovery, digital monitoring and stronger governance. Carbon capture, clinker substitution and alternative fuels can support decarbonisation, while filtration, wastewater treatment and remediation technologies address other environmental impacts. However, the effectiveness of these solutions depends on local conditions, resource availability, infrastructure and economic feasibility. The study advocates a holistic approach that connects environmental risks across air, water, soil and occupational health.
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