Dubai Police Officer’s Study Supports Global Efforts in Environmental Pollution Reduction

Dubai, UAE: In support of global efforts to combat environmental pollution, First Lieutenant Engineer Al Reem Abdul Rahman Abdullah Ali, from the Dubai Police’s Explosives Security Department, conducted a study at Cranfield University in the UK, focusing on reducing environmental pollution resulting from explosives and hazardous waste, including the production of military arms and ammunition, as well as military field activities. 

The study introduced a scientifically-backed method for cleansing and purifying areas contaminated by explosives. It utilized a ‘vegetative’ bioremediation approach using Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides), an environmentally friendly, effective, sustainable, and cost-efficient method.

1^st Lt. Al Reem Abdul Rahman emphasized that the scientific studies addressing environmental concerns are vital for nations, researchers, and related organizations to support their endeavours in mitigating environmental pollution in all its forms and classifications. 

“Environmental pollution stemming from explosives, as well as pollution caused by hazardous waste, such as military weapon and ammunition industries and field military activities, has become a pressing global challenge because this pollution persists in the environment for decades due to the hazardous nature of explosive substances, which extends beyond humans to affect animals, microorganisms, and marine life as well,” she added. 

1st Lt. Al Reem further highlighted that countries actively collaborate to align their efforts in bolstering climate action and ensuring a sustainable future. “One of the notable endeavours in this regard is the 28th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP 28), hosted by the United Arab Emirates in Expo City Dubai, from November 30th to December 12th, 2023, which serves as a platform to unite global efforts in combating climate change and identify collaborative opportunities to tackle climate-related challenges”. “As researchers, we are motivated to contribute relevant research and studies in support of these endeavours,” she continued.

1^st Lt. Al Reem explained that her study examines the scientific approach to remediating areas contaminated with explosives using a ‘vegetative’ bioremediation method involving Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides). “This grass demonstrates remarkable adaptability, thriving in diverse conditions such as water or soil, enduring both low and high temperatures, whether exposed to natural or artificial light, day or night. Additionally, Vetiver grass exhibits high resistance to the toxicity of explosives, possesses the capacity to absorb secondary explosive materials, and is effective in removing insensitive high-explosive substances,” she indicated.

She further emphasized that the study underscores the remarkable ability of Vetiver grass to mitigate the issue of explosive toxicity in various environments due to its unique characteristics, such as its robust and deeply-rooted structure with a penetrating root system that extends vertically underground, reaching depths of up to 4 meters.

1^st Lt. Al Reem also pointed out Vetiver grass’s ability to transport and accumulate explosive compounds from the roots to the stems. Hence, these unique characteristics make Vetiver grass an ideal choice for plant-based remediation of explosive contaminants.

She reiterated that Dubai Police is leading in providing state-of-the-art models, practices, and security experiences and conducting advanced scientific studies in diverse fields and relevant disciplines, including those that contribute to global environmental initiatives. “The Force fosters an inspiring and supportive environment for students and researchers, with dedicated councils like the Scholars Council, nurturing the generation of innovative ideas and solutions to tackle various challenges,” 1^st Lt. Al Reem concluded.