Increased Use of Synthetic Sand in China: Understanding Why It Might Be More Significant Than Anticipated
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature Geoscience, China's transition from natural sand to manufactured sand in its construction projects has been highlighted. This shift, driven by rapid urbanization and the need for sustainable resources, has been a game-changer for a country that has completed massive infrastructure construction.
Over the last 40 years, China's urbanization has caused a significant depletion of its natural construction material reserves, including sand. This depletion has been so severe that approximately 50 billion tons of sand and gravel are extracted annually for construction activities. Extraction of sand at this rate is unsustainable and could cause irreversible damage to the environment.
The study reveals that China's overall sand supply surged by approximately 400% over the study period. However, the proportion of natural sand dropped from approximately 80% to approximately 21%. This decline is attributed to the increasing use of manufactured sand, which is made by crushing rocks and leftover materials from mining. In 2011, the supply of manufactured sand overtook that of natural sand in China.
The use of artificial sand became popular in 2010, and by 2020, the production of artificial sand increased by 13% annually. Today, the percentage of manufactured sand in the Chinese market could be close to 90 percent. This shift has allowed China to drastically reduce their dependence on natural sand without slowing down their construction projects.
Professor Song Shaomin, from Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, stated that this shift from natural sand to manufactured sand is a miracle for a country that has completed such massive infrastructure construction. However, it's important to note that further research is required to understand whether artificial sand production can work in other geographies.
Sand mining near aquifers can lower water tables, affecting water availability for humans, land animals, and agriculture. Loss of sand from oceans, rivers, and beaches can lead to excessive flooding and degradation of marine ecosystems. Therefore, the production of artificial sand relies on waste products from mining activities, minimizing the environmental impact.
For concrete, the rougher texture of river or beach sand is essential as it helps bind the materials together. However, artificial sand can be produced with a more consistent texture, ensuring a higher quality of concrete. The shift to artificial sand has also helped reduce the demand for sand mined from rivers and beaches, potentially preserving these fragile ecosystems.
Reports suggest that over 40 percent of cultivable land in China is degraded because of uncontrolled sand mining, pollution, and erosion. By transitioning to artificial sand, China is taking a step towards a more sustainable future, reducing the environmental impact of its construction activities. This shift to artificial sand is indeed a significant achievement, one that could set a precedent for other nations facing similar challenges.
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