As a structural facility to support and protect cables and pipelines, bridges (cable bridges, pipe bridges, etc.) are widely used in the fields of electric power, communication and construction. Its environmental impact mainly involves material production, installation, use and waste disposal. The following are the main impacts of the bridge on the environment and countermeasures:

1. Environmental impacts in the material production stage

(1) Metal bridge (steel, aluminium alloy, etc.)

Resource consumption: the production of steel and aluminium requires a large amount of ores (e.g. iron ore, bauxite), and the mining process destroys the ecological environment and consumes energy (the iron and steel industry accounts for 7-10% of global CO₂ emissions).

Carbon emissions: Metal smelting (e.g. steelmaking, aluminium electrolysis) is a high-energy, high-emission process that exacerbates the greenhouse effect.

Pollution emissions: electroplating or hot dip zinc corrosion treatment may produce heavy metals (such as zinc, chromium) wastewater, exhaust.

(2) Non-metallic bridges (FRP/FRP, PVC, etc.)

Petroleum-based material dependence: FRP (Fibreglass Reinforced Plastics) and PVC depend on petrochemical raw materials, releasing VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) during production.

Microplastic risk: Aged or broken non-metallic bridges may produce microplastic particles that can enter soil or water bodies.

2. Impacts during the installation and construction phases

Land Disturbance: Outdoor bridge installation may damage surface vegetation, especially in sensitive areas (e.g. wetlands, forests).

Noise and dust: Cutting and welding of metal bridges during construction will generate noise and metal dust, affecting the surrounding environment.

Chemical pollution: anti-corrosion coatings or adhesives (e.g. epoxy resin) may release harmful substances.

3. Potential problems in the use phase

Electromagnetic radiation (some scenarios): Power cable tray may generate low-frequency electromagnetic fields, triggering public health controversy (but usually meets safety standards).

Pollution by corrosion products: After corrosion of metal bridges in humid or industrial environments, metal ions such as zinc and copper may enter soil or water bodies with rainwater.