EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON CHARACTERIZATION AND POLLUTION POTENTIAL OF CONTAMINATED CHROMIUM HAZARDOUS WASTE

Abstract

Although many researchers are working on pollution potential and containment of hazardous waste, still there is a need for investigation of its characterization, influence on ground and surface water, its treatment and containment especially on chemical sludges containing heavy metals like chromium which is potential carcinogenic. An industry in Nalgonda District by name M/s. Deccan Chromates Limited situated at Damarcherla (V), Telangana State has left the extremely hazardous hexavalent chromium sludge, a life-threatening compound. This waste is classified under Schedule – II Hazardous Waste substances of the Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008. Exposure to about 53,000 tons of chromium sludge can lead to cancer and devastating consequences for the people around it. As of now there is no contingency plan to dispose of the hazardous waste. The accumulation of chromium is contaminating the agricultural fields and water sources. The chemical factory was set up in 1998 to produce Sodium Dichromate, which is used in paints and for leather tanning. During its 10 year existence, the factory dumped the hazardous waste matter in an area of about 3 acres before the plant was shut-down in 2008 leaving the villages in the vicinity facing an alarming crisis. People who inhale the hexavalent chromium over long periods run the risk of contracting lung cancer. Repeated or prolonged exposure can cause sores and ulcers on the feet and in fingers. Hexavalent chromium can cause damage to the respiratory tract, lungs, kidneys, liver and the gastro-intestinal, immune and blood and reproductive systems. Although it has been 6 years that the factory has ceased operating, toxic waste from the plant continues to pollute both Musi and Krishna Rivers. Thousands of sheep and goat have been affected after drinking the contaminated water. The Toxic waste has deeply affected the agricultural lands. Any mishap that occurs can be very damaging. Thus, the toxic waste poses threat to thousands due to cancer-causing chromium left untreated by defunct factory in Nalgonda District. Here an attempt is made to study and highlight the pollution potential of the chrome sludge disposed by the industry, its characterization, treatment for making it non hazardous, implementation of the treatment process on plant scale and techniques of proper engineered landfill with the phases of site selection, design, construction, operation, environmental monitoring, closure and post closure for containment of the hazardous waste.