Draft Report on

Site Assessment of
Lead Pollution at
Picnic Garden
Kolkata, India

July, 2006

GIS Enabled Environment & Neo-Graphic Centre

905 Devika Appartment, Plot no. 16, Sector- IV,
Vaishali, Ghaziabad – 201010
E-mail: nandinichoudhury@rediffmail.com
nandini_greenc@yahoo.com
 Site Assessment of Lead Pollution at Picnic Garden Kolkata, India

1. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD

Lead is the most abundant heavy metal in the earth’s crust and has been used for
many centuries. Lead is a bluish gray metal having density of 11360 kg/m3, it melts
at 327!C and its atomic weight is 207.2. Lead does not occur free in nature and is
mainly found in the form of Lead Sulphide (PbS). It is extracted from its ore Galena
(PbS), which contains about 86% of lead.

Based on the raw material used for the lead metal it is described as primary lead or
secondary lead. Primary lead refers to lead produced directly from mined ores,
most commonly the Galena ore, which is usually found with other Sulphides ore
such as Zinc, Copper & Silver. The metal bearing Sulphides are firstly ground and
separated from waste by froth floatation. The separated metal bearing Sulphides
are concentrated in to bulk Lead, Zinc and Copper concentrates respectively. The
concentrates are normally dried to specific moisture content and then transported
for smelting to produce primary Lead. Secondary Lead refers to Lead produced from
Lead scraps, by way of recycling scrap such as Lead Acid Batteries (ULAB’S) and
other miscellaneous scraps.

2. ADVERSE IMPACTS OF LEAD POLLUTION

Hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) emission from secondary lead smelting includes
Lead compounds and Arsenic compounds among others. Population around
secondary lead smelters can be exposed to Lead through inhalation or through
ingestion of Lead that have settled on the soil in the
vicinity of the smelter. Exposure to lead compounds “Lead Poisoning remains
occurs through inhalation or ingestion but the effects the most common and
are the same regardless of the route of exposure. societal devastating
Chronic exposure of lead compounds results in adverse environmental disease of
effect on the Blood, central nervous system, blood young children.”
Public Health Service - L. Sullivan, 1991

pressure, kidneys and Vitamin D metabolism. Childrens

are particularly sensitive and exposure of Lead can also result in reduced cognitive
development & reduced growth. Adverse effect on human reproduction has also
been reported. Lead compounds can be persistent in the environment and have the
potential to accumulate in food chains. Exposure to Lead is known to be associated
with a variety of significant and potentially irreversible health effects. The effects of
high level of exposure of lead include lethality, central nervous system breakdown
(encephalopathy) and kidney effects. Lead is classified as possible human
carcinogen based upon the fact that exposure of animals to high level of lead have
produce cancer usually in kidneys.
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 Site Assessment of Lead Pollution at Picnic Garden Kolkata, India

3. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA

Picnic Garden is located in Kolkata, Area Population

City : 4.85 million ( 2004)
the State Capital of West Bengal. The City : 102 sq. kms Metropolitan Area : 15.97
Metropolitan Area : 1380 sq. km.
densely populated Picnic Garden, ward Altitude million (2001)
Population Density 24760 / sq.
no 66 & 67 of Kolkata Municipal Council 17 feet above sea level km. (1991)
is inhabited by around 65,000 Geographical Location
0
population who lives almost in slum like Latitude: 22 82' North
0
Longitude: 88 20' East
condition except some scattered Kolkata is close to Tropic of
buildings belonging to upper middle Cancer and is on the banks of
the Hugli river, a branch of the
income group. Most of the population great river Ganges. The Bay of
i.e. around 85% is native of the Bengal and the Sunderbans is
about 80 -100 kms. from the
neighboring States of Bihar and Uttar city.
Pradesh and having low income. The Topography & Soil
area is having mixed land use and is Built on flat sedimentary marshy
land, Kolkata is dotted with moist
industrial-cum-residential in nature. deciduous groves and tropical
This is one of the low lying areas of wetlands, most of which has been
Kolkata and situated near the Solid converted for fish farming use. The
soil of Calcutta has been formed by
Waste dump site of Dhapa in its East the alluvial deposits of the Gangetic
and Tangra, known for its tannery belt delta and is elevated not more than
5 to 6 meters
in its north. The area is dotted with
Climate
ponds but as revealed by local As Kolkata is situated almost in the
population they do not use pond or torrid zone within a degree of the Average Temperature
Tropic of Cancer, the climate is less Summer
hand pump water for drinking purposes. uniform than the places nearer to ( April - July )
The pond water is used for bathing, the Equator. Furthermore, the 24-38 C
0

cleaning of clothes, utensils and other contrast of the seasons is not so

much discernible here as is evident
Winter
( Nov - Feb )
household purposes. It was seen that in the northern region of the country. 12-27 C
0

local people are fishing in those ponds In fact, three major seasons are
conspicuous here. The city enjoys
Rainfall
160 cm/year ( June - Sept)
for personal consumption. fairly stable, warm and humid
climate throughout the year

Amenities
The KMC supplies potable water to
the city, sourced from the River
Hooghly. The water is purified and
treated at Palta water pumping
station located in North 24
Parganas. Almost all of Kolkata's
daily refuse of 2500 tonnes is
transported to the dumping grounds
in Dhapa to the east of the town.
Agriculture on this dumping ground
is encouraged for natural recycling
of garbage and sewer water. Parts
of the city still lack sewage facilities
leading to unsanitary methods of
waste disposal
City Administration
The city is divided into 141
administrative wards. Each of
these wards elects a councillor
to the Kolkata Municipal
Corporation (KMC). The
Corporation, through the
borough committees, maintains
government-aided schools,
hospitals and municipal markets
and partakes in urban planning
and road maintenance

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 Site Assessment of Lead Pollution at Picnic Garden Kolkata, India

4. CONTAMINANT TYPE, SOURCE AND QUANTITY

4.1 Nature of Contamination

The wastes generated from secondary lead smelter pollute air, water and land and
thus, most importantly our living environment. The deterioration of the
environment is enormous and often irreversible. The huge solid wastes generated
by lead smelters can be either very reactive, corrosive, toxic or hazardous to health
and human welfare. It is an established fact that traces of harmful materials are
entering the food chain through drinking water, air and food materials. Secondary
lead smelting and refining has been identified as a risky industrial process. These
processes generate huge quantity of solid waste which is generally dumped within
the same locality.

4.2 The Site

Picnic Garden is one of the major clusters of secondary lead smelters operating in
and around Kolkata. Other industrial activities are leather industry, iron fabrication,
motor vehicle repairing with some household activity like pottery and washing of
clothes. As per discussions held with the Officials of the West Bengal Pollution
Control Board out of the originally located 12 units, 3 units located at 173 Picnic
Garden Road have been closed and the rest are under operation at 157 Picnic
Garden. The list of the lead smelter units in operation in the area is depicted in
Table 1:

Table 1: Name and Productivity of the Lead Smelters

S. Name of the Raw Material Production Product
No. Smelters Capacity
Installed
1. M/S Azad Metal Lead Acid Battery 300 MTA Lead Ingots
Plates/Lead Scrap
2. M/S Rajnath Metal Lead Acid Battery Plates 300 MTA Lead Ingots
3. M/S Shivshankar Lead Acid Battery Plates 150 MTA Lead Ingots
Metal
4. M/S Shree Ganesh Lead Acid Battery Plates 150 MTA Lead Ingots
Metal
5. M/S Kashi Metal Lead Acid Battery Plates 300 MTA Lead Ingots
6. M/S Jaishambhu Metal Lead Acid Battery 150 MTA Lead Ingots
Plates/Lead Scrap
7. M/S Shivshakti Metal Lead Acid Battery Plates 300 MTA Lead Ingots/
Battery Plate
8. M/S Ramdular and Lead Acid Battery 150 MTA Lead Ingots
Brothers Plates/Lead Scrap
9. M/S Singh Metal Lead Acid Battery Plates 300 MTA Lead Ingots
Company

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 Site Assessment of Lead Pollution at Picnic Garden Kolkata, India

The following legally closed industries are practically in operation:

1. Laxmi Metal
2. Kailash Metal Lead Scrap, Dross, Ash Slag Etc

3. Hind Metal Wood Charcoal

Cleaned
Gases
Preparation of Feed For
Furnace / Bhatti.

4.3 The Process

Air
Emissions
ECS
Furnace / Bhatti

The smelters situated at Picnic Garden Settled

Dust Molten Slag
+
Segregation of reusable
Slag

are small in size with an installed furnace Molten Metal

smelting capacity in the range of 30-32

Waste Slag
Lead Ingots

kg/hr. The furnaces are locally modified Process Layout For Lead Smelting in ‘Bhattis’

forms of Blast/Cupola Furnace called Bhattis. These Bhattis are cylindrical in shape
and mainly made of refractory bricks. Molten metal along with slag is collected from
the bottom of the Bhatti into an open pit below the ground level.
The raw material comprising of lead scrap, sinter and charcoal is charged into
the Bhatti manually from the charging door and are heated at more than 800ºC for
8 – 10 hours. Combustion of wood charcoal provides necessary heat for smelting in
the Bhatti. The lead scrap, lead ash, lead dross, slag is mainly used as feed
material. Lead slags are repeatedly used as raw material along with other lead
scraps.
To Emission Control System
The lead smelting operation is Bhatti- Enclose
Mannual

generally dry in nature except water Sinter

+
charging Door

required for emission control system Charcoal

AIR
and domestic purposes. Risk of soil !!!
Fuqitive emissions
contamination is high in secondary lead !!!
Floating Slag
!!!
------
smelters beside its air pollution Bhatti Motten Lead
---------------

potential. The air pollution has been Port-hole

controlled since most of the industries Typical Lead Smelting Bhatti.

have installed cyclones, bag filters and
scrubbers as Emission Control Systems. In the Picnic Garden area, industry people
generally wash bag filters in the pond located in the vicinity.

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 Site Assessment of Lead Pollution at Picnic Garden Kolkata, India

Industrial Landscape of Picnic Garden

As observed, the major routes of contamination in the lead smelters are given in
Table 2.

Table 2: Contamination in Lead Smelter

Soil Solid Waste Air Water

1. Rainwater run-off Major source of solid 1. Emission from The weak acid from
over raw material waste is waste slag Bhatti the battery is a
yard which is mainly 2. Fugitive major source of
2. Storage of raw silicates and metal emissions from liquid waste in
material over sulphate with some molten metal addition to rainwater
permeable soil lead and other metal 3. Fugitive run off which carries
3. Fall out of lead which are classified Emission from lead dust to adjacent
laden dust over as Hazardous Waste handling raw pond.
permeable soil and been stored in materials
4. The weak acid concrete pits made in 4. Fugitive
from the battery each factory emissions from
is a major source premises which will charging door
of liquid waste in be disposed in the 5. Fall out of lead
addition to TSDF site under bearing dust
rainwater run off. construction. from Chimney to
adjoining areas

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 Site Assessment of Lead Pollution at Picnic Garden Kolkata, India

5. STANDARDS FOR LEAD POLLUTION CONTROL IN

INDIA

Under following Acts/Rules the lead pollution is regulated:

! Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1974

! Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1981
! Environmental Protection Act, 1986
! Hazardous Waste Management & Handling Rules, 1989 (Amended in 2003)
! Battery (Management & Handling) Rules, 2001

6. SOIL AND WATER QUALITY

6.1 Secondary Data

The data generated by CPCB during 2000 in the study area is given in Table 3, 4
and 5.
Table 3: Lead Content in waste Slag – ready for Disposal

S. No Name of Industry Concentration of Lead

(in %)
1 M/S Azad Metal Works 2.6
2 M/S Shiv Shakti Metal Works 4.5
3 M/S Sree Ganesh Metal 2.9
4 M/S Jaisambhu Metal Company -
5 M/S Kashi Metal Works 1.6
6 M/S Ramdular & Bros. 6.3
7 M/S Singh Metal Company 1.9

Table 4: Impact of Secondary Lead Industries on Water Quality

of Ponds Near Picnic Garden Area
Parameters Permanent (Concentration in mg/l except pH)
pH TDS Dissolved COD Cadmium Iron Lead Zinc
Location Oxygen
Pond Adjancent to 8.1 1226 13.1 44 NT 0.9 0.06 0.07
M/S Azad Metal
Works
Pond on Eastern 7.4 944 7.0 26 NT 0.02 0.03 NT
Side of M/S Singh
Metal Works
Ponds on North 7.6 1251 7.6 44 NT 0.87 0.05 0.04
side of M/S Singh
Metal Works
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 Site Assessment of Lead Pollution at Picnic Garden Kolkata, India

Table 5: Contamination of Soil Sediments in the ponds near Picnic Garden Area

Location Concentration in mg/kg(dry weight)

Cadmium Iron Lead Zinc
Pond Adjacent 0.01 27 84 1.7
to M/S Anand
Metal Works
Pond on Eastern 0.01 18 114 0.14
Side of M/S
Singh Metal
Works
Ponds on North 0.01 29 95 0.09
side of M/S
Singh Metal
Works
Observation: In the Sediments of the pond significant quantities of waste slag was found.

The above data generated by CPCB indicate that Lead content in waste slag
generated by industry is very high and generally exceeding the standard prescribed
under Hazardous Waste Management Rules. It also indicates the recovery of lead
from battery scrap from these units is very poor.

6.2 Primary Data Collection during Study

The stratified sampling was done by technical team of GreenC during 26-28th
June, 2006 for soil, water, sludge and kitchen dust. All the samples have been
analyzed in the MoEF approved laboratory notified under EP Act, 1986. Details of
the samples collected are given below:

6.2.1 Soil Samples

1. Smelting Areas

The site of 9 active smelters was divided

into 8 equally sized areas. From each
quadrant 5 parts of samples at 30 metres
depth have been taken and combined to
make the sample, a representative one.
Therefore a total of 8 representative samples
consisting 40 individual samples were collected for recycle area.

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 Site Assessment of Lead Pollution at Picnic Garden Kolkata, India

2. Perimeter Sampling:

Twelve soil samples were taken along the perimeter of the area on all 4 sides. This
was taken from residential backward, children health clinic, schools, playgrounds
and near hand pump. This analysis helps in background concentration of maximum
exposure potential to human being specially exposure to children of the area.

The analytical result of soil samples are given in Table 6

Table 6: Lead (as Pb) Content (in mg/kg) of soil samples

of Smelting Area and its perimeter
Sample no Standard Smelting Area Perimeter Area Remarks

SQ 1 300 3136 1927 Exceeding Limits

SQ 2 300 4419 1783 Exceeding Limits
SQ 3 300 5271 1828 Exceeding Limits
SQ 4 300 3225 1861 Exceeding Limits
SQ 5 300 4869 1672 Exceeding Limits
SQ 6 300 4526 1935 Exceeding Limits
SQ 7 300 3772 1428 Exceeding Limits
SQ 8 300 4625 1558 Exceeding Limits
SQ 9 300 - 652 Exceeding Limits
SQ 10 300 - 1162 Exceeding Limits
SQ 11 300 - 890 Exceeding Limits
SQ 12 300 - 911 Exceeding Limits

The above data indicates heavy Lead pollution in soil in smelting area and also in
neighborhood areas.

6.2.2 Water Samples

Seven surface water samples were collected from the adjacent ponds (stagnant
water) of the secondary smelters. In addition, 5 samples of ground water were
collected from hand pumps located in the recycle area and its residential backyard.

Table 7: Lead (as Pb) Content (in mg/kg) in surface and ground water samples
of Smelting Area and along its perimeter
S. No. Type Standard Lead (as Pb)) Remarks
01 Ground 0.05 0.01 OK
02 Ground 0.05 0.02 OK
03 Ground 0.05 0.01 OK
04 Ground 0.05 0.05 OK
05 Ground 0.05 0.05 OK
06 Surface 0.05 0.09 Not OK
07 Surface 0.05 0.07 Not OK
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 Site Assessment of Lead Pollution at Picnic Garden Kolkata, India

S. No. Type Standard Lead (as Pb)) Remarks

08 Surface 0.05 0.15 Not OK
09 Surface 0.05 0.09 Not OK
10 Surface 0.05 0.16 Not OK
11 Surface 0.05 0.20 Not OK
12 Surface 0.05 0.20 Not OK

It can be concluded the surface water is polluted as almost all pond water samples
Lead is exceeding the prescribed standard.

6.2.3 Sludge & Kitchen Dust

One sample each of sludge and kitchen dust were collected and analyzed.
A single sample of sludge is having lead content of 9728 mg/kg. The same has
been sent for TCLP (Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure) test.
A single floor dust wipe sample was taken from kitchen for analysis. The sampling
site measures 3 ft X 1.5 ft and taken from middle of the floor and kitchen table and
measures 365 mcg/ft2. 1

6.2.3 Leachability Study of Lead Dust

The dust sample collected for the heavy metal Pb and Toxic Characteristic Leaching
Procedure (TCLP) method of US-EPA was adopted to examine leaching
characteristics of the samples for the metal Pb and the results are presented in
Table 8. Since the metal (Pb) concentrations by total metal analysis were found
more than 20 times the TCLP limit (5 mg/kg as per US-EPA), TCLP test was also
performed for leachability study.

The concentration of the metal Pb in the dust samples collected from Lead Smelter
Unit after conducting the TCLP were found well below the 20 times of the TCLP limit
as per USEPA and hence the samples pass TCLP Limits.

Table 8: TCLP Test Results

Parameters Unit Value
Analysis Results of Dust Sample Collected from Lead Smelter Unit
Lead (Pb) mg/Kg 9728
TCLP Results of Dust Sample Collected from Lead Smelter Unit
Lead (Pb) mg/Kg 73

1
The US EPA Lead floor dust hazard standard is 40 mcg/sf.

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 Site Assessment of Lead Pollution at Picnic Garden Kolkata, India

The result indicates that leaching is not there which can also be verified from the
ground water samples.

7. HUMAN EXPOSURE & HEALTH IMPACT

Lead has many negative health impacts on human beings, especially children.
Children are known to absorb lead 5 to 8 times higher than adults. Lead poisoning
resulting from air pollution is reported in areas near to lead smelting operations.
Excessive exposure also leads to death. It has been found that lead has
characteristics of neurodevelopment toxicities which affect the children from the
fetal development to early brain development.2 Chronic lead poisoning shows
symptoms like diarrhea, colic, nervous disorders, swollen joints, lethargy, stupor
and metabolic disorders.
In the Picnic Garden
area, nearly 10,000 people
are residing in and having
daily interaction with
contaminated soil. Since
upto 200 m from the
smelting area, lead content
in the soil is exceeding the
standard, it can be
concluded that soil
contamination is far
reaching in this area. As consulted with local residents and Anganwadi Workers, the
major health problems are:

Kidney problem
Respiratory problems
Lungs problems
Liver Problem
Eye problems in case of Children
Still births & abortion
Swelling of stomach and lymphatic glands

Lead has adverse neurological effects with decrease in IQ and reading ability in
your children. Blood lead level as low as 10 micrograms per deciliter (mg/dl) are
associated with harmful effects on children’s learning and behaviour. At extremely
high lead levels (70 mg/dl) seizure, coma and even death may occur.

2
World Health Organization, 2005, Environmental Health Impact from Exposure to Metals, New Delhi
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 Site Assessment of Lead Pollution at Picnic Garden Kolkata, India

The children are having

CHILDREN ADULTS
Blood Lead

evident disorders but no

(ug Pb/dl)
150
Death study has been done to
100 Encephalopathy
establish the link between
Encephalopathy
Nephropathy
Frank Anemia
Frank Anemia lead pollution and its
Colic
Decreased Longevity
health impact on the
50 Hemoglobin Synthesis
Peripheral Neuropathies
population. Many of the
Hemoglobin Synthesis 40 Infertility (MEN)
Nephropathy
NGOs have also been
consulted but nobody is
Systolic Blood Pressure (MEN)
Vitamin D Metabolism 30
Hearing Acuity working on such issue on
the Picnic Garden Area
Nerve Conduction Velocity 20 due to its socio-political
Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin
Vitamin D Metabolism(?)
Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin
(Women)
nature. Greenpeace once
tried to work in this area
DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY
IQ 10 Hypertension (?) and even found lead in
HEARING Transplacental Transfer
GROWTH - Low birth weight
- Miscarriages, Stillbirth
cow’s milk. But due to
- Premature birth
some local pressure they
had to leave the area without completing their investigation. (Source of Diagram: ATSDR,
1992)

8. SITE STAKEHOLDERS – MEETING DETAILS

Meetings were organized with various stakeholders during the visit to the site.
The meetings were mainly in the form of Focused Group Discussions and across the
various sections of the society. The main objective of the stakeholders meeting was
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 Site Assessment of Lead Pollution at Picnic Garden Kolkata, India

to understand the nature of problems faced by the people and what they perceive
the solutions to be. They were also conducted to hear the perceptions of the
various sections of the population, including owners of smelters, workers, local
residents and officials of local organizations.

The stakeholders meetings were held in two phases during 26-30th June, 2006
and 10-15th June, 2006. The list of key persons interviewed and some of those who
were part of the consultations are given below.

A Government Officials
(i) Dr. A. Manoharan, Scientist of CPCB
(ii) Dr. R. B. Lal, Scientist of CPCB
(iii) Mr. Deepak Chakraborty, Chief Scientist of WBPCB
(ii) Mr. Shyamal Adhikari, SEE of WBPCB
(iii) Ms. Supriti Guha, AEE of WBPCB

B People’s Representative
(i) Ms. Deepu Das, Councilor

C Owners of Smelters
(i) Mr. A. K. Chakraborty
(ii) Mr. A. P. Singh
(iii)Mr. Muralidhar
(iv)Mr. Vijay Singh
(v) Mr. Ram Dhani Singh

D Workers of Smelters
(i) Ms. Asha Singh
(ii) Mr. Golap Sahu
(iii)Mr. Swapan Pramanik
(iv)Mr. RP Singh

E Local residents
(i) Mr. Ranjit Kumar Ghosh, office bearer from a NGO, Tiljala Amra
Shabai
(ii) Mr. Amal Kumar Mondal (pharmacist) and Ms. Jogmaya Pandit
(nurse) Urban Community Health Centre, Tiljala
(iii) Ms. Indu Singh, teacher of school run by local club Tiljala Amra
Sabai.
(iv) Ms. Asha Singh, School Teacher
(v) Mr. Pavitra Kumar Sarkar, office bearer of a NGO, Panchananda
Sevak Samiti

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 Site Assessment of Lead Pollution at Picnic Garden Kolkata, India

9. KEY FINDINGS

On the basis of the public consultations and interaction with the various
stakeholders, the following aspects were found.

A. Working Conditions:
" Each of the industry is having about 10-12 workers on an average. All the
workers are employed on a part time basis and work on 8 hourly shifts.
The duration for which a worker is employed in a smelter is maximum 5
years and in between they take one month leave in every 4 months due
to the nature of job. Entire workforce is being replaced by new batches
every six months
" No occupational safety measures are taken by the workers and exposures
to fumes and fugitive dust make them occasionally unconscious and
stomach ache and cramps is a regular feature. Inhalation of fumes gives
rise to instant stomach aches and swellings of limbs.
" The wage of the workers varies from 1500-2500 per month. It was found
that many of the workers are not even getting the minimum wages. Most
of the workers are from Bihar and UP, and Bengal’s contribution to the
labour force is only 10%.
" As consulted,
the health
status of the
workers is
very low.
However they
do not get
any leave
because of
illness and
thus looses
income. It
was found
that there is
unity among
the owners. As a result the workers are scared and are always scared of
loosing their job. So they avoid raising their voice against exploitation.

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 Site Assessment of Lead Pollution at Picnic Garden Kolkata, India

B. Living Conditions
" The living conditions are unhygienic and as the workers are living in the
same factory premises. They are exposed to lead pollution for 24 hours.
" The sources of water are all polluted and generally not fit for human
consumption. The workers and the local people utilize the pond water for
their daily need like washing etc except for drinking purposes. Fishing is
also done for daily consumption in these ponds. It was also found that the
factory people generally wash their bag filters in the pond.
" The whole area where the workers and residents stay is full of lead and
other metal wastes. In a study conducted by a reputed environmental
NGO, lead was even found in the cow’s milk.

10. POTENTIAL BARRIERS

" Owners of the smelters are not willing to co-operate with agencies that
try to upgrade the living and working condition in the area. Apparently
they enjoy support from certain corners that empowered them to act so.
" All the workers are casual labours and thus they cannot demand for any
facilities or safeguards.
" There are no active organizations working in the area. As a result there
has been no health survey and the health needs of the people have never
been assessed.
" As the workers do not stay in the area for long periods, they are not
concerned with the working conditions and the existing pollution. It was
found that there is a general apathy among the people regarding their
own living condition

11. RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are made on the basis of the findings and the
observation during the study.
A. Technical
" Performance of pollution control equipments (PCE) installed in lead smelting
units should be evaluated by doing actual source-emission monitoring and also
check the compliance status with respect to notified standard for lead which is
10 mg/nm3.
Lead in work place area should be monitored using CPCB sampling protocol to
ascertain the level of exposure of Lead to workers. It has been observed during the
study the fugitive emission during charging time is very high.

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 Site Assessment of Lead Pollution at Picnic Garden Kolkata, India

" Lead in blood and urine should be tested for exposed workers in lead smelters
and also nearby population especially in children in a systematic way. A full-
fledged health impact study should be undertaken.
" The health impact study would require certain systematic awareness
programme through stake holder group about the ill effects of lead, since
socio-political environment might not be conducive for health impact study.
This may require Government patronization.
" The study has shown that up to 200 meters
from the lead smelters entire soil is
contaminated in terms of lead content. A
detail study should be conducted for
demarcation on soil pollution and its impact on
food chain. Lead in soil, vegetation and
aquatic life should be monitored in the nearby
area (at least 2 km radius).
" Bioaccumulation of metals especially lead in
fish samples and other vegetables cultivated
in the polluted area and its vicinity is to be
studied to assess the extent of contamination
in food materials.
" Extensive monitoring of wastewater (drains)
and fresh water quality samples of surface,
groundwater and drinking water (at consumer
level) is to be carried to assess the extent of
contamination of lead and other metals in
aquatic system
" An extensive survey of blood lead levels and
health status of workers, public especially
children is to be carried out to assess the
health status of community.
" Assessment of the levels of contamination of
lead metal in cattle milk is to be carried out
" A joint healthy coordination is to be created
between factory owners, employees and the
public for effective improvement of
environmental condition.
" A survey on public awareness level about the
environmental pollution problem, through
Questionnaire / interview can be carried to
Pictures of Possible Best Practices
assess the extent of awareness among the
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 Site Assessment of Lead Pollution at Picnic Garden Kolkata, India

public so as to plan for active participation of public for pollution abatement.

" Screening of all children for IQ test scores is to be carried out for assessment
of IQ levels of children for further planning on Lead pollution abatement.
" Metrological data like temperature, humidity rainfall, no. of rainy days, wind
speed wind direction are to be collected regularly for one year assessing the
role of meteorological condition on ambient lead concentration.
B. General
" The local political leaders should be mobilized that may work as link between
the community and the owners of the lead smelter units.
" Formation of stakeholders group should be encouraged so that the community
becomes a pressure group for environment management. Community-based
organizations and NGOs should be encouraged to come forward and take up
the responsibility to becoming a part for the restoration of quality of life.
" Through stake holder groups awareness should be generated among the
workers and the local residents about healthy practices and the ways of
dealing with the polluted environment preventive measures so that the people
have a better quality of life.
" It was observed that the educational status of the owners is not very high. As
a result many of them are not aware of their responsibilities towards the
community. The owners and the workers of the smelters should be trained for
better housekeeping and good operational practices, occupational safety
measures and to make aware of the risks involved with lead smelting.

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 Annexure -I

REPORT ON CHARACTERIZATION & LEACHABILITY

STUDY OF LEAD DUST FROM LEAD SMELTER UNIT
INTRODUCTION

The term Hazardous Wastes means a solid waste or combination of solid wastes because
of the quantity, concentration, physical, chemical or infectious characteristics may
! Cause, or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in
serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible illness, or
! Pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment
when improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed off, or otherwise
managed.

Probably the most prevalent risk associated with hazardous waste management is the
potential for groundwater contamination. When disposed off on land in facilities not
designed for full containment, hazardous wastes can leach into adjacent aquifers and
thereby affect water. Leachability test is the most accepted method regarding
environmental effects of toxic substances including heavy metals.

Considering the seriousness of the hazardous waste management, The Ministry of

Environment and Forests, Government of India has promulgated the Hazardous Waste
(Management & Handling) Rules, 1989 under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and
subsequently amended time to time.

As per the said Rule, “Every occupier handling, or a recycler recycling, hazardous wastes
(as listed in Schedule – 1) shall make an application in the prescribed form to the
Member-Secretary, State Pollution Control Board or Committee, as the case may be or
any officer designated by the State Pollution Control Board or Committee for the grant of
authorization for any of the said activities”. The characterization of different wastes,
generated due to various activities forms one of the vital components to comply with the
said Rules.

RESULTS

The description of collected dust samples collected from the Lead Smelter Unit along
with the dates of sampling has been presented Table 1.0. The analysed data for the heavy
metal Pb has been presented in Table 2.0. The methodology, applied for the analysis of
the respective parameters has also been given as a part of this report. Toxic Characteristic
Leaching Procedure (TCLP) method of US-EPA was adopted to examine leaching
characteristics of the samples for the metal Pb and the results are presented in Table 3.0.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Performance of the methods, applied for the analysis of the respective parameters, was
checked through the addition of standard solution to the samples and recovery was

1
 Annexure -I

studied. In all the cases, recovery was more or less satisfactory. Samples were analysed in
duplicate to study the repeatability and variation among the duplicates was negligible.

TABLE - 1.0

Description of Waste : Dust sample collected from Lead Smelter Unit

Sr. No. Description of Sample Date of Sampling
1 Lead dust sample 27.06.2006

TABLE – 2.0
ANALYSIS RESULTS OF DUST SAMPLE OF COLLECTED FROM LEAD
SMELTER UNIT

Sl. No. Parameters Unit Value

1 Lead (Pb) mg/Kg 9728

TABLE – 3.0
TCLP RESULTS OF DUST SAMPLE COLLECTED FROM LEAD SMELTER
UNIT

Sl. No. Parameters Unit Value

1 Lead (Pb) mg/Kg 73

METHODOLOGY

DETERMINATION OF LEAD:
PRINCIPLE

The Lead in general are digested in mineral acids, viz. Nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, etc
and mixtures of mineral acids. The digested metal ions in solutions are estimated using
atomic absorption spectrophotometer principles.

REAGENTS

i) Conc. HNO3 : Reagent Grade and Spectroscopy Grade

ii) Conc. HCl : Reagent Garde and Spectroscopy Grade
iii) H2O2 (30% or 100 vol) : Analytical Grade
iv) DDW: Double distilled water with a conductivity less than 3 uS/cm.
v) Dil. HNO3 (1 :1): Prepare required volume of 1:1 diluted HNO3 by adding
equal volumes of Conc. HNO3 ( Spectroscopy Grade) and DDW.

2
 Annexure -I

vi) HCl (1:1) Prepare required volume of 1:1 diluted HCl by adding equal
volumes of Conc. HCl (Spectroscopy grade) and DDW.
vii) Reagent Blank Solution: Slowly add 100 ml Con. HNO3 to 250 ml DDW
in 1 L volumetric flask with constant cooling. Add 30 ml H2O2 followed
by 50 ml Conc. HCl with cooling under tap water. Make the solution up to
1 L with DDW.

LEAD STOCK SOLUTION : (100 MG/L)

Dissolve 0.1598 g Pb(NO3)2 ( mole fraction Pb = 0.6256), weighed accurately to

at least four significant figures, in a minimum amount of 1:1 HNO3. Add 10 ml
1:1 HNO3 and dilute to 1 L with DDW. (1 ml = 0.1 mg Pb).

PROCEDURE

SAMPLE PREPARATION METHOD

1. Weigh a representative sample of 1.00 to 2.00 g portion and transfer to

250 ml beaker.
2. Add 10 ml of 1:1 HNO3, mix the slurry, and cover the beaker with a watch
glass. Heat the contents of the beaker to 95oC and reflux for 10 to 15 min.
without boiling.
3. Allow the sample to cool, add 5 ml Conc. HNO3, replace the watch glass
and reflux for 30 min. Repeat this last step to ensure complete oxidation
using a ribbed watch glass.
4. Allow the solution to evaporate to 5 ml without boiling, while maintaining
minimum of 2 to 3 ml volume of solution over the bottom of the beaker.
5. Cool the sample; add 2 ml DDW and 3 ml of H2O2. Cover the beaker with
watch glass and return the covered beaker to the hot plate for warming and
to start the peroxide reaction. Care must be taken to ensure that losses do
not occur due to excessively vigorous effervescence. Heat until the
effervescence. Heat until the effervescence subsidized and cool the beaker.
6. Continue to add H2O2 in 1 ml aliquots with warming until the
effervescence is minimal .Do not add more than 10 ml H2O2.
7. Add 5 ml of Conc. HCl and 10 ml with DDW. Filter the sample. The
diluted digested solution contains approximately 5% (v/v) HNO3. The
sample is now ready for analysis by flame AA.
8. After cooling, dilute to 100 ml with DDW. Filter the sample. The diluted
digested solution contains approximately 5% (v/v) HNO3. The sample is
now ready for analysis by flame AA.

ANALYTICAL PROCEDURE

1. Prepare a series of working calibration standard metal solutions (minimum

5 working standards for lead) in the working range indicated for lead.

3
 Annexure -I

2. Follow the manufactures operating instructions strictly to operate the AAS

instrument.
3. Choose the proper lamp for analysis; allow the lamp to warm up for a
minimum 15 minutes unless operated in a double-beam mode.
4. Check the alignment of instrument, position of monochromator at correct
wavelength.
5. Select the proper monochromator slit width, and adjust the current as per
manufacturer’s recommendation.
6. Light the flame and regulate flow of fuel and oxidant.
7. Adjust the burner and nebulizer flow rate for maximum percent absorption
and stability.
8. Aspirate reagent blank and working calibration standard metal solutions of
the metal solution of the metal analyte under investigation.
9. Record the absorbance /concentration of metal analyte in reagent blank
and working standard metal solutions. Begin aspiration with the reagent
blank solution and working towards the highest working standard solution
of the analyte.
10. Aspirate the samples under the same analytical conditions of AAS and
record the absorbance/concentration values.
11. Repeat the steps 7 and 9 till a consistent and reproducible absorbance
values are achieved and record average readings.
12. Prepare calibration curve by plotting the concentrations of the standards
against absorbance values.
13. Dilute the sample (if necessary) with acidified water. (Dilute the sample to
ensure the absorbance of sample lies in the range of minimum and
maximum concentration range of minimum and maximum concentration
range of standards).
14. Run a check standard and reagent blank at regular intervals of sample
analysis or for every batch of samples as per your Laboratory’s Quality
Policy.
15. Known Standards must be run each time a sample run or series of samples
is run.

CALCULATION

Calculation of metal analyse in mg per kg of sample on ‘dry weight’

(C1 – C2) X V X DF
Conc. of Metal mg/kg =
(dry weight basis) DW

C1 = Concentration of metal in the sample (obtained form the calibration graph

or direct read out from the instrument). mg/L
C2 = Concentration of metal in the blank, mg/L
V = Total volume of make up solution of sample (sample digestion
solution),ml

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 Annexure -I

DF = Dilution Factor of digestion solution

DW = Dry Weight of Sample, g

Notes :
1. Air-C2H2 : Air – Acetylene, N2O-C2H2 : Nitrous Oxide – Acetylene
2. Refer Instrument Manual for specific details

REFERENCES

1. ‘Manual on Sampling, Analysis and Characterisation of Hazardous Wastes’

Laboratory Analytical Tachnique’ Series : LATS/16/2003-04. Central Pollution
Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan , Delhi – 110 032.

TOXICITY CHARACTERISTIC LEACHING PROCEDURE

TOTAL METAL TOXICITY CHARACTERISTIC
ANALYSIS LEACHING PROCEDURE (TCLP)
METHOD 3050 & 7471
METAL LEACHATE SAMPLE
PREPARATION & TEST
METHODS

METAL TCLP
CONCENTRATIONS
NO EXTRACTION
ARE LESS THAN OR PROCEDURE
EQUAL TO 20 TIMES METHOD 1311
TCLP LIMITS?

SAMPLE
DIGESTION FOR
METAL

YES

AAS ANALYSIS FOR

DIGESTATES
LEAD : METHOD 7420

METAL
SAMPLE YES CONCENTRATIONS SAMPLE
NO
PASSES ARE LESS THAN FAILS TCLP
TCLP OR EQUAL TO 20 LIMITS 5
LIMITS TIMES TCLP LIMIS?
 Annexure -I

! Method no. are of US-EPA.

Since the metal (Pb) concentrations by total metal analysis were found more than 20
times the TCLP limit (5 mg/kg as per US-EPA), TCLP test was also performed for
leachability study.

EPA TEST METHOD 1311 – TCLP

TOXICITY CHARACTERISTIC LEACHING PROCEDURE

The TCLP, or Toxicity Characteristic Leaching (not Leachate) Procedure is designed

to determine the mobility of both organic and inorganic analytes present in liquid,
solid, and multiphasic wastes. The Millipore Hazardous Waste Filtration System
[ZHE : Zero Head Space Extractor] has been designated by the US-EPA as a suitable
apparatus for Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and is used in the
toxicity determination of a solid waste in compliance with the US-EPA method 1311
for TCLP for semi - and non-volatiles. This system is designed for absolute filtration
and separation of solids from liquids by pressure filtration. The 1.5 L extension
barrel, top and bottom plates, under drain support, filter support system, relief valve,
and connectors are all constructed of stainless steel to avoid extraneous contamination
from the holder assembly itself, all surfaces of the components (exposed to the test
sample) are Teflon coated. The tri-Clover (TC) connections of the inlet / outlet of the
system allow for ease in removal, cleaning, and maintenance. TCLP requires a 0.7
µm glass fibre filter without binder [Millipore’s AP 40 Filter]. Most 142 mm filters
can be used with this system.

SAMPLE FILTRATION

1. Take a representative sample (minimum size: 100 g).Perform the necessary

extraction procedure outlined in EPA Method 1311.
2. Pour the extraction fluid into the unit through the Tri-Clover (TC) opening using a
funnel. Attach the TC hose adaptor to the top plates TC connection using the
stainless steel TC clamp provided.
3. Place an appropriate receiving vessel below the TC sanitary outlet or attach a
PVC hose to the TC adaptor and run the hose to an appropriate container.
4. Increase pressure on the nitrogen tank slowly. When the liquid starts to flow from
the assembled holder’s outlet, immediately turn the regulator valve handle a few
turns to lower the pressure. If necessary, bleed air from the top plate vent valves
slowly until pressure gauge reads between 1-10 psi. No leaks should be apparent.
5. Increase inlet pressure in 10 psi increments to 50 psi, holding for two minutes
each time. Continue filtration until flow stops. The liquid should be clear of
particulate matter.
6. Shut off the pressure from the nitrogen tank regulator outlet valve, then open the
vent valve gradually to release pressure from the cylinder.

6
 Annexure -I

7. Remove the inlet TC hose connector and hardwheel knobs, and then remove top
plate and extension cylinder of holder to clean the unit.
8. Analyse the liquid as per standard method for determine the concentration of
specific metals.

CONCLUSION

The concentration of the metal Pb in the dust samples collected from Lead Smelter
Unit after conducting the TCLP were found well below the 20 times of the TCLP
limit as per USEPA and hence the samples pass TCLP Limits.