Battery

Electrical Battery: A battery generally call all, but their names are varied and derive from the internal
composition. Can be alkaline, carbon-zinc, nickel-cadmium, button depending on whether mercury,
lithium and silver oxide, zinc-air.

The main problem begins at the moment of throwing them away, as, for example, a micropyle of
mercury can contaminate 600,000 liters of water to release components of mercury or cadmium, which
when in contact with the ground and then when perchonan and reach the water table, contaminating
the food chain.
Química la ciencia central Novena edición Pearson Prentice Hall

Theodore L. Brown, H. Eugene LeMay Jr., Bruce E. Bursten y Julia R. Burdge

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Battery operation is based on a set of chemical reactions that provide a certain amount of electricity,
which, although small, allows the operation of small engines or electronics. But this advantage in favor
of autonomy, is opposed to the negative effects of chemical compounds used in the reaction which
produces electricity, since they are mostly heavy metals released into the environment that produce
serious pollution problems.

Química la ciencia central Novena edición Pearson Prentice Hall

Theodore L. Brown, H. Eugene LeMay Jr., Bruce E. Bursten y Julia R. Burdge

As contamination occurs with Batteries

The batteries are thrown with other household waste being dumped in landfills, whether open or
landfills and in other cases to vacant lots, ditches, roads, caused by water, etc.
To imagine the extent of contamination of these cells, the vast to know that are responsible for 93% of
mercury in domestic waste and 47% of Zinc, Cadmium 48%, 22% of nickel, etc.
These batteries suffer corrosion of their carcasses affected internally by its members and externally for
climate action and the process of fermentation of waste, especially organic matter, that raising the
temperature to 70 º C, acts as a reactor contamination.
When the spill internal electrolyte batteries, dragging heavy metals. These metals contaminating soil
flowing through all life (plant and animal uptake).
The mechanism of mobility through the ground, is favored to be the metal in its oxidized form, this
makes them much faster in salty soil or very acidic pH.Química la ciencia central Novena edición Pearson
Prentice Hall Theodore L. Brown, H. Eugene LeMay Jr., Bruce E. Bursten y Julia R. Burdge
Battery Types

Zinc / Carbon: based on the oxidation of zinc in a slightly acid, are composed of metallic zinc,
ammonium chloride and manganese dioxide. They are called common batteries. They serve simple
devices and low consumption.

Química la ciencia central Novena edición Pearson Prentice Hall

Theodore L. Brown, H. Eugene LeMay Jr., Bruce E. Bursten y Julia R. Burdge

Alkaline (Manganese)

Are more recent than the previous. Its active ingredient is an alkaline compound (Potassium
hydroxide). Its duration is 6 times higher than the Zinc / Carbon. It is composed of manganese dioxide,
potassium hydroxide, zinc paste amalgamated with Mercury (total 1%), carbon or graphite.
A single alkaline battery can contaminate 175,000 liters of water (more than they can consume a man
in her life).

Química la ciencia central Novena edición Pearson Prentice Hall

Theodore L. Brown, H. Eugene LeMay Jr., Bruce E. Bursten y Julia R. Burdge

Mercury

Was the first pile that was built micropyle or button type. Externally are built of steel and consists of a
mercury oxide electrode with graphite powder, the electrolyte is potassium hydroxide compound
embedded in a spongy absorbent material and Zinc paste dissolved in Mercury.
Contains between 25 and 30% of Mercury. The micropyle can contaminate 600,000 liters of water.

Química la ciencia central Novena edición Pearson Prentice Hall

Theodore L. Brown, H. Eugene LeMay Jr., Bruce E. Bursten y Julia R. Burdge

Nickel / Cadmium:

This stack has the form of classical or alkaline battery, but has the advantage that can be recharged
many times. This consists of nickel and cadmium separately laminated with nylon or polypropylene, all
rolled into spirals. Does not contain Mercury. Their wastes are hazardous to the environment, mainly by
the presence of cadmium.
Química la ciencia central Novena edición Pearson Prentice Hall

Theodore L. Brown, H. Eugene LeMay Jr., Bruce E. Bursten y Julia R. Burdge

Button batteries:

They are named after the small cells, so flat and round. The electronics market increasingly demands
more of them. Are essential for hearing aids, pacemakers, watches, calculators and precision medical
devices. Its composition is varied.

Química la ciencia central Novena edición Pearson Prentice Hall

Theodore L. Brown, H. Eugene LeMay Jr., Bruce E. Bursten y Julia R. Burdge

Heavy Metals and its effect on the environment and human health

MERCURY:
Widespread exposure to mercury in cases of severe acute poisoning, causes intense irritation to the
respiratory tract, is a producer of bronchitis, pneumonia, bronqueolitis, etc. In low doses, and chronic
poisoning causes weakness, weight loss, diarrhea, swollen gums, fatigue, metallic taste, insomnia,
indigestion, etc. In chronic poisoning and in high doses causes irritability, hallucinations, crying,
excitability, depression, grief, psychosis, Crisis. In cases of exposure to high doses orally, the digestive
system breaks down, being fatal in hours.
Química Analítica Cualitativa decimo cuarta edición editorial Paraninfo Dr. Fernando Burriel, Dr. Siro Arribas Jimeno, Dr.
Felipe Lucena Conde y Dr. Jesús Hernández Méndez.
CADMIUM:

The most common sources are batteries, "which also contain mercury-, pigments for paints, varnishes
and PVC pipes. This metal is highly toxic, carcinogenic as well. Mothers exposed to cadmium causes
serious bodily conditions for pregnancy, protein in urine, etc.
Química Analítica Cualitativa decimo cuarta edición editorial Paraninfo

Dr. Fernando Burriel, Dr. Siro Arribas Jimeno, Dr. Felipe Lucena Conde y Dr. Jesús Hernández Méndez.
LEAD:

Early symptoms: fatigue, headaches, bone pain, abdominal pain, sleep disorders, muscle pain,
impotence, behavioral disorders, etc. Advanced symptoms: anemia, intestinal cramps, nausea and
vomiting, kidney disease, impotence, madness, sterility, fetal damage, hypertension, severe
constipation, nerve involvement, or disease, cancer and death issues

Química Analítica Cualitativa decimo cuarta edición editorial Paraninfo

Dr. Fernando Burriel, Dr. Siro Arribas Jimeno, Dr. Felipe Lucena Conde y Dr. Jesús Hernández Méndez.
CHROME:

Local Conditions: on the skin cause dermatitis, skin sensitization, is irritating to skin and mucous
membranes.
Química Analítica Cualitativa decimo cuarta edición editorial Paraninfo

Dr. Fernando Burriel, Dr. Siro Arribas Jimeno, Dr. Felipe Lucena Conde y Dr. Jesús Hernández Méndez.
General disorders:

Coughing, chronic bronchitis, nasal septum ulcerations and skin, respiratory and head pain,
nosebleeds, dermatitis, etc.
Zinc, manganese, copper, bismuth, silver and nickel, are also toxic, producing the most number of
changes to human health.
Química Analítica Cualitativa decimo cuarta edición editorial Paraninfo

Dr. Fernando Burriel, Dr. Siro Arribas Jimeno, Dr. Felipe Lucena Conde y Dr. Jesús Hernández Méndez.
Water Pollution

A stack of mercury can contaminate 600,000 liters of water. Their manufacture consumes 300 times
the energy that can produce, so that only its manufacture, and is indirectly pollution.

As mentioned, when a cell is discarded, decomposes the metal housing and heavy metals dumped into
the earth end up polluting the groundwater aquifers. Plants absorb mercury, which accumulates as
shown in this work, being able to harm humans who ingest these contaminated food.

Química Medioambiental 2ª Edición Pearson Prentice Hall

Thomas G. Spiro y William M. Stigliani

Air Pollution

The room temperature emits mercury vapor, which are quite dangerous. The immediate effects that
may occur by inhalation include: burning throat, headache, nausea, loss of appetite and weakness.

Same with cadmium, if there is burning garbage where you are cadmium, it goes to air, once entered
via inhalation, the body absorbs generating adverse effects on health.

Química Medioambiental 2ª Edición Pearson Prentice Hall

Thomas G. Spiro y William M. Stigliani

Soil pollution

The concentrations of these elements can affect plant growth and have negative effects on animals and
humans that consume them. This also means a serious economic problem, where contamination of
crops may lead to the bankruptcy of enterprises, "Heavy metals can accumulate in the edible parts of
crops used for human consumption or animal feed. The absorption capacity of plants with respect to
heavy metals is variable, which opens the possibility of adapting the choice of crops depending on the
degree and type of contamination. In general, larger amounts of heavy metals accumulate in the
leaves, while the lower levels found in the seeds. Peas, melons, tomatoes and peppers figures show
very low absorption. The absorption of heavy metals in plants (especially cadmium and lead) also
varies by soil pH ".Química Medioambiental 2ª Edición Pearson Prentice HallThomas G. Spiro y William M. Stigliani
Soil Pollution

To changes in redox potential has important implications for air pollution, especially in regard to metals
such as cadmium, lead and nickel components of several batteries. Generally, the solubility of heavy
metals is higher in oxidizing environments. Oxidizing conditions with neutral-alkaline pH, the metals are
absorbed onto the surface of insoluble particles such as Fe (OH) 3 and MnO2, the process is enhanced
by the presence of phosphate and that it acts as an ion bridge. When the redox potential due to
microbial action, moving to slightly oxidizing conditions or slightly reducing, and the range of pH to
acidic values , Fe (OH) 3 and MnO2 in soil and sediment to reduce and solubilize the groundwater.
An important case of metal contamination favored by redox processes mediated by organisms is the
mercury. Inorganic mercury, in any normal oxidation states, is not toxic when ingested because it tends
to pass through the digestive system, but the Hg ° is very toxic when inhaled. With respect to (CH) 3Hg
is highly toxic regardless of route of exposure. His route to the toxic environment implies the
involvement of sulfate-reducing bacteria in the sediments. As part of their metabolism, these bacteria
use the methyl groups to produce acetate. When bacteria are exposed to Hg2 +, the latter causing
transfer their methyl groups (CH) 3Hg +, because the solubility of methylmercury it enters the marine
food chain where protein bio-accumulates in fish tissue.

Química Medioambiental 2ª Edición Pearson Prentice Hall

Thomas G. Spiro y William M. Stigliani

Direct effects on humans

Unfortunately, the batteries are thrown with the rest of the trash, suffering the corrosion of its housing,
resulting in leakage of electrolytes, and drag the heavy metals. So components are released and
become toxic to soils, crops, surface water and groundwater. In addition, landfill fires represent a
significant contribution of air pollutants. For example, ordinary batteries, as mentioned, are composed
of carbon and zinc, plus a high mercury content. In alkaline batteries mercury content is also high and
are manufactured from manganese dioxide and zinc. The following are the main characteristics of
these elements.
Química Medioambiental 2ª Edición Pearson Prentice Hall Thomas G. Spiro y William M. Stigliani
Categories and types of batteries
Batteries are classified into two broad categories, each type with advantages and disadvantages.
Primary batteries irreversibly (within limits of practicality) transform chemical energy to electrical
energy. When the initial supply of reactants is exhausted, energy cannot be readily restored to the
battery by electrical means.
Secondary batteries can be recharged; that is, they can have their chemical reactions reversed by
supplying electrical energy to the cell, restoring their original composition.
Historically, some types of primary batteries used, for example, for telegraph circuits, were restored to
operation by replacing the components of the battery consumed by the chemical reaction.Secondary
batteries are not indefinitely rechargeable due to dissipation of the active materials, loss of electrolyte
and internal corrosion.Buchmann, Isidor. Baterías secundarias sustituir las primarias?.
Universidad de la batería. Consultado el 6 de enero de 2008.
Primary batteries

Primary batteries can produce current immediately on assembly. Disposable batteries are intended to
be used once and discarded. These are most commonly used in portable devices that have low current
drain, are only used intermittently, or are used well away from an alternative power source, such as in
alarm and communication circuits where other electric power is only intermittently available. Disposable
primary cells cannot be reliably recharged, since the chemical reactions are not easily reversible and
active materials may not return to their original forms. Battery manufacturers recommend against
attempting to recharge primary cells.
Common types of disposable batteries include zinc-carbon batteries and alkaline batteries. Generally,
these have higher energy densities than rechargeable batteries, but disposable batteries do not fare
well under high-drain applications with loads under 75 ohms (75 Ω). Franklin Leonard Pope, La práctica actual de la edición
eléctrica Telegraph el 15 de D. Van Nostrand Company, Nueva York, 1899, páginas 7-11.
Secondary batteries
Secondary batteries must be charged before use; they are usually assembled with active materials in
the discharged state. Rechargeable batteries or secondary cells can be recharged by applying electric
current, which reverses the chemical reactions that occur during its use. Devices to supply the
appropriate current are called chargers or rechargers.
The oldest form of rechargeable battery is the lead-acid battery.This battery is notable in that it contains
a liquid in an unsealed container, requiring that the battery be kept upright and the area be well
ventilated to ensure safe dispersal of the hydrogen gas produced by these batteries during
overcharging. The lead-acid battery is also very heavy for the amount of electrical energy it can supply.
Despite this, its low manufacturing cost and its high surge current levels make its use common where a
large capacity (over approximately 10Ah) is required or where the weight and ease of handling are not
concerns. Buchmann, Isidor. ¿Puede la batería de plomo-ácido competir en los tiempos
modernos?. Universidad de la batería. Consultado el 02 de septiembre 2007.
Wet cell
A wet cell battery has a liquid electrolyte. Other names are flooded cell since the liquid covers all internal parts,
or vented cell since gases produced during operation can escape to the air. Wet cells were a precursor to dry
cells and are commonly used as a learning tool for electrochemistry. It is often built with common laboratory
supplies, such as beakers, for demonstrations of how electrochemical cells work. A particular type of wet cell
known as a concentration cell is important in understanding corrosion. Wet cells may be primary cells (non-
rechargeable) or secondary cells (rechargeable). Originally all practical primary batteries such as the Daniell
cell were built as open-topped glass jar wet cells. Other primary wet cells are the Leclanche cell, Grove cell,
Bunsen cell, Chromic acid cell, Clark cell and Weston cell. The Leclanche cell chemistry was adapted to the
first dry cells. Wet cells are still used in automobile batteries and in industry for standby power for switchgear,
telecommunication or large uninterruptible power supplies, but in many places batteries with gel cells have
been used instead. These applications commonly use lead-acid or nickel-cadmium cells. Ciclo profundo
guía de la batería. Asuntos de Energía. Consultado el 03 de febrero 2009.
Dry cell

A dry cell has the electrolyte immobilized as a paste, with only enough moisture in the paste to allow
current to flow. As opposed to a wet cell, the battery can be operated in any random position, and will
not spill its electrolyte if inverted.
While a dry cell's electrolyte is not truly completely free of moisture and must contain some moisture to
function, it has the advantage of containing no sloshing liquid that might leak or drip out when inverted
or handled roughly, making it highly suitable for small portable electric devices. By comparison, the first
wet cells were typically fragile glass containers with lead rods hanging from the open top, and needed
careful handling to avoid spillage. An inverted wet cell would leak, while a dry cell would not. Lead-acid
batteries would not achieve the safety and portability of the dry cell until the development of the gel
battery.
Ciclo profundo guía de la batería. Asuntos de Energía. Consultado el 03 de febrero 2009.
Reserve
A reserve battery can be stored for a long period of time and is activated when its internal parts (usually
electrolyte) are assembled. For example, a battery for an electronic fuze might be activated by the
impact of firing a gun, breaking a capsule of electrolyte to activate the battery and power the fuze's
circuits. Reserve batteries are usually designed for a short service life (seconds or minutes) after long
storage (years). A water-activated battery for oceanographic instruments or military applications
becomes activated on immersion in water.

Ciclo profundo guía de la batería. Asuntos de Energía. Consultado el 03 de febrero 2009.

Hazards

Explosion
A battery explosion is caused by the misuse or malfunction of a battery, such as attempting to recharge
a primary (non-rechargeable) battery, or short circuiting a battery.With car batteries, explosions are
most likely to occur when a short circuit generates very large currents. In addition, car batteries liberate
hydrogen when they are overcharged (because of electrolysis of the water in the electrolyte). Normally
the amount of overcharging is very small, as is the amount of explosive gas developed, and the gas
dissipates quickly. However, when "jumping" a car battery, the high current can cause the rapid release
of large volumes of hydrogen, which can be ignited by a nearby spark (for example, when removing the
jumper cables).
Ciclo profundo guía de la batería. Asuntos de Energía. Consultado el 03 de febrero 2009.
When a battery is recharged at an excessive rate, an explosive gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen
may be produced faster than it can escape from within the walls of the battery, leading to pressure
build-up and the possibility of the battery case bursting. In extreme cases, the battery acid may spray
violently from the casing of the battery and cause injury. Overcharging—that is, attempting to charge a
battery beyond its electrical capacity—can also lead to a battery explosion, leakage, or irreversible
damage to the battery. It may also cause damage to the charger or device in which the overcharged
battery is later used. Additionally, disposing of a battery in fire may cause an explosion as steam builds
up within the sealed case of the battery.
Energizer.com - Learning Center - Energizer and the Environment. Retrieved 17 December 2007.
Leakage

Leaked alkaline battery.

Many battery chemicals are corrosive, poisonous, or both. If leakage occurs, either spontaneously or
through accident, the chemicals released may be dangerous.
For example, disposable batteries often use a zinc "can" as both a reactant and as the container to
hold the other reagents. If this kind of battery is run all the way down, or if it is recharged after running
down too far, the reagents can emerge through the cardboard and plastic that form the remainder of
the container. The active chemical leakage can then damage the equipment that the batteries were
inserted into. For this reason, many electronic device manufacturers recommend removing the
batteries from devices that will not be used for extended periods of time. Baterías - Tutela de
Producto. EPA. Consultado el 11 de septiembre 2007.
Environmental concerns

The widespread use of batteries has created many environmental concerns, such as toxic metal
pollution. Battery manufacture consumes resources and often involves hazardous chemicals. Used
batteries also contribute to electronic waste. Some areas now have battery recycling services available
to recover some of the materials from used batteries. Batteries may be harmful or fatal if
swallowed.Recycling or proper disposal prevents dangerous elements (such as lead, mercury, and
cadmium) found in some types of batteries from entering the environment. In the United States,
Americans purchase nearly three billion batteries annually, and about 179,000 tons of those end up in
landfills across the country.

Reciclaje de Baterías »la Tierra 911. Consultado el 09 de septiembre 2007.

Ingestion
Small button/disk batteries can be swallowed by young children. While in the digestive tract the
battery's electrical discharge can burn the tissues and can be serious enough to lead to death. Disk
batteries do not usually cause problems unless they become lodged in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
The most common place disk batteries become lodged, resulting in clinical sequelae, is the esophagus.
Batteries that successfully traverse the esophagus are unlikely to lodge at any other location. The
likelihood that a disk battery will lodge in the esophagus is a function of the patient's age and the size of
the battery. Disk batteries of 16 mm have become lodged in the esophagi of 2 children younger than 1
year. Older children do not have problems with batteries smaller than 21–23 mm. Liquefaction necrosis
may occur because sodium hydroxide is generated by the current produced by the battery (usually at
the anode). Perforation has occurred as rapidly as 6 hours after ingestion.
JF Langkau, RA Noesges. Quemaduras del esófago de la ingestión de la batería. Emerg
Am J Med. 05 1985