Chromium contamination

Source: Down to Earth

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Context

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directs investigation into Sukinda Valley’s polluted water resources from chromium impact demanding attention Environmental Health issues and Rehabilitation measures in Odisha, Jajpur District.

Details

About Chromium:

• Chromium (Cr) is a toxic heavy metal which is very essential for the human body in its trace concentrations.
• Hexavalent Chromium [Cr(VI)] is especially dangerous.
• Chromium contamination is mostly caused by industries that use chromium in their processes.
• Cr present in the groundwater poses a menace to both the terrestrial and the aquatic life.
• Carcinogenic effects of chromium are indicative of the fact that exposure to chromium causes severe health problems.

Chromium Pollution:

• Types of Chromium:
  • Exists in two major oxidation states; trivalent chromium [Cr(III)] and hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] with the later being extremely toxic.
• Industrial Sources::
  • Predominantly from tanning, electroplating, dyeing, steel works and the like.
• Environmental Impact:
  • Pollutes the earth and water sources which are hazardous to the environment and living organisms.
• Health Hazards:
  • Cr(VI) is known to induce cancer, respiratory diseases and skin complications among people who are exposed to it.
• Groundwater Contamination:
  • Chromium is released into the ground water and thus contaminates drinking water particularly in areas with industries.
• Regulatory Framework:
  • Some of the federal laws are the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and supervisory bodies include the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Sources of Chromium Contamination in Water Bodies:

• Industrial Effluents:
  • Industrial effluents which include tannery effluent, electroplating effluent, and dyeing effluent.
  • Discharge of chromium containing industrial sludge through the drain.
• Mining Activities:
  • Extraction of chromium from chromite containing ores during mining activities.
  • Lack of proper waste disposal measures at the mining locations.
• Urban Runoff:
  • Transportation of chromium from different sources such as industries and contaminated sites through runoff originating from urban areas.
  • Sewers conveying pollutants to streams, rivers or other water courses.
• Agricultural Practices:
  • Talking about the sources of chromium, there was the utilization of chromium-based pesticides and fertilizers.
  • Polluted water for irrigation that results in chimeric buildup in soils, and subsequent leaching to ground water.
• Improper Waste Disposal:
  • Discharge of chromium-containing waste in landfills or areas that are open to the public.
  • Insufficient treatment and disposal places for dangerous waste.
• Accidental Spills:
  • Leakage of chromium compounds during transfer or movement from one place to another.
  • Injury mishaps within industrial plants that result to the discharge of chromium into water bodies close to the industries.
• Natural Sources:
  • Leaching of chromium from chromium-containing rocks and minerals.
  • Other natural leaching processes that have been attributed to chromium in the water table.

Environmental Health Issues related to Chromium:

• Pathogens in water sources are a major health threat to people living nearby.
• This particular chromium [Cr(VI)] that is hexavalent also has health issues that are related to cancer.
• Contamination of soil leads to decrease in the agricultural yield and poor quality of the crops
• Various food hazards have health implications to people and other animals in the long run.
• Biological equilibrium is affected because of heavy metal pollution.

Remediation Measures:

• Biochar application for chromium remediation and reduction of toxicity in polluted areas.
• Some of the methods that can be applied to improve the effectiveness of the produced biochar include; Chemical, physical and biological treatments.
• New materials and applications of technology for immobilization of heavy metals.
• The roles of state government in the provision of portable water to the Areas affected.
• Regular evaluation of the groundwater so as to check on the extent of contamination.

Sukinda Valley:

• Location:
  • Jajpur district, Odisha.

• Environmental Significance:
  • Considered a valuable resource as it holds 97% of India’s chromite ore reserves. It is also referring as “Land of Black Diamonds”.
  • Located in the vicinity of the Brahmani and Baitarani River systems, which raises the issue of the polluting effects of the rivers by mining.
• Environmental Issues:
  • Chromium Contamination: Latest news reveal that chromium has been found in the water wells of Sukinda Valley which may affect the health of the people.

Sources:

Down to Earth

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss various sources of chromium contamination in water bodies and the health risks associated with exposure to it. Highlight the remedial measures to reduce the contamination.