In this study, we present a low-cost and simple method to treat spent lead–acid battery wastewater using quicklime and slaked lime. The sulfate and lead were successfully removed using the precipitation method.
Are conventional effluent purification processes used for the recovery of lead acid batteries?
The purpose of this article is to describe the conventional effluent purification processes used for the recovery of materials that make up lead acid batteries, and their comparison with the advanced processes already being implemented by some environmental managers.
How was a lead–acid battery wastewater sample collected?
The raw lead–acid battery wastewater sample was generated from a lead–acid battery company and kept in plastic bottles. The battery company had no recycling system; therefore, the sulfuric acid from the used lead–acid battery was directly poured into a storage tank.
Every year thousands of lead batteries are used and discarded when reaching the end of their useful life, especially in the automobile industry. Some of the materials they are compose of have high polluting potential; especially Pb, Cd and other highly toxic heavy metals, as well as the risk posed by their high H2SO4 concentration.
How do lead-acid batteries reduce environmental impact?
It is evident that the segregation and independent treatment of the most polluting effluents from dismantling and washing lead-acid batteries means that much of the rest of the effluents can be discharged; this therefore simplifies their treatment and minimises the environmental impact.
Who can recover materials from lead-acid batteries?
There are currently many entities in our country qualified as environmental managers, including those that recover materials from lead-acid batteries.
Does carbonation improve the removal efficiency of lead in battery wastewater?
The removal efficiency of lead was increased after using a carbonation step with 68% for quicklime and 69% for slaked lime. The carbonation process not only enhanced the lead removal efficiency in the battery wastewater but also reduced pH to meet requirements of environmental regulations.