Geophysical and tracer studies to detect subsurface chromium contamination and suitable site for waste disposal in Ranipet, Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

A chemical factory near Ranipet town in Vellore district, in the state of Tamil Nadu, India produced chromium-based inorganic chemicals. The factory area in granite gnessic terrain receives an average annual rainfall of 1,000 mm. About 1.5 lakh tons of solid wastes rich in hexavalent chromium (Cr 6? ), spreading over an area of 14,000 m 2 (about 3.5 acres), having about 4 m thickness, is accumulated in an open yard within the factory premises. The soil and groundwater in and around the factory area are contaminated with Cr 6? leached from dump site. Cr 6? is carcinogenic in nature and when leached in water can lead to respiratory disorders. Resistivity surveys comprising vertical electrical sounding, multielectrode resistivity imaging, drilling of bore wells, chemical analysis of soil, formation and groundwater samples and bore hole tracer studies were carried out within the factory and adjoining areas to decipher subsurface geology, hydraulic behavior of dyke as natural barrier and lateral and vertical extent of pollution zone in and around the chromium dump site. The data obtained were integrated and interpreted for understanding the pollution migration and its impact on environment. Remedial measures are suggested for containing the contamination.

Hazardous Waste Disposal in Stromatolitic-Limestone Terrain and Hexavalent Chromium Contamination in Chhattisgarh State, India

“…The analysis protocol used was as documented in a US Occupational Safety and Health Administration publication titled “Metal and Metalloid Particulates in Workplace Atmospheres (Atomic Absorption)” method number OSHA ID-121. 23 …”

Hydrogeochemistry and groundwater quality assessment of Ranipet industrial area, Tamil Nadu, India

“…The pediplain has granites, gneisses and basic and ultra basic intrusive, which are discontinuous unconfined to semi-confined aquifers down to 150 m bgl and restricted to weathered zone and fractures GSI (2000). The major dolerite dyke, striking NE-SW passes through the factory area (Sankaran et al 2009). Quaternary sediments are restricted to the alluvial sand and clay of the Palar River and its tributaries.…”

Environmental Concerns of the Tanning Industry

“…Tannery industry is common in many parts of the world and it pollutes groundwater and ecosystems (Khwaja et al 2001;Chattopadhyay et al 2004;Gagneten and Ceresoli 2004;Apte et al 2005;Mondal et al 2005;Tariq et al 2005;Zahid et al 2006;Gowd and Govil 2008;Riyazuddin 2008, 2010;Naeem et al 2008;Leghouchi et al 2009;Mahmoud 2009;Sankaran et al 2010;Tarcan et al 2010). These industries have been known to be a considerable source of groundwater pollution and to cause health problems among local people (Paul Basker 2000;Mondal and Singh 2010).…”