Subido por Paula Andrea Pinzon Heredia

IMPACTOFCHROMITEMINING-6

Anuncio
See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326668408
IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF
ODISHA, INDIA
Conference Paper · July 2018
CITATIONS
READS
0
451
3 authors, including:
Devananda Beura
Utkal University
38 PUBLICATIONS 23 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE
Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:
PETROGRAPHY OF IRON FORMATION OF HIRAPUR AREA OF NAWRANGPUR DISTRICT, ODISHA View project
All content following this page was uploaded by Devananda Beura on 28 July 2018.
The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.
GEOENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND CLIMATE CHANGE
DRS-PURSE SPL. PUB. IN GEOLOGY, pp. 52-63
IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN
SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA
D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera
P.G. Department of Geology, Utkal University
Bhubaneswar-4
Email: [email protected]
Abstract
Sukinda ultramafic belt is famous for its large reserves of chromite and nickel ores. The belt
is situated between the Iron Ore Super Group and the Eastern Ghats Super Group in Jajpur
district of Odisha. The Sukinda valley has become the world wide name as it comes under
one of the highly polluted areas of the world. Mining activities have been going on for last
fifty years in the valley to exploit chromite ore, which is the most economic mineral with
highest reserve in the country. The nature and mode of occurrence of the chromite deposits
demand for deep opencast mining as well as underground mining. Enormous amount of
overburden and hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) produced from mines have been emerged as
main threats to the environment. Cr(VI) exists in higher oxidation state in chromates and
dichromates obtained from chromitites. It has high mobility, rare natural appearance and
several times more toxic impact than trivalent chromium Cr(III).
While the land and
atmosphere are getting affected by the solid and gaseous contaminants, the surface and
ground water are polluted from mine drainage.
Key words: Chromite mining, Environment, Sukinda area
INTRODUCTION
Odisha is endowed with huge quantity of mineral resources. Important minerals available in
the state are Iron, Chromite, Bauxite, and Manganese. Chromite deposits of the Sukinda
Ultramafic Belt (SUB) is the highest in the country having 98 percent share in terms of
reserve. The Sukinda belt (200 53’-2105’N and 85041’-85053’E) constituting the eastern part
of the peninsular India is situated in the Jajpur districts of Odisha, India (Fig-1). The
chromiferous ultramafic belt of the Sukinda valley extends from Kansa in the east to Kathpal
in the west and is bounded by the Daitari-Tomka iron ore belt in the north and the Mahagiri
quartzite in the south, and extends in east-west direction. The SUB including the Sukinda
52 | P a g e
IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA
D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera
thrust is considered as the separating zone between the Iron Ore Super Group (IOSG) in the
north and the Eastern Ghats Super Group in the south. Having variable width (0.5-4 km), it
lies in the southern flank of the North Orissa Iron Ore Craton (NOIOC) (Beura et al., 2010;
Beura and Behera, 2011). The orthomagmatic body of the belt is exposed in a synclinal
valley plunging towards west-southwest. The altitude of the valley varies between 230 m and
80 m above mean sea level with the master slope towards the west.
Fig-1 Location map of Sukinda Ultramafic Belt
The ultramafic bodies comprising of dunite and peridotite have been altered to serpentinite
and talc-tremolite schist, which is overlain by thick pile of laterite and latesol. Subsequently
orthopyroxenite, granite and dolerite have intruded the ultramafic rocks. The ultramafic
domain hosts the economic concentration of chromium, nickel and PGE. Chromite is the
predominant ore mineral in the belt. The other minerals are talc, tremolite, serpentine,
kaemmererite, uvarovite and cryptocrystalline silica.
The drainage system of the valley is controlled by the Damsal nala flowing in NE-SW
direction (Fig-2). It is perennial in nature as feed by the discharge water from various mines.
53 | P a g e
2012 © Utkal University
IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA
D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera
The average annual precipitation recorded at Sukinda for the last twelve years (1990–2001) is
about 2,206 mm. Most of the rain occurs during the months of May to October. Large
overdumps are lying in and around the mines, which have become the source of chromium
contamination in surface and ground water sources in the area. Due to large-scale opencast
mining around 7.6 million tones of rejected minerals and OB dump materials have been lying
in the area, which has been a constant source of hexavalent chromium after each rainy season
due to the leaching process from the dump material. The land damage in the area has been
found increased from 731.88 ha to 1,828.98 ha during the last 10 years. There has been an
increasing demand for chromite ores in recent years. In the opencast mining processes, the
chromite ore as well as waste rock material are dumped in the open ground without
considering the environmental aspects. The result has been damage to the topography and
leaching of Chromium and other impurities to the groundwater as well as surface water
bodies. Cr (VI) is one of the most toxic water pollutants and is comparatively more toxic than
trivalent compounds. Chromium and its compounds are known to cause cancer of the lungs,
nasal cavity and paranasals sinus and are suspected of causing cancer of the stomach and
larynx.
Fig-2 The Damsal nala controlling the drainage system of the Sukinda touching almost all the
operating mines.
54 | P a g e
2012 © Utkal University
IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA
D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera
CHROMITE: THE BOON AND CURSE
Chromite deposit of Sukinda Belt is the single largest deposit in the country. Exploitation of
chromite resource helps in growing the industrial economy of the region and as well the
country. The valley, therefore, accommodate a number of open cast and underground mining
activities. In chromite, Cr is absolutely trivalent and octahedrally coordinated. Cr3+ is fixed in
the lattice strongly for which it is highly resistant to alteration and exhibiting little mobility.
Due to such property the chromite in chromitites hardly possess any adversity on
environment. The locked-up chromium in chromites that carry the major portion of the
lithogenic Cr and the refractoriness of the mineral is an environmental blessing (Godgul and
Sahu,1995). The trivalent chromium attains the higher state i.e. Cr(VI)
in certain
environmental condition. Trivalent chromium is more stable in a reducing and acidic
environment, whereas the hexavalent form is known to be stable in an oxidizing and alkaline
environment (Baes and Mesmer 1977; Hem 1977; Baas Becking and others 1960).
Hexavalent Chromium is known to be 100-1000 times more toxic than the trivalent form
(Gauglhofer and Bianchi 1991).
SOURCE OF POLLUTANTS
Mine drainage water
Opencast chromite mines generate huge volumes of seepage water. Even though
chromium in chromite is in the trivalent state, some hexavalent Cr (VI) is always formed due
to certain complex reactions. Cr(VI) containing mine drainage water can severely
contaminate the nearby water bodies if released untreated. Many mines have Chrome Ore
Beneficiation (COB) plants, where chromium content in the ore is concentrated through
washing and sorting. Washings from the COB plants can also be a source of Cr(VI). Out of
the 12 opencast mines (Table-1) operating in Sukinda, Cr(VI) containing mine drainage water
is a problem in 9 mines (Table-2). Mining in the Sukinda (IMFA), Kaliapani (Balasore
Alloys) and Sukrangi (OMC) being confined to the upper benches, generate very little
drainage water, which is almost completely used for sprinkling the haulage roads, without
any discharge to outside. Nevertheless, all the 12 mines have a treatment system in place.
Mines which have COB plants recycle their waste water.
55 | P a g e
2012 © Utkal University
IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA
D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera
Table-1 Opencast chromite mines in Sukinda valley
Sl.
No.
Mine
OPENCAST MINES
1
Kamarda (B C
Mohanty)
2
Ostapal (FACOR)
3
Tailangi (IDCOL)
4
Chingudipal (IMFA)
Year of
Commencem
ent
Present
Production
(million
Tons/Annum)
Forest
Lease Area (Ha)
Total ( *)
1964
0.00828
101.85
107.240 (95)
1986
2004
1997
0.0739
0.0128
0.0040
68.424
20.882
26.620
72.843 (94)
65.683 (32)
26.620 (100)
5
Sukinda (IMFA)
1999
0.2550
0.000
116.760 (0)
6
2000
0.1020
0.000
64.463 (0)
7
8
9
10
Kaliapani (Balasore
Alloys)
Kaliapani (Jindal)
Saruabil (ML Mines)
Southkaliapani (OMC)
Kaliapani (OMC)
2002
1954
1980
1967
0.1002
0.0500
0.5000
0.0360
24.241
224.633
416.499
749.995
89.000
246.858
552.457
971.245
11
Sukrangi (OMC)
1980
0.0120
177.760
382.709 (46)
12
Sukinda (TISCO)
1960
0.9500
73.698
406.000 (18)
(27)
(91)
(75)
(77)
Remarks (**)
No COB, Currently
not in operation
No COB, No mine
drainage water
Semi mechanized,
No COB
No COB, no mine
drainage water
Table-2 Quality of mine drainage water
Sl. No.
Mine
1
Kamarda Chromite Mines (B.C.
Mohanty and Sons Pvt. Ltd)
2
Ostapal Chromite Mines (FACAR)
3
Tailangi Chromite Mines (IDCOL)
4
Jindal Chromite Mines, Kaliapani.
5
Chingudipal Chromite Mines Mines
(IMFA)
6
Saruabil Chromite Mines (Mishrilal
Mines Pvt Ltd)
7
South Kaliapani Chromite Mines (OMC)
8
Kaliapani Chromite Mines (OMC)
9
Sukinda Chromite Mines (TISCO)
56 | P a g e
Date of Sampling
26.08.05
02.06.06
12.03.07
19.09.07
16.11.07
24.08.05
16.11.07
12.12.07
31.05.06(I)
31.05.06(II)
10.03.07(I)
19.09.07(I)
19.09.07(II)
25.08.04
04.02.05
24.08.05
20.09.07
12.12.07
04.02.05
24.08.05
03.05.06
26.12.03
25.08.05
19.09.07
29.05.06
29.05.06(II)
09.03.07
20.09.07
12.12.07
23.08.05
30.05.06
27.10.06
16.11.07
12.12.07
08.03.07
Cr. (VI) in mg/l.
E T P inlet
E T P outlet
0.109
BDL
0.020
BDL
1.235
0.027
0.220
0.220
0.223
0.027
0.460
BDL
1.020
1.025
1.108
0.011
0.690
0.690
0.320
0.320
0.439
0.493
0.390
BDL
1.180
BDL
0.226
0.113
1.259
BDL
1.092
BDL
1.200
1.020
0.864
0.007
0.382
0.204
0.852
BDL
0.720
BDL
0.220
0.204
0.299
BDL
0.380
BDL
0.170
0.200
0.214
0.090
0.180
0.186
BDL
0.007
0.108
0.170
BDL
0.214
0.080
0.180
0.056
0.186
0.014
2.210
0.064
2012 © Utkal University
IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA
D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera
20.09.07
12.12.07
2.010
0.118
STANDARD
0.169
BDL
0.006
0.100
Source-OSPCB
Chrome ore beneficiation plant
Some mines have chrome ore beneficiation (COB) plants, where chromium content in the ore
is concentrated through washing and sorting. Washings from the COB plants may be a source
of Cr(VI). Mines having COB plants recycle their waste water; still some amount is drained
out
Overburden generation
Opencast chromite mining generates enormous quantities of overburden (OB). The stripping
ratio varies from 1:5 to 1:10. Run offs from the OB dumps have the dual potential of
polluting the water bodies by siltation and leaching of Cr (VI). The OB of Sukinda chromite
mining contains nickeliferrous laterite and low grade chromite ore, which have no use at the
present point of time. As such, the mining companies are not inclined to grow big trees on the
OB dumps, since it is possible that sometime in future, appropriate technology would be
developed for extraction of nickel and enrichment of chromite from these dumps.
Transportation
Transportation supports the material transfer from the mines to COB and thereafter to
industries. The main mode of transportation is open trucks and dumpers. Transportation
generate huge amounts of dust that contain chromite particles, may also contain traces of
Cr(VI).
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Impact on land
Generally chromite bearing mines occur mostly in forest areas. There is thus an inevitable
loss of some forest cover due to mining. Both mines and overburden changes the topographic
configuration. The structural balance of the litho members and morphology is changed by
mining and dumping. Soil profile and fertility is also destroyed.
57 | P a g e
2012 © Utkal University
IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA
D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera
Impact on water
The Damsal rivulet crosses the mining belt along the length. This being the main source of
water, settlements and villages has developed around this rivulet. Damsal, carries the mine
drainage water from almost all the mines (Fig-2). Water of the river, starting from the site
with no mining activity to the downstream of all the mines, show marginal increase in Cr
(VI) concentration, but is still within the stipulated standards for drinking and bathing water
(Table-3). It should, however, be borne in mind that the water quality of Damsal river with
respect to Cr(VI) is governed by the quality of discharge of the treated mine drainage water
(Table-2). Failure of any one treatment system may result in a considerable increase in the Cr
(VI) concentration. Apart from the hexavalent chromium problem, Damsala, like any other
natural water body, could also be polluted otherwise, particularly due to decomposition of the
detritus of plant materials and open defecation. It should not therefore be straight away used
as a source of drinking water without treatment. The Cr (VI) concentrations in the drinking
water sources and water bodies in the mining area of Sukinda valley (Tables-4 and 5) show
that water of 7 sources contains more than the permissible limit for Cr (VI) for drinking
water, i.e., 0.05 mg/liter (Bureau of Indian Standards).
It is observed that seepage water gets accumulated in the non operating quarries in
some of the mines (Fig-2.4). This is used by people for bathing and other purpose. The mine
authorities have been instructed to take effective steps like putting boards with appropriate
notice and fencing, if possible, to prevent people from using such accumulated water, as well
as the mine discharge water before reaching the treatment plant.
Table-3 Range of Cr (VI) concentrations in Damsal river during the period from April, 2004
to April, 2005(04 samples)
Sl. No.
1
2
3
4
5
Location
Kansa (Upstream of mining activity)
Before Kamarda Mines
Ostapal Mines
Near MIP
After MIP (Downstream of all mining activity)
Cr(VI) mg/l.
0.018-0.034
0.010-0.023
0.080-0.120
0.015-0.180
0.016-0.034
Source-OSPCB
Table-4 Range of Cr(VI) concentrations in drinking water sources in Sukinda Valley during
the period from April, 2004 to April, 2005 (04 samples)
Sl. No.
Location
58 | P a g e
Cr(VI) mg/l.
Sl. No.
Location
Cr(VI) mg/l.
2012 © Utkal University
IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA
D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Bore well(TISCO)
Tube well, TISCO Collony
Bore well, Kathpal
Tube well, Kathpal
Bore well, Ostapal
Tube well, Ostapal
Tube well, Ostapal
Bore well, Ostapal
Tube well, Saruabil
Bore well, Saruabil
Bore well, IMFA
Dug well, Kuchinda Banka
Dug well, Kuchinda Bank
Tube well, Maruabil
Tube well, Maruabil
Dugwell, Maruabil
Tube well, Bandhani
Tube well, Bandhani
Tube well, Gurujang
Tube well, Kansa
Tube well, Birasal
0.030-0.040
BDL-0.004
0.002-0.003
BDL-0.016
0.013-0.022
0.008-0.019
0.001-0.023
0.021-0.044
0.013-0.034
0.021-0.035
0.003-0.035
0.004-0.025
0.041-0.06
BDL-0.015
0.011-0.018
0.009-0.023
BDL-0.004
0.009-0.060
0.010-0.450
0.008-0.024
BDL-0.005
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
Tube well, Kumarsahi
Tube well, Patna
Tube well, Patna
Tube well, Dhaboli
Tube well, Dhaboli
Tube well, Kaliapani
Tube well, Sauth Kaliapani
Dugwell, Purunapani
Tube well, Purunapani
Tube well, Chingudipal
Shallo tube well, Saruabil
Tube well, Sukrangi
Tube well, Tailangi
Tube well, Rosai
Tube well, Rangamatia
Tube well, Baldiapal
Dugwell, Pakatpani
Tube well, Balasore Alloys
Drinking water, OMC Office
Drinking water, TISCO
STANDARD (Max)
BDL-0.006
0.003-0.027
0.087-0.123
0.001-0.013
0.018-0.036
0.021-0.033
BDL-0.001
0.009-0.017
0.009-0.018
BDL-0.008
0.003-0.015
0.010-0.028
0.003-0.025
BDL-0.008
BDL-0. 011
0.003-0.009
0.005-0.009
0.002-0.004
0.001-0.004
BDL-0.006
0.050
BDL- Bellow Detection Limit
Table-5 Cr(VI) in water bodies in Mining areas of Sukinda Valley
Sl.No
Source
Date of Sampling
Cr. (VI) in mg/l
Mining Areas.
1
Kmarda Chromite Mines, Tube well
2
Kaliapani Chromite Mines, Balasore
Alloys- Tube well
Adjoining Villages.
3
Tube well-Purunapani
4
Dug well- Purunapani
5
Pond-Purunapani
6
7
8
9
10
Tube well- Purunapani (IMFA)
Tube well- Gurujang UP School
Tube well- Gurujang ( B, Mahanta)
Tube well- Patna Puruna Sahi
Tube well- Patna Majhi Sahi (I)
11
12
13
14
Tube well- Patna Majhi Sahi (II)
Stream- Patna Puruna Sahi
Tube well- Tailangi
Tube well-Saruabil
15
16
Tube well-Saruabil Mine Colony
Dug well-Saruabil Mine
17
Tube well-Kalarangiata
STANDARD (max)
19.09.07
26.10.07
12.12.07
12.12.07
0.060
0.049
0.050
0.031
20.09.07
26.10.07
20.09.07
26.10.07
20.09.07
26.10.07
26.10.07
26.10.07
26.10.07
26.10.07
26.10.07
12.12.07
12.12.07
26.10.07
19.09.07
19.09.07
26.10.07
12.12.07
12.12.07
19.09.07
26.10.07
12.12.07
12.12.070
0.060
0.046
0.020
0.012
BDL
0.010
0.005
0.007
0.010
0.027
0.447
0.484
0.005
0.013
BDL
0.280
0.287
0.161
0.049
0.040
0.038
0.041
0.006
0.050
Impact on air
59 | P a g e
2012 © Utkal University
IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA
D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera
Huge amounts of dust are released during mining, stacking and loading. The dust is,
though mostly, chromite particles, may also contain traces of Cr(VI). Major air pollutant in
mining areas is dust, generated in course of a number of activities associated with mining.
Due to changing contours of the mining pits, the haulage roads inside the mines are never
made concrete or black topped. As a result, the roads are a main source of dust. This problem
is addressed by continuous water spraying. It is understood from many of the mines managers
that they cannot afford to be lax about it, since the transporters refuse to operate without
water sprinkling. The public road approaching the valley, as well as inside, is in a deplorable
state with huge potholes, adding significantly to the dust load in the area.
Suspended
particulate matter (SPM) levels determined during 2005 to 2007 at different locations (Table6). As can be seen in the data given in the three tables, except occasional violations, the
ambient air quality in respect of four parameters – sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen,
suspended particulate matter and respirable particulate matters, remain within the prescribed
standards.
Table-6 Suspended particulate matter (SPM) in ambient air
Sl No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Location
Date
INDUSTRAL AREAS
Kamarda- Office
Quarry
Ostapal(Facor)-Mining Area
Tailangi (IDCOL)-Mining Area
Sukinda(IMFA) Office
Kaliapani(BA)-Mining Area
Saruabil-Magazine Area
-MINING AREASSouth Kaliapani(OMC)-Mining Area
Kaliapani(OMC)-Mining Area
Sukrangi(OMC)-Mining Area
Sukinda(TISCO)-Stack Ward
-Met Laboratory-COB PlantKathapal(FACOR)- Lease Area
STANDARD(max)
SPM(micrograms/ cubic
meter)
29.09.06
30.09.06
31.05.06
31.05.06
30.05.06
29.05.06
25.08.05
31.05.06
29.05.06
30.05.05
31.05.06
07.03.07
07.03.07
08.03.07
01.06.06
294
289
171
247
239
260
122
272
316
208
161
600
282
564
204
500
24.08.05
08.03.07
30.05.06
24.08.05
130
230
402
105
200
RESIDENTIAL AREAS
12
Ostapal(FACOR) Dispensary
13
14
Sukinda (IMFA)-Substation
Kaliapani(JINDAL) Dispensary
STANDARD(max)
Impact on health
The stable oxidation states of chromium in its compounds are 3 [Cr(III) ] and 6 [Cr(VI)].
Cr(III), as found in chromite and other naturally occurring minerals, is an essential micro
60 | P a g e
2012 © Utkal University
IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA
D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera
nutrient for maintenance of normal glucose metabolism. Chromium deficiency can lead to
insulin circulation and cardiovascular problems. There are reports that even relatively large
doses of Cr(III) do not induce any harmful effect, when fed in water or food to animals. The
portion which is not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract is excreted. It is believed that
Cr(VI) is formed only by human activities, which is rapidly reduced to relatively harmless
Cr(III) in acidic solutions (pH < 4) by organic matters like humus or biomass. Cr(VI) beyond
a certain concentration, is toxic, inducing such symptoms as skin ulcers, vomiting, diarrhoea,
gastrointestinal bleeding leading to cardiovascular shock. It is cytotoxic, mutagenic and
carcinogenic. For long, the chromite matrix was considered to be quite stable in the Cr(III)
state. However, recent studies reveal that Cr(III) lodged in the chromite, can get oxidised to
toxic Cr(VI), though various physico-chemical and biological processes.
COURSE OF ACTION
Chromite grains occurs either in the lumpy or friable form in the Sukinda Ultramafic
Belt. It has been observed that generally Cr(VI) problem is associated with the mining of the
friable mineral or breaking down of lumpy ores into small pieces. The over burden so
generated during the mining process and their staging create problem of Cr(VI) generation.
Old and wind up quarries accumulate water, which is contaminated in the course of time. In
order to get rd from the adversity of Cr(VI) contamination some of the course of actions are
to be taken in short and long term basis.
Short Term Measures
1. Stabilization of OB dumps needs to be done more urgently than what is practiced
now.
2. Improvement of the public roads should be done in regular basis to avoid the air
pollution.
3. Frequent monitoring of all drinking water sources for Cr(VI) and immediate closure
of the sources showing Cr(VI) in excess of the permissible limits should be
undertaken.
4. There are some quarries which are not allotted to any mining company and are not in
use. Accumulation of seepage in such quarries is an environmental threat. Some
agency should be entrusted with the responsibility of their proper management to
ensure prevention of the untreated accumulated water going to any water body.
61 | P a g e
2012 © Utkal University
IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA
D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera
Long Term Measures
1. Feasibility study for one or more (sector wise) common effluent treatment plant
(CETP) is required. The mine water after the usual treatment by the individual mines,
may be taken to a final CETP to further reduce the Cr(VI) content before discharge to
Damsal. It is possible that a zero chromium level can be achieved by this. This will
serve the dual purpose of protecting the rivulet as well as availability of large volumes
of water, which can be gainfully utilized in this water starved area.
2. Cr(VI) concentration in ground water sources fluctuate over time. Hence to ensure
continuous supply of safe drinking water, feasibility of a total prohibition of
extraction of ground water in the valley and use of inland surface water (Damsal in
the uncontaminated upper reaches) for supply of drinking water may be investigated.
3. A detailed survey is to be carried out by an eminent expert body to assess the impact
of chromite mining in the area on human health. Above all, there should be
continuous surveillance by the State Pollution Control Board with frequent surprise
inspections and monitoring.
4. As has been discussed opencast chromite mining generates large quantities of
overburden. Proper rehabilitation of the OB dumps is essential to prevent run offs
carrying silt and Cr(VI) to water bodies. This is usually achieved by stabilizing the
dumps with plantation, fixing of mats and construction of retention walls.
References
Baas Becking LGM, Kaplan IR, and Moore D. (1960) Limits of the environment in terms of
pH and oxidation reduction potentials. J Geol 68: 243-285.
Baes CF. Jr. and Mesmer R.E. (1977) The hydrolysis of cations. New York: Wiley
Interscience. pp. 489
Beura, D. and Behera, S. (2011) Studies on some Geological variations of Chromite Deposits
of Sukinda Ultramafic Complex of Odisha. Vistas in Geological Research,spl. Publ.
in Geology, Utkal University, No. 10, pp.137-143
Beura, D., Singh, P., Behera, S. and Majhi, S. (2010) Structural and Tectonic Approach in
Studying the Genesis of Chromite Deposits of Sukinda Ultramafic Complex of Orissa,
India. International Seminar on Development of Chromite, Nickel and PGM
Resources, pp. 88-93
62 | P a g e
2012 © Utkal University
IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA
D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera
Godgul, G., Sahu, K.C. (1955) Chromium contamination from chromite mine, Environmental
Geology, vol.25, pp.251-257.
Gauglhofer, J. and Bianchi V. (1991) Chromium. In: Merian E (Ed), Metals and their
compounds in the environment. New York: VCH Publisher. pp.853-878.
Hem J.D (1977) Reactions of metal ions at surfaces of hydrous iron oxides. Geochim
Cosmochim Acta 41:pp.527-538.
63 | P a g e
View publication stats
2012 © Utkal University
Descargar