15.1 Pollution Control in PCB Industry

The PCB industry makes use of a large number of chemicals throughout the various stages in the process. A direct discharge of the solution containing hazardous chemicals and solutions containing contaminants into the sewer system is not permitted by regulations imposed by the local administration. This is because some chemicals cannot be mixed together as they produce hazardous reactions whereas others may generate toxic fumes or generate violent heat. The wastes that come out could be metal bearing or non-metal bearing. The high concentration of heavy metals such as Cu, Fe, Cr etc., in the effluent is very harmful to any biological process.

In order to protect an increasingly aware public, every civic authority adopts stringent regulations relating to the disposal of affected effluent and sludge (Spitz, 1990). These regulations are generally federally mandated and there are severe penalties for non-compliance and disregard for discharged requirements.

It is therefore essential that PCB manufacturers adopt such measures as are not only necessary but sufficient enough to neutralize the spent chemicals in such a manner so as to reduce the volume of toxic material to the minimum. For this purpose, detailed regulations issued by the Pollution Control Authorities should be thoroughly studied for compliance. Certification from such agencies may be required to the effect that: (i) volume and/or quantity and toxicity of the waste has been reduced to the maximum extent, and (ii) the method used to manage the waste minimizes risk to the extent practical.