Enclosure (1) TO COMDTINST 16478.12
This document reports the results obtained from laboratory studies and sites
investigations, the conclusions drawn from these results, and their
implications for AtoN battery recovery. Specific results from the four
prototype sites specific are in the appendices.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of the study was to determine whether the batteries
disposed of at the terrestrial and aquatic AtoN sites posed a hazard to the
environment and humans. It was concluded from the laboratory analysis of spent
batteries that the long-term potential impact on human health or the
environment is limited to the uncontrolled release of metals. Other battery
parts, such as the plastic casing, pose no hazard, and caustic solutions
quickly dissipate and neutralize in the aquatic environment. Since 99% of the
recovered batteries were primary batteries, and since they were phased out by
the mid-1980's, only their long-term effects are of concern. New primary
batteries, contain a 500g zinc electrode that is coated with about 20g of
elemental mercury (Hg). They do not contain lead, and lead levels in sediments
around lighted AtoN's were not above the levels in control samples taken
farther away. The individual prototype investigations fully evaluated zinc and
mercury, determining their concentrations in sediment. Because of it's
bioaccumulation potential and greater toxicity, this overview focuses on the
direct evaluation of mercury effects.
The preliminary work refined the objectives:
(1)
to describe the fate and transport of mercury from spent primary
batteries
(2)
to determine the concentration, spatial distribution and form of
metals found near AtoN
battery sites
(3)
to determine whether aquatic biota were contaminated at AtoN due to
spent batteries
(4)
to determine whether hazardous mercury vapor is released at
terrestrial AtoN sites.
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