Whether it is the production of pollutants from directly using said common household items or production of pollution as a byproduct in manufacturing, it is time to uncover the specific hidden sources of pollutants in our homes. Today’s focus will be on batteries: especially lithium rechargeable batteries, which we use daily in our mobile phones and laptops, as well as in cars.

 

The Problem with Lithium-ion Batteries 

Ever heard reminders to properly dispose of your lithium-ion batteries in recycling boxes and collection points? You’d probably think that it’s because of the battery’s potential to explode, as shown by the many videos of Samsung phones bursting into flames. However, the real environmental danger lies in the fumes and toxic materials released by reactions within the lithium battery. Toxic gases such as CO, CO2 and Hydrogen fluoride (HF) are produced when lithium batteries react with humidity and heat. HF, in particular, is extremely corrosive and is a severe irritant. In contact with moisture, HF converts to hydrofluoric acid. It can cause prolonged damage to the eyes, respiratory system, as well as the skin. If you are interested in finding more about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries as well as how it is being recycled, do check out the video below:

 

Impacts on Water Bodies

Apart from the direct harmful impacts on human health, leakage of these gases (CO2, HF) promotes acidification of the environment. Once in the atmosphere, these gases can be transported by winds, and eventually deposited in nearby water bodies during storm events. Upon contact with water, HF will convert into hydrofluoric acid, and CO2 also dissolves to form carbonic acid. Both of these chemicals wreak havoc on the water body, by:

• binding to Phosphorus, reducing the availability of the nutrients for aquatic plants and phytoplankton,
• killing off more pH-sensitive aquatic organisms,
• causing the water to become more transparent and result in increased UV damage,
• causing bleaching of coral reefs and deformity of molluscs.

 

Byproducts in Production

Not only do the improper disposal of batteries create pollutants in the environment, but its mass production is also problematic. The main component in lithium-ion batteries is lithium metal, and the metal is locked in as salts in salt flats. 500,000 gallons of water is required to produce one tonne of lithium. The groundwater below salt flats in Chile is pumped to the surface, flushing out salts and minerals from the lower strata. The water is allowed to evaporate on the surface, leaving lithium salt sediments for collection. This severely depletes the water table. Moreover, the extraction of groundwater also creates the potential for contaminants to be introduced into the groundwater. This poses problems to nearby humans twofold. Not only is the water supply for agriculture and daily use disrupted, but the remaining water supply is also likely polluted with chemicals.

 

Author: Alicia Tiu

 

References

Larsson, F., Andersson, P., Blomqvist, P., & Mellander, B. (2017). Toxic fluoride gas emissions from lithium-ion battery fires. Scientific Reports, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-09784-z.

National Research Council (US) Subcommittee on Acute Exposure Guideline Levels.. (2004). Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals. Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Selected Airborne Chemicals, 4. https://doi.org/10.17226/10902.

Katwala, A. (2018). The spiralling environmental cost of our lithium battery addiction. Retrieved July 01, 2020, from https://www.wired.co.uk/article/lithium-batteries-environment-impact.