Assessment of batteries influence on living organisms by bioindication method

Abstract

The investigation of household batteries influence on living organisms was carried out according to the bioindication method based on identification of changes of algae reproduction due to the influence of toxic substances contained in aquatic medium. This makes possible to assess the batteries influence not only by concentration of pollutants, but also by final effect: their toxic action on living organisms. The unicellular algae Chlorella were used as test-object. Batteries (undamaged and damaged) of different types were added to samples of water containing algae. Similar changes of pH values were observed during 14 days of the research in samples with the same batteries type (both damaged and undamaged). It can be caused by: low content of substances able to change pH value or their instability; neutralization of these substances by bioindicator (algae); insufficient hermeticity of battery casing or its destruction. The greatest change of pH value was noticed at the first day of the research, which indicates on the intensity of batteries influence. Generally, changes of pH value correspond to types of components contained in batteries. Visual observation using microscope has showed the greatest influence on algae in samples with alkaline batteries, while the minimal effect was observed in samples with zinc-carbon 9V batteries. All the samples with damaged batteries were characterized by higher level of algae destruction in comparison to the undamaged batteries of same type. The results show that all batteries, including undamaged, influence on living organisms when coming to the environment. They change the environment characteristics very quickly. Batteries with undamaged casing cause living organisms destruction as well, possibly due to gradual damage of the casing in aggressive environment.