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fauna. The electrolyte may also contain soluble components of lead that can be toxic to aquatic
environments.
12.2 Lead and Lead compounds
Chemical and physical treatment is required for the elimination from water. Waste water
containing lead must not be disposed of in an untreated condition. The former classification of
Lead compounds as toxic for the aquatic environment R50/53 had been triggered from test
results generated in the 80’s for soluble Lead compounds (Lead Acetate). The hardly soluble
Lead compounds such as Battery Lead Oxide were not tested at this time. Tests on Battery
Lead Oxide were carried out in 2001 and 2005. The respective test results conclude that Battery
Lead Oxide is not toxic for the environment, neither R50 nor R50/53 nor R51/53. From this it
follows that the general classification for Lead compounds (R50/53) does not apply to Battery
Lead Oxide. As the result of this the Risk Phrase R52/53 (Harmful to aquatic organisms, may
cause longterm adverse effects in the aquatic environment) applies to Battery Lead Oxide.
Effects of Battery Lead Oxide in the aquatic environment:
Toxicity for fish: 96 h LC 50 > 100 mg/l
Toxicity for daphnia: 48 h EC 50 > 100 mg/l
Toxicity for alga: 72 h IC 50 > 10 mg/l
The results demonstrate these Battery Lead Oxide compounds in a concentration of 100 mg/l
have no adverse effect on fish and daphnia. A concentration of these Battery Lead Oxide of 10
mg/l has no adverse effect on the rate of growth and the biomass. For the classification
according to Directive 67/548/EEC the most sensitive adverse effect has to be considered. As a
result of the toxicity for alga at > 10 mg/l Battery Lead Oxide has to be classified according to
the R-Phrases 52/53 (Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long term adverse effects in the
aquatic environment).
SECTION 13: Disposal Considerations
Spent lead acid batteries (EWC 160601) are subject to regulation of the EU Battery Directive and its
adoptions into national legislation on the composition and end of life management of batteries.
Spent Lead Acid batteries are recycled in lead refineries (secondary lead smelters). The components of a
spent Lead Acid battery are recycled or reprocessed.
At the points of sale, the manufacturers and importers of batteries, respectively the metal dealers take
back spent batteries, and render them to the secondary lead smelters for processing.