Determination of Heavy Metals in Industrial Waste Waters of Tirupati Region, Andhra Pradesh

Industrial waste waters collected from three industrial sites in and around Tirupati were determined for knowing the concentrations of heavy metals in Industrial region. Industrial waste waters were collected and studied for two years on a bimonthly basis (Jan 2014 - Dec 2015). The present research work deals with the study of six heavy metals (Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr and Fe). The analysis is performed using AAS (Perkin-Elmer, 2380). Results indicated that Cd ranged between 0.04 to 1.2 mg/L, in all the sites which are above the permissible limits. The maximum concentration of Pb is 2.81 mg/L has been observed at Karakambadi indusrial site. . copper ranged from 0.41 to 2.98 mg/L and the average Cr ranged 1.16 to 2.86 mg/L in 2014 and 2015. The results showed that the concentration levels are above the permissible limits in all the sampling sites. Iron ranged between 0.3mg/L to 4.8 mg/L. The concentration of Fe in the industrial effluent was within the permissible limit except Renigunta Industrial waste water. The study has shown that almost all the heavy metals are at higher levels than the prescribed limits. Hence proper treatment methods are needed for waste water treatment. Some large scale industries have their own effluent treatment plants, but small scale industries are not following the guidelines prescribed for the industrial effluents.