On October 4th, news spread of a leak of 'Toxic Sludge' at the Ajkai Timföldgyár alumina plant in Hungary. A crack in a corner of a wall of the plant broke and began releasing Aluminium oxide(Al2O3). This Toxic Sludge which is highly hazardous with a pH of 9.3 began flowing into dams and rivers. The sludge made its way to the river Danube, Europes second longest river. There is a fear that the sludge will spread across Hungary into other countries which lie on the Danube such as Germany and Austria.
Alumina or Alumimium oxide occurs naturally in the environment in a hydrated form in bauxite(aluminium ore), and with impurities such as ruby and sapphire which are used in aluminum production and in abrasives, ceramics, and electrical insulation. ther are many uses of alumina, thease are as a filler of plastic, purifying gas and is also an ingrediant in sunscreen!
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| The 'Toxic Sludge' as viewd by space - Taken by NASA |
What are the Environmental Issues of Alumina?
As you have read the main issue is the toxic sludge in Hungary. Hungarys environment minister said that "it will take up to a year to clean up the mess but the long term results such as the fish life being killed off in rivers and the damage to agricultural land could take decades to repair". Towns such as Kolontar and Devecser where the toxic sludge reached 6.5 feet deep has seen many of its residents fleeing their homes. The sludge has taken the lives of nine people and some are feered missing. The clean up has begun by the locals and Hungarian authorities.For more information on Alumina click this link http://www.aluminiumleader.com/en/
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