Evaluation of a mitigation proposal on the final disposal of lead-based batteries and its environmental impact

Abstract

Based on the design of a proposal to mitigate the environmental impact generated by lead-based batteries for automobiles, an environmental impact assessment was carried out using the Vicente Conesa method, where it was discovered that the most negative impacts on the environment are those produced by the treatment of the electrolyte and the lead and acid recovery. Subsequently, a comparison was made between the current process and the ideal one, obtaining a model developed in the FlexSim software. After executing the relevant simulations for the study, it was evident that performing the proposed model represents an increase in the duration of the final disposal stage of the batteries, the previous as a result of the implementation of stages associated with the treatment of recycled batteries remnants, such as plastic, acid, and lead. However, standardizing the proposed model would suppose significant mitigation in the different environmental impacts generated by said process, managing to avoid legal sanctions by environmental authorities.