KPCB confirms toxic levels in sludge samples from Coke plant

James Paul
07 August 2003

Kochi: In a severe blow to the Hindustan Coca-Cola company, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KPCB) has confirmed the presence of cadmium at toxic levels in the sludge samples from the Coca-Cola plant at Plachimada in Palakkad district of Kerala

KPCB has instructed the company not to let the sludge out of the factory premises and not to use the sludge as manure even within the premises, as a matter of precaution.

KPCB chairman Paul Thachil says the sludge that contains cadmium at a very high concentration of 201.8 mg/kg as against the permissible rate of 50 mg/kg may now have to be classified as hazardous waste. Cadmium can cause cancer and can accumulate in the kidneys, with repeated exposure possibly leading to renal failure.

KPCB was directed by the state government to test the samples following a BBC report that alleged the presence of carcinogen in the sludge. Greenpeace, the international environment protection group, had backed the BBC allegations and demanded the immediate closure of the bottling plant.

Thachil says more analytical and background data is required to identify the source of heavy metals. "More investigation of the whole process of manufacture and especially the purification of water using activated carbon is required. Analysis of the sludge in January 2003 did not show any presence of cadmium. The deviation in the result also needs to be studied."

When asked about the reports on the pesticide residue found in soft drinks including Coca-Cola, Thachil says soft drinks come under the classification of food, and KPCB is not capable of giving advice on the issue.