THE KNOWLEDGE AND

AWARENESS ON THE WATER

POLLUTION CAUSED BY THE
EFFLUENT RELEASED FROM
SERVICE STATIONS OWNED
BY DAVID PIERIS MOTOR
COMPANY (PRIVATE) LIMITED
IN THE ANURADHAPURA
DISTRICT

H.K.S. MADUSANKA

2021
 MSc Degree in Environmental Science

[THE KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS ON THE WATER POLLUTION

CAUSED BY THE EFFLUENT RELASED FROM SERVICE STATIONS

OWNED BY DAVID PIERIS MOTOR COMPANY (PRIVATE) LIMITED IN

THE ANURADHAPURA DISTRICT]

A dissertation submitted

By

[HEWA KATTUGE SAMEERA MADUSANKA]

To

The Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development

In partial fulfilment of the requirements

for the degree of

Master of Science in Environmental Science

of

THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF SRI LANKA

NAWALA, NUGEGODA

[FEBRUARY 2021]
 DECLARATION

“I certify that this thesis/ dissertation does not incorporate without acknowledgement any

materials previously submitted for a Degree or Diploma in any University and to the best

of my knowledge and belief it does not contain any material previously published or

written or orally communicated by another person except where due reference is made in

the text”

………………………………………………………

Signature of the Candidate

To the best of our knowledge the above particulars are correct.

i) Signature………………………………………………

Name of the Supervisor……………………………….

………………………………………………………...

Designation of the supervisor………………………...

………………………………………………………...

………………………………………………………...

ii) Signature………………………………………………

Name of the Supervisor……………………………….

………………………………………………………...

Designation of the supervisor………………………...

………………………………………………………...

………………………………………………………...
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor Dr. T. K.

Weerasinghe and Dr. D.M.S.H. Disanayaka, for the continuous support of my M.Sc.
study and research, for their patience, motivation, enthusiasm, and immense knowledge.
Their guidance helped me in all the time of research and writing of this thesis. I could not
have imagined having better advisors and mentors for my M.Sc. study.

Beside my Supervisors, I would like to thank the rest of my thesis committee: Dr.
U.K.G.K. Padmalal , Mr. L.D.I.Wijethunga, for their encouragement, insightful
comments, and hard questions.
My sincere thanks also goes to Dr. A.U. Karunarathna for continuous support for the
study and her guidance helped me all the time of research and writing of this thesis.

I thank my fellow friend Mr. Krishna Ranagala for the stimulating discussions, for the
sleepless nights we were working together before deadlines, and for all the fun we had
during the last couple of years. Also I thank Mr. Chinthaka Widanapathirana who always
guides me to the success as a brother of my own.

Last but not the least, I would like to thank my family: my mother Mrs. Wasantha
Jayanandani for giving birth to me at the first place and supporting me spiritually
throughout my life. Above all I would like to thank my wife Mrs. Nayana Hemamali for
her love and constant support, for all the late nights and early mornings, and for keeping
me sane over the past few months. But most of all, thank you for being my best friend. I
owe you everything.
 ABSTRACT

Present research is aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of service station owners
of David Pieris Motor Company (Private) Ltd (DPMC) in Anuradhapura district on water
pollution caused by the service station effluents. A structured questionnaire and onsite
discussions were used along with an inspection of service stations to assess 44 number of
service station owners under 20 parameters including, the type of vehicle services and the
number of vehicle services per day, education level of the dealers, the composition of
effluent water, the knowledge on pH value, odour, and appearance of effluent water,
accumulation of rainwater into oil separator, total wastewater generation, availability of
separately constructed oil spraying area, the fate of the used oil, possibility of water
getting mixed with waste, consequences of oil pollution including health-related
problems of the employees, safety precautions taken during the operation and knowledge
regarding health hazards occurred due to heavy metals. 93 % of the respondents have
obtained Environmental Protection License (EPL) and all the dealers (100 %) have stated
that the involvement of other stakeholders as the reason for obtaining an EPL for the
service station. Only 5% of service dealers among the 44 stated that awareness
programmes of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) as the reason for obtaining
an EPL. 38.6 % of the service dealers accepted that rainwater accumulates into the oil
separator. 54 % of service dealers mentioned an incorrect frequency for submitting
effluent analysis report to the CEA. None of the service dealers sold or gave away used
oil to authorized collectors or burning furnaces. The research concluded that the
knowledge and awareness of service stations owners of DPMC in Anuradhapura district
on water pollution caused by effluents are low and thereby led to direct and indirect water
pollution. Recommendations are proposed based on the research results and expect to
draw attention to enhance common peoples’ environmental literacy, correct
environmental attitude while proposing legislation changes.

Keywords: Environment and water pollution, Vehicle service stations, Sri Lanka,
Effluents

iv
 TABLE OF CONTENT
DECLARATION ............................................................................................................. ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................. iii
ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................... iv
TABLE OF CONTENT ................................................................................................... v
LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................... vii
LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................... viii
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION .................................................................................. 1
1.1 Water on Earth ........................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Water Pollution .......................................................................................................... 1
1. 3 David Pieris Motor Company (Private) Limited Vehicle Service Stations .............. 2
1.3.1 Waste Generated During Vehicle Service.................................................... 3
1.3.2 David Pieris Motor Company (Private) Limited at Anuradhapura District 4
1.4 Controlling Environmental Pollution ......................................................................... 4
1.5 Research Problem ....................................................................................................... 5
1.6 Objectives ................................................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ...................................................................... 6
2.1 Environmental Education ........................................................................................... 6
2.2 Effluent from Vehicle Service Stations ...................................................................... 8
2.2.1 Waste Oil...................................................................................................... 8
2.2.2 Solid Waste ................................................................................................ 10
2.2.3 Air Pollution .............................................................................................. 12
2.2.4 Noise Pollution .......................................................................................... 12
2.3 Implementation of Environmental Protection License Scheme ............................... 12
2.4 Pollutants Characterization of Car Wash Wastewater ............................................. 13
2.5 Treatment of Automobile Service Station Wastewater ............................................ 13
2.6 Environmental And Health Impact .......................................................................... 20
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY ............................................................................... 22
3.1 Research Design ....................................................................................................... 22
3.2 Research Area .......................................................................................................... 22
3.3 Questionnaire Preparation ........................................................................................ 25
3.4 Survey Administration ............................................................................................. 26
3.5 Types of Data ............................................................................................................ 26
3.6 Population ................................................................................................................. 26
3.7 Data Collection ......................................................................................................... 26
3.8 Data Presentation ..................................................................................................... 26
CHAPTER 4: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION........... 27
4.1 Data Presentation ...................................................................................................... 27
4.1.1 Types of Vehicles Serviced ........................................................................ 27
4.1.2 Number of Vehicle Services Conducted per Day ...................................... 28
4.1.3 Availability of Environmental Protection License .................................... 29
4.1.4 Level of Education for Owners of the Service Stations Studied................ 29
4.1.5 Number of Responses Recorded on the Composition of Effluent Water .. 30
4.1.6 Number of Responses on Requirement of Obtaining EPL for a Service
Dealer .................................................................................................................. 31
4.1.7 Knowledge on Effluent Water pH Value ................................................... 33
4.1.8 Odour of Effluent Water Discharged from the Service Station ................ 34
4.1.9 Oil/ Grease in Effluent Water .................................................................... 35
4.1.10 Appearance of Effluent Water Discharged from Service Stations........... 36
4.1.11 Accumulation of Rainwater into Oil Separator ....................................... 37

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 4.1.12 Disposal of Generated Effluents into the Oil Separator ........................... 39
4.1.13 Availability of Separately Constructed Oil Spraying Area ...................... 40
4.1.14 Knowledge on Frequency of Submitting Effluent Analysis Report to the
CEA ..................................................................................................................... 41
4.1.15 Fate of the Used Oil from Service Stations .............................................. 41
4.1.16 Possible Ways to Pollute Water and Soil by Waste or Oil ...................... 43
4.1.17 Awareness on the Consequences of Oil Pollution ................................... 44
4.1.18 Health Related Problems Noticed by Service Dealers ............................. 45
4.1.19 Safety Precautions Taken During the Operation...................................... 45
4.1.20 Knowledge Regarding Health Hazards Occurred due to Heavy Metals .. 46
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS .... 48
5.1 Conclusions .............................................................................................................. 48
5.2 Limitations ................................................................................................................ 48
5.3 Recommendation....................................................................................................... 49
REFERENCE .................................................................................................................. 50
Appendix A ..................................................................................................................... 56
Appendix B ..................................................................................................................... 62
Appendix C ..................................................................................................................... 63
Appendix D ..................................................................................................................... 65
Appendix E ..................................................................................................................... 72

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 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1 : Various Types of Wastes Generated During Vehicle Service ........................ 3
Table 2.1: Hazardous Materials Found in Waste Engine Oil............................................ 8
Table 2.2 : Solid Waste Generated from Automobile Service Stations .......................... 11
Table 2.3 : Performance of Coagulation and Flocculation of Wastewater with Initial Oil
and Grease Concentration of 300 Mg/L: ......................................................................... 16
Table 2.4 : Performance of Coagulation and Flocculation of Wastewater with Initial Oil
and Grease Concentration of 600 Mg/L .......................................................................... 17
Table 2.5 : Characteristics of Raw and Filtered Water ................................................... 18
Table 2.6 : Lab Test Results of TSS and Oil Before and After Passing Oil Separator ... 19
Table 2.7 : Vehicle Population in Sri Lanka from 2012 to 2017 .................................... 20
Table 3.1 : DPMC Anuradhapura Service Dealer List ................................................... 23
Table 3.2 : Questions With the Scope of the Research ................................................... 25

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 LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2.1 : Theory of Reasoned Action .......................................................................... 7
Figure 2.2 : Schematic Diagram of Electrocoagulation Unit .......................................... 14
Figure 2.3 : Oil and Grease Removal Efficiency at Different Voltages and Time ......... 15
Figure 2.4 : Longitudinal Section of an Oil Separator .................................................... 19
Figure 4.1: Types of Vehicles Serviced .......................................................................... 27
Figure 4.2 : Number of Vehicle Services Conducted per Day........................................ 28
Figure 4.3 : Availability of Environmental Protection License ...................................... 29
Figure 4.4 : Level of Education for Owners of the Service Stations Studied ................. 30
Figure 4.5 : Number of Responses Recorded on the Composition of Effluent Water .... 31
Figure 4.6 : Number of Response on the Requirement of Obtaining EPL for a Service
Dealer .............................................................................................................................. 32
Figure 4.7 : Knowledge of Service Station Owners on Effluent Water pH Value ......... 33
Figure 4.8 : Odour of Effluent Water Discharged from Service station ......................... 34
Figure 4.9 : Oil Separator Recommend for DPMC Service Dealership ......................... 35
Figure 4.10 : Appearance of Effluent Water Discharged from Service Stations ............ 36
Figure 4.11 : Dark Colour Effluent Water Before the Oil Separator at Service
Dealership Anuaradhapura ............................................................................................ 387
Figure 4.12 : Accumulation of Rainwater into Oil Separator ......................................... 38
Figure 4.13 : Disposal of Generated Effluents into the Oil Separator ............................ 39
Figure 4.14 : Availability of Separately Constructed Oil Spraying Area ....................... 40
Figure 4.15 : Knowledge on the Frequency of Submitting Fffluent Analysis Report to
the CEA ........................................................................................................................... 41
Figure 4.16 : Fate of the Used Oil from Service Stations ............................................... 42
Figure 4.17 : Reasons for Selling for Chainsaw/ Wood Preservatives/ Other Collectors
......................................................................................................................................... 42
Figure 4.18 : Possible Ways to Pollute Water and Soil by Waste or Oil ....................... 43
Figure 4.19 : Awareness on the Consequences of Oil Pollution. .................................... 44
Figure 4.20: Safety Precautions Taken During the Operation ........................................ 45

viii
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Water on Earth

Water is a tasteless and odourless liquid at room temperature which can dissolve many
other substances. Water is the main constituent of Earth's streams, lakes, and oceans, and
the fluid of most living organisms. Water is indispensable for all known living forms,
even though it does not provide calories or organic nutrients. The chemical formula of
water is H2O, which implies that each water particle contains one oxygen and two
hydrogen molecules associated with covalent bonds. The solid form of water is called ice
and the gaseous form are steam and water vapour. About 71% of the Earth’s surface is
covered by oceans and seas that occupy about 96.5 % of all Earth's water. The rest of the
3.5% is contained 1.7% as groundwater and 1.7%, as glaciers and the ice caps of
Antarctica and Greenland and finally around 1% as surface water. Water is an important
factor for the world economy. Approximately 70% of the freshwater is used for
agriculture. Harvesting fresh water and saltwater bodies is a major source of income for
many parts of the world (Gleick, 1993)Much of the trade of commodities such as oil,
natural gas, heavy vehicles, heavy equipment, and manufactured products are transported
through seas, rivers, lakes, and canals. Water in the form of ice and liquid and steam are
used in the industries for cooling and heating. Water is capable of dissolving a variety of
different chemical substances. As a result, water is widely used in industrial processes,
and cooking and washing. There are many sports that involve water such as
swimming, water rafting, boat racing, surfing, sailing, sport fishing, and diving.
Water scarcity is one of the main global issues that occurred due to the lack of clean
freshwater resources to meet the water demand.

Water scarcity occurs due to exceeding the demand than the resources, economic
competition for water quantity or quality, conflicts between users, irreversible depletion
of groundwater, and adverse impacts on the environment. Approximately about 33% of
the worldwide populace (2 billion individuals) live under the status of serious water
scarcity at least one month of the year. Half a billion people on the planet confront serious
water shortages lasting throughout the year. Half of the world's biggest urban areas
encounter water shortages. A mere 0.014% of all water on Earth is both fresh and
easily accessible. Of the remaining water, 97% is saline, and a little less than 3% is hard
to access (Mekonnen & Hoekstra, 2016).

1.2 Water Pollution

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances such as chemicals or microorganisms
contaminate any state of water that cause degrading of water quality and rendering it toxic
to animal or the environment. Water pollution can be categorized into surface water
pollution, marine pollution, and nutrient pollution.

Categories of water pollution

I. Surface water pollution
Surface water pollution includes pollution of rivers, lakes, and oceans.

II. Marine pollution

Marine pollution occurs when harmful, or potentially harmful contaminants enter
into the ocean. Contaminants that originated inland and along the coast are

1
 responsible for 8% of ocean pollution. Contaminants such as chemicals, nutrients,
and heavy metals are from farms, factories, cities, and other sources directed by
streams and rivers into bays and estuaries.

III. Groundwater pollution

Groundwater pollution occurs when pollutants are released to the ground, mixing
into groundwater. Analysis of groundwater contamination may focus on soil
characteristics and site geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, and the nature of the
contaminants. Groundwater pollution occurs due to naturally occurring, on-site
sanitation systems, sewage, fertilizers and pesticides, commercial and industrial
effluents, agriculture, and landfill leachate.

Sources of water pollution can be subdivided into point sources and non-point sources.

I. Point sources
When contamination originates from a single source, it’s called point source
pollution. A point source includes wastewater discharged by a manufacturer, oil
refinery, agriculture farm, or wastewater treatment facility, as well as
contamination from leaking septic systems, chemical and oil spills, and
inappropriate waste dumping. Though point source pollution originates from a
specific place, it can affect a place miles away.

II. Nonpoint sources

Nonpoint source pollution occurs when contamination is derived from diffused
sources. These may include agricultural or storm water runoff or debris blown into
waterways from the land. Nonpoint source pollution is the leading cause of water
pollution problems for many places on the globe.

1.3 David Pieris Motor Company (Private) Limited Vehicle Service Stations
A service station is a place that provides some service, as the repair of equipment, or
where parts and supplies are sold, provided, dispensed, etc. In Sri Lanka, A vehicle
service station provides vehicle’s periodical services and repairs different kinds of
vehicles. When considering the service dealers of David Pieris Motor Company (Private)
Limited (DPMC), they provide after-sales services to Bajaj motorcycles and three-
wheelers and it is the largest automotive company in Sri Lanka. David Pieris Motor
Company (Private) Limited is the sole distributor for Bajaj, KTM, MRF and Fortem
Brands. David Pieris Motor Company (Private) Limited provides a warranty for the Bajaj
motorcycle and three-wheelers under certain conditions (Appendix A). Accordingly,
Bajaj motorcycle should be periodically serviced at every 2500kms or every six months.
During the periodical services, the vehicle is washed, engine and differential oil is
replaced, and required spare parts such as air filter, oil filter are replaced. At the time of
vehicle service and oil replacement, the replaced oil is considered as waste oil and at the
time of washing of the vehicle, oil, grease, and used air filter, the oil filter will be
considered waste and disposed to the natural environment. The oil quantity of the vehicle
engine and differential varies according to the engine capacity and vehicle model
(Appendix B). Service of the vehicle should be done according to the specifications
provided by DPMC (Appendix C). Solid, liquid, gas, and noise pollution from an
automobile service station enter the environment at each step of the service.

2
However, a considerable proportion of waste is generated and disposed into the
environment during washing and oil replacement. The steps, therefore, carried out in
automobile service stations lead to significant environmental impacts.

I. Vehicle washing
Vehicle washing is done at a specifically demarcated space at the service station
premises. Vehicle is washed using pressurized water to remove dust and mud on
the vehicle. Then shampoo or detergent is used under high pressure to remove
wax, oil, or any grease on the vehicle. After manual cleaning, the vehicle is finally
washed again using pressurized water. The wastewater from vehicle washing then
contains oil, wax, shampoo, grease, detergent, fuel, dust, sand, and deteriorated
rubber parts. Then the vehicle is dried using pressurized air and excess water is
wiped using a cotton cloth.

II. Oil draining and refilling

Vehicle engine oil draining is also conducted in a demarcated area on a drying
bay. Every vehicle has an oil drain outlet located at the bottom of the engine. To
remove engine oil, the drain nut should be loosened while a cleaned and suitable
tray is placed below the engine to capture the draining oil. The mechanic should
be cautious not to spill the waste oil in the drying area. After collecting all the
used oil into the tray, the oil drain nut is closed tightly. Oil, at the recommended
grade and capacity, is filled again into the engine as the final task. In some cases,
dealers use the washing area itself to change oil, owing to the unavailability of a
separated drying area. The environment may be exposed to waste oil unless
draining of waste oil is not done cautiously.

III. Finalizing of the vehicle for the customer

After replacing engine oil, the vehicle is taken into a demarcated workday for
further detailing. The vehicle then is waxed, cables are adjusted, and the air filter
is replaced or cleaned. During the process, lubrication of cables is done using
engine oil at the workday. This practice could spill engine oil on the workday
where the oil is finally opened to the environment without pre-treatment.

1.3.1 Waste Generated During Vehicle Service

Various types of wastes generated during the process of vehicle service are listed in the
Table 1.1.

Table 1.1: Various Types of Wastes, Generated During Vehicle Service

Waste type Waste Source
Used oil Used engine oil, used differential oil
Washed water Vehicle and work bay washed water
Old newspapers Used for glass cleaning or as an oil absorbent
Cotton wastes Used to dry and clean vehicle and as an oil absorbent
Used air filter elements Paper or sponge elements with dirt
Fuel Accidentally spill petrol or kerosene that used for cleaning
Used rubber items Damaged or broken seat covers, grip handles, dampers,
rubber bellows

Effluent water from vehicle service stations contains engine oil and grease, detergents,
Phosphates, hydrofluoric acid, ammonium bifluoride products, and detergents, including

3
biodegradable detergents that can be poisonous to fish and other aquatic biotas. On the
other hand, phosphate, which are plant nutrients, can cause excessive growth of algae like
organisms which can lead to eutrophication. Hydrofluoric acid, ammonium bifluoride
products are harmful to living organisms. According to Mazumder and Mukherjee,
(2011), water discharge from vehicle service stations without proper treatments leads to
pollution of water sources, and arable lands. Also, biohazards such as lead (Pb) get
accumulated in aquatic biota and consuming them might lead to biomagnification in
humans.

1.3.2 David Peiris Motor Company (Private) Limited at Anuradhapura District

Anuradhapura district is situated in the North Central province of Sri Lanka. The district
has a total area of 7,179 km2 with a land area of 6,664 km2 and 515 km2 area of water.
The total population is 856,232 (2012) and the population density is 120/km2.
(Somasekaram, 1997).
Anuradhapura district is located in the dry zone of Sri Lanka where water is a limited
resource most of the time in the year. In Anuradhapura, the average annual temperature
is 28.3 °C and the average rainfall is 1368 mm. The driest month is June, with 12 mm of
rain. The greatest amount of precipitation occurs in November, with an average of 249
mm (Somasekaram, 1997).
According to recent researches, almost all the water sources of the Anuradhapura district
are now getting polluted by agricultural, industrial, and many other anthropogenic
activities. Vehicle service stations are highly water-consuming industrial locations. There
are 44 service stations situated in the district as service dealers of DPMC. Those service
dealers are capable of providing after-sales service to Bajaj motorcycles and three-
wheelers. Among them, 38 of the dealers have obtained Environmental Protection
License (EPL) from Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and the rest of them have
not. Even though the permit has been obtained, the land-based industrial effluents such
as used oil, detergent, soap, fuel and battery acids of Lead batteries continue to discharge
to water or directly to the environment

1.4 Controlling Environmental Pollution

Central environmental authority is one of the major institutes in Sri Lanka to protect the
environment by imposing laws and regulations to control or ban environmental pollution.
National environmental act No 47 of 1980 is the act established for the protection of the
environment. Under the act, the gazette extraordinary of the democratic socialist republics
of Sri Lanka- 01.02.2008, illustrates the tolerance limits for discharges for industrial
waste into inland surface water, waste discharged on land for irrigation purposes and
waste discharged into marine coastal areas (Appendix D). To obtain the EPL, the industry
should be within the tolerance limits declared by the gazette.

Environmental protection license could be obtained from the CEA after analysing and
correcting any deviation for the optimum performances required for the service station.
The owner of the service centre is responsible to operate within the limit given by the
EPL. On the certificate, there are several conditions that the owner must obey. This
research was conducted to identify the level of knowledge of the service dealers of DPMC
in Anuradhapura district on those conditions listed in EPL and any deviation from the
recommendation, practiced by the dealers.

4
1.5 Research Problem
Even though with the existing legislation and documentation, the discharge from the
observed vehicle service stations is greater than the maximum permissible limits
established by the central environmental authority. Evidence of used vehicle spare parts
and oil containers, disposed without proper discharge methods being followed, and waste
oil on the bare ground could be seen around the vehicle service stations by general
environmental observations. The background reasons for these environmental problems
could be the lack of knowledge, attitude and willingness of both owners and workers of
vehicle service stations as well as the central environmental authority.

Therefore this study aimed to assess knowledge and awareness of service station owners
of DPMC in Anuradhapura district on water pollution caused by the service station
effluents.

1.6 Objectives
I. General Objectives:
 To assess the knowledge and awareness of service stations owners managed
by DPMC in Anuradhapura district on water pollution caused by the service
station effluents
II. Specific Objectives:
 To assess the knowledge of service station owners regarding effluent
wastewater generated in automobile service stations and its composition.
 To evaluate the effectiveness of effluent controlling & treatment methods
practised by the service stations.

5
 CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

Automobile service stations are involved in several operations and activities that have
great potential to damage the environment. These activities include periodical services,
accident repairs, cleaning and washing of vehicles, running repairs, waxing, painting, and
oil spraying. During these activities, many chemicals are used such as oil, paints, wax,
and paint removing chemicals, coolants, battery acids, shampoo, and detergents. Unless
the site drainage is correctly designed, waste is properly managed and spillage control
procedures are in place, the environment can be severely affected (Environmental
Alliance, 2014). According to Mazumder and Mukherjee (2011), contaminants in
carwash wastewater contains oil and grease, detergents, phosphates, hydrofluoric acid
and ammonium bifluoride (ABF) products. According to Muia (2011), effluent from
service stations indeed pollutes the municipal waterways with special regard to BOD and
TSS. Kiunsi and Lemeiruti (2015) found that used water for cleaning cars at Mbeya,
Tanzania return to rivers, thus polluting the rivers. Some researchers stated that
negligence and the ignorance of the service station’s management had resulted in such a
menace that almost all the vehicle service stations dispose of oil along with wastewater
effluents. They further stated that most of the service station owners were not aware of
the danger of disposing of oil to the environment without treatment. (Munasinghe &
Athapattu, 2015)

2.1 Environmental Education

Environmental education, first defined by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) in
1970, includes the element of behaviour on the idea that, through knowledge, changes in
behaviour at a personal level, societal level, and also global level will occur (IUCN,
1970). The objectives of environmental conservation education are to build up or
enhance:
 Awareness or sensitivity to the environment.
 Knowledge and experience of the problems surrounding the environment to
acquire a set of values and positive attitudes.
 Obtain the skills required to identify and solve environmental problems
 Motivation and ability to participate (Jacobson et al., 2006).
It is asserted that an individual possessing more knowledge of the environment would be
more aware and would adopt a more favourable attitude towards conserving the
environment (Hungerford and Volk, 1990). In the theory called “Theory reasoned action”,
it is stipulated that the intention of acting has a direct effect on behaviour, and that it can
be predicted by attitudes. These attitudes change with subjective norms and beliefs as
mentioned in Figure 2.1. The key concept and the conditions of the theory are.
 Behavioural Belief:
Behavioural belief leads a person to understand people's motivations for their
behaviour in terms of the behaviour’s consequences or behaviour’s outcome.
According to the concept, people tend to associate the performance of a certain
behaviour with a certain set of outcomes or features.
 Outcome Evaluation:
The evaluation of the outcome refers to the way people perceive and evaluate the
potential outcomes of a performed behaviour. By the concept, people evaluate the
outcome as a good or bad outcome according to the outcome gained by the person.

6
  Normative Beliefs:
Normative beliefs impress on whether or not relevant groups approve of the
action. If the relevant groups approve the action, the person would perform the
act.
 Motivation to Comply:
Motivation to comply explains the fact that a person may or may not comply with
social norms of the referent groups surrounding the act. The individual will adhere
or resist the behaviour depending on the social pressure caused by the groups
surrounding the individual.
 Attitude towards Behaviour:
Behavioural beliefs and outcome evaluation lead an individual to have an attitude
regarding certain behaviour. It either could be positive, negative, or neutral.
According to the theory, there is a direct correlation between attitudes and
outcomes.
 Subjective Norms:
This refers to the way perceptions of relevant groups or individuals such as family
members, friends, and peers may affect individual’s performance of the
behaviour. According to the concept, people develop certain beliefs or normative
beliefs as to whether or not certain behaviours are acceptable.
 Behavioural Intention:
Behavioural intention is a function of both attitudes and subjective norms towards
that behaviour. When both attitudes and subjective norms are positive towards the
behaviour, the individual will perform the act.

Figure 2.1: Theory of Reasoned Action – TRA (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975)
In the study conducted by Nadlifatin, et al., (2016), in measuring citizen’s behaviour
intention regarding eco-label product usage, an extended theory of reasoned action called
“Pro-environmental reasoned action” was used as the predictor model. A total of 213
questionnaire data collected from citizens of Indonesia, was analysed using structural
equation modelling. The analysis results showed that the “Pro-environmental reasoned
action” model is able to describe 68% of citizens’ behaviour intention regarding eco-label
product usage. The research opens a path identifying the significance of analysing the
theory of reasoned action for environmental conservation.

According to the theory of Reasoned Action of Fishbin and Ajzen, (1975), it is assumed
that there is a systematic relationship between the people's approach towards a certain
matter and the related behaviour towards that matter. There are many scholars in the field
of environment study such as Borden and Schettino, (1979), Kaiser et al., (1999), Schahn

7
and Holzer,, (1990), and Bayard and Jolly, (2007) that stated there is a strong relationship
between environmental knowledge and significant environmental behaviour.
2.2 Effluent from Vehicle Service Stations
Effluent from automobile service stations contains Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH),
which is a term used to describe several hundred chemical compounds that originated
from crude oil. Other than TPH, solid wastes, Air pollutants, Noise pollutions also occur
from automobile service stations. Discharging of TPH and other potential pollutants,
effluent from motor vehicle garages without any treatment can cause adverse
environmental and human health impacts (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry, 1999).

2.2.1 Waste Oil

Generally, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) are specifying lubricants for their
vehicles focusing on the performances, fuel economy, and emissions regulations.
Environmental concerns are the main focus and aim of this practice. The reduction of
elements such as chlorine, phosphorus, sulfur, and metals has proceeded at an increasing
rates, especially in automotive lubricants. Rising demand for environmentally friendly
fuels, including renewable fuels, in both automotive and industrial engines, will also raise
the demand for environmentally friendly lubricant formulation and additives. On the other
hand, the falling sulfur content in marine fuel oil reduces the need for detergents in marine
engine lubricants (Freedonia, 2013). Oil, grease, and detergents, including biodegradable
detergents, can be poisonous to aquatic organisms (Mazumder and Mukherjee, 2011).
Wastewater from automobile washing centres can be contributed to a considerable impact
on the human, plants and other animals (Kiunsi and Lemeiruti, 2015).

During the service and repairs, oil can spill on the ground and it will spread out on the
ground and could seep through the surface. If the surface is permeable, oil could penetrate
into the soil and the depth of penetration depends on the viscosity of the oil. Penetrated
oil in the soil may move until it reaches groundwater level. After reaching oil on to the
groundwater, it could travel a considerable distance with flowing water. Used oil contains
hazardous materials as illustrated in Table 1.1 (Central Environmental Authority, 2001).

Table 2.1: Hazardous Materials Found in Waste Engine Oil

Metal Chlorinated Solvents Other Organic Compounds
Arsenic Dichlorodifluoromethane Benzene
Barium Trichlorotrifluoreethane Toluene
Cadmium 1,1,1-Trichloroethane Xylene
Chromium Trochloroethane Benz(a)anthracene
Cobalt Tetrachloroethane Benzo(a)pyrene
Lead Total chlorine Pyrene
Nickel Naphthalene
Zinc Phenanthrene
Nitrosoamines and precursors
(Central Environmental Authority, 2001).

Oil is floating on the water surface as scum. This oil scum acts as a barrier for sunlight
and oxygen from getting into the water, affecting aquatic flora and fauna. It could kill
fish, frogs, and other animals that breathe from the water’s surface. The burning of waste
oil at low temperature can create airborne pollutants that get inhaled into lungs and make

8
adverse health effects (Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts,
2015).

An increase in demand for automobiles and generators leads to raising the demand for
lubricating oils and thereby may result in the generation of a large amount of used
oil,irrespective of the type and source of collection, which is sometimes dumped into the
soil, causing harmful or toxic materials to percolate through the soil, thus contaminating
the soil and thereby changing the physical and chemical properties. It is also sometimes
dumped down the drains and sewers, disrupting the operations at wastewater treatment
plants (Udonne and Onwuma, 2014).

Waste engine oil has also been shown to create an unsatisfactory condition for life in the
soil. According to the studies conducted on sites impacted, arthropod assemblage and
abundance were much lower, suggesting that used lubricating oil from car engines make
a profound effect on the arthropod species. The absence of myriapod species as well as
the generally low individual numbers of other arthropods at the contaminated sites may
be explained by habitat transformation which resulted in biodiversity loss and elimination
of species in the habitat. (Madanhire & Mbohwa, 2016)

According to Madanhire & Mbohwa, (2016), there are many organic molecules that
arisen from the breakdown of base oil and additives. The most harmful molecule among
them is polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) such as benz(a)pyrene and chrysene.
Most of the PAH are generated by petrol engines after 1000km, while diesel engines
generate the least amount of PAHs. Exposure of used oil to the environment by any
means threatens ground soil and surface waters with oil contamination and thereby leads
to polluting the drinking water supply and aquatic organisms. Also used oil in the
environment causes water and soil pollution. As oil decomposes very slowly, it reduces
the required oxygen level for microorganisms who break the oil down into non-hazardous
compounds. During the combustion in the engine there are several toxic gases and
harmful metallic dust particles produced and high concentration of those metal ions, Lead,
Zinc. Chromium and Copper in used oil then harm ecological systems and cause health
hazards on humans.

According to IFC Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines for Retail Petroleum
Outlets there must be segregation of clean drainage and potentially contaminated
drainage, treating the latter through oil /water separators. According to the Environment
Agency for England & Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the
Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland all garages should have an oil
separator installed on the surface water drainage system (International Finance
Corporation, 2007).

Ratnapriya, (2002), also investigated the physiochemical characteristics of oily

wastewater collected from 24 service stations situated along the Mahaweli River, to
evaluate the pollution level of wastewater generated from service stations and results
showed that the value of BOD, COD, and pH were ranged between 245-338mg/L, 609-
1020 mg/L and 7.6-7.7 respectively. Yasin, et al., (2012) also studied oily wastewater
from different petrol pumps and services stations of Lahore and found pH, BOD, COD,
and oil and grease concentration were in the average value of 8.3, 520mg/L, 1330 mg/L,
and 1070 mg/L respectively which are beyond the allowed limits in the country.

9
According to the research done by Singru, Zade, & Sitre, (2017) on toxicity evaluation of
wastewater generated from automobile service stations on juvenile Clariasgariepinus, the
edible fish Clariasgariepinus found in the marshy environment and air breathers did not
exhibit any uneasy reactions at the initial stages of acute toxicity test. They swam
normally at lower concentrations of the wastewater. At higher concentrations, initially,
they exhibited uneasiness and then settled at the bottom of the water column and exhibited
normal movement. But once in a while, they came to the surface to breathe normally with
quick opercula movements. This behaviour change could be due to the presence of toxic
materials in the wastewater. The fish exhibited sheen on their skin and its colour also
became much lighter than their original. In lower concentrations, patches of
discolouration were also observed with curling of the tail fin. Research studies found that
automobile service station wastewater is quite toxic to the Clariasgariepinus species.

2.2.2 Solid Waste

Table 2.2 shows the types of solid waste generated by automobile service stations. These
solid wastes have been categorized as metal/ plastics and rubber/ glass and ceramic/ paper
and fabrics.

10
2Table 2.2: Solid Waste Generated from Automobile Service Stations

Metal Plastics and Rubber Glass and Ceramics Paper and Fabrics
Oil Spring and Leaf springs Tyres (Used) Welding studs Fabrics/ seats and cushions
Brake Lining Plastic bottles and cans Bulbs and electric items Paper and board boxes
Gaskets Battery cases Lam fitting Used rags contaminated with oil
Gear clutch and accelerator cables Rubber Tubes Bottles
Engine blocks Rubber horses
Sprockets Rubber lining
Clutch plates Rubber mounts
Nut and bolts and studs Rubber fan belts
Bearing rollers and balls Rubber timing belts
Piston rings Rubber sheets
Silencer pipes Rubber boots
Wires Seat sponge
Hacksaw blades Plastic light covers
Steel timing belts Plastic motor bike guards
Hose clips Plastic aprons
Empty tins Plastic mudguards
Empty cans
(Central Environmental Authority, 2001)

11
2.2.3 Air Pollution
Air pollution is the presence of particles and liquids or gases in the ambient air at the
amount that is harmful, injurious to man, animal, and plants (Central Environmental
Authority, 2001). Air pollution from automobile service stations is in the form of
particulate, aerosols, and combustion gas emissions. Operations listed below in
automobile service stations might cause air pollution.
 Welding operations by arc and gas
 Spray painting
 Use of volatile hydrocarbons in open containers (petrol, kerosene, solvents,
etc.)
 Emissions from running engines

2.2.4 Noise Pollution

There are several activities causing noise pollution during the process of automobile
service stations that can result in an adverse environmental impact and place
occupation related problems. Long exposure to such noise can cause permanent or
temporary loss of hearing (Central Environmental Authority, 2001). The activities
which might cause noise pollution in the automobile service stations are:• Tinkering
and metal works
 Engine testing
 Hammering of metals
 Lathe and drilling operations
 Use of water spray nozzles
 Use of oil spray guns
 Compressed air generation and use of such for cleaning air filters.
 Running compressor

2.3 Implementation of Environmental Protection License Scheme

The National Environmental Act (NEA) was enacted in 1980: an act to establish CEA to
lead towards the concept of sustainable development. Environmental Protection License
is a regulatory tool under the NEA to control the discharge of effluents, deposition of
wastes, emission of smoke/gases / fumes/vapour, or excessive noise / vibration into the
environment by the industrial activities. The objective of an EPL is to prevent or control
the discharge, deposition, or emission of waste and streamline the activity to operate in
an environmentally friendly manner and thereby maintain sustainability in the
development process of the nation (Environmental pollution control division, 2009).
Altogether 138 industries/ activities are mentioned in the Gazette Notification No:
1533/16 dated 25.01.2008 as prescribed activities under parts A, B, and C (Appendix E).
Environmental Protection License for industries categorised as “A" and “B” have to be
obtained from the relevant Provincial offices or District Offices of the CEA (CEA, 2016).
Part "C" comprises 25 low polluting industrial activities that have been delegated to Local
Government Authorities such as Municipal Councils, Urban Councils, and Divisional
Secretariats. The validity period of an EPL for each category are listed below.
 Prescribed industrial activities coming under List A-Maximum of one year from
the effective date of the licence.
 Prescribed industrial activities coming under List B - Maximum of three years
from the effective date of the licence.

12
  Prescribed industrial activities coming under List C - Maximum of three years
from the effective date of the licence

2.4 Pollutants Characterization of Car Wash Wastewater

According to Hashim & Zayadi, (2016), a massive quantity of water has to be used for
each vehicle during washing. This process generates untreated effluents that discharged
into the environment. Two number of full hand wash service stations and one station of
snow foam service were studied. Wastewater of those stations was analysed for pH and
they found the presence of PO43-, total phosphorus, oil and grease, alkalinity, total
suspended solids, NO3-, NO2-, COD, and surfactant in accordance with Standard Method
of Water and Wastewater 2012. Amongst those stations, snow foam car wash station
found to be the highest concentration of PO43-, total phosphorus, oil and grease, total
suspended solids, COD and surfactant with the average value of 10.18 ± 0.87 mg/L, 30.93
± 0.31 mg/L , 85.00 ± 0.64 mg/L 325.0 ± 0.6 mg/L, 485.0 ± 0.3 mg/L and 54.00 ± 2.50
mg/L respectively. It was found that in parameters characterization in different stages of
the car wash process, oil and grease were the highest in the pre-soak stage of washing and
PO43-, total phosphorus, total suspended solids (TSS) and COD in washing stage and NO3-
and NO2- in rinse stage. They concluded that there is a strong need for study on the
characterization of car wash water to suggest the suitable treatment need for this type of
wastewater.

2.5 Treatment of Automobile Service Station Wastewater

Onsite wastewater treatment is one of the methods proposed by the CEA to reduce
environmental pollution, especially in inland waterways. The challenge in the treatment
of wastewater is to select an appropriate treatment process that is economical and simple.
Oil, grease, and detergents including biodegradable detergents can be poisonous to fish,
zooplankton, and phytoplankton. The presence of cleaning agents and disinfectants can
have detrimental impacts on the wastewater treatment process. Oil and fuels are the
second most frequent type of pollutants of inland waters in England as reported by the
Environment Agency UK. However, since the introduction of oil storage regulations, the
incidents reported have been halved compared to ten years ago. Most of the automobile
service station owners were not aware of the danger of disposing of oil to the environment
freely. If they have realized that, a simple mechanism of separation of waste oil from
wastewater could have been engaged in the operation to cause minimum harm to the
environment. (Munasinghe & Athapattu, 2015).

According to Kumar, Kokila, & Banu, (2013), oil and greases released from automobile
service stations into terrestrial and aquatic environment caused severe damages to the
surrounding ecosystems and they have inoculated isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa into
wastewater where 50% of oil degradation could be observed under the optimized growth
conditions at pH 7 within 48 h. Addition of an optimized dosage of 0.2 ml glycerol as a
carbon source and 0.1 ml surfactant results in oil degradation of 72% and 61%,
respectively. A combination of carbon source and surfactant was found to be the most
effective treatment, leading to 93% of oil degradation. Further, treated wastewater was
subjected to a conventional sequential batch reactor, and the best effluent quality was
obtained at 10 h of hydraulic retention and 10 days of solid retention resulting in
COD = 100 mg/L and TSS = 85 mg/L, which meets the requirements of the discharge
standard in India.

13
According to a study by Krishna et al., (2017) on the evaluation of the electrocoagulation
process with the iron electrodes was carried out for different voltages of 10V, 20V, 30V
with selected times of 30 to 180 minutes at time intervals of 30 minutes. Different
electrode spacing from 1cm up to 3cm at an interval of 1cm were tested. Experiments
were carried out as batch mode in two litre capacity circular borosilicate glass beaker, for
the Monopolar configuration of electrocoagulation technique. Figure 2.2 shows the
schematic diagram of the experimental setup.

Figure 2.2: Schematic Diagram of Electrocoagulation Unit (Krishna et al., 2017)

Initial values of wastewater collected from the automobile service station showed a COD
value of 348 mg/L, Total dissolved solids (TDS) value of 400 mg/L, and Oil and grease
450mg/L. Optimum removal of COD 71.2% was achieved at 30V for a contact time of
180minutes at electrode spacing of 2cm using the iron electrode. Optimum removal of
TDS of 96.5% was achieved at 30V of contact time of 90 minutes. The effect of voltage
and electrolysis time on oil and grease removal is shown in the Figure 2.3. Optimum
removal of oil and grease - 88.76% was observed at 30V and contact time of 180 minutes
after which the removal rate was not changed significantly.

14
Figure 2.3: Oil and Grease Removal Efficiency at Different Voltages and Time (Krishna
et al., 2017)
Mueller et al., (2003) reported a study on the removal of oil and grease along with COD
from de-emulsified oily automotive wastewater by adsorption technology using five
adsorbents namely powdered activated carbon, anthracite, and three other modified clay
adsorbents. Out of those five adsorbents, activated carbon was found to show the highest
and anthracite showed the lowest adsorption capacity respectively, towards the removal
of oil and grease concentration up to 30 mg/L. Ahmed et al., (2005) carried out a study
with Palm oil mill effluent (POME) containing about 4000 mg/L of residual oil, using
three types of adsorbents namely Chitosan, Activated carbon, and Bentonite. Chitosan
showed the best removal compared to the other adsorbents. Chitosan, activated carbon
and bentonite at the dosages of 0.5 g, 8.0 g and 10 g/L respectively had successfully
removed 99% of residual oil from POME.

According to a research by Mazumder and Mukherjee (2011), on “Treatment of

Automobile Service Station Wastewater by Coagulation and Activated Sludge Process,”
they had used chemicals to perform coagulation and flocculation: (a) Alum
[Al2(SO4)3.14H2O], (b) Alum with Bentonite powder (a soil material with high plasticity),
(c) Ferrous Sulphate (FeSO4, 7H2O) and (d) Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) with Bentonite.
Experimental samples prepared with initial oil and grease concentration of 300 mg/L and
600 mg/L were used with two separated 20L tanks. From the research, it was evident that
percentage removal of oil and grease increased when the chemicals were added in higher
concentrations as illustrated in Table 2.3 and 2.4.

15
Table 2.3: Performance of Coagulation and Flocculation of Wastewater with Initial Oil
and Grease Concentration of 300 mg/L:

Coagulant used pH Coagulan Initial conc. Residual Removal Temp

t Dose of conc. of (%) (0C)
(mg/L) Oil and Oil and
Grease Grease
(mg/L) (mg/L)
100 300 200 33
Alum 7.8 125 300 150 50
150 300 100 66 33
175 300 50 83
200 300 Nil 100
20 300 195 35
Alum + 7.6 30 300 146 51
Bentonite 40 300 98 67 29
50 300 48 84
60 300 Nil 100
50 300 190 37
FeSO4 10.5 75 300 140 53
100 300 95 68 32
125 300 45 85
150 300 Nil 100
100 300 205 32
CaCl2 7.5 150 300 155 48
+Bentonite 200 300 105 65 33
250 300 52 83
300 300 Nil 100
(Mazumder and Mukherjee ,2011)

16
Table 2.4: Performance of Coagulation and Flocculation of Wastewater with Initial Oil
and Grease Concentration of 600 mg/L

Coagulant used pH Coagulant Initial Residual Removal Temp.

Dose conc.of conc.of (%) (0C)
(mg/L) Oil and Oil and
Grease Grease
(mg/L) (mg/L)
100 600 450 25
Alum 7.7 200 600 300 50
300 600 200 66 30
350 600 100 83
400 600 nil 100
50 600 400 33
Alum + 7.6 100 600 300 50
Bentonite 150 600 200 66 28
200 600 100 83
250 600 nil 100
100 600 250 58
FeS04 10.2 125 600 200 67
150 600 150 75 32
175 600 100 83
200 600 Nil 100
100 600 500 22
CaCl2 7.6 200 600 350 42
+Bentonite 300 600 200 66 33
400 600 50 91
500 600 Nil 100
(Mazumder and Mukherjee ,2011)
Nimal & Fathima, (2018) researched on recycling automobile service station wash water
in Chennai. The mechanisms were adopted by screening to avoid entry of suspended
solids, skimmer for removal of oil & grease, sedimentation to removing entrained solids,
settling to remove precipitated impurities after chemical treatment, aeration, and filtration
of wastewater from the automobile service station with various proportions using
Coconut fiber 1cm, Sand 2cm, Activated carbon 3cm, Pebblestone 3cm as a filtration
tank. The inflow rate of the automobile wash water is 30 s/L and the outflow rate of the
water is 290 s /L. According to the study, filtered water could be recycled within the
service station and Table 2.5 shows the amount of waste removal of the research.

17
Table 2.5: Characteristics of Raw and Filtered Water

Standard Raw water Filter (% of

Characteristics test
value sample removal)
PH @25deg C 6.5-8.5 7.80 7.69
TSS 50-70 60mg/L 10
TDS 1500 1260mg/L 17.46
Turbidity(NTU) 1-5 89.7 NTU 69.89
Temporary hardness 300 484mg/L 42.14
Dissolved oxygen 5-5.8 4.5 -13.33
COD 250 585mg/L 31.28
BOD @27deg C (for 3
350 180mg/L 45.87
days)
Oil and Grease 0.1 16mg/L 46.87
Volatile solids 200-300 760mg/L 72.10
(Nimal & Fathima, 2018)

Jisha & Chinnamma, (2017) also conducted a research on the effects of natural coagulants
on the treatment of automobile service station wastewater. Moringao leifera, Dolichos
lablab and Cicerarietinum are the natural coagulants used for the study. The treatment
system was designed in four stages including, a skimming tank with aeration, coagulation,
and flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration unit to produce high quality of treated
wastewater. Analysing the wastewater parameters, it was concluded that Cicerarietinum
showed the best performance to filter the automobile wastewater. According to them,
Cicerarietinum is an efficient natural coagulant for the treatment of automobile service
station wastewater than Moringao leifera and Dolichos lablab. Turbidity, oil & grease,
BOD, COD, TSS were very high in the initial sample. 97.81% of COD removal, 99.8%
of Oil & grease removal, 100% of alkalinity removal, 88% of hardness removal, 77.69%
of conductivity removal, 77.05% of sulfate removal,100% of phenolic compound
removal, 98.29% of BOD removal, 69.54% of TDS removal, 99.97% of TSS removal and
100% of turbidity removal was obtained when Cicerarietinum was used.
Munasinghe & Athapattu, (2015) made a great effort in designing and testing an
experimental oil separator to separate oil and grease from waste generated by automobile
service stations. This oil separator is portable and occupies less space so that it is
affordable and can be used for many different scales of operation. Using this oil separator,
oil could be separated from effluent wastewater. Sludge that is collected at the bottom of
the separator could be taken out from the washout. The removed oil then could be taken
into containers so that it can be stored safely. The used oil thus collected could be used
for various purposes. The water at the bottom layers passes under the baffle board through
the outlet and enter the secondary treatment system. Details are shown in Figure 2.4 of
the oil separator. They could obtain the treatment results as mentioned in the Table 2.6.

18
Figure 2.4: Longitudinal Section of Oil Separator (Munasinghe & Athapattu , 2015)
Table 2.6: Lab Test Results of TSS and Oil Before and After Passing Oil Separator

Parameter Raw value Value After passing CEA Tolerance Limit

(mg/L) through oil separator (mg/L )

Oil& grease 164.6 ± 4.6 0 10

TSS 338.2 ± 5.1 53 ± 4.3 50
(Munasinghe & Athapattu , 2015)
Studies conducted by Chinthaka & Weerasinghe, (2013) on 12 service stations (6 service
stations at Dehiwala – Mt. Lavinia Urban Council composing 3 well maintained and 3
less maintained and 6 service stations at Kesbewa Urban Council composing 3 well
maintained and 3 of less maintained) on the importance of maintaining proper treatment
plants at automobile service stations, revealed that average BOD value from less
maintained treatment plants was 6 times greater than the declared value (30 mg/l) by
CEA. The average COD value for less maintained treatment plants is 2 times greater (250
mg/l) than the value declared by CEA. Oil and grease value for less maintained treatment
plants was 2 times greater (10 mg/l) than the value declared by CEA. Total suspended
solids value for less maintained treatment plants found to be approximately 6 times
greater (50 mg/l) than the value declared by CEA. Further, they stated that there are no
significant differences in pH, TSS, and bacterial colonies between well maintained and
less maintained service stations.

According to the Ministry of Transport & Civil Aviation Sri Lanka, the number of
vehicles is rising in Sri Lanka continuously for the past six years as in the Table 2.7.
(Ministry of transport, 2018). The reasons for the trend in rising vehicle imports to the
country can be:
 Liberalized economy.
 Increased spending power.
 Increase in population, generating the need for more transport service.
 Poor public transportation facilities.
 Lease and loan facilities were available in the transport sector.
 Availability of vehicles for various income levels.

19
Table 2.7: Vehicle Population in Sri Lanka from 2012 to 2017

Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Motor Cars 499,714 528,094 566,874 672,502 717,674 756,856

Motor
766,784 850,457 929,495 1,059,042 1,115,987 1,139,524
Tricycle
Motor
2,546,447 2,715,727 2,988,612 3,359,501 3,699,630 4,044,010
Cycles
Buses 91,623 93,428 97,279 101,419 104,104 107,435

Dual
purpose 280,143 304,746 325,545 365,001 391,888 408,630
vehicles
Motor 352,275
323,776 329,648 334,769 341,911 349,474
Lorries
Land
Vehicles- 315,520 326,292 333,362 343,339 353,624 362,445
Tractors
Land
Vehicles- 53,020 55,286 57,298 59,426 63,088 75,947
Trailers
Total 4,877,027 5,203,678 5,633,234 6,302,141 6,795,469 7,247,122
(Ministry of transport, 2018)

Due to these trends and the lack of studies on waste generated by automobile service
stations and their effect on environmental pollution, this study is carried out to identify
the knowledge and attitudes of service station owners and employees of those.

2.6 Environmental and Health Impact

Automobile service station workers have usually exposed to a variety of occupation
induced health hazards. Vehicle painters are exposed to volatile organic compounds such
as paints, solvents, and other chemicals. Fatal diseases such as cancer can be caused by
the inhalation or dermal contact of compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene,
xylene, and styrene. Benzene is an established human carcinogen, while 1–3 butadiene,
chloroform, trichloroethylene, and 1-4 dioxanes have been identified as possible human
carcinogens. Thinners are the main source of organic solvents and they contain benzene,
toluene, hexane, styrene, and alcohol compounds (Siripong et al., 2014).
Employees in automobile service stations and painting workshops also have high levels
of lead contamination in the blood. The root cause of this is due to exposure to polluted
environments resulting in high levels of lead in their blood serum. Kidney disorders,
breathing problems, skin disease, gastroenteritis, dysentery, and even high blood pressure
can be resulted due to this condition. Poor hygiene habits, dirty clothes, and low safety
precautions also increase health hazards for workers (Adela et al., 2012; Parveen and
Rohan, 2013; Ahmed et al., 2008; Beyene and Banerjee, 2011; Tamene, 2008).
According to Al Serhan, et al., (2017), analysing on environmental and health impact of
small garages and workshops showed that a high percentage of environmental damage

20
was due to waste generated by the industry. Soil, water, noise, and air were polluted by
the operations of these small automobile service stations and workshops. According to
the research which was one of the kind in Sri Lanka stated that people living in the vicinity
of such places are at a great health risk. The findings and policies in this study
recommended that necessary precautions to be taken in order to bring down the levels of
carcinogens in the small garages and workplaces, where individuals share space and work
long hours.
According to the study conducted by Okafoagu et al., (2017) on knowledge of
occupational hazards and safety practices among petrol station attendants in Sokoto
metropolis, Nigeria, they have found that 62 (59.0%) respondents had poor knowledge
while only 16 (15.1%) had a negative attitude. Seventy-two (72.4%) of respondents knew
that volatile organic compounds were harmful to health and a good proportion knew about
work safety practices such as they ought not to smoke cigarettes at the workplace (92.4%).
Only 2.8% of respondents used hand gloves while 19.4% used an apron always. None of
the respondents neither used eye goggles nor respiratory masks always. Reasons for not
using Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) included the lack of equipment (57.1%), their
unawareness (22.9%), and feeling uncomfortable wearing such equipment (15.7%).
Automobile service station workers are also exposed to several physical hazards
including dust and silica exposure from sanding and sandblasting, noise, fire and
explosion, flying objects, dust cutting tools, soil and grease spills. These hazards could
cause adverse health effects to workers such as respiratory ailments, eyes injuries,
hearing loss, acute injuries, backache, and musculoskeletal disorders (Brosseau, et al.,
2014)
Lead exposure is one of the common situations among automobile service station
workers. This constitutes 0.9% of the global health burden and the most affected
population is among developing countries. Health hazards induced by lead are globally
recognized for many decades. There was an epidemic of lead poisoning in the automobile
industry in the USA back in 1924. In adults, occupational exposure is the main reason for
lead poisoning. These occupational exposures have adverse effects on workers and also
on their family’s health. Workers may also transfer lead contents through their clothes to
family members and the indoor environment. Automobile service station workers get
exposed to lead during battery repairers, panel beating, spray painting, and radiator
repairing. There have been reported cases among mechanics of lead poisoning and deaths
from ingestion and inhalation of gasoline. Automobile service station workers were
reported to suck petrol and to use it to wash hands which leads to absorption of tetraethyl
lead through the mucosa, and this, with inorganic lead from exhaust fumes, may lead to
elevated lead level in blood (Oluwagbemi, 2007).

21
 CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY

This chapter provides information on the research methods of this study and also includes
the types of data used in the process of this study.

3.1 Research Design

The research was carried out by assessing the knowledge and awareness of the service
station owners managed by DPMC in Anuradhapura district on water pollution caused by
the service station effluents. The study was based on structured questionnaires,
observations, and detailed discussions onsite.

3.2 Research Area

The study was done for the Anuradhapura region demarcated by DPMC. David Pieris
Motor Company (Private) Ltd Anuradhapura region consists of 44 dealers who have been
permitted to carry out services and repairs for Bajaj motorcycles or three-wheelers as
illustrated in Table 3.1.

22
Table 3.1: DPMC Anuradhapura Service Dealer List

Proprietor Dealership Name Address 2 Latitude Longitude

A.A. Kumara Abeysingha A.K Motors Megodawewa 8.181942303 80.672915876
K.M.A.Shyaminda Bandaranayake A.S.B.Auto Services Thambuttegama 8.145905622 80.291859806
M.W.M.Ajith Kumara Weerakoon Ajith Motors Hurulunikawewa 8.285257839 80.734770298
U.W.Elpitiya Akalanka Motors Anuradhapura 8.337115112 80.414071977
M.K. Suresh Chamara Anton Motors Anuradhapura 8.354335654 80.437460840
K.A. Anura Anura Motors Horowpathana 8.540358409 80.822328329
LakmalJeewapriyaMeththasena Chamath Service Centre Rambewa 8.449259192 80.519901216
GihanNadeekaRathuwaduge Daya Motors Galenbindunuwewa 8.291983561 80.722306073
LakshmanPriyaratnageDharmasiripala Dharmasiri Motors Maradankadawala 8.124313386 80.563162565
R.K.B.A.SujeewaPriyadharshana Dharshana Motors Nochchiyagama 8.262868903 80.209617913
M.D.Nalin Samantha Dissanayaka Motors Hindogama 8.245723985 80.442747474
D.M.Chandrasena Dissanayake Motor & Engineering Ipalogama 8.084336011 80.521926284
R.M.Sajeewa Prasad Rathnayake Gamini Engineering Works Medawachchiya 8.537578613 80.492942333
W.M. JanakaPushpa Kumara Janaka Motors Siwalakulama 8.220833300 80.686944444
R.M.P.A.W.M.R. ShanthaBandaraYatawara Janith Motors Anuradhapura 8.315790737 80.393306315
R.M.HiranSalindaKumarasingha Kumarasingha Motor Garage Ambogama 7.916305383 80.363463822
R. A. KushanVijayarathna Kushan Auto Service Nochchiyagama 8.251094400 80.176377400
G.A.DushanthaKumarasinghe Laksiri Motor Cycle Works Anuradhapura 8.321157105 80.380348563
H. GunasiriPremalal Lal Motors Thanthirimale 8.579817122 80.257058144
K.M.LasanthaPushpakumara Lasantha Motors Kekirawa 8.034424456 80.594598055
L. MangalaKrishanthaPerera Liyanage Motors Galgamuwa 7.999624497 80.275620919
S.A. Jude Mildred SooriyaArachchi Lucky Motors Ganewalpola 8.090252541 80.650227070
W.H.M.Susantha Kumara Manjula Motors Kahatagasdigiliya 8.425375271 80.684462786
23
Proprietor Dealership Name Address 2 Latitude Longitude
W.R.RanjithAbeysinghe New Sunil Motors Angamuwa 8.193682130 80.158218741
J.M. ThilakJayawardhana New Thilak Motors Anuradhapura 8.375063517 80.342923701
E.A.NishanthaPushpakumara Nishantha Motors Thalawa 8.225421997 80.357040167
G.A.JayanthaAskin Palitha Motors Solewewa 8.147570395 80.125517249
Pradeep Kumara Paranavithana Pradeep Motors Mihintale 8.357626285 80.501360446
D. ChandanaSenevirathna Prageeth Motors Thirappane 8.231240874 80.522607565
N.R AchalaKalyaniBandara Ranjan Motors Nochchiyagama 8.222056200 80.205918500
M.P.M.UpulPriyankara Rathna Motors Senapura 8.091798048 80.435331166
W.M.RohanaBandaraWijesundara Royan Enterprises Palagala 7.983226468 80.526051521
S.ChandrakeerthiHennadi Sajjana - Hansa Bajaj Service Centre Medawachchiya 8.527294784 80.499060452
K. SanjayaPradeepThissa Kumara Sanjaya Motors SaliyaAshokapura 8.137222200 80.199722220
B. SarathNandasiri Sarath Motors Anuradhapura 8.311743353 80.330825597
W.P. Somathilake Sunil Motors Anuradhapura 8.325732525 80.386312455
S.SunithaSugath Kumara Sunitha Motors Poonewa 8.614490301 80.458100438
R.A.N.Hemarathne Suranga Motors Eppawala 8.165380649 80.391152501
K.S.T. UpaliAnanda Susara Motor Engineers & Service Anuradhapura 8.296875165 80.292321146
UdayaIndrajithGunawardhana Thamara Motors & Service Center Anuradhapura 8.343168528 80.383913219
R. UpulPriyadarshana Upul Motors Meegalawa 8.054234190 80.353692770
A.C Ariyarathna Vishada Motors Anuradhapura 8.339543390 80.411271751
A.K. BuddhikaLasanthaSomarathna Wajira Motors Saliyapura 8.381487843 80.429202318
W.G.JanakaAnura Kumara Walakumbura Motors Anuradhapura 8.295266755 80.434970409
K.A.Wasantha Wasantha Motors Giribawa 8.115933333 80.195565000

24
3.3 Questionnaire Preparation
The questionnaire was prepared to assess the knowledge, awareness, and conditions
related to wastewater generation, the effectiveness of controlling and treatment methods,
and related problems of the service dealers managed by DPMC in Anuradhapura District.
It consisted of both open and close-ended questions. Onsite observation on effluent
controlling and treatment was also done. The questionnaire was created using Google
form to make the survey easy and as no paper is used to print and gather data it is an
environmentally friendly method. It was designed to collect the information on specific
objectives, general questions, and in the specific area identified, as shown in the Table
3.2.

Table 3.2: Questions with the Scope of the Research

Scope Questions
Basic Questions  Name of the vehicle service centre
 Type of vehicle services performed in the centre
 Number of vehicle services per day
 EPL Availability
 Education level of the dealer
To assess the  What is the composition of effluent water?
knowledge regarding  Why it is required to have an EPL for the service station?
effluent wastewater  Does effluent water pH differs from the source of water, if
quality and so why?
composition.  Does your effluent water have any odour? If so why?
 Does your effluent water have Oil & grease? If so why?
 Is your effluent water discoloured or not, if so why?
 How do you rate the quality of your effluent water

 Is your effluent water different from the source of water? If

so why?
To assess the  Check the possibility of accumulation of rainwater in the oil
effectiveness of separator
effluent controlling &  Is it allowable in the EPL to accumulate rainwater in
treatment. the oil separator?
 Reasons not to follow EPL instructions
 Check the possibility of total wastewater generated by
washing the vehicle directed into the oil separator
 Is it allowable in the EPL not to direct total wastewater
generated by washing the vehicle into the oil
separator?
 Reasons not to follow EPL instructions
 Check whether oil spraying on vehicles practised at an
appropriate location or not
 Is it allowable in the EPL not to spray oil on vehicle’s
bodies practised at an appropriate location?
 Reasons not to follow EPL instructions
 Frequency of submitting effluent analysis report to the CEA
 What is done for used oil

25
  Reasons for selling for chain saw/ wood preservative/ other
collectors
Check Possible ways to pollute water and soil by waste or
oil
To assess the  What are the consequences listed below that could occur
awareness of health due to oil pollution?
and environmental  Have you ever noticed any health-related problem in your
consequences of employees?
effluent wastewater  What was the health-related problem you noticed?
 Have below mentioned safety precautions been taken
during the operation?
 Can heavy metals as Pb found in effluent water cause any
health hazard to humans or animals?
 How could heavy metals like Pb found in effluent water
cause any health hazard to humans or animals?

3.4 Survey Administration

Face to face interviews and the questionnaire were used to get information from the
DPMC service dealers. Face to face interviews was used to get extended information
outside the questionnaire. Survey administration was done from October 2018 to January
2019.

3.5 Types of Data

Primary data for the study was collected through questionnaires and interviews.

3.6 Population
The study was conducted by interviewing owners of all the service dealers in
Anuradhapura district demarcated by DPMC as described in Table 3.1. Hence there were
no sampling techniques used, as all the population was considered for the study.

3.7 Data Collection

The questionnaires were administered directly to the study population to obtain an
accurate (in-depth) data collection and comprehensive understanding. The interview was
more focused on the background information on CEA and causes that resulted from not
aligning with the EPL. Data collection was done at the service dealer workshop premises.

3.8 Data Presentation

Data gathered through the questionnaire and interview were analysed using descriptive
statistics and presented using tools such as pie charts, bar charts, histograms, tables and,
etc.

26
 CHAPTER 4
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND DISCUSSION

This chapter of the research summarizes the findings of the survey conducted as an
attempt to assess the knowledge and awareness of service station owners, managed by
DPMC in Anuradhapura district on water pollution caused by the service station effluents.
This chapter is dedicated to represent and analyse the survey data to achieve the objectives
of the study.

4.1 Data Presentation

Data presentation is based on the questionnaire which includes education qualifications,
and details related to the workshop practices.

4.1.1 Types of Vehicles Serviced

The survey was conducted to study the types of vehicles serviced by the studied service
stations in service categories. Figure 4.1 illustrates the types of vehicles service performed
by each dealer.

16%

7% Motorcycle only

Three wheeler only

77%
Motorcycle & Three wheeler

Figure 4.1: Types of Vehicles Serviced

There are three categories named motorcycles, three-wheeler, motorcycle, and three-
wheeler service dealers. According to the figure, 77% of service dealers out of forty-four
service providers were mainly responsible for servicing both motorcycles and three-
wheelers as their service type. Among all service dealers, 16% of them were responsible
for servicing only motorcycles, and the rest of the 7% of service stations serviced only
three-wheelers.

27
4.1.2 Number of Vehicle Services Conducted per Day
Fig 4.2 shows the number of vehicle services carried out by the studied service stations
per day.

100%
Percentage of Service Dealers

80%
64%
60%

40% 36%

20%

0%
Daily 0- 10 Vehicles Daily 11- 20 Vehicles

Figure 4.2: Number of Vehicle Services Conducted per Day

According to the Figure, there were 64% of service dealers conduct “0 – 10” vehicle
services and 36% of service dealers carried out “11 – 20” vehicle services per day. This
number varies widely due to several reasons such as the capacity of the dealer to perform
services (number of work bays or area allocated for the service, employee availability,
tools, and equipment availability), number of Bajaj vehicles available in the area, number
of service dealers located in the same area, and customer attraction to the dealer. Higher
the capacity of the dealer, higher the number of services per day. When the number of
Bajaj vehicles in nearby or allocated area is high, dealer tends to get more vehicles for
service. When the number of service dealers is high in the same territory or the nearby
areas it will reduce the number of services for each dealer. Customer attraction on the
dealer is mainly due to the benefits and customer care services provided by the service
dealer during the vehicle services, such as proper communication with the customer,
facilities provided (customer waiting area, separate customer toilet, TV / Radio/
Newspaper availability), the discount provided and satisfactory services performed at
periodical maintenance and servicing the vehicle.

The higher the number of services per day higher the pollution that occurs. Motorcycle
service required to drain approximately 1L of engine oil while a three wheeler drains
approximately 2L of the engine and differential oil. Oil separator should be constructed
assuming an appropriate number of vehicle services conducted per day to get the proper
function of it.

28
4.1.3 Availability of Environmental Protection License
Figure 4.3 shows the availability of EPL with the service station dealers.

7%

EPL Not Available

EPL Available

93%

Figure 4.3: Availability of Environmental Protection License

According to the above Figure, 93% of the service stations have obtained an EPL while
others have not. According to the rules and regulations, it is compulsory to obtain a valid
EPL to provide vehicle service facilities by DPMC. However, a subcategory of service
dealers which are generally called “Repair Centres” are also performing such services
without a valid EPL. But DPMC advice those to perform washing of vehicles properly so
that environmental pollution is made minimum.

Certain service dealers have obtained part “A” category of EPL prescribed by the National
environmental act, no. 47 of 1980 and some have obtained part “B” category EPL.
Monitoring activities are carried out by the CEA inspecting the industries at regular
intervals and by going through the reports on wastewater analysis, noise/ vibration
measurements, and reports on efficiency/evaluation of pollution control systems adapted
in industrial activity. The EPL holder has the legal authority for the discharge of effluents,
deposit wastes; emit smoke/ gases/ fumes/vapour, noise/vibration into the environment
within the maximum permissible levels prescribed by the CEA. If the industrialist
continues to violate the conditions legal actions would be initiated.

According to the study conducted by Al Serhan et al., (2017) on the “impact of small
garages and workshops on the employees and the people who live in Gampaha District”,
they have identified by interviewing various stakeholders that the availability of EPL is
very poor among the respondents and only 27.8% of the total respondents have obtained
the EPL from the relevant authority. The study highlighted that the most prominent reason
for not obtaining the EPL is the unawareness of the requirement.

4.1.4 Level of Education for Owners of the Service Stations Studied

Figure 4.4 shows the education level of the studied service station owners which was
obtained by directly asking the question from each service dealer.

29
 25%
Ordinary Level Completed
50% Advanced Level Completed
Not up to Ordinary Level
25%

Figure 4.4: Level of Education for Owners of the Service Stations Studied
According to the results, 50% of service dealers out of 44 have continued their school
education up to the ordinary level (O/L) examination, and 25% have completed the
advanced level (A/L) examination. The rest of the 11 service dealers (25%) have not
completed up to the O/L level. Educational qualifications are not considered in providing
the service dealer agreement by DPMC. However, the service dealer must be a mechanic
with a good motor mechanical background (having National Vocational Qualifications
(NVQ) level qualification or working as a mechanic for more than 3 years).

According to the study on “impact of small garages and workshops on the employees and
the people who live in Gampaha District” they have identified by interviewing 33 small
garages and small workshops that 36% of the respondents had attained the highest
educational level, and the 14% of respondents have given up their primary education and
25%, respondents have completed up to the O/L. This indicated that the majority of
workers in this industry have had some level of education at least to a basic level (Al
Serhan, et al., 2017).

4.1.5 Number of Responses Recorded on the Composition of Effluent Water

Figure 4.5 shows the number of responses recorded on the occurrence of different type of
pollutants in effluent water.

30
 Mentioned Not Mentioned

100%
Percentage of Service Dealers
90% 20% 0% 43% 14% 73% 100% 100%

80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
80% 100% 57% 86% 27% 0% 0%
0%
Shampoo Oil Grease Detergent Fuel Phosphate Heavy Metal

Figure 4.5: Number of Responses Recorded on the Composition of Effluent Water

The questionnaire was used to find the knowledge and the awareness of the dealers on
the occurrence of various types of pollutants in the generated wastewater. According to
the results of this study 100%, 80%, 57%, 88% and 27% of the studied service dealers
were aware that the generating effluents containing oil, shampoo, grease, detergents and
fuel respectively. However, none of them stated “Phosphate” or “Heavy Metal” as
constituents of effluent water.

According to Katiyar & Husain, (2010) metals such as iron (Fe), tin (Sn), copper (Cu),
and lead (Pb) from leaded petrol used by motorists are found in waste oil. He further
stated that Zinc arising from the additive in lubricating oils also in waste oil. Higher BOD
in wastewater is caused by the emulsified oil, free oil, and petrol that are added during
the vehicle washing (Yasinet. Al., 2012). The high concentration of COD and BOD
recorded in automobile wastewater might be due to the use of chemicals such as shampoo
and other detergents that are organic or non-organic that demand oxygen. (Akan, et al.,
2008). Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW, (2008) stated that without
knowing the impact of wastewater constituents, automobile service station pollution
could occur. Further, they stated that through the awareness of the environmental law
framework, and how the business has the potential to affect the environment, they would
be in a better position to manage the risk of the business.

4.1.6 Number of Responses on the Requirement of Obtaining EPL for a Service

Dealers
Dealers were questioned regarding the cause or reason that led them to obtain EPL for
their service stations. During the discussion, it was identified that several reasons forced
them to obtain the EPL. Figure 4.6 shows the number of responses recorded on the
requirement of obtaining EPL for service dealers.

31
 Mentioned Not Mentioned
Percentage of Service Dealers 100%
90% 100% 100% 100% 95% 98% 95% 50% 27% 0%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10% 0% 0% 0% 5% 2% 5% 50% 73% 100%
0%

Health hazards/ Illness/

Active involvement of

Involement of other
Awareness prorams of

Camplaints from
Regular visits and follow

concessionary loan

To obtain environmental

Positive attitudes towards

environmental protection
Availability of

neighbors

stakeholders
schemes

Casualities
up by CEA

NGO

license
CEA

Figure 4.6: Number of Response on the Requirement of Obtaining EPL for a Service
Dealer

According to the Figures, all service dealers stated that the “Involvement of other
stakeholders” is an influential fact to obtain EPL. “Involvement of other stakeholders”
was grouped to identify the influence from other parties except for CEA. All the service
dealers were educated by DPMC regarding the importance of obtaining valid EPL for
each service station. There are 73% of service dealers out of 44 stated that the “Positive
attitude towards environmental protection” triggered to obtaining of EPL. 50% service
dealers out of 44 stated that they obtained EPL “To obtain an environmental license”, 5%
of the service dealers out of 44 stated both “Health Hazards/ Illness/ Casualties” and
“Awareness programs of CEA” made them obtain EPL and only one dealer which is 2%
out of 44 stated “Complaints from neighbors”. None have stated the “Regular visits and
follow up by CEA”, ”Availability of concessionary loan schemes”, and “Active
involvement of non-governmental organization (NGO)” as a reason to obtain EPL.

According to the section 23A of NEA, no person shall carry out any prescribed activity
except under the authority of an EPL. The majority of respondents have received the EPL
due to the involvement of other stakeholders. It is a requirement of the DPMC for service
dealership to have a valid EPL. The availability and proper function of EPL regulation
are continuously monitored by DPMC. According to the survey results, motivation made
by CEA to obtain EPL is mentioned only by 2 service dealers and it is not a significant
influence. During the discussion with service dealers, it was highlighted that the delay in
processing documents, high cost for inspection and water analysing, and personal matters
of handling officers related to service dealers have discouraged the dealers to obtain EPL.
The legal aspect related to industrial pollution has two divisions as “General Law” and
“Special Law”. Under general low, provisions in the Municipal Council Ordinance,
Industrial Pollution Section 136 A stated as below.

32
“Any person who, within the administrative limits of a Municipal Council operates any
factory which causes “pollution” as to endanger or prejudice the health of the
neighborhood, shall be guilty of an offence”( Sri Lanka consolidated acts, 1979).
Such an act will be punished by the law, depending on the degree of pollution, by charging
a fine on the offender or “closure” of such factory.
Still, the push given by DPMC and CEA has not directly involved in motivating service
centres to obtain EPL.

4.1.7 Knowledge on Effluent Water PH Value

Assessment of the knowledge (and attitudes) on effluent water quality parameters is one
of the major objectives of this research. Figure 4.7 shows the knowledge of service station
owners on effluent water pH value.

Effluent water pH is differ than

41% source water

59% Effluent water pH is not differ than

source water

Figure 4.7: Knowledge of Service Station Owners on Effluent Water pH Value

According to the Figure 4.7, 41% of service dealers out of 44 have mentioned that effluent
water pH value is different than in the source water. The rest of the 18 service dealers out
of 44 stated that there is no pH change in effluent water compared with the source water.
Chemicals used for the daily operations could cause alteration of pH of effluent water.
According to the study done by Mazumder and Mukherjee, (2011), they have identified
that pH value of the composite sample taken from automobile wastewater is between 6.2-
6.6 which is acidic. According to Nduka and Orisakwe, (2009), high heavy metal content,
high BOD level, high electrical conductivity (EC) & low pH have been recorded in
potable water near automobile service stations. Low pH levels could lead to the
enhancement of the solubility of heavy metals. As the amount of hydrogen ions increases,
metal cations such as aluminium (Al), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and cadmium (Cd) are
released into the water and as the concentrations of heavy metals increase, their toxicity
also increase. (Fondriest Environmental, Inc., 2013). According to Rajapakse,
Shivanthan, & Selvarajah, (2016), various metals, metalloids, and minerals have been
studied as likely the etiological agents for chronic kidney disease (CKDU) of unknown
etiology. High levels of cadmium (Cd) and fluoride (F-), and complex interactions
between the ratio of dissolved sodium (Na) and calcium (Ca) in the presence of fluoride
(F-), have been hypothesized to cause Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown etiology
(CKDU) in endemic areas of Sri Lanka. There could be an unidentified cause of
automobile service station effluent leading to CKDU in North Central Province Sir Lanka.

33
The importance of knowing the effluent water quality and characteristics to control the
pollution caused by the industry. As long as the polluter has less knowledge on pH and
water acidity or alkalinity there is a high chance of pollution. Chemicals used during the
operation such as detergents, oil, grease, kerosene, petrol, wax can lead to altering the
wastewater characteristics.

4.1.8 Odour of Effluent Water Discharged from the Service Station

Odour is one of the indications of polluted water. Dealers were questioned on the presence
of any odour of effluent water they discharged from service stations. Figure 4.8 illustrates
the presence of odour in effluent water discharged from service stations.

18%

Has odor in effluent water

No odor in effluent water

82%

Figure 4.8: Odour of Effluent Water Discharged from the Service Station
According to the figure, 82% of service dealers out of 44 mentioned that there was no
odour in their effluent water. The rest of the 18% of service dealers mentioned that the
effluent water emitted a certain odour.

Emulsified oils and suspended materials are the potential problems for the sewer system
from automobile wash wastewater. Resulting suspended solids of colloidal ranges, and
fine turbidity particles often cause taste, odour, and colour in water. (Mazumder &
Mukherjee, 2011). Odour causes an unpleasant working environment for employees and
customers. Though oil is filtered from a conventional 5 pits or 3 pit oil separator, odour
causing material such as suspended solids would not be properly filtered and might be
released to the environment without undergoing proper treating at the service station. This
condition occurs when oxygen is transferred to the wastewater is limited. In the anaerobic
state, the microbes present in the wastewater have no dissolved oxygen available for
respiration which leads to microbes known as "sulfate-reducing bacteria" to thrive. These
bacteria utilize the sulfate ion (SO4-) that is naturally abundant in most waters as an
oxygen source for respiration. The by-product of this activity is hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
which causes an unpleasant odour. This by-product has low solubility in the wastewater
with a strong, offensive, rotten-egg odour. In addition to that, H2S can cause severe
corrosion problems as well. Due to its week solubility in the wastewater, it is released to
the atmosphere in areas such as wet wells, headworks, grit chambers, and primary
clarifiers (Harshman & Barnette, 2000).

34
4.1.9 Oil/ Grease in Effluent Water
All the service dealers stated that oil or grease was not available in their effluent water
after the oil separator. During the discussion had with service dealers, they stated that oil
is completely filtered by the oil separator but due to some reasons, such as in a flood
situation or when cleaning the oil separator by pumping out and emitting oil mixed water
into the bare ground, oil could pollute the environment. According to Zitte & Waadu,
(2016), motor oil is also found to contain several additional components from engine
wear, which includes iron, steel, copper, lead, zinc, barium, cadmium, sulphur, water, and
ash. Because of these contaminants, it contains, used motor oil disposal can be more
environmentally damaging than crude oil pollution. These contaminants may cause both
short-term and long-term effects if they are allowed to enter the environment. According
to Noln, Harris, Cavanaugh, (2002), hazards from used-oil contaminated water ranges
from mild symptoms of toxic compounds in the liver of organisms to complete
impairment of body functions and eventually death of the organism. According to
Boughton & Horvath, (2004), less than 45% of used engine oil is being collected
worldwide while the remaining 55% is thrown into the environment by the end user. This
oil, also called spent lubricant or engine oil, is usually obtained after servicing and
subsequently draining from automobile and generator engines.

David Pieris Motor Company (Private) Ltd has designed a practical, low cost and space
saving oil separator for their dealers to separate all the oil from vehicle washed water as
illustrated in Figure 4.9.

Figure 4.9: Oil Separator Recommend for DPMC Service Dealership

35
According to the Figure, DPMC recommended oil separator to be designed with two
manholes followed by five oil separator pits. Two manholes are there to trap sand, coming
with vehicle washed water. Sand filtered water is then directed to an oil separator to
remove oil. The final pit is recommended to be filled with coarse sand, rock chips & rock
stones in order from top to bottom. Compete removal of oil from water could be gained
from the design recommended by DPMC. Some dealers those obtained dealerships before
the provision of recommended 5 pit oil separators have 3 pits oil separator with one
manhole, but still, they have obtained the EPL.

According to the EPL issued by CEA, residual trapped oil from the oil separator must be
disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. Though they have not specified an exact
method, any method without harming the environment can be engaged. Still, as the
regulation is neither specified in the content and as not providing facilities nor proper
method, service station owners may use inappropriate and unadvisable ways to dispose
of residual oil from oil separator. Some of them have put oil scum and sand collected in
oil separator in to bear land or dumped in somewhere that water can get polluted. Though
it was not properly monitored or identified by CEA, the practice leads to environmental
pollution as such that no oil separator is used.

4.1.10 Appearance of Effluent Water Discharged from Service Stations

Effluent water appearance is a parameter for water quality. Figure 4.10 illustrates the
service dealer response to the appearance of effluent water discharged from service
stations.

34% Effluent water is not

discoloured
Effluent water is discoloured
66%

Figure 4.10: Appearance of Effluent Water Discharged from Service Stations

According to the Figure, 34% service dealers out of 44 stated that effluent water appeared
discoloured and 66% of them stated that service centre effluent water is not discoloured.
The colour of the effluent wastewater is defined by the dissolved material or suspending
particles. Shampoo and detergent get dissolved in the water while oil appear as scum and
suspending solid particles appears like mist in the water.

36
Figure 4.11: Dark Colour Effluent Water Before the Oil Separator at Service Dealership
Anuradhapura
The colour of the effluent water from the oil separator was ranged from ash to white
colour. As turbidity of the wastewater was not measured, only the visible response was
recorded. Light penetration into the water will be adversely interfered with by the oil
scum on the top of the water. According to Environment Canada, (1981), even a very
small quantity of oily substances can make water aesthetically unattractive. Oils could
form films on the surface, and some oil derived substances, such as xylenes and
ethylbenzene, which are volatile, may also give rise to odours or tastes, though they are
of low toxicity.

Detergents are surface-active agents, which tend to produce stable, copious foams in
water bodies. These foams generally form a thick and dense layer over the surface of the
water, extending over several hundreds of meters of the river water. Detergents also
contain oxygen-reducing substances that may cause severe damage to the aquatic flora
and fauna. Detergents in the water may also lead to eutrophication that alters the
appearance of water to green colour.

4.1.11 Accumulation of Rainwater into Oil Separator

According to the legislation in the EPL, the service station oil separator and vehicle
washing area should be well covered to avoid rainwater accumulation. Dealers were
questioned on any deviation observed during the site inspections. Figure 4.12 shows the
accumulation of rainwater into oil separator of the service station.

37
 23%

61% 39%

5%
2%
2% 2%
5%

Rain water does not accumulated in to oil separator

construction are on going to complete advised by CEA
has to clean the oil separator and close the lids
Didn't noticed that water accumulate
No capital to construct properly
It wasn't identified by CEA
on going constructions

Figure 4.12: Accumulation of Rainwater into Oil Separator

According to the Figure, rain water gets accumulated in to oil separator in 39% of service
stations out of 44 inspected, while there is no possibility to accumulate rainwater into oil
separators in 61% of service stations. Out of that 39% of service dealers, 23% of them
stated that they did not have enough capital to construct the oil separators properly. Two
service dealers which are 5% stated that the constructions were going on to complete as
advised by CEA and another two (5%) stated that it had not been identified by CEA. One
service dealer which is 2% stated that they had to clean the oil separator and close the lids
and another (2%) stated that they had not noticed that water had accumulated and another
stated that on-going construction in the workshop was the reason for not following the
EPL instructions. According to the EPL, rainwater should not be accumulated into the oil
separator. Though it is clearly indicated in the EPL certificate, 39% of service dealerships
have not properly followed the regulation recommended by CEA. During the discussion
had with dealers 23% of them stated that required capital to construct as per the
recommendation is not available. Some constructions were older than 10 years and
modification or reconstruction is a challenge for them. If CEA could regularly visit and
inspect the situation, service dealers would practice according to the regulations.

Rainwater is one of the main precipitations for the area with around 1368 mm annual
rainfall for Anuradhapura. If rainwater gets accumulated into the oil separator directly or
indirectly through the washing area, oil free water might get polluted by oil and other
chemicals inside the oil separator. It is a must to separate the maximum possible amount
of oil from water. Accumulation of rainwater could also lead to overflow of oil mixed
untreated water from those pits in oil separator. To avoid the accumulation of rainwater
into the oil separator, it is necessary to properly seal the oil separator top covers and to
have proper cover or roofing for the vehicle washing area.

38
4.1.12 Disposal of Generated Effluents into the Oil Separator
Water, after utilization, becomes wastewater and has to be treated before the discharge
into the environment. During the survey, service dealers were questioned and site
inspections were carried out to identify whether the generated wastewater is discharged
in to a oil separator or not. Figure 4.13 shows the results of this study.

2%

2%
80% 20%
12%
2%

2%

Total waste water generated by washing the vehicle directed in to the oil separator

Construction are on going to complete advised by CEA

No capital to construct properly

It does not a huge amount but most of the water go in to the oil seperator

Recently damaged tubes

It will be implemented soon

Figure 4.13: Disposal of Generated Effluents into the Oil Separator

As illustrated by the figure, 80% of the service dealers have directed total vehicle washed
water into the oil separator while 20% of them have not. There are 12% from all the
service stations have mentioned that they have no capital available to reconstruct the
workshop to direct total wastewater generated into the oil separator. The rest of them
stated that the constructions are going on to complete as instructed by CEA, the
wastewater generated was not a huge amount and most of the water was going in to the
oil separator, tubes had been damaged recently and to be repaired soon. Each of them had
an excuse not for following the EPL instructions.

Although the directing of all the vehicle washed water into oil separator is a regulation
imposed by CEA, 20% of the service dealers have not followed this regulation. According
to a research study on the effect of waste engine oil on the growth of three local pepper
species in Nigeria, it was concluded that the high percentages of soil pollution with waste
engine oil (3%, 6% ,and 9%), led to complete inhibition of germination and growth of
those three pepper varieties. Though with 1% of waste engine oil pollution the pepper
varieties grew, eventually they died before fruiting. It was concluded that waste engine
oil should not be indiscriminately allowed to be mixed in the soil but should be properly
disposed of away to avoid pollution (Donald, Henrietta, & Francis, 2017).
In some service stations, it was found that only a part of the vehicle washed water was
not properly directed but overflown to the land directly. Due to improper constructions,
in some cases, the washing area had been elevated than the ground level, thus the vehicle
washed water that should be directed to the oil separator was flowing on the ground.

39
4.1.13 Availability of Separately Constructed Oil Spraying Area
Automobiles are mainly made of metals that are prone to corrosion. Therefore, to avoid
that, application of oil for the undercarriage and easily corrodible areas are practiced by
the service stations. High viscosity oil is applied as a mist using compressed air,
throughout the body for three wheelers and motorcycles. The mist can travel long
distances and cause environmental pollution. Figure 4.14 shows the availability of
separately constructed oil spraying areas at service stations.

14%
2%
77% 23%
2%

3%
2%

Practice at an appropriate locaiton

construction are on going to complete advised by CEA
it does not matter as it is inside the workshop
No capital to construct properly
no proper requirement to do so as this is easy
it is easy to do it outside the washing area

Figure 4.14: Availability of Separately Constructed Oil Spraying Area

According to the figure, 77% of the service dealers out of the total of 44, have a separate
location for spraying oil on the vehicle during the service. And 23% of the service dealers
do not have a properly allocated location for the purpose and 14% of service dealers stated
as the reason for not following the EPL instructions, that they had no capital to construct
it properly. All others stated that the constructions were going on to complete the design
as instructed by CEA, or it did not matter as it was inside the workshop, or it had been
easy to do it outside the washing area.

Oil applying on vehicle surface is done to avoid rusting of vehicles. Though it was not
recommended by DPMC, dealers are practicing it expecting the customer’s attraction.
Higher viscosity clear oil is spread using air, around and under the vehicle. Spraying oil
on bare ground or open area causes oil to spread long distances and deposit on the ground,
water, and plants. The threshold value (TLV) for worker exposure to oil mist as
recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists is an
8-hour time-weighted average level of 5 mg/m3 (Suthers et al., 1986). This procedure
might apparently exceed these recommended safety values.

The requirement of having separately constructed oil spraying is to restrict the oil mist
inside a limited area so that oil would not spread in the environment. Once oil mist is
mixed with open air, it would travel several meters and may land on bare ground,
vegetation or wildlife. According to Baker, (1970), oils vary in their toxicity according to
the content of low-boiling compounds, unsaturated compounds, aromatics, and acids. The
higher the concentration of those constituents higher it was the toxicity of the oil. Once

40
the oil penetrates the plant, it may travel into intercellular spaces and the vascular system.
Cell membranes could get damaged by penetrated hydrocarbon molecules and
subsequently, it will lead to the leakage of cell contents, eventually resulting in
photosynthesis inhibition or reduction.

4.1.14 Knowledge on the Frequency of Submitting Effluent Analysis Report to the

CEA
Once the EPL is obtained, an effluent analysis report should be submitted to the CEA as
instructed by each license statement. The requirement is to identify whether the polluter
is within the permitted limit or not. Figure 4.15 shows the knowledge on frequency of
submitting effluent analysis report to the CEA.

55%

4% 96%

41%

Does not have EPL

Mentioned Wrong Frequency
Mentinoed Correct Frequency

Figure 4.15: Knowledge on the Frequency of Submitting Effluent Analysis Report to the
CEA
During the survey, the dealer was questioned about the frequency they have been
instructed to submit the effluent analysis report to CEA and the license was checked for
the accuracy of the answer. As per the figure, 96% of the service dealers had obtained
EPL but 55% of them were incorrect on the frequency of submitting effluent analysis
report to the CEA. The rest of the 41% of the service dealers have mentioned the correct
frequency as the answer.

The reason for submitting an effluent analysis report within the certified period is to check
and confirm the pollution level is within the approved level. Thereby CEA and dealer
will act accordingly, to limit the effluent as per the EPL. Once dealers have no proper
knowledge on the frequency and the importance of submitting effluent analysis report
once in six months or once a year, effluent water could exceed the approved level and
thereby cause environmental pollution.

4.1.15 Fate of the Used Oil from Service Stations

Figure 4.16 illustrates the fate of used oil from service stations. Dealers were questioned
about the way the collected waste oil is disposed of.

41
 Mentioned Not Mentioned

100%

Percentage of Service Dealers

90% 100% 100% 20% 11% 25%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10% 0% 0% 80% 89% 75%
0%
Selling/ giving Selling/ giving Selling as a Selling for other Selling for chain
for authorized for burning in a wood collectors (do saw opeartion
collectors furnance preservative not know the
usage)
Figure 4.16: Fate of the Used Oil from Service Stations.
Various kinds of oils used in vehicle service stations need to be disposed of from service
stations. Vehicle service station owners use different methods to dispose of the used oil,
generated within the premises. According to the figure, 89% of the service dealers stated
that used oil is sold by them but for which purpose they do not know. There are 75% of
the service dealers have mentioned that they used oil is sold for chainsaw machines and
80% mentioned that the sold used oil is used as a wood preservative. None of them have
mentioned that they were selling/giving to authorized collectors, selling for burning in a
furnace as an answer for the fate of the used oil.

Figure 4.17 illustrates the reasons for selling for chainsaw/ wood preservative/ other
collectors.
ECONOMICAL
BENEFIT
50 44
40
30
20
10
0
7 8
HAS TO GIVE NO
AWAY AUTHORIZED
SOMEHOW COLLECTORS

Figure 4.17: Reasons for Selling for Chainsaw/ Wood Preservative/ Other Collectors
According to the figure, 8 service dealers have mentioned that there are no authorized
collectors for oil collecting, and 7 of them mentioned that the economic benefits are the
reason and all mentioned that used oils should be given away somehow.

In all the methods mentioned above, used oil returns to the environment as no proper
environmentally friendly method is there to dispose of them. The modern chainsaw’s
“total loss lubricating system” releases the oil from the bar tip once it has travelled around
42
the bar a few times, and the atomized oil particles cling to the sawdust or spray over the
work area. When a chain saw is used, virtually all of the lubricant ends up in the
environment. Although there are recommended and formulated oil for the task, in Sri
Lanka, as the used engine oil is readily available at a cheap cost, people use those drained
off engine oil for the chainsaw. Ultimately used engine oil collected from all the possible
methods enter into the environment at this end. (Olaniran et al., 2010)

4.1.16 Possible Ways of Polluting Water and Soil by Waste or Oil

Figure 4.18 illustrates the possible ways of polluting water and soil by waste or oil,
generated from service stations.
Noticed Not Noticed

100%
Percentage of Service Dealers

90% 18% 43% 84% 27%

80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10% 82% 57% 16% 73%
0%
Improper waste

Oil drop on the

Noticeable clue for

separator dump on
used oil mix with

Waste from oil

disposal

ground
ground
water

Figure 4.18: Possible Ways of Polluting Water and Soil by Waste or Oil

According to the figure, there are 18% of service dealers where water or soil does not get
polluted. There are 57% of service dealer premises had improper waste disposal that could
lead to mixing of water with used oil and oil drops on the ground could be seen in 73%
of the service dealers while 16% of the service dealers had dumped waste from the oil
separator on to the ground.

As advised by Central Environmental Authority, (2001), used oil should not be mixed
with water such as rainwater and other water sources. Further, several steps have been
suggested to mitigate the pollution arising from the used oil.

 Use a properly cemented and covered area to carry out work where there is a
possibility of oil leaks; e.g. Dismantling and servicing of engines, removal, and
cleaning of filters.
 Prevent oil spillage on the floor using collecting trays.
 Store collected waste oil in impermeable vessels E.g. Plastic/Metal can with lid.
 Wipe oil spills on the floor with pieces of cloth (e.g. Waste pieces of cloth, cotton
wastes from garment factories); sometimes sawdust is used to absorb oil spills.
 Dispose of appropriately: The oily rags or sawdust is used to mop out oil spills.
 Appropriately dispose the collected waste oil.

43
Spilling of oil on work bays could be seen on 73% of the service dealers out of 44 during
the inspection. Spilled oil then be washed off or wiped by cotton waste and the resulting
washed water will be directly exposed to soil and thereby oil is mixed with water during
the rainy season. Some dealers have disposed of their waste inappropriately into the
environment. Those oil wiped cotton waste also is a part of the waste and exposure to rain
would cause oil contamination in water sources.

4.1.17 Awareness of the Consequences of Oil Pollution

Figure 4.19 illustrates the awareness of the consequences of oil pollution. Service dealers
were questioned about the possible consequences to the environment causes by oil
pollution and data recorded.
Mentioned Not Mentioned

100%
Percentage of Srevice Dealers

90% 98% 98% 73% 16% 0%

80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10% 2% 2% 27% 84% 100%
0%
Prevents Disrupts the food Destroy wildlife Alter the soil Harm animals
photosynthesis chain habitat and chemistry and insects
in plants breeding
grounds

Figure 4.19: Awareness of the Consequences of Oil Pollution.

According to the figure, all the service dealers (100%) mentioned that they were aware
of the fact that oil pollution causes harm to animals and insects and 84% have mentioned
that oil pollution causes alterations in soil chemistry. There are 27% of the service dealers
have mentioned that oil pollution causes deterioration of wildlife habitats and breeding
grounds. Among 44 service dealers, 2% of the service dealers have mentioned that the
disruption of the food chain could occur due to oil pollution and another 2% stated that
oil pollution results in inhibition of photosynthesis in plants.

According to Ormseth and Ben-David, (2000), toxicity pathways in different species are
myriad and some examples may include ingestion of oil, accumulation of contaminants
in tissues, DNA damage, impacts to immune functioning, cardiac dysfunction, mass
mortality of eggs and larvae, e.g., in fish, loss of buoyancy and insulation for birds, and
inhalation of vapours. Each species will differ in its response to an oil related event
because of its morphological and physiological traits, which are dictated by underlying
genetic differences. Though all the service dealers have mentioned the ‘harms on animal
& insects’ as consequences of oil pollution, they did not have a proper understanding of
the specific damages to flora, fauna, and food chain.

According to Hungerford and Volk, (1990), it is asserted that an individual possessing

more knowledge on the environment would be more aware and would adopt a more

44
favourable attitude towards conserving. Automobile service station owners and other
employees have less knowledge on environmental related matters. Most of them have not
studied up to A/L and have little knowledge of pollution caused by automobile service
stations. Stakeholders such as CEA or training centres who provide training on
mechanical aspects do not actively engage in providing training on the environmental
pollution in the industry either.

4.1.18 Health Related Problems Noticed by Service Dealers

According to the response given by service dealers, only two dealers have noticed adverse
health related problems such as wounds on legs that last for an extending time with the
employees working at the washing bay.

Though they have barely noticed, several ways could affect worker’s health. According
to Brosseau, (2012) automobile service station workers are usually exposed to several
chemical and physical hazards. Chemical hazards are volatile compounds from fuel, used
gasoline oils, solvents, and paints, isocyanates and chromium from paint operations, dust
and silica exposure from sanding and sandblasting. Physical hazards are noise, fire, and
explosion, flying objects, dust from cutting tools, soil, and grease spills. These hazards
could cause adverse health effects on workers such as respiratory ailments, eye injuries,
hearing loss, acute injuries, backache, and musculoskeletal disorders (Brosseau, 2012)

4.1.19 Safety Precautions Taken During the Operation

Figure 4.20 illustrates the safety precautions taken during the operation.
Utilize Not Utilize

100%
90% 82% 39% 27% 98% 93%
Percentage of Service Dealers

80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10% 18% 61% 73% 2% 7%
0%
Gloves Safety shoes Overalls Masks Use any safety
precautions

Figure 4.20: Safety Precautions Taken During the Operation

According to the figure, 18% of the service dealers are using gloves, while 61% of the
service dealers are using safety shoes. 73% of the service dealers use overalls as a
precaution and only 2% uses masks during their practices. 7% of the service dealers are
not using any precautions mentioned above.
Central Environmental Authority, (2001) has stated the importance of occupational health
and safety as mentioned below:

45
“It is important that the work environment is properly maintained. Workforce education
is vital of this purpose. The benefits of this type of an approach would result in overall
positive environmental management by the system concerned”
They further suggested simple guidelines to make the workforce aware and practice a
healthy environment as mentioned below:

 Avoid all unnecessary contacts with oil, and always use protective equipment, e.g.
gloves
 Remove quickly any petroleum product that gets on the skin.
 Do not use gasoline, naphtha, kerosene, turpentine, or similar solvent to remove oil
and grease from the skin. Use waterless hand cleaner or a mild soap with warm water
and a soft brush.
 Use only clean towels, not dirty rags.
 Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Launder or dry-clean it thoroughly
before reuse. Wash hands and arms at the end of the working day and before taking
meals.
 Get first aid for every cut and scratch. Have a first aid box available at every place.
 Avoid breathing oil mist or solvent vapour.
 Keep the work area clean.
 Clean up spilled petroleum products immediately. Keep them out of streams, and
waterways.

Some chemicals including oil, may enter the body through the skin, be carried by the
bloodstream to different organs, and may cause or contribute to a health problem
somewhere else in the body, the result of which is called a systemic health problem.
Systemic health problems can affect either a specific organ (liver, kidney, or bladder) or
an entire body system (immune system, nervous system, respiratory system, or
reproductive system (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2011)
Especially vehicle washing and oil spraying employees should have proper knowledge
on the consequences of not using proper safety precautions such as masks, gloves, and
boots. But only one service dealer has insisted on using masks by their employees. The
result may be due to a lack of knowledge and not having the capital to obtain necessary
safety equipment.

According to Okafoagu et al., (2017), employees in petrol stations, Sokoto State, Nigeria
found the importance of adapting to workplace safety practices, the need for employers
in this sector to identify workplace hazards, adapting safety measures to curb them,
training new employees and retraining staff on safety measures, and providing personal
protective equipment (PPE) for daily use.

According to the theory of Reasoned Action of Fishbin and Ajzen, (1975), behaviour of
an individual is based on the outcomes the individual expects as a result of performing
the behaviour. Based on that theory, the reason for not properly using appropriate safety
measures during operation can be the outcome of not knowing the impact of hazards in
the operation. Lack of training, experience, and knowledge on such adverse effects of not
using appropriate PPE is the root cause for the unacceptable practice of service station
workers.

46
4.1.20 Knowledge Regarding Health Hazards Occurred due to Heavy Metals
All the service dealers have mentioned that heavy metal causes adverse health effects in
both humans and animals. During the discussion had with dealers, the source of the
information regarding the heavy metals and their consequences was revealed to be
obtained through mass media such as television, newspapers, and also by special
programmes conducted on kidney diseases by some government agencies.

Though they were aware of the health hazards of heavy metals, the discussion revealed
that their daily operation could lead to lead (Pb) contamination by handling batteries and
painting. According to Oluwagbemi, (2007), there have been reported cases of lead (Pb)
poisoning and deaths from ingestion and inhalation of gasoline among mechanics.
Automobile service station workers were reported to suck petrol and use it to wash hands
which might lead to absorption of tetraethyl lead (Pb) through the mucosa. Also inorganic
lead (Pb) from exhaust fumes, may lead to elevated blood levels.

Although all the service dealers mentioned heavy metal could lead to adverse health
effects, it was found during the interview, that their practices related to lead acid batteries
have a high potential to cause lead poisoning in their employees. Employees of service
stations drain lead acid batteries after putting hot water inside the battery cells to dissolve
the sulphate, in order to enhance the battery life. Drained acid directly drop onto the bare
ground and hands usually in contact with the solution. This is a dangerous practice for the
environment and also for employees, as lead contamination can occur. During this
practice, no personal safety equipment such proper rubber gloves were being used. This
malpractice is occurred owing to the lack of knowledge of the employees and also the
poor attitude on personal safety.

47
 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION, LIMITATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusions
This study assessed the knowledge and awareness of service station owners of DPMC in
Anuradhapura district on water Pollution caused by the service station effluents.
The overall results of the study revealed that the knowledge and awareness of the service
station owners are poor about the content they were evaluated. The practices of the service
dealers also showed widespread patterns which have fewer environmental concerns
thereby less effectiveness. The service station owners are practicing off the
recommendations of the EPL.

These research findings will be important in the practical level of the automobile industry
as the knowledge and practice should be enhanced with the legislation of the industry.
Issuing an environmental license was established to safeguard the environment from
some pre-defined industries. Still, due to lack of knowledge, infrastructure and capital
cause deviation from the objective outcomes in reality.

Still, the correlation of knowledge and awareness with practice should be found by further
studies to identify the correlation of those two aspects. Research should be done based on
individual interviews to identify the clear reasons for each practice and its deviation. From
the management perspective, the data could be used to identify the points of deviation of
practices and training should be given to enhance the alignment to the environmental
policy of the industry. The central environmental authority could use the gathered data
to identify the ways to legislation improvement to avoid and minimize environmental
pollution.

During the discussions conducted with the owners of the service stations, it was revealed
that the deviations of the practices could occur due to shortcomings of the central
environment authority such as less human and physical resources availability, less
transparency and time-consuming system practices. Elimination of those shortcomings
could enhance the process’s smoothness and thereby achieve better environmental
protection.

5.2 Limitations
Due to the nature of the study and the fact that the survey conducted in this study was
based on largely qualitative research methods, there are some limitations identified of the
research study. The survey of this study did not yield statistically significant results but
rather led to diverse case studies from which to conclude.
 The Researcher
The Researcher with a pre-determined mind-set could lead to skew the
information as he may look at the questions from a biased perspective since he
observes specific information. He may not get enough numerical information or
may not allow for the participant to give other relevant information.
 Population size
The number of studied automobile service stations were 44 in this study. A larger
sample derives a more precise, valid, and reliable outcome for the conclusion.

48
  Lack of reliable data
Reliable data are required to enhance the outcome of the study. Automobile
service station owners may have provided less accurate data for the questionnaire
provided. The research outcome could have been affected by the incorrect or
inappropriate data provided.

 Lack of prior research studies on the topic

There are no similar researches done in this context in Sri Lanka, and due to this
reason, supporting prior research studies and data could not be obtained. If prior
research on the same scope had been available, this study could have been
supported more to obtain a better outcome.

 Measures used to collect data

In this study, the data collection was done by a questionnaire and discussions with
service station owners, and field investigations. As there was no quantitative
analysis of chemical composition or pollution parameters, the research scope was
limited. The outcome of the study could have been enhanced by including
measurements of independent data rather than dependent data.

5.3 Recommendation
Considering the details and situation, the following recommendations are provided.
 Alter legislation restrictions
To improve the weight of the legislation, a penalty on pollution should be stated
for those who violate the conditions in the Central environmental authority
legislations. Through this means, the polluter has to pay more if they violate the
conditions and the same should be performed inverse as for those who obey the
rules and regulations that they would receive subsidies. Environmental pollution
will be so realistic for the polluter with this monitory value assigned to the offense
accordingly.

 System change to replace manual handling with computer automation

Forms and practices that are currently handled manually could be facilitated to be
operated through electronic and computer systems thereby enhancing the
effectiveness and efficiency of individual employees.
Ex: water analysis report data can be integrated into computer systems and thereby
polluter gets a notification to pay for the certificate if effluents are within the limits
or to submit another application for the analysis if effluents are beyond the limits.

 Enrich the working resources of Central Environment Authority

Resources of both physical and human need to be enhanced so that it would lead
to the better performance of central environmental authority. Field officers for
inspections and guidance, lab technicians for analysis, and physical resources,
vehicles, computers, and lab facilities need to be upgraded and increased in terms
of the number.

 Knowledge enhancement through continuous onsite training

By providing proper guidance and time to time training and inspection visits to
the service stations would enhance the knowledge of the polluters and thereby
achieve the objectives of the EPL. Building good attitudes could be achieved
through continuous follow-up of Central environmental authority.

49
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Appendix A : Terms and conditions of warranty for Bajaj Motorcycles

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57
58
Terms and conditions of warranty for Bajaj Three Wheelers

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60
61
Appendix B : Bajaj vehicle model vs oil grade and oil quantity
Model Oil Grade Refill Qty
Avenger Street
150 SAE 20W 50 of API SJ + JASO MA 1000ml
V 15 SAE 20W 50 of API SL + JASO MA 1000ml
CT 100 SAE 10W 30 of API SL + JASO MA 1000ml
Boxer S SAE 10W 30 of API SL + JASO MA 1000ml
Platina SAE 10W 30 of API SL + JASO MA 1000ml
Discover 100 SAE 10W 30 of API SL + JASO MA 1000ml
Discover 100 M SAE 10W 30 of API SL + JASO MA 1000ml
Discover 125 SAE 20W 50 of API SL + JASO MA 1000ml
Discover 125 M SAE 20W 50 of API SL + JASO MA 1000ml
Discover 125 ST SAE 20W 50 of API SL + JASO MA 1000ml
Discover 135 SAE 20W 40 of API SG + JASO MA 1000ml
Discover 150 SAE 20W 50 of API SJ + JASO MA 1000ml
Discover 150 F SAE 20W 50 of API SL + JASO MA 1000ml
Platina 100 ES/KS SAE 10W 30 of API SL + JASO MA 1000ml
Platina 125 SAE 20W 40 of API SL + JASO MA 1000ml
Pulsar 135 SAE 20W 50 of API SL + JASO MA 1000ml
Pulsar 150 SAE 20W 50 of API SJ/SL + JASO MA 1000ml
Pulsar 150 NS SAE 20W 50 of API SL + JASO MA 1200ml
Pulsar 180 SAE 20W 50 of API SJ/SL + JASO MA 1000ml
Pulsar 200 SAE 20W 50 of API SJ + JASO MA 1150ml
Pulsar 200 NS SAE 20W 50 of API SL + JASO MA 1200ml
Pulsar 200 RS SAE 20W 50 of API SL + JASO MA 1200ml
Pulsar 220 SAE 20W 50 of API SJ/SL + JASO MA 1150ml
Pulsar 150 AS SAE 20W 50 of API SL + JASO MA 1200ml
XCD 125 SAE 20W 40 of API SJ + JASO MA 1000ml
XCD 135 SAE 20W 40 of API SJ + JASO MA 1000ml
Dominar 400 SAE 10W 50 of API SL + JASO MA2 1500ml
Pulsar 160 NS SAE 20W 50 of API SL + JASO MA 1350ml
Engine - 1500ml /OH
1800 ml
4S 3W 175 CC SAE 20W 50 of API SL + JASO MA Differential - 250ml
Engine - 2000ml /OH
2200ml
4S 3W RE 205 SAE 20W 50 of API SL + JASO MA Differential - 250ml
Engine - 1650ml /HO
2200ml
4S 3W RE FL SAE 20W 50 of API SL + JASO MA Differential - 320ml
Engine- SAE 15W 40 of API CH4 Engine- 1450ml
Gear Box/Differential - SAE 20W 40 of API Gear Box- 410ml
RE Maxima CC Differential - 280ml

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Appendix C : Check list of vehicle service

Bajaj motor cycle check list

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Bajaj there wheeler check list

64