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El-Sherif DM, Abouzid M, Saber AN, Hassan GK. A raising alarm on the current global electronic waste situation through bibliometric analysis, life cycle, and techno-economic assessment: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:40778-40794. [PMID: 38819510 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33839-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Electronic waste (E-waste) production worldwide is increasing three times faster than the growth of the global population, and it is predicted that the total volume of E-waste will reach 74 million tonnes by 2030. United Nations warned that unless emissions of heat-trapping gases are drastically reduced, humanity will face catastrophic climate change. We created a bibliometric analysis and discussed the life cycle and techno-economic assessments of the current E-waste situation. We found trending E-waste topics, particularly those related to industrial facilities implementing a circular economy framework and improving the recycling methods of lithium-ion batteries, and this was linked to the topic of electric vehicles. Other research themes included bioleaching, hydrometallurgy, reverse logistics, heavy metal life cycle assessment, and sustainability. These topics can interest industrial factories and scientists interested in these fields. Also, throughout techno-economic assessments, we highlighted several economic and investment opportunities to benefit stakeholders from E-waste recycling. While the rate of E-waste is increasing, consumer education on the proper E-waste management strategies, a collaboration between international organizations with the industrial sector, and legislation of robust E-waste regulations may reduce the harmful effect on humans and the environment and increase the income to flourish national economies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina M El-Sherif
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Abouzid
- Department of Physical Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3 St, 60-806, Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ayman N Saber
- Department of Pesticide Residues and Environmental Pollution, Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Gamal K Hassan
- Water Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, 33 Behooth St, P.O. Box 12622, Giza, Dokki, Egypt
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Acosta-Santoyo G, Treviño-Reséndez J, Robles I, Godínez LA, García-Espinoza JD. A review on recent environmental electrochemistry approaches for the consolidation of a circular economy model. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 346:140573. [PMID: 38303389 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Availability of raw materials in the chemical industry is related to the selection of the chemical processes in which they are used as well as to the efficiency, cost, and eventual evolution to more competitive dynamics of transformation technologies. In general terms however, any chemically transforming technology starts with the extraction, purification, design, manufacture, use, and disposal of materials. It is important to create a new paradigm towards green chemistry, sustainability, and circular economy in the chemical sciences that help to better employ, reuse, and recycle the materials used in every aspect of modern life. Electrochemistry is a growing field of knowledge that can help with these issues to reduce solid waste and the impact of chemical processes on the environment. Several electrochemical studies in the last decades have benefited the recovery of important chemical compounds and elements through electrodeposition, electrowinning, electrocoagulation, electrodialysis, and other processes. The use of living organisms and microorganisms using an electrochemical perspective (known as bioelectrochemistry), is also calling attention to "mining", through plants and microorganisms, essential chemical elements. New process design or the optimization of the current technologies is a major necessity to enhance production and minimize the use of raw materials along with less generation of wastes and secondary by-products. In this context, this contribution aims to show an up-to-date scenario of both environmental electrochemical and bioelectrochemical processes for the extraction, use, recovery and recycling of materials in a circular economy model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Acosta-Santoyo
- Centro de Investigación en Química para la Economía Circular, CIQEC. Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de Las Campanas, SN, Querétaro, Querétaro, 76010, Mexico
| | - José Treviño-Reséndez
- Centro de Investigación en Química para la Economía Circular, CIQEC. Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de Las Campanas, SN, Querétaro, Querétaro, 76010, Mexico
| | - Irma Robles
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico en Electroquímica S.C., Parque Tecnológico Querétaro, Sanfandila, 76703, Pedro Escobedo, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Luis A Godínez
- Centro de Investigación en Química para la Economía Circular, CIQEC. Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de Las Campanas, SN, Querétaro, Querétaro, 76010, Mexico
| | - Josué D García-Espinoza
- Centro de Investigación en Química para la Economía Circular, CIQEC. Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de Las Campanas, SN, Querétaro, Querétaro, 76010, Mexico.
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Njoku A, Agbalenyo M, Laude J, Ajibola TF, Attah MA, Sarko SB. Environmental Injustice and Electronic Waste in Ghana: Challenges and Recommendations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 21:25. [PMID: 38248490 PMCID: PMC10815197 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Electronic waste (e-waste) or discarded electronic devices that are unwanted, not working, or have reached their end of life pose significant threats to human and environmental health. This is a major concern in Africa, where the majority of e-waste is discarded. In the year 2021, an estimated 57.4 million metric tons of e-waste were generated worldwide. Globally, COVID-19 lockdowns have contributed to increased e-waste generation. Although Africa generates the least of this waste, the continent has been the dumping ground for e-waste from the developed world. The flow of hazardous waste from the prosperous 'Global North' to the impoverished 'Global South' is termed "toxic colonialism". Agbogbloshie, Ghana, an e-waste hub where about 39% of e-waste was treated, was listed among the top 10 most polluted places in the world. The discard of e-waste in Ghana presents an issue of environmental injustice, defined as the disproportionate exposure of communities of color and low-income communities to pollution, its associated health and environmental effects, and the unequal environmental protection provided through policies. Despite the economic benefits of e-waste, many civilians (low-income earners, settlers, children, and people with minimal education) are exposed to negative health effects due to poverty, lack of education, and weak regulations. We critically examine the existing literature to gather empirical information on e-waste and environmental injustice. Comprehensive policies and regulations are needed to manage e-waste locally and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuli Njoku
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT 06515, USA;
| | - Martin Agbalenyo
- Southwestern AHEC, Inc., 5 Research Drive, Shelton, CT 06484, USA;
| | - Janaya Laude
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT 06515, USA;
| | - Taiwo Folake Ajibola
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA;
| | - Mavis Asiwome Attah
- Department of Environmental Health and Sanitation, Akuapem North Municipal Assembly, Akropong-Akuapem P.O. Box 100, Ghana;
| | - Samuel Bruce Sarko
- Department of International Development, Presbyterian University, Akropong-Akuapem P.O. Box 393, Ghana;
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Han J, He S, Shao W, Wang C, Qiao L, Zhang J, Yang L. Municipal solid waste, an overlooked route of transmission for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2022; 21:81-95. [PMID: 36124224 PMCID: PMC9476438 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-022-01512-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Municipal solid waste could potentially transmit human pathogens during the collection, transport, handling, and disposal of waste. Workers and residents living in the vicinity of municipal solid waste collection or disposal sites are particularly susceptible, especially unprotected workers and waste pickers. Recent evidence suggests that municipal solid waste-mediated transmission can spread the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to humans. Such risks, however, have received little attention from public health authorities so far and may present an under-investigated transmission route for SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious agents during pandemics. In this review, we provide a retrospective analysis of the challenges, practices, and policies on municipal solid waste management during the current pandemic, and scrutinize the recent case reports on the municipal solid waste-mediated transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We found abrupt changes in quantity and composition of municipal solid wastes during the COVID-19. We detail pathways of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens carried on municipal solid wastes. We disclose evidence of pathogenic transmission by municipal solid waste to humans and animals. Assessments of current policies, gaps, and voluntary actions taken on municipal solid waste handling and disposal in the current pandemic are presented. We propose risk mitigation strategies and research priorities to alleviate the risk for humans and vectors exposed to municipal solid wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Han
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shanshan He
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenyuan Shao
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaoqi Wang
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Longkai Qiao
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Yang
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111 Australia
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Priyashantha AKH, Pratheesh N, Pretheeba P. E-waste scenario in South-Asia: an emerging risk to environment and public health. Environ Anal Health Toxicol 2022; 37:e2022022-0. [PMID: 36262066 PMCID: PMC9582420 DOI: 10.5620/eaht.2022022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, e-waste generation has been accelerated in the world as never before, particularly South-Asia is confronted with an enormous risk of e-waste intensification owing to both locally generated and internationally imported. There has been a gradual increase of e-waste generated in South-Asia and in 2019, 4,057 Kilo tons (kt) of e-waste was generated, which is about 16% of the Asian region. Though there is an urgent requirement to rectify the catastrophic accumulation of e-waste and for its effective eco-friendly management, inadequate legal implementation and poor enforcement, lack of awareness, weak formal e-waste collection and recycling process allow for escalating problems associated with e-waste, particularly towards the environmental and public health concern. Under these circumstances, this paper has been written by reviewing the available research findings, since 2000 to find out the current scenario of South-Asia. Unfortunately, the problem is also not seen as a hot topic to address by the researchers, there are only 106 research studies conducted in South-Asia. Out of that, a considerable number of studies were conducted only in India (54%), Bangladesh (23%), and Pakistan (16%). Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan shared the rest. As a matter of fact, many more studies are needed on environmental and human health effects, legal implementations, awareness and novel managerial strategies etc. to assist policymakers and other relevant authorities in making their decisions. Similarly, rather than facing threats alone, fighting against as a region would be ideal, which also helps to restrict intra movement of e-waste among the South-Asian countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nidyanandan Pratheesh
- Department of Multidisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Technology, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, Vantharumoolai, Chenkalady,
Sri Lanka
| | - Pratheesh Pretheeba
- Department of Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, Vantharumoolai, Chenkalady,
Sri Lanka
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Konduracka E, Rostoff P. Links between chronic exposure to outdoor air pollution and cardiovascular diseases: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2022; 20:2971-2988. [PMID: 35496466 PMCID: PMC9036845 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-022-01450-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Acute exposure to air pollution is associated with an increasing risk of death and cardiovascular disorders. Nonetheless, the impact of chronic exposure to air pollution on the circulatory system is still debated. Here, we review the links of chronic exposure to outdoor air pollution with mortality and most common cardiovascular diseases, in particular during the coronavirus disease 2019 event (COVID-19). We found that recent studies provide robust evidence for a causal effect of chronic exposure to air pollution and cardiovascular mortality. In terms of mortality, the strongest relationship was noted for fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. There is also increasing evidence showing that exposure to air pollution, mainly fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, is associated with the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke, and heart failure. However, available scientific evidence is not strong enough to support associations with cardiac arrhythmias and coagulation disturbances. Noteworthy, for some pollutants, the risk of negative health effects is high for concentrations lower than the limit values recommended by the European Union and Word Health Organization. Efforts to diminish exposure to air pollution and to design optimal methods of air pollution reduction should be urgently intensified and supported by effective legislation and interdisciplinary cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Konduracka
- Department of Coronary Disease and Heart Failure, Jagiellonian University Medical College, John Paul II Hospital, Prądnicka 80, 31-202 Kraków, Poland
| | - Paweł Rostoff
- Department of Coronary Disease and Heart Failure, Jagiellonian University Medical College, John Paul II Hospital, Prądnicka 80, 31-202 Kraków, Poland
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