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Liao G, Wang F, Lu S, Yu YHK, Arrandale VH, Chan AHS, Tse LA. Assessing Neurobehavioral Alterations Among E-waste Recycling Workers in Hong Kong. Saf Health Work 2024; 15:9-16. [PMID: 38496288 PMCID: PMC10944145 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background E-waste workers in Hong Kong are handling an unprecedented amount of e-waste, which contains various neurotoxic chemicals. However, no study has been conducted to evaluate the neurological health status of e-waste workers in Hong Kong. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of neurobehavioral alterations and to identify the vulnerable groups among Hong Kong e-waste workers. Methods We recruited 109 Hong Kong e-waste workers from June 2021 to September 2022. Participants completed standard questionnaires and wore a GENEActiv accelerometer for seven days. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Questionnaire 16/18 (Q16/18) were used to assess subjective neurobehavioral alterations. The GENEActiv data generated objective sleep and circadian rhythm variables. Workers were grouped based on job designation and entity type according to the presumed hazardous level. Unconditional logistic regression models measured the associations of occupational characteristics with neurobehavioral alterations after adjusting for confounders. Results While dismantlers/repairers and the workers in entities not funded by the government were more likely to suffer from neurotoxic symptoms in Q18 (adjusted odds ratio: 3.18 [1.18-9.39] and 2.77 [1.10-7.46], respectively), the workers from self-sustained recycling facilities also have poor performances in circadian rhythm. Results also showed that the dismantlers/repairers working in entities not funded by the government had the highest risk of neurotoxic symptoms compared to the lowest-risk group (i.e., workers in government-funded companies with other job designations). Conclusion This timely and valuable study emphasizes the importance of improving the working conditions for high-risk e-waste workers, especially the dismantlers or repairers working in facilities not funded by the government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengze Liao
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Feng Wang
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shaoyou Lu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | | | | | - Alan Hoi-shou Chan
- Department of Systems Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lap Ah Tse
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Space and Earth Information Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The CUHK Centre for Public Health and Primary Care (Shenzhen) & Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Health Risk Analysis, Shenzhen Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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Kumari H, Yadav S. A comparative study on metal pollution from surface dust of informal and formal e-waste recycling sectors in national capital region of New Delhi and associated risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166791. [PMID: 37678522 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166791] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) is considered as resource and secondary source of metals, and is being recycled for recovery of precious and base metals. But the processes of recycling and the waste generated during e-waste recycling in informal and formal sectors contribute toxic metals in to the environment. This work aimed to compare the environmental and health impacts of informal and formal e-waste recycling facilities at New Delhi and Bhiwadi Industrial area in India, respectively. Here, concentrations of Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, V, Zn, and Ag, and As in surface dust collected from informal and formal recycling sectors and their associated pollution, human health and ecological risk are presented. Metal concentrations were higher than the background levels in both sectors. Contamination factor (Cf), contamination degree (Cdeg), pollution load index (PLI), geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EnF) of metals indicated severe pollution levels in both sectors. However, contamination in informal sector was comparatively higher than the formal sector. Sampling sites in both sectors had very high ecological risk. Storage, dismantling/shredding and recycling techniques were contributors of metals in surface dust in formal sector whereas fumes deposition, re-suspension, and dried by-products during acid bath treatments were additional sources in informal sector. Metal pollution depends on metal(s), e-waste type(s) and recycling sector(s). Total non-carcinogenic health risk due to metals was 6.5E+00 and 6.0E+01 and 6.2E+00 and 5.5E+01 in adult and children in informal and formal sectors, respectively. Total carcinogenic risk was 3.3E-03 and 7.2E-03 in informal and formal sectors, respectively. Ingestion was major pathways of metals followed by dermal and inhalation and children were more prone to risk compared to adults. Formal sectors too cause metal pollution but to lesser degree compared to informal. More effective pollution control measures are required in formal sector to control environmental pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Kumari
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Sudesh Yadav
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
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Shi LL, Hang JG, Lou J, Dong JJ, Feng H, Wang Z, Shen B, Nakayama SF, Kido T, Ma C, Sun XL, Jung CR. Multiple exposures to heavy metals and changes in steroid hormones production in 4-year-old children. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:865-873. [PMID: 36973528 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00539-9] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to multiple heavy metals can interfere with early neurodevelopment, lead to changes in sex hormone concentrations in children, and affect female reproductive health. To date, the influence of prenatal exposure to heavy metals on the endocrine system of children in Chinese electronic waste (e-waste) recycling areas has not been elucidated. METHODS Four weeks after delivery, 10 mL of human milk was collected for analysis of three heavy metals (lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg)) via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Four serum steroid hormones, including progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione (A-dione), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), were analyzed in 4-year-old children (25 boys and 17 girls). A multiple linear regression (MLR) model was implemented to investigate the association between each individual metal and serum steroid hormone. The exposure-response relationships were explored by generalized additive models (GAMs). Additionally, a Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model was used to assess the effects of multiple heavy metal exposures on each steroid hormone. RESULTS The MLR results show a significant positive association between a natural log unit increase in Hg and DHEA levels after adjusting for confounders (β = 65.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.37, 126.62). According to the GAM, the univariate exposure-response relationship of Hg on DHEA was almost linear. However, this association was attenuated based on the multiple metal MLR and BKMR results after accounting for multiple heavy metal exposures. SIGNIFICANCE Prenatal Hg exposure may affect sex hormones in children by affecting DHEA levels. IMPACT STATEMENT Prenatal maternal exposure to Hg may have long-term effects on the next generation. Hence, regulatory measures to reduce Hg exposure and long-term monitoring of children's health in e-waste areas are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li Shi
- School of Medicine, and Huzhou Key Laboratory for Precise Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
- School of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jin Guo Hang
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Jianlin Lou
- School of Medicine, and Huzhou Key Laboratory for Precise Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
| | | | - Hao Feng
- School of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- School of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Bin Shen
- School of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Shoji F Nakayama
- Japan Environment and Children's Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Teruhiko Kido
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Chaochen Ma
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Xian Liang Sun
- School of Medicine, and Huzhou Key Laboratory for Precise Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Huzhou University, Huzhou, China.
- School of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
| | - Chau-Ren Jung
- Japan Environment and Children's Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan.
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Dutta D, Rautela R, Gujjala LKS, Kundu D, Sharma P, Tembhare M, Kumar S. A review on recovery processes of metals from E-waste: A green perspective. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160391. [PMID: 36423849 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
E-waste management has become a global concern because of the enormous rise in the rate of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment's (EEEs). Disposal of waste EEE directly into the environment leads to adverse effects on the environment as well as on human health. For the management of E-waste, numerous studies have been carried out for extracting metals (base, precious, and rare earth) following pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and biometallurgy. Irrespective of the advantages of these processes, certain limitations still exist with each of these options in terms of their adoption as treatment techniques. Several journal publications regarding the different processes have been made which aids in future research in the field of E-waste management. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the various metal recovery processes (pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and biometallurgy) from E-waste, along with their advantages and limitations. A bibliometric study based on the published articles using different keywords in Scopus has been provided for a complete idea about E-waste with green technology perspective like bioleaching, biosorption, etc. The present study also focussed on the circular economic approach towards sustainable E-waste management along with its socio-economic aspects and the economic growth of the country. The present study would provide valuable knowledge in understanding E-waste and its different treatment processes to the students, researchers, industrialists, and policymakers of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deblina Dutta
- Department of Environmental Science, SRM University- AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh 522 240
| | - Rahul Rautela
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440 020, Maharashtra, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Lohit Kumar Srinivas Gujjala
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440 020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Debajyoti Kundu
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440 020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pooja Sharma
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440 020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mamta Tembhare
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440 020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440 020, Maharashtra, India.
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Borthakur A. Design, adoption and implementation of electronic waste policies in India. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:8672-8681. [PMID: 35141823 PMCID: PMC9898491 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-18836-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Globally, E-waste is experiencing an unprecedented growth in the recent years. This growth will be fueled further by the COVID-19 pandemic owing to the new work culture where people are becoming more dependent on their electronic products than ever before. However, governance of E-waste, particularly in the Global South, has been a complex phenomenon. Considering this, the current study attempted to assess the design, adoption, and implementation of E-waste policies in India-a major electronics manufacturing hub with a massive consumer electronics market. Taking hints from theoretical concepts such as policy transfer, policy convergence, and policy effectiveness, the study addressed the primary research question: why India adopts E-waste policy approaches that seem inadequate and ineffective in its local contexts and attempts to identify alternative approaches. Through expert interviews and policy document analysis, it was observed that E-waste policy approaches in India are largely influenced by the European Union's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. All the experts interviewed recognized absence of the informal sector in India's policy efforts of both 2011 and 2016 as a significant lacuna in the country's E-waste policy responses. In this paper, the author argues that there should be policy change towards a healthy collaboration between the informal and formal sector where best-of-the-two-worlds could be wisely used for sustainable E-waste governance in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Borthakur
- Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Parkstraat 45, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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6
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Frazzoli C, Ruggieri F, Battistini B, Orisakwe OE, Igbo JK, Bocca B. E-WASTE threatens health: The scientific solution adopts the one health strategy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113227. [PMID: 35378120 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The aggressively extractive advanced technology industry thrives on intensive use of non-renewable resources and hyper-consumeristic culture. The environmental impact of its exponential growth means extreme mining, hazardous labour practices including child labour, and exposure burden to inorganic and organic hazardous chemicals for the environment and current and future human generations. Globally, processes such as in-country reduce, reuse and recycle have so far received less attention than outer-circle strategies like the uncontrolled dumping of e-waste in countries that are unprotected by regulatory frameworks. Here, in the absence of infrastructures for sound hazardous e-waste management, the crude recycling, open burning and dumping into landfills of e-waste severely expose people, animal and the environment. Along with economic, political, social, and cultural solutions to the e-waste global problem, the scientific approach based on risk analysis encompassing risk assessment, risk management and risk communication can foster a technical support to resist transgenerational e-waste exposure and health inequalities. This paper presents the latest public health strategies based on the use of integrated human and animal biomonitoring and appropriate biomarkers to assess and manage the risk of e-waste embracing the One Health approach. Advantages and challenges of integrated biomonitoring are described, along with ad-hoc biomarkers of exposure, effect and susceptibility with special focus on metals and metalloids. Indeed, the safe and sustainable management of novel technologies will benefit of the integration and coordination of human and animal biomonitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Frazzoli
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Ageing, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Ruggieri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Battistini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Orish E Orisakwe
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; African Centre of Excellence, Centre for Public Health and Toxicological Research, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | | | - Beatrice Bocca
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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Consumer behaviour towards storage, disposal and recycling of e-waste: systematic review and future research prospects. BENCHMARKING-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/bij-12-2021-0774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PurposeWith the rapid increase in the consumption of electrical and electronic innovations, responsible management and recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) or waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has been a significant concern for the governments, stakeholders, researchers and industry practitioners around the world. Consumer awareness, disposal behaviour and perception are chief facets of designing sustainable management strategies. Although researchers have widely studied e-waste over many years, the research focusing on consumer awareness about e-waste recycling has gained momentum recently. This paper aims to systematise the existing literature and explore future research prospects on household e-waste sorting behaviour.Design/methodology/approachWeb of science (WoS) core collection was searched using selected keywords to identify relevant articles published from 2001 to 2021. The search resulted in 1,156 research articles published from 2001 to 2021. After a detailed study, 85 articles were shortlisted for in-depth review. The review was conducted based on global trends, top journals, most prolific authors, most active e-waste research countries, and institutions centring on consumer participation in e-waste disposal and recycling behaviour. The present research has also identified around eleven factors that seem to have a bearing on consumer behaviour towards storage, disposal and recycling of e-waste.FindingsE-waste research has gained increased attention in the last five years. The majority of the studies has focused on motivational factors and ignore the risks associated with handling e-waste. The present study reports the pertinent issue of lack of awareness among the masses about e-waste handling and disposal. Thus, bringing to the fore the lack of awareness programmes and initiatives. The analysis presents the gaps in the literature and future research agendas.Originality/valueThe review article will help in providing an in-depth understanding of consumer behaviour towards storage, disposal and recycling of e-waste and delineates the future direction of research that may be undertaken in this field of study.
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Effects of Artificial Sweat Formulation and Extraction Temperature on Estimation of the Dermal Bioaccessibility of Potentially Toxic Elements in a Contaminated Soil from an E-Waste Recycling Site. GEOSCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/geosciences12010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Informal recycling of electronic waste leads to soil contamination that can impact human health. To accurately assess exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTE) in soil it is necessary to consider their bioavailability through ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact. However, bioaccessibility tests that estimate dermal absorption following adhesion of contaminated soil particles to skin are not well established. In this study the concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were estimated in the <45 µm particle size fraction of a bulk composite soil from an e-waste recycling site using five different artificial sweat formulations. Extractions were performed at temperatures ranging from 17 to 47 °C to investigate the effect of ambient temperature on bioaccessibility. Results obtained using the different artificial sweats were not consistent with one another. In particular, the NIHS 96-10 formulation solubilized larger amounts of analytes (ranging from 6.3 times the next most effective extractant for Cu to 1700 times the next most effective for Pb). There was a general increase in release of PTE with increasing temperature, except for As. Although trends varied between analytes and formulations, this highlights the need to consider ambient temperature when estimating dermal bioaccessibility of PTE in soil.
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Tahir M, Rehman MYA, Malik RN. Heavy metal-associated oxidative stress and glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms among E-waste workers in Pakistan. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2021; 43:4441-4458. [PMID: 33871746 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-00926-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Increased E-waste generation during recent times has become a global concern, especially for developing countries that are at receiving end from the developed countries. Their improper handling and lacking management practices in developing countries including Pakistan are contributing enormous addition of toxicants into the environment and affecting the health of exposed workers associated with E-waste recycling activities. A systematic cross-sectional study was designed comprising workers associated with E-waste recycling activities in Peshawar city, Pakistan. The study aimed to investigate metal concentrations in dust, particulate matter and urine of exposed workers and correlate with oxidative stress and glutathione S-transferases genotypes (GSTM1 and GSTT1) that play a role in detoxification of metals in humans. A total of 120 blood samples comprising dismantlers (n = 52), repairers (n = 21), smelters (n = 17) and controls (n = 30) were collected. Results showed that metal concentrations were significantly higher in the dust (P = 0.020), particulate matter (P = 0.021) and urine samples (P = 0.00) as compared to controls. We observed significant increase in MDA (P = 0.00) and decrease in SOD (P = 0.00) and CAT (P = 0.00) levels among exposed subjects as compared to controls. Additionally, GSTT1 null genotype was more significantly associated with the dismantlers (P = 0.02). The study shows that E-waste workers are exposed to high level of toxic metals through dust and particulate matter, resulting in significant oxidative stress and related health implications, while GSTT1 null polymorphism is associated with increased susceptibility to these metals and induced health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muneeb Tahir
- Environmental Health Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Yasir Abdur Rehman
- Environmental Health Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Riffat Naseem Malik
- Environmental Health Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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Lin N, Kwarteng L, Godwin C, Warner S, Robins T, Arko-Mensah J, Fobil JN, Batterman S. Airborne volatile organic compounds at an e-waste site in Ghana: Source apportionment, exposure and health risks. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 419:126353. [PMID: 34175701 PMCID: PMC9925107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Informal e-waste recycling processes emit various air pollutants. While there are a number of pollutants of concern, little information exists on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) releases at e-waste sites. To assess occupational exposures and estimate health risks, we measured VOC levels at the Agbogbloshie e-waste site in Ghana, the largest e-waste site in Africa, by collecting both fixed-site and personal samples for analyzing a wide range of VOCs. A total of 54 VOCs were detected, dominated by aliphatic and aromatic compounds. Mean and median concentrations of the total target VOCs were 46 and 37 μg/m3 at the fixed sites, and 485 and 162 μg/m3 for the personal samples. Mean and median hazard ratios were 2.1 and 1.4, respectively, and cancer risks were 4.6 × 10-4 and 1.5 × 10-4. These risks were predominantly driven by naphthalene and benzene; chloroform and formaldehyde were also high in some samples. Based on the VOC composition, the major sources were industry, fuel evaporation and combustion. The concentration gradient across sites and the similarity of VOC profiles indicated that the e-waste site emissions reached neighboring communities. Our results suggest the need to protect e-waste workers from VOC exposure, and to limit emissions that can expose nearby populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Lin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA 48109; Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China 200025
| | - Lawrencia Kwarteng
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Ghana, School of Public Health, P.O. Box LG13, Accra, Ghana
| | - Christopher Godwin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA 48109
| | - Sydni Warner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA 48109
| | - Thomas Robins
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA 48109
| | - John Arko-Mensah
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Ghana, School of Public Health, P.O. Box LG13, Accra, Ghana
| | - Julius N Fobil
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Ghana, School of Public Health, P.O. Box LG13, Accra, Ghana
| | - Stuart Batterman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA 48109.
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Sharma M, Joshi S, Govindan K. Issues and solutions of electronic waste urban mining for circular economy transition: An Indian context. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 290:112373. [PMID: 33932756 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The rapid consumption of advanced e-products has intensified problems for the linear economy; constantly diminishing natural resources employed in production processes have created a need of recycle and reuse. Although the transition to a circular economy proposes to end the loop of e-products, it needs the application of processes such as urban mining to recover resources as secondary raw material. The present study intends to examine the issues and challenges of electronic waste urban mining (EWUM) in India that need to be assessed for the development of a sustainable economy. To accomplish this, the current study employs integrated Multi-Criteria-Decision making methods (MCDM). Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) is used to prioritize issues and their possible solutions with Weighted Assessment Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) methods introduced to explore these challenges and provide solutions for managing EWUM. There is an immediate need to acknowledge the issues confronted by stakeholders in urban mining processes for successful transition to a circular economy. A better understanding of the issues will help policy makers and decision makers to implement best practices to enhance the urban mining process in India. This study has shown that socio-economic (SE) issues are the most critical issues in EWUM in India. The possible solutions that would have most impact are to enhance awareness campaigns for people to educate themselves regarding e-waste, train staff to handle safe disposal of e-waste and produce eco-friendly electronic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu Sharma
- Guildhall School of Business and Law, London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sudhanshu Joshi
- Operations and Supply Chain Management Area, School of Management, Doon University, Dehradun, India
| | - Kannan Govindan
- China Institute of FTZ Supply Chain, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Yonsei Frontier Lab, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea; Center for Sustainable Supply Chain Engineering, Department of Technology and Innovation, Danish Institute for Advanced Study, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, Odense M, Denmark.
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Yin H, Ma J, Li Z, Li Y, Meng T, Tang Z. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers and Heavy Metals in a Regulated E-Waste Recycling Site, Eastern China: Implications for Risk Management. Molecules 2021; 26:2169. [PMID: 33918776 PMCID: PMC8069465 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Serious pollution of multiple chemicals in irregulated e-waste recycling sites (IR-sites) were extensively investigated. However, little is known about the pollution in regulated sites. This study investigated the occurrence of 21 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 10 metals in a regulated site, in Eastern China. The concentrations of PBDEs and Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, and Zn in soils and sediments were 1-4 and 1-3 orders of magnitude lower than those reported in the IR-sites, respectively. However, these were generally comparable to those in the urban and industrial areas. In general, a moderate pollution of PBDEs and metals was present in the vegetables in this area. A health risk assessment model was used to calculate human exposure to metals in soils. The summed non-carcinogenic risks of metals and PBDEs in the investigated soils were 1.59-3.27 and 0.25-0.51 for children and adults, respectively. Arsenic contributed to 47% of the total risks and As risks in 71.4% of the total soil samples exceeded the acceptable level. These results suggested that the pollution from e-waste recycling could be substantially decreased by the regulated activities, relative to poorly controlled operations, but arsenic pollution from the regulated cycling should be further controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmin Yin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China; (H.Y.); (T.M.)
| | - Jiayi Ma
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China; (J.M.); (Y.L.)
| | - Zhidong Li
- Cangzhou Ecology and Environment Bureau, Cangzhou 061000, China;
| | - Yonghong Li
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China; (J.M.); (Y.L.)
| | - Tong Meng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China; (H.Y.); (T.M.)
| | - Zhenwu Tang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China; (H.Y.); (T.M.)
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China; (J.M.); (Y.L.)
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Environmental Heavy Metal Contamination from Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Activities Worldwide: A Systematic Review from 2005 to 2017. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073517. [PMID: 33805282 PMCID: PMC8059143 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) contaminates ecosystems with metals, though a compilation of data from across sites worldwide is lacking, without which evidence-based comparisons and conclusions cannot be realized. As such, here, a systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify peer-reviewed studies concerning e-waste sites (published between 2005 and 2017) that reported on the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Hg, As, Pb and Cr) in soil, water and sediment. From 3063 papers identified, 59 studies from 11 countries meeting predefined criteria were included. Reported metal concentrations were summarized, and a narrative synthesis was performed. This review summarized 8286 measurements of the aforementioned metals in soils (5836), water (1347) and sediment (1103). More than 70% of the studies were conducted in Asia. In nearly all cases, the average metal concentrations in a particular medium from a given site were above guideline values; suggesting soils, water and sediment at, or near, e-waste recycling sites are contaminated. Across all media, concentrations of Pb were generally highest, followed by Cr, As, Cd and Hg. The synthesized information demonstrates that e-waste sites worldwide are contaminated with metals, that geographic data gaps exist, that the quality of most studies can be improved and that action is needed to help reduce such levels to protect human health and the environment.
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Ádám B, Göen T, Scheepers PTJ, Adliene D, Batinic B, Budnik LT, Duca RC, Ghosh M, Giurgiu DI, Godderis L, Goksel O, Hansen KK, Kassomenos P, Milic N, Orru H, Paschalidou A, Petrovic M, Puiso J, Radonic J, Sekulic MT, Teixeira JP, Zaid H, Au WW. From inequitable to sustainable e-waste processing for reduction of impact on human health and the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110728. [PMID: 33444608 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recycling of electric and electronic waste products (e-waste) which amounted to more than 50 million metric tonnes per year worldwide is a massive and global operation. Unfortunately, an estimated 70-80% of this waste has not been properly managed because the waste went from developed to low-income countries to be dumped into landfills or informally recycled. Such recycling has been carried out either directly on landfill sites or in small, often family-run recycling shops without much regulations or oversights. The process traditionally involved manual dismantling, cleaning with hazardous solvents, burning and melting on open fires, etc., which would generate a variety of toxic substances and exposure/hazards to applicators, family members, proximate residents and the environment. The situation clearly calls for global responsibility to reduce the impact on human health and the environment, especially in developing countries where poor residents have been shouldering the hazardous burden. On the other hand, formal e-waste recycling has been mainly conducted in small scales in industrialized countries. Whether the latter process would impose less risk to populations and environment has not been determined yet. Therefore, the main objectives of this review are: 1. to address current trends and emerging threats of not only informal but also formal e-waste management practices, and 2. to propose adequate measures and interventions. A major recommendation is to conduct independent surveillance of compliance with e-waste trading and processing according to the Basel Ban Amendment. The recycling industry needs to be carefully evaluated by joint effort from international agencies, producing industries and other stakeholders to develop better processes. Subsequent transition to more sustainable and equitable e-waste management solutions should result in more effective use of natural resources, and in prevention of adverse effects on health and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Ádám
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Thomas Göen
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universtität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
| | - Paul T J Scheepers
- Radboud Institute for Health Science, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
| | - Diana Adliene
- Department of Physics of Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Bojan Batinic
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Occupational Safety and Health, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | | | - Radu-Corneliu Duca
- Unit Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring, Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé, Luxembourg.
| | - Manosij Ghosh
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Doina I Giurgiu
- Faculty of Medicine, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Sibiu, Romania.
| | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Ozlem Goksel
- EGE University, Laboratory of Occupational & Environmental Respiratory Diseases and Asthma. Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Karoline K Hansen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | | | - Natasa Milic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Hans Orru
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
| | | | - Maja Petrovic
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Occupational Safety and Health, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Judita Puiso
- Department of Physics of Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Jelena Radonic
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Occupational Safety and Health, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Maja T Sekulic
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Occupational Safety and Health, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Joao Paulo Teixeira
- Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Hilal Zaid
- Qasemi Research Center, Al-Qasemi Academic College, Baqa El-Gharbia, Israel.
| | - William W Au
- The George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology, Targu Mures, Romania.
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Shaikh S, Thomas K, Zuhair S, Magalini F. A cost-benefit analysis of the downstream impacts of e-waste recycling in Pakistan. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 118:302-312. [PMID: 32919349 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents downstream cost-benefit analysis for electronic waste (e-waste) recycling workers in Pakistan, a country that both generates large quantities of e-waste domestically and imports a significant amount from developed countries. Financial cost-benefit elements - reduction in productive capacity, lost wages, medical expenses, wages (and meals) and non-financial cost-benefit elements - opportunity cost, cost of illiteracy and value of life have been quantified. Primary data collected on site was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. The estimated total net economic cost to recycling workers is between Rs.34,069 and Rs.85,478 (US$ 203-5101) per month or an average of Rs.50,363 (US$ 300) per worker. This main finding suggests that cost exceeds by 2.6-4.7 times the estimated economic benefits derived by these workers. Related qualitative data suggests government and owners of recycling businesses are largely blind to many of the less visible costs of this industry, while recycling workers and their families appear trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty. Understanding that what can be measured can be managed and improved, a systematic assessment of informal recycling based on identified impact factors may help mitigate and ideally also motivate a shift towards formal processing that would reduce the downstream negative impacts, both visible and hidden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salsabil Shaikh
- Victoria University Business School (VUBS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.
| | - Keith Thomas
- Victoria University Business School (VUBS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Segu Zuhair
- Victoria University Business School (VUBS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia; Department of Business, Management and Finance, Melbourne Polytechnic, Melbourne, Victoria 3072, Australia
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Doya R, Nakayama SMM, Nakata H, Toyomaki H, Yabe J, Muzandu K, Yohannes YB, Kataba A, Zyambo G, Ogawa T, Uchida Y, Ikenaka Y, Ishizuka M. Land Use in Habitats Affects Metal Concentrations in Wild Lizards Around a Former Lead Mining Site. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:14474-14481. [PMID: 32490671 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the potential effects of different land use and other environmental factors on animals living in a contaminated environment. The study site in Kabwe, Zambia, is currently undergoing urban expansion, while lead contamination from former mining activities is still prevalent. We focused on a habitat generalist lizards (Trachylepis wahlbergii). The livers, lungs, blood, and stomach contents of 224 lizards were analyzed for their lead, zinc, cadmium, copper, nickel, and arsenic concentrations. Habitat types were categorized based on vegetation data obtained from satellite images. Multiple regression analysis revealed that land use categories of habitats and three other factors significantly affected lead concentrations in the lizards. Further investigation suggested that the lead concentrations in lizards living in bare fields were higher than expected based on the distance from the contaminant source, while those in lizards living in green fields were lower than expected. In addition, the lead concentration of lungs was higher than that of the liver in 19% of the lizards, implying direct exposure to lead via dust inhalation besides digestive exposure. Since vegetation reduces the production of dust from surface soil, it is plausible that dust from the mine is one of the contamination sources and that vegetation can reduce exposure to this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rio Doya
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Shouta M M Nakayama
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Hokuto Nakata
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Haruya Toyomaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - John Yabe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kaampwe Muzandu
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Yared B Yohannes
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Andrew Kataba
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Golden Zyambo
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Takahiro Ogawa
- Faculty of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Kita 14, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0814, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Uchida
- Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita 9, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8589, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Ikenaka
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
- Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, NorthWest University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Mayumi Ishizuka
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
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17
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Tran LT, Do AT, Pham TH, Nguyen KT, Duong HC. Decentralised, small-scale coagulation-membrane treatment of wastewater from metal recycling villages - a case study from Vietnam. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2020; 82:2125-2133. [PMID: 33263589 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2020.493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Effective treatment of wastewaters laden with heavy metals is critical to the sustainable social and economic growth of metal recycling villages in Vietnam. Currently, most wastewaters from metal recycling villages in Vietnam are directly discharged, posing great threats to the environment and human health. In this study, a small-scale combined coagulation-membrane filtration treatment of wastewater collected from a metal recycling village in Vietnam was experimentally investigated. The experimental results manifested the technical viability of the combined coagulation-membrane filtration process for the treatment of the heavily polluted metal recycling wastewater for beneficial reuse. In this combined treatment process, coagulation using ferric chloride (FeCl2) served as a pre-treatment prior to the microfiltration (MF)/reverse osmosis (RO) process. Under the optimised conditions, coagulation at the dosage of 0.2 g FeCl2 per 1,000 ml wastewater removed more than 90% of heavy metals (i.e. most notably including aluminium and chromium) from the wastewater, reducing the aluminium and chromium concentrations in the wastewater from 548.0 to 52.3 mg/L to 32.6 and 1.7 mg/L, respectively. The MF treatment of the wastewater following the coagulation further removed suspended solids and organic matters, rendering the wastewater safe for the subsequent RO filtration with respect to membrane fouling. Given the efficient pre-treatment of coagulation and MF, the RO process at the controlled water recovery of 50% was able to effectively treat the wastewater to potable water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Thu Tran
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Anh Tien Do
- Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tuan Hung Pham
- Vietnam National University of Civil Engineering, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Kwarteng L, Baiden EA, Fobil J, Arko‐Mensah J, Robins T, Batterman S. Air Quality Impacts at an E-Waste Site in Ghana Using Flexible, Moderate-Cost and Quality-Assured Measurements. GEOHEALTH 2020; 4:e2020GH000247. [PMID: 32832821 PMCID: PMC7431652 DOI: 10.1029/2020gh000247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Air quality information is scarce in low- and middle-income countries. This study describes the application of moderate cost approaches that can provide spatial and temporal information on concentrations of particulate matter (PM) needed to assess community and occupational exposures. We evaluated PM levels at the Agbogbloshie e-waste and scrap yard site in Accra, Ghana, and at upwind and downwind locations, obtaining both optical and gravimetric measurements, local meteorological data and satellite aerosol optical depth. Due to overload issues, the gravimetric 24-hr samplers were modified for periodic sampling and some optical data were screened for quality assurance. Exceptionally high concentrations (e.g., 1-hr average PM10 exceeding 2000 μg/m3) were sometimes encountered near combustion sources, including open fires at the e-waste site and spoil piles. 24-hr PM2.5 levels averaged 31, 88 and 57 μg/m3 at upwind, e-waste and downwind sites, respectively, and PM10 averaged 145, 214 and 190 μg/m3, considerably exceeding air quality standards. Upwind levels likely reflected biomass burning that is prevalent in the surrounding informal settlements; levels at the e-waste and downwind sites also reflected contributions from biomass combustion and traffic. The highest PM levels occurred in evenings, influenced by diurnal changes in emission rates, atmospheric dispersion and wind direction shifts. We demonstrate that moderate cost instrumentation, with some modifications, appropriate data cleaning protocols, and attention to understanding local sources and background levels, can be used to characterize spatial and temporal variation in PM levels in urban and industrial areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrencia Kwarteng
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health SciencesUniversity of GhanaAccraGhana
| | - Emmanuel Acquah Baiden
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health SciencesUniversity of GhanaAccraGhana
| | - Julius Fobil
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health SciencesUniversity of GhanaAccraGhana
| | - John Arko‐Mensah
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health SciencesUniversity of GhanaAccraGhana
| | - Thomas Robins
- Environmental Health SciencesUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Stuart Batterman
- Environmental Health SciencesUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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Recycling Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and the Management of Its Toxic Substances in Taiwan-A Case Study. TOXICS 2020; 8:toxics8030048. [PMID: 32645852 PMCID: PMC7560359 DOI: 10.3390/toxics8030048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the past two decades, the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) management has become an important environmental issue internationally because it contained hazardous substances like heavy metals and brominated flame retardants. Moreover, some valuable substances were used in the electrical and electronic products, thus representing a circular industry for recycling of WEEE. Therefore, the Taiwan government formulated a legal WEEE recycling system since 1998 in response to the international trends of sustainable waste management and extended producer responsibility (EPR). This article adopted the national statistics in Taiwan regarding the online reporting amounts of collected WEEE since it has been officially designated as one of the mandatory recyclable wastes. Furthermore, the regulatory measures were addressed to update the status and subsidiary fee rates of WEEE recycling in Taiwan. In addition, this article also put emphasis on the regulations governing the toxic chemical substances contained in the WEEE. It showed that the average annual recycling amounts of home electronic appliances, information technology products and lighting in Taiwan during the 2017–2018 were around 117,000, 18,000 and 4500 metric tons, respectively. It was also indicated that the current WEEE recycling market in Taiwan has become saturated, reflecting the regulatory promulgation and promotional measures successfully. In response to the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the Taiwan government declared some brominated flame retardants and heavy metals (i.e., mercury and cadmium) as a “toxic chemical substance” under the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substance Control Act (TCCSCA), which shall be prohibited to use in the preparation of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) since 1 January 2016. Through the central governing authority, local governments, and private recyclers in Taiwan, the successful WEEE recycling system not only reduce the pressure on sanitary disposal systems, but also prevent the chemical hazards from solid waste incineration systems. More significantly, the WEEE recycling in Taiwan echoed the United Nations (UN) Agenda 2030 for sustainable development goals.
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Sharma M, Joshi S, Kumar A. Assessing enablers of e-waste management in circular economy using DEMATEL method: An Indian perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:13325-13338. [PMID: 32020449 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-07765-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
With increasing population, excessive use of electrical and electronic products and extreme demand of resources have compelled the linear economy to transform into Circular Economy (CE). In the current scenario, e-waste management has become the top priority of all the developed and developing nations especially those in the transition phase. The generation of e-waste has increased proportionally across the world and created an intense pressure on the firms to implement sustainable practices to redesign and recycle the products. The current status of the developing countries like India confronts number of challenges to manage e-waste produced, and the only possible solution is to minimize the waste generation and practicing recycling processes. For transforming into CEs, there is a need to identify the most influencing key enablers through which an effective and robust e-waste management (e-WM) system can be developed. An extensive literature review and expert judgments are expended to identify the most influencing key enablers of e-WM in circular economies, and, being the highest producer of e-waste, Mumbai (Maharashtra) has been chosen as the case location. To explore the strength of causal and effect enablers, the DEMATEL method is applied. This study has shown that 'Environmental management system' (EMS) is the most significant and important driving enabler to influence all the other existing enablers. This study has also highlighted that e-WM can be efficient if it focuses on producing eco-friendly products, developing strict legislations, building green image and supporting the producers to implement CE practices. This study helps stakeholders and policy makers to reduce the burden from the environment and focus on developing an efficient e-WM system on the basis of identified key enablers like EMS and collaboration with environmental partners to contribute towards CE transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu Sharma
- Marketing and Advertising Area, School of Management, Doon University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Sudhanshu Joshi
- Operations and Supply chain Area, School of Management, Doon University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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21
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Ackah M. Soil elemental concentrations, geoaccumulation index, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks in functional areas of an informal e-waste recycling area in Accra, Ghana. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 235:908-917. [PMID: 31299704 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study assesses the distribution, contamination and human health risks of major, minor and trace elements in the topsoil and subsoil of two informal e-waste recycling sites in Accra, Ghana. Metal concentrations in Agbogbloshie exceeded the Dutch Soil intervention values with exceedances of 72%, 57%, 57%, 38%, 16%, 2% for Cu, Zn, Pb, Ba, Cd and As respectively. Metal concentrations in Ashaiman exceeded the Dutch Soil intervention values with exceedances of 62%, 57% and 46% for Cu, Zn and Pb respectively. Geoaccumulation indices indicated that the topsoils of the burn area and dismantling areas of Agbogbloshie e-waste recycling site were strongly contaminated by Pb and uncontaminated by Cr, Fe, As and Ba. Lead (Pb) contributed greatly to non-carcinogenic ingestion hazard quotient for residents living near Agbogbloshie and Ashaiman e-waste recycling sites while arsenic (As) presented carcinogenic risks to children from the dismantling area topsoils. Non-carcinogenic risks from ingestion were significant with children being more susceptible to non-carcinogenic ingestion risks than adults. Non-carcinogenic risks from dermal exposure were negligible. Hazard quotients of Pb for children in burn area topsoils and dismantling area topsoils were 7.4-7.6-fold greater than that for adults. The mean geoaccumulation indices values of Pb and Cu indicated extreme contamination of topsoils with these elements. A "novel environmental assessment tool" based on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ASTDR) total impact points confirmed Pb and Cu as the most toxic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ackah
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia; National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Kwabenya, Accra, Ghana.
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22
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Pandebesie ES, Indrihastuti I, Wilujeng SA, Warmadewanthi I. Factors influencing community participation in the management of household electronic waste in West Surabaya, Indonesia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:27930-27939. [PMID: 31350688 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05812-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to determine the factors that influence community participation in the management of electronic waste. A survey of community willingness to participate in the management of electronic waste was conducted using questionnaires. Survey locations covered western areas of the city of Surabaya, Indonesia, where 238 respondents were selected proportionally from high-, medium-, and low-income groups during 2014. The group was divided by land and building taxes, which represents the socio-economic conditions of the community. Processing and statistical data analysis were performed with structural equation modeling. Results showed that one factor influencing the willingness of communities to manage e-waste was behavior, while factors influencing the willingness of communities to pay more included behavior, attitudes, and knowledge. Strategies to increase community participation can be applied through education and community assistance, the provision of recycling facilities, and applied regulations about e-waste management and extended producer responsibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellina S Pandebesie
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Kampus ITS, Surabaya, 60111, Indonesia.
| | - Ira Indrihastuti
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Kampus ITS, Surabaya, 60111, Indonesia
| | - Susi A Wilujeng
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Kampus ITS, Surabaya, 60111, Indonesia
| | - Idaa Warmadewanthi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Kampus ITS, Surabaya, 60111, Indonesia
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Gao Y, Ge L, Shi S, Sun Y, Liu M, Wang B, Shang Y, Wu J, Tian J. Global trends and future prospects of e-waste research: a bibliometric analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:17809-17820. [PMID: 31037528 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05071-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Electronic waste (e-waste) has been widely studied by scholars all over the world, but the research topics and development trends in this field are still unclear. This study aimed to explore the status quo, hot topics, and future prospects in the field of e-waste. Data of publications were downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection. We used CiteSpace V, Histcite, and VOSviewer to analyze literature information. A total of 2800 papers in e-waste research were identified, and the number of publications increased rapidly after 2004. Six thousand five hundred seventy-three authors participated in the e-waste research, but 70.01% of the authors published only 1 article. The most productive country in this field was China (1146 publications), and the most productive institution was the Chinese Academy of Sciences (370 publications). The Waste Management (225 publications) was the most productive journal, and Environment Science & Technology (9704 co-citations) was the most co-cited journal. The main hot topics in e-waste field were management and recycling of e-waste in developing countries, health risk assessment after exposure to organic pollutants, degradation and recovery of waste metal materials, and impact of heavy metals on children's health. The frontier topic was degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Gao
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No.199, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence-Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Long Ge
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No.199, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence-Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Shuzhen Shi
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No.199, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence-Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Evidence-Based Nursery Center, School of Nursing, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No.199, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence-Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Nursing, Rehabilitation Center Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yi Shang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jinhui Tian
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No.199, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China.
- Key Laboratory of Evidence-Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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Akram R, Natasha, Fahad S, Hashmi MZ, Wahid A, Adnan M, Mubeen M, Khan N, Rehmani MIA, Awais M, Abbas M, Shahzad K, Ahmad S, Hammad HM, Nasim W. Trends of electronic waste pollution and its impact on the global environment and ecosystem. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:16923-16938. [PMID: 31025281 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04998-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Electronic waste (e-waste) is used for all electronic/electrical devices which are no more used. Conventionally, waste management policies are desfighandle the traditional waste. Although e-waste contains toxic materials, however, its management is rarely focused by policy makers; therefore, its negative impact on the global environment, ecosystem, and human health is aggravated. The review outlines the categories of e-waste materials, major pollutants including ferrous/non-ferrous metals, plastics, glass, printed circuit boards, cement, ceramic, and rubber beside, some valuable metals (such as copper, silver, gold, platinum). Toxic elements from e-waste materials, released in the air, water, and soil, include arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and lead, causing pollution. Although their roles in biological systems are poorly identified, however, they possess significant toxic and carcinogenic potential. It is therefore critical to monitor footprint and device strategies to address e-waste-linked issues from manufacturing, exportation, to ultimate dumping, including technology transmissions for its recycling. This review traces a plausible link among e-waste condition at a worldwide dimension, as far as settlement procedures to keep it secure and carefully monitored when traded. Their fate in the three spheres of the earth, i.e., water, soil, and air, impacts human health. The strategies and regulation to handle e-waste generation at the global level have been discussed. Graphical abstract .
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Affiliation(s)
- Rida Akram
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Vehari, 61100, Pakistan
| | - Natasha
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Vehari, 61100, Pakistan
| | - Shah Fahad
- Department of Agriculture, The University of Swabi, Ambar, KPK, Pakistan.
| | | | - Abdul Wahid
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Bhauddin Zakerya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Adnan
- Department of Agriculture, The University of Swabi, Ambar, KPK, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Mubeen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Vehari, 61100, Pakistan
| | - Naeem Khan
- Department of Plant Science, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammadd Awais
- Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Mazhar Abbas
- Department of Management Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus, Vehari, 61100, Pakistan
| | - Khurram Shahzad
- Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, Pakistan
- Department of Agronomy, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture (MNSUA), Multan, Pakistan
| | - Shakeel Ahmad
- Department of Agronomy, Bhauddin Zakerya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Mohkum Hammad
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Vehari, 61100, Pakistan
| | - Wajid Nasim
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Vehari, 61100, Pakistan.
- Department of Agronomy, University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
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Li TY, Bao LJ, Wu CC, Liu LY, Wong CS, Zeng EY. Organophosphate flame retardants emitted from thermal treatment and open burning of e-waste. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2019; 367:390-396. [PMID: 30611031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) have been increasingly produced and consumed since the gradual phase-out of polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Primitive recycling of e-waste can be a significant input source of OPFRs to the environment. Thermal treatment and open burning of typical e-wastes were conducted in a closed chamber to examine the emissions and the size distribution patterns of particle-bound OPFRs from these processes. The sum emission factors of OPFRs were 3.70 × 104-3.65 × 105 ng g-1 by thermal treatment and 5.22 × 103-9.27 × 104 ng g-1 by open burning. The output-input mass ratios of OPFRs for plastic casings were 0.030-116 and 0.012-7.1 by thermal treatment and open burning, respectively, and were 0.11-40 and 0.0014-6.7 for printed circuit boards. The size distribution patterns of OPFRs were characterized by one unimodal peak (0.56-1.0 μm) for thermal treatment and bimodal peaks (0.56-1.0 or 1.0-1.8 and 10-18 μm) for open burning. Particle-bound OPFRs appeared to form in affiliation with particles rather than by adsorption or deposition from the gaseous phase to particulate organic matter. With increasing amounts of OPFRs used in a variety of consumer products, the emissions of OPFRs to the environment are expected to increase continuously in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yu Li
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Lian-Jun Bao
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Chen-Chou Wu
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Liang-Ying Liu
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Charles S Wong
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences and Department of Chemistry, The University of Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2E9, Canada
| | - Eddy Y Zeng
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China.
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26
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Hydrophobic Organic Pollutants in Soils and Dusts at Electronic Waste Recycling Sites: Occurrence and Possible Impacts of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16030360. [PMID: 30696044 PMCID: PMC6388296 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16030360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Concerns about the adverse consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is increasing, because e-waste contains some hazardous substances such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) which is used as flame retardants in electronics. There is dearth of information on the concentrations of PBDEs and the pattern of distribution at the various e-waste recycling sites in Nigeria. This study therefore measured the concentrations of 13 PBDE congeners, in top soils (0–10 cm) and in various dust samples from different e-waste recycling sites (burning, dismantling, repair). PBDE concentrations at e-waste sites were compared with the concentrations in samples from corresponding control sites in three study locations in Nigeria (Lagos, Ibadan, and Aba). There were significant differences in the level of PBDEs congeners between each of the e-waste recycling sites and the corresponding control sites. The levels of PBDEs at the e-waste recycling sites exceeded the levels at the controls sites by a factor of 100 s to 1000 s. In general, PBDE concentrations at the e-waste sites decreased with the intensity of the e-waste recycling activities: burning sites > dismantling sites > repair sites > control sites. Our results suggest that the informal e-waste recycling has negative impacts on the enviroment and human health.
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Ohajinwa CM, van Bodegom PM, Vijver MG, Peijnenburg WJGM. Impact of informal electronic waste recycling on metal concentrations in soils and dusts. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 164:385-394. [PMID: 29571128 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Electronic and electrical equipment contains over 1000 different substances, including metals. During informal e-waste recycling some of these substances such as metals, are released into the environment causing environmental pollution. This study assessed the impact of different informal e-waste recycling activities (burning, dismantling, and repairing) on metal concentrations in top soils and various dust. A comparative cross-sectional study design was adopted to assess metal concentrations in top soils and in various dust samples from multiple e-waste recycling sites. Metal concentrations at e-waste recycling sites were compared to the concentrations at control sites in three study locations in Nigeria (Lagos, Ibadan, and Aba). In the three study locations, mean metal concentrations at the e-waste recycling sites exceeded the concentrations at the control sites and the Nigerian standard guideline values by 100 s to 1000 s times. Burning sites showed the highest pollution level, followed by dismantling sites, then repair sites. Our findings show serious environmental and public health concerns. The metal concentrations were also higher than levels reported in other studies at the same locations in Nigeria, indicating that the situation is worsening. This study provides scientific evidence for an urgent need to develop effective strategies to strengthen enforcement of existing e-waste regulations in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chimere May Ohajinwa
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter M van Bodegom
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martina G Vijver
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Willie J G M Peijnenburg
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; Center for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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