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Parvez SM, Jahan F, Abedin J, Rahman M, Hasan SS, Islam N, Aich N, Moniruzzaman M, Islam Z, Fujimura M, Raqib R, Knibbs LD, Sly PD. Blood lead, cadmium and hair mercury concentrations and association with soil, dust and occupational factors in e-waste recycling workers in Bangladesh. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 257:114340. [PMID: 38422602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic waste (e-waste) recycling activities release toxic metals, which pose substantial hazard to the environment and human health. We evaluated metal concentrations in biological and environmental samples, and examined the associations between biological lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) with soil and dust metals, and other possible determinants, among populations exposed and non-exposed to e-waste in Bangladesh. METHODS A total of 199 e-waste workers and 104 non-exposed individuals were recruited. We measured blood Pb (BPb) and Cd (BCd) concentrations and total Hg (THg) from hair samples. Data were collected on occupational, and behavioral factors. We fitted an elastic net regression (ENET) to model the relationship between a set of influencing factors and metals as outcome variables while controlling for potential covariates. RESULTS The median concentrations of BPb (11.89 μg/dL) and BCd (1.04 μg/L) among exposed workers were higher than those of non-exposed workers (BPb: 3.63 μg/dL and BCd: 0.83 μg/L respectively). A 100 ppm increment in soil Pb level was associated with an increase in ln-Pb (transformed) in blood (β = 0.002; 95% CI = 0.00, 0.02). Similarly, ln-BCd level increased (β = 0.02; 95% CI = 0.001, 0.07) with every ppm increase in dust Cd level. The number of years worked in e-waste activities was associated with elevated ln-BPb (β = 0.01; 95% CI = 0.01, 0.02) and ln-BCd levels (β = 0.003; 95% CI = 0.00, 0.05). Smoking significantly contributed to elevated levels of ln-BCd (β = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.43, 0.73). An increment of 100 kg of e-waste handling per week led to an increase in ln-BPb levels (β = 0.002; 95% CI = 0.00, 0.01), while respondents knowledge about adverse impact on e-waste reduced the ln-BPb level (β = -0.14; 95% CI = -0.31, -0.03). Fish consumption frequency had a positive association with THg in hair. CONCLUSIONS Our data show the need for workplace controls to reduce exposure to Pb and Cd with a broader view of exposure source taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarker Masud Parvez
- Children's Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia; Environmental Health and WASH, Health System and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
| | - Farjana Jahan
- Environmental Health and WASH, Health System and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Jaynal Abedin
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Galway, H91 TK33, Galway, Ireland; Center for Data Research and Analytics, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- Environmental Health and WASH, Health System and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Shaikh Sharif Hasan
- Environmental Health and WASH, Health System and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Nafisa Islam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Nirupam Aich
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | | | - Zahir Islam
- Children's Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Masatake Fujimura
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Kumamoto 867-0008, Japan
| | - Rubhana Raqib
- Nutrition Research Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Luke D Knibbs
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; Public Health Research Analytics and Methods for Evidence, Public Health Unit, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Peter D Sly
- Children's Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
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Aziz A, Driouich A, Ali MB, Felaous K, Bellil A, Jindal BB. Improving the physicomechanical performance of geopolymer mortars using human hair as fibers: new horizons for sustainable applications. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:68129-68142. [PMID: 37120501 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27257-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Blast furnace slag-based geopolymer mortars strengthened with human hair fibers were synthesized in the present study. The mixture of NaOH and Na2SiO3 was used as activating solution. Zero percent, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, and 1.25% hair fibers were added by weight of slag. Several analytical approaches, including compressive strength, flexural strength, P-wave velocity, bulk density, porosity, water absorption, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, were used to assess the physicomechanical and microstructural characteristics of the geopolymer mortars. Overall, the results found revealed that the incorporation of human hair fibers into the slag-based geopolymer matrix brought about a noticeable improvement in the mechanical characteristics of the geopolymer mortars. Similarly, based on FTIR analysis, the geopolymer mortar is characterized by the presence of three principal bonds, namely, the stretching of Al-O, a shift of the absorption band of the Si-O-Si (Al), and the stretching of the O-C-O. Likewise, the mineralogical analysis shows that quartz and calcite are two crystalline phases dominant in the geopolymer matrix. In addition, SEM-EDS analysis shows a dense and continuous morphology devoid of microcracks with a few pores existing on the matrix surface with perfect integration of the hair fiber in the geopolymer matrix. According to these relevant properties, the synthesized geopolymers have potential applications as a suitable substitute for many Portland cement-based materials whose manufacture is energy-consuming and polluting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayoub Aziz
- Geo-Biodiversity and Natural Patrimony Laboratory (GEOBIO), Scientific Institute, "Geophysics, Natural Patrimony and Green Chemistry" Research Center (GEOPAC), Mohammed V University in Rabat, Avenue Ibn Batouta, P.B. 703, 10106, Rabat-Agdal, Morocco
| | - Anas Driouich
- Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mohammed Ben Ali
- Laboratory of Spectroscopy, Molecular Modeling, Materials, Nanomaterials, Water and Environment, Environmental Materials Team, ENSAM, Mohammed V University in Rabat, B.P. 8007 N.U, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Khadija Felaous
- Geo-Biodiversity and Natural Patrimony Laboratory (GEOBIO), Scientific Institute, "Geophysics, Natural Patrimony and Green Chemistry" Research Center (GEOPAC), Mohammed V University in Rabat, Avenue Ibn Batouta, P.B. 703, 10106, Rabat-Agdal, Morocco
| | - Abdelilah Bellil
- Geo-Biodiversity and Natural Patrimony Laboratory (GEOBIO), Scientific Institute, "Geophysics, Natural Patrimony and Green Chemistry" Research Center (GEOPAC), Mohammed V University in Rabat, Avenue Ibn Batouta, P.B. 703, 10106, Rabat-Agdal, Morocco
| | - Bharat Bhushan Jindal
- School of Civil Engineering, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Jammu and Kashmir, Katra, India.
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Espiritu EQ, Claveria RJR, Bernadas PJC. Assessment of surface water quality and mercury levels from Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) along Acupan River, Benguet, Philippines. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2022; 44:3655-3676. [PMID: 34687407 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-01137-0] [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: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale mining activities are most evident among communities surrounding the Acupan River in Itogon Benguet. The mining activities include manual extraction of gold ores, use of improvised ball/rod mills and sluice boxes, and metallurgical processing such as cyanidation, carbon-in-pulp (CIP) and amalgamation. This study evaluates the influence of small-scale mining and the geology/mineralization of the Acupan Au-Ag-Te deposit to the water quality of the Acupan River and to the possible human exposures to Hg within the small-scale mining community. Different water quality parameters were monitored along selected sites along the Acupan River for a year and the results showed that the low average values of dissolve oxygen (DO) (2.54-4.53 mg L-1) and the relatively high average values of pH (8.84-10.10), sulfate (300.00-1133.33 mg L-1), nitrate (11.33-134.67 mg L-1), arsenic (As) (0.227-0.574 mg L-1) and mercury (Hg) (0.004-0.054 mg L-1) have exceeded the acceptable criteria limit of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for Class C waters. The exceeded values are noted to occur in areas where extensive small-scale mining activities are being done and have affected as well the downstream areas. To test possible human contamination in the use of Hg, hair samples from 56 volunteers were analyzed for total Hg (T-Hg) following standard protocols. The T-Hg concentrations in hair samples are mostly inorganic and are determined in various parameters such as sex, geographic location, occupation, age, fish consumption and localization in hair. Though not significantly different, higher Hg values are noted in males (1.280 ± 0.446 ng mg-1) than among females (0.651 ± 0.163 ng mg-1) as well as those with ages 41-50 years (3.130 ± 2.330 ng mg-1) as compared to other age groups. The higher amounts of inorganic Hg in human hairs could be attributed to the discrete yet prevalent use of amalgamation. The findings of this study emphasize the need for better regulations of the small-scale mining activities and for stricter implementation of the total ban on the use of Hg in ore processing to ensure better water quality of Acupan River as well as the health and safety of the communities surrounding the river.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilyn Q Espiritu
- Department of Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, 1108, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Rene Juna R Claveria
- Department of Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, 1108, Quezon City, Philippines.
| | - Philip Joshua C Bernadas
- Department of Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, 1108, Quezon City, Philippines
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Lin S, Ali MU, Zheng C, Cai Z, Wong MH. Toxic chemicals from uncontrolled e-waste recycling: Exposure, body burden, health impact. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 426:127792. [PMID: 34802823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Uncontrolled electronic-waste (e-waste) recycling processes have induced serious environmental pollution and human health impacts. This paper reviewed studies on the wide range of toxic chemicals through the use of primitive recycling techniques, their transfer to various ecological compartments, and subsequent health impacts. Results indicated that local food items were heavily polluted by the pollutants emitted, notably heavy metals in vegetables, rice, fish and seafood, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in livestock. Dietary exposure is the most important exposure pathway. The associations between exposure to e-waste and high body burdens of these pollutants were evident. It seems apparent that toxic chemicals emitted from e-waste activities are causing a number of major illnesses related to cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory systems, according to the information provided by a local hospital (Taizhou, an e-waste recycling hot spot in China). More epidemiological data should be made available to the general public. It is envisaged that there are potential dangers of toxic chemicals passing on to the next generation via placental transfer and lactation. There is a need to monitor the development and health impacts of infants and children, born and brought up in the e-waste sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Lin
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Muhammad Ubaid Ali
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chunmiao Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ming Hung Wong
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Huang W, Shi X, Wu K. Human Body Burden of Heavy Metals and Health Consequences of Pb Exposure in Guiyu, an E-Waste Recycling Town in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312428. [PMID: 34886154 PMCID: PMC8657058 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Guiyu accommodates millions of tons of e-waste from overseas and domestic sources each year and is notorious for its e-waste dismantling industry. As a consequence, Guiyu has been described as "the world's most toxic place" and "junk town". Informal e-waste recycling activities have caused severe pollution to the local environment and are associated with extensive health problems to the residents. This review provides updated insights on the body burden of heavy metals derived from e-waste and health outcomes resulted from lead (Pb) exposure. The review identified that Guiyu has been highly contaminated by heavy metals, especially Pb. Excessive exposure to Pb has been associated with multi-system and long-term effects in neonates and children, covering nervous, cardiovascular, adaptive immune, and hematologic systems as well as chromosome and DNA damage. Our review indicates strong associations that emphasize the need to develop strong regulations for prevention of exposure and health consequences in Guiyu and similar sites around the world.
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Anselm OH, Cavoura O, Davidson CM, Oluseyi TO, Oyeyiola AO, Togias K. Mobility, spatial variation and human health risk assessment of mercury in soil from an informal e-waste recycling site, Lagos, Nigeria. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:416. [PMID: 34120239 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09165-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Spatial variations and mobility of mercury (Hg) and Hg associations with other potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were studied in soil samples from Alaba, the largest e-waste recycling site in Nigeria and West Africa. Total Hg concentration was determined in surface soil samples from various locations using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS) following microwave-assisted acid extraction, while sequential extraction was used to determine operationally defined mobility. The concentrations of the PTEs arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) metals were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following microwave-assisted digestion with aqua regia. Total Hg concentration ranged from < 0.07 to 624 mg/kg and was largely dependent on the nature and intensity of e-waste recycling activities carried out. Mobile forms of Hg, which may be HgO (a known component of some forms of e-waste), accounted for between 3.2 and 23% of the total Hg concentration, and were observed to decrease with increasing organic matter (OM). Non-mobile forms accounted for >74% of the total Hg content. In the main recycling area, soil concentrations of Cd, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were above soil guideline values (Environment Agency in Science Report, 2009; Kamunda et al., 2016). Strong associations were observed between Hg and other PTEs (except for Fe and Zn) with the correlational coefficient ranging from 0.731 with Cr to 0.990 with As in April, but these correlations decreased in June except for Fe. Hazard quotient values > 1 at two locations suggest that Hg may pose health threats to people working at the e-waste recycling site. It is therefore recommended that workers should be investigated for symptoms of Hg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun H Anselm
- Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Olga Cavoura
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece.
| | - Christine M Davidson
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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Snow MA, Darko G, Gyamfi O, Ansah E, Breivik K, Hoang C, Lei YD, Wania F. Characterization of inhalation exposure to gaseous elemental mercury during artisanal gold mining and e-waste recycling through combined stationary and personal passive sampling. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:569-579. [PMID: 33565550 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00494d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
While occupational inhalation exposure to gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) has decreased in many workplaces as mercury is being removed from most products and processes, it continues to be a concern for those engaged in artisanal and small-scale gold mining or in recycling mercury-containing products. Recently, stationary and personal passive air samplers based on activated carbon sorbents and radial diffusive barriers have been shown to be suitable for measuring GEM concentrations across the range relevant for chronic health effects. Here, we used a combination of stationary and personal passive samplers to characterize the inhalation exposure to GEM of individuals living and working in two Ghanaian gold mining communities and working at a Norwegian e-waste recycling facility. Exposure concentrations ranging from <7 ng m-3 to >500 μg m-3 were observed, with the higher end of the range occurring in one gold mining community. Large differences in the GEM exposure averaged over the length of a workday between individuals can be rationalized by their activity and proximity to mercury sources. In each of the three settings, the measured exposure of the highest exposed individuals exceeded the highest concentration recorded with a stationary sampler, presumably because those individuals were engaged in an activity that generated or involved GEM vapors. High day-to-day variability in exposure for those who participated on more than one day, suggests the need for sampling over multiple days for reliable exposure characterization. Overall, a combination of personal and stationary passive sampling is a cost-effective approach that cannot only provide information on exposure levels relative to regulatory thresholds, but also can identify emission hotspots and therefore guide mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A Snow
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4.
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Soetrisno FN, Delgado-Saborit JM. Chronic exposure to heavy metals from informal e-waste recycling plants and children's attention, executive function and academic performance. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 717:137099. [PMID: 32092800 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
E-waste contains valuable metals that require appropriate waste management plans. However, rudimentary e-waste processing methods are a source of heavy metals environmental pollution. This study has characterised concentrations of heavy metals in soil (n = 10), water (n = 10) and hair (n = 44) of children in areas surrounding Jakarta (Indonesia), where e-waste is being or has been conducted in the past, and in a reference unexposed site. Chronic exposure to Mn, Pb, Hg, As and Cd and its associations with attention and executive function, characterised with the Trail Making Test (TMT), along with academic performance scores was conducted using multivariate regression analysis. Models were adjusted for age, gender, parental education, environmental tobacco smoke and residential traffic. Lead (3653 ± 3355 mg/kg), cadmium (3.4 ± 0.9 mg/kg) and mercury (15.2 ± 28.5 mg/kg) concentrations from soil and manganese concentrations in water (1.43 ± 0.64 mg/L) in the exposed sites were higher than current regulations. Heavy metal concentrations in hair of children living near e-waste facilities was higher than for children living in non-exposed areas (Pb: 0.155 ± 0.187 vs 0.0729 ± 0.08 mg/g; Mn: 0.130 ± 0.212 vs 0.018 ± 0.045 mg/g; Hg: 0.008 ± 0.0042 vs 0.002 ± 0.0011 mg/g) suggesting chronic exposure to heavy metals. Manganese exposure was associated with worse cognitive performance in the domains of attention (TMT-A score: 66 s, 95% CI 0.09, 132), executive function (TMT-B score: 105 s, 95% CI 11.5, 198) and social sciences (-29%, 95% CI -54, -4.7) (per unit of Mn in hair mg/g). These results suggest that informal e-waste activities contribute to local heavy metal soil contamination, and could be an important source of metal exposure to children living in the vicinity of these facilities with putative impacts on their cognitive performance. E-waste management regulation and remediation programmes should be implemented to reduce environmental pollution and associated health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fitria Nurbaidah Soetrisno
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; BP Berau Ltd, Tangguh LNG, West Papua, Indonesia
| | - Juana Maria Delgado-Saborit
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona, Spain.
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Nadal M, García F, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Metals in biological tissues of the population living near a hazardous waste incinerator in Catalonia, Spain: Two decades of follow-up. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 176:108578. [PMID: 31299619 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
During the period 1996-1998, a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) was built in Constantí (Tarragona County, Catalonia, Spain). Because of the potential adverse effects of toxic emissions, mainly metals and dioxins and furans, waste incinerators in general have been an important cause of concern for the public opinion. For that reason, to assess its environmental impact on the surroundings, as well as the potential human health risks of the HWI, environmental and biological monitoring studies have been carried out since 1996-1998, when the baseline concentrations were established. This article summarizes all the results corresponding to metals in biological tissues of the population living near the HWI, two decades after the construction of the facility. In 1996-1998, the baseline concentrations of a number of elements (As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl and V) were determined in samples of hair, blood and autopsy tissues (bone, brain, liver, lung and kidney) of subjects living in the area. In successive 5-year periods, new surveys were conducted to periodically measure the levels of metals in the same biological tissues. The daily dietary intake of these metals was also estimated for the population of the area. The results of this surveillance program do no suggest additional adverse health risks of metals for the population living near the HWI. However, special attention should be paid to Cr, due not only to the increases of this element observed in most analyzed biological tissues, but also in its dietary intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Francisco García
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
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Arain AL, Neitzel RL. A Review of Biomarkers Used for Assessing Human Exposure to Metals from E-Waste. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16101802. [PMID: 31117209 PMCID: PMC6572375 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16101802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Electronic waste recycling presents workers and communities with a potential for exposures to dangerous chemicals, including metals. This review examines studies that report on blood, hair, and urine biomarkers of communities and workers exposed to metals from e-waste. Our results from the evaluation of 19 publications found that there are consistently elevated levels of lead found in occupationally and non-occupationally exposed populations, in both the formal and the informal e-waste recycling sectors. Various other metals were found to be elevated in different exposure groups assessed using various types of biomarkers, but with less consistency than found in lead. Antimony and cadmium generally showed higher concentrations in exposed groups compared to reference group(s). Mercury and arsenic did not show a trend among exposure groups due to the dietary and environmental considerations. Observed variations in trends amongst exposure groups within studies using multiple biomarkers highlights the need to carefully select appropriate biomarkers. Our study concludes that there is a need for more rigorous research that moves past cross-sectional study designs, involves more thoughtful and methodical selection of biomarkers, and a systematic reporting standard for exposure studies to ensure that results can be compared across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey L Arain
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Richard L Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Kim S, Xu X, Zhang Y, Zheng X, Liu R, Dietrich K, Reponen T, Ho SM, Xie C, Sucharew H, Huo X, Chen A. Metal concentrations in pregnant women and neonates from informal electronic waste recycling. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2019; 29:406-415. [PMID: 30111780 PMCID: PMC6377357 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-018-0054-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest growing solid waste stream worldwide and mostly ends up in developing countries where residents use primitive methods for recycling. The most infamous e-waste recycling town, Guiyu in Southeast China, has been recycling since the mid-1990s. E-waste contains several harmful chemicals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and manganese (Mn). In 2011-12, the e-waste Recycling Exposures and Community Health (e-REACH) Study enrolled 634 pregnant women living in Guiyu and Haojiang, a control site, both in Shantou, China. The women completed a questionnaire and gave maternal blood, cord blood, and maternal urine, which were analyzed for Pb, Cd, Cr, and Mn. Maternal blood Pb, Cd, and Cr concentrations were significantly higher in Guiyu compared to Haojiang. In Guiyu, the geometric mean of Pb concentration in maternal blood was 6.66 µg/dL (range: 1.87-27.09 µg/dL) and was 1.74-fold greater than in Haojiang (95% CI: 1.60, 1.89). In cord blood, Pb concentration was 1.53-fold higher in Guiyu (95% CI: 1.38, 1.68). In maternal urine, Cd (ratio: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.72, 2.69) and Mn (ratio: 2.60, 95% CI: 2.04, 3.31) concentrations were significantly higher in Guiyu in comparison to Haojiang. In conclusion, pregnant women in Guiyu were at risk for increased exposure to heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephani Kim
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease and Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yuling Zhang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease and Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiangbin Zheng
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease and Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Rongju Liu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease and Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Kim Dietrich
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tiina Reponen
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Shuk-Mei Ho
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Changchun Xie
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Heidi Sucharew
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Xia Huo
- School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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12
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Zeng Z, Huo X, Zhang Y, Hylkema MN, Wu Y, Xu X. Differential DNA methylation in newborns with maternal exposure to heavy metals from an e-waste recycling area. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 171:536-545. [PMID: 30763874 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the effects of maternal exposure to e-waste environmental heavy metals on neonatal DNA methylation patterns. Neonatal umbilical cord blood (UCB) samples were collected from participants that resided in an e-waste recycling area, Guiyu and a nearby non-e-waste area, Haojiang in China. The concentrations of UCB lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn) and chromium (Cr) were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation at 473, 844 CpG sites (CpGs) were assessed by Illumina 450 K BeadChip. The differential methylation of CpG sites from the microarray were further validated by bisulfite pyrosequencing. Bioinformatics analysis showed that 125 CpGs mapped to 79 genes were differential methylation in the e-waste exposed group with higher concentrations of heavy metals in neonatal UCB. These genes mainly involve in multiple biological processes including calcium ion binding, cell adhesion, embryonic morphogenesis, as well as in signaling pathways related to NFkB activation, adherens junction, TGF beta and apoptosis. Among them, BAI1 and CTNNA2 (involving in neuron differentiation and development) were further verified to be hyper- and hypo-methylated, respectively, which were associated with maternal Pb exposure. These results suggest that maternal exposure to e-waste environmental heavy metals (particularly lead) during pregnancy are associated with peripheral blood differential DNA methylation in newborns, specifically the genes involving in brain neuron development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Zeng
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Xia Huo
- School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Machteld N Hylkema
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yousheng Wu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China.
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Zhang Y, Xu X, Sun D, Cao J, Zhang Y, Huo X. Alteration of the number and percentage of innate immune cells in preschool children from an e-waste recycling area. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2017; 145:615-622. [PMID: 28806563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.07.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are widespread environmental contaminants and exert detrimental effects on the immune system. We evaluated the association between Pb/Cd exposures and innate immune cells in children from an electronic waste (e-waste) recycling area. A total number of 294 preschool children were recruited, including 153 children from Guiyu (e-waste exposed group), and 141 from Haojiang (reference group). Pb and Cd levels in peripheral blood were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer, NK cell percentages were detected by flow cytometer, and other innate immune cells including monocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils and basophils were immediately measured by automated hematology analyzer. Results showed children in Guiyu had significantly higher Pb and Cd levels than in reference group. Absolute counts of monocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils and basophils, as well as percentages of eosinophils and neutrophils were significantly higher in the Guiyu group. In contrast, NK cell percentages were significantly lower in Guiyu group. Pb elicited significant escalation in counts of monocytes, eosinophils and basophils, as well as percentages of monocytes, but decline in percentages of neutrophils in different quintiles with respect to the first quintile of Pb concentrations. Cd induced significant increase in counts and percentages of neutrophils in the highest quintile compared with the first quintile of Cd concentrations. We concluded alteration of the number and percentage of innate immune cells are linked to higher levels of Pb and Cd, which indicates Pb and Cd exposures might affect the innate and adaptive immune response in Guiyu children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Di Sun
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Junjun Cao
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuling Zhang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangzhou and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China.
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Machete F. Environmental health risks associated with e-waste exposure in Badplaas, Carolina and Elukwatini landfills, Republic of South Africa. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION & DEVELOPMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/20421338.2017.1355602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fannie Machete
- Department of Environmental Science, University of South Africa, Florida Park Science Campus, South Africa
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Jiang J, Pan C, Xiao A, Yang X, Zhang G. Isolation, identification, and environmental adaptability of heavy-metal-resistant bacteria from ramie rhizosphere soil around mine refinery. 3 Biotech 2017; 7:5. [PMID: 28391469 PMCID: PMC5385178 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-017-0603-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Six bacteria strains from heavy-metal-polluted ramie rhizosphere soil were isolated through Cd2+ stress, which were numbered as JJ1, JJ2, JJ10, JJ11, JJ15, and JJ18. Sequence alignment and phylogenic analysis showed that strain JJ1 belonged to Pseudomonas, strain JJ2 belonged to Cupriavidus, strains JJ11 and JJ15 belonged to Bacillus, and strains JJ10 and JJ18 belonged to Acinetobacter. The tolerance capability of all the strains was the trend of Pb2+ > Zn2+ > Cu2+ > Cd2+, the maximum tolerance concentration to Cd2+ was 200 mg/L, to Pb2+ was 1600 mg/L, to Zn2+ was 600 mg/L, and to Cu2+ was 265 mg/L. Strains JJ1, JJ11, JJ15, and JJ18 could grow well under pH 9.0, and strains JJ2, JJ11, and JJ18 could grow well under 7% of NaCl. The results showed that as a whole these strains had high environmental adaptability. This is the first report that heavy-metal-tolerant bacteria were found from ramie rhizosphere soil, which could be as a foundation to discover the relationship between ramie, rhizosphere bacteria and heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jiang
- College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, Hubei, China
| | - Chaohu Pan
- College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, Hubei, China
| | - Aiping Xiao
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Xiai Yang
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China.
| | - Guimin Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, Hubei, China
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16
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Wittsiepe J, Feldt T, Till H, Burchard G, Wilhelm M, Fobil JN. Pilot study on the internal exposure to heavy metals of informal-level electronic waste workers in Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:3097-3107. [PMID: 27858271 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-8002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Informal-level electronic waste (e-waste)-processing activities are performed at hotspots in developing countries such as India, China, and Ghana. These activities increase the ambient burden of heavy metals and contribute to the toxic exposure of the general population. However, few data exist on the internal exposure of populations involved in these informal activities and in close contact with fumes from the direct combustion of electronic waste products in these countries. Therefore, in a cross-sectional study design, we analyzed blood, urine, and hair samples from 75 e-waste workers residing in and/or working on a large e-waste recycling site in Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana, and compared the results against those of 40 individuals living in a suburb of Accra without direct exposure to e-waste recycling activities. A comparative analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test showed significantly higher median concentrations of blood lead (88.5 vs. 41.0 μg/l, p < 0.001), cadmium (0.12 vs. 0.10 μg/gcrea, p = 0.023), chromium (0.34 vs. 0.23 μg/gcrea, p < 0.001), and nickel (3.18 vs. 2.03 μg/gcrea, p < 0.001) in the urine of e-waste workers than those of controls. There was no difference in blood cadmium concentrations between the groups (0.51 vs. 0.57 μg/l, p = 0.215) or in urine mercury levels (0.18 vs. 0.18 μg/gcrea, p = 0.820). Hair mercury levels were higher in the controls than in the e-waste workers (0.43 vs. 0.72, p < 0.001). We compared our data with those from European populations, specifically using the German reference values, and found that the internal concentrations of the participants exceeded the German reference values in 59.3 vs. 3.1% (e-waste workers vs. controls) for blood lead, 56.9 vs. 52.5% for urine nickel, 22.2 vs. 20.0% for urine chromium, and 17.8 vs. 62.2% for hair mercury. In particular, the high blood lead levels of up to several hundred micrograms per liter are a cause for concern because many of the workers in Agbogbloshie are children or adolescents who are in developmental stages and are at a particular risk for negative health effects. We conclude that exposure to some of the heavy metals tended to be a citywide phenomenon, but populations directly exposed to e-waste recycling are experiencing higher exposure levels and have concentration levels much higher than those of the general population and much higher than those found in European populations. To achieve environmental sustainability and to minimize the impact of e-waste-processing activities in developing countries, national authorities must formalize the rapidly growing informal-level e-waste management sector in these countries by deploying cleaner and easy-to-operate e-waste processing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Wittsiepe
- Department of Hygiene, Social and Environmental Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44801, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Torsten Feldt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger Till
- GIZ-Regional Coordination Unit for HIV & TB (giz-ReCHT), P.O. Box 9698, K.I.A. 32, Cantonment Crescent, Cantonment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gerd Burchard
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, D-20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Wilhelm
- Department of Hygiene, Social and Environmental Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Julius N Fobil
- Department of Biological, Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG13, Legon, Ghana
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17
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Deng C, Xie H, Ye X, Zhang H, Liu M, Tong Y, Ou L, Yuan W, Zhang W, Wang X. Mercury risk assessment combining internal and external exposure methods for a population living near a municipal solid waste incinerator. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 219:1060-1068. [PMID: 27613324 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Risk assessments for human health have been conducted for municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) in many western countries, whereas only a few risk assessments have been performed for MSWIs in developing countries such as China where the use of waste incineration is increasing rapidly. To assess the mercury exposure risks of a population living near the largest MSWI in South China, we combined internal exposure and external exposure assessment with an individual-specific questionnaire. The mercury concentrations in air, soil, and locally collected food around the MSWI were assessed. The total mercury (T-Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) of 447 blood samples from a control group, residential exposure group, and MSWI workers were measured. The internal and external exposures of the subject population were analyzed. Significant difference in MeHg concentrations was observed between the control group and the exposed group, between the control group and the MSWI workers, and between the exposed group and the MSWI workers (median levels: 0.70 μg/L, 0.81 μg/L, and 1.02 μg/L for the control group, exposed group, and MSWI workers, respectively). The MeHg/T-Hg ratio was 0.51 ± 0.19, 0.59 ± 0.17 and 0.58 ± 0.25, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that MeHg concentrations were positively correlated with the gaseous mercury in the air. Combining internal and external exposure assessment showed that the direct contribution of MSWI emissions was minor compared with the dietary contribution. The external and internal exposures were well matched with each other. This study also suggested that an integrated method combining internal and external exposure assessment with an individual-specific questionnaire is feasible to assess the risks for a population living near a MSWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Deng
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Han Xie
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xuejie Ye
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Maodian Liu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yindong Tong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Langbo Ou
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wen Yuan
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China.
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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Shi J, Zheng GJS, Wong MH, Liang H, Li Y, Wu Y, Li P, Liu W. Health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons via fish consumption in Haimen bay (China), downstream of an e-waste recycling site (Guiyu). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 147:233-240. [PMID: 26897061 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Guiyu, China has been one of the largest e-waste recycling sites of the world for more than 20 years. Abundant data show that local dwellers there suffered from severe health risks from e-waste contaminants. In this study, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were used as candidates to test the contamination levels and their possible adverse effects on residents in Haimen Bay, the estuary of Lian River (less than 30km from Guiyu), which has been totally neglected. The concentrations of 16PAHs were determined in collected marine fish with a median ΣPAH concentration of 1478ng/g (wet weight), and the contamination may be mainly influenced by Lian River runoff, specifically from Guiyu. The lifetime excess cancer risk for local dwellers was much higher than the serious risk level (10(-4)). More seriously, outflows of PAHs from the e-waste recycling site (Guiyu) seemed to exert health risks of a much larger scale of population downstream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchun Shi
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, P.R. China
| | - Gene Jin-Shu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Ming-Hung Wong
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER), and Department of Science and Environmental Studies, Institute of Education, Tai Po, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Hong Liang
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, P.R. China
| | - Yuelin Li
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, P.R. China
| | - Yinglin Wu
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, P.R. China
| | - Ping Li
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, P.R. China
| | - Wenhua Liu
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, P.R. China.
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Tang Z, Zhang L, Huang Q, Yang Y, Nie Z, Cheng J, Yang J, Wang Y, Chai M. Contamination and risk of heavy metals in soils and sediments from a typical plastic waste recycling area in North China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2015; 122:343-51. [PMID: 26318969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Plastic wastes are increasingly being recycled in many countries. However, available information on the metals released into the environment during recycling processes is rare. In this study, the contamination features and risks of eight heavy metals in soils and sediments were investigated in Wen'an, a typical plastic recycling area in North China. The surface soils and sediments have suffered from moderate to high metal pollution and in particular, high Cd and Hg pollution. The mean concentrations of Cd and Hg were 0.355 and 0.408 mg kg(-1), respectively, in the soils and 1.53 and 2.10 mg kg(-1), respectively, in the sediments. The findings suggested that there is considerable to high potential ecological risks in more than half of the soils and high potential ecological risk in almost all sediments. Although the health risk levels from exposure to soil metals were acceptable for adults, the non-carcinogenic risks to local children exceeded the acceptable level. Source assessment indicated that heavy metals in soils and sediments were mainly derived from inputs from poorly controlled plastic waste recycling operations in this area. The results suggested that the risks associated with heavy metal pollution from plastic waste recycling should be of great concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwu Tang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Regional Energy and Environmental Systems Optimization, Environmental Research Academy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Lianzhen Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Regional Energy and Environmental Systems Optimization, Environmental Research Academy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Qifei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Yufei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Jiali Cheng
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Jun Yang
- Center for Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yuwen Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Regional Energy and Environmental Systems Optimization, Environmental Research Academy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Miao Chai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Regional Energy and Environmental Systems Optimization, Environmental Research Academy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China.
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Huang Y, Ni W, Chen Y, Wang X, Zhang J, Wu K. Levels and risk factors of antimony contamination in human hair from an electronic waste recycling area, Guiyu, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:7112-9. [PMID: 25501644 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3941-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The primitive electronic waste (e-waste) recycling has brought a series of environmental pollutants in Guiyu, China. Antimony is one of the important metal contaminants and has aroused the global concerns recently. We aimed to investigate concentrations of antimony in human hair from Guiyu and compared them with those from a control area where no e-waste recycling exists, and assessed the potential risk factors. A total of 205 human hair samples from Guiyu and 80 samples from Jinping were collected for analysis. All volunteers were asked to complete a questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics and other possible factors related to hair antimony exposure. The concentrations of hair antimony were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Our results indicated that the level of hair antimony in volunteers from Guiyu (median, 160.78; range, 6.99-4412.59 ng/g) was significantly higher than those from Jinping (median, 61.74; range, 2.98-628.43 ng/g). The residents who engaged in e-waste recycling activities in Guiyu had higher hair antimony concentrations than others (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference of hair antimony concentrations among different occupation types in e-waste recycling. Multiple stepwise regression analysis indicated that hair antimony concentrations were associated with education level (β = -0.064), the time of residence in Guiyu (β = 0.112), living house also served as e-waste workshop (β = 0.099), the work related to e-waste (β = 0.169), and smoking (β = 0.018). The elevated hair antimony concentrations implied that the residents in Guiyu might be at high risk of antimony contamination, especially the e-waste recycling workers. Work related to e-waste recycling activities and long-time residence in Guiyu contributed to the high hair antimony exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Huang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, No. 22, Xinling Rd., Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
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Hadi P, Ning C, Ouyang W, Xu M, Lin CSK, McKay G. Toward environmentally-benign utilization of nonmetallic fraction of waste printed circuit boards as modifier and precursor. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2015; 35:236-246. [PMID: 25445263 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2014.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Electronic waste, including printed circuit boards, is growing at an alarming rate due to the accelerated technological progress and the shorter lifespan of the electronic equipment. In the past decades, due to the lack of proper economic and environmentally-benign recycling technologies, a major fraction of e-waste generated was either destined to landfills or incinerated with the sole intention of its disposal disregarding the toxic nature of this waste. Recently, with the increasing public awareness over their environment and health issues and with the enaction of more stringent regulations, environmentally-benign recycling has been driven to be an alternative option partially replacing the traditional eco-unfriendly disposal methods. One of the most favorable green technologies has been the mechanical separation of the metallic and nonmetallic fraction of the waste printed circuit boards. Although metallic fraction, as the most profitable component, is used to generate the revenue of the separation process, the nonmetallic fraction (NMF) has been left isolated. Herein, the recent developments in the application of NMF have been comprehensively reviewed and an eco-friendly emerging usage of NMF as a value-added material for sustainable remediation has been introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pejman Hadi
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Chao Ning
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Weiyi Ouyang
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Meng Xu
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Carol S K Lin
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Gordon McKay
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Division of Sustainable Development, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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