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das Neves Silva S, Yamane LH, Ribeiro Siman R. Challenges to implement and operationalize the WEEE reverse logistics system at the micro level. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:111693-111713. [PMID: 37831254 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30207-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) possesses unique characteristics such as its growing production and the potential for resource extraction due to its composition. The implementation and operationalization of a reverse logistics system (RLS) for WEEE is a challenge, particularly concerning the micro level. The implementation of such systems often prioritizes urban centers and their higher population densities, generally overlooking the micro level. The latter refers to ward- or village-level divisions, which can be regarded as the smallest administrative divisions of both urban and rural areas. Furthermore, it encompasses any area facing logistical challenges regarding RLS operationalization due to factors such as geographical isolation, budgetary constraints, imbalances, social isolation, environmental aspects, and even geopolitical conflicts. This study is aimed at addressing this literature gap by discussing the challenges to implement and operationalize a WEEE RLS at the micro level. A systematic literature review was employed as our methodology. We found 13 challenges for developed and developing countries without distinction between macro and micro levels. An additional approach highlighted the significance of monitoring and controlling WEEE RLS. The challenge The population and LRS entities' lack or insufficient training and awareness received the most citations in the conducted search. These challenges were organized by operational phase and discussed from the perspective of the micro level to comprehend multifactorial local challenges involving all stakeholders in the reverse logistics of WEEE in emerging nations. This can assist local administrators and constitutes the primary contribution of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzana das Neves Silva
- Environmental Engineering Department, Federal University of Espírito Santo, 514, Fernando Ferrari Avenue, Vitória, Espírito Santo, 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Luciana Harue Yamane
- Environmental Engineering Department, Federal University of Espírito Santo, 514, Fernando Ferrari Avenue, Vitória, Espírito Santo, 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Renato Ribeiro Siman
- Environmental Engineering Department, Federal University of Espírito Santo, 514, Fernando Ferrari Avenue, Vitória, Espírito Santo, 29075-910, Brazil.
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Issah I, Arko-Mensah J, Agyekum TP, Dwomoh D, Fobil JN. Health Risks Associated with Informal Electronic Waste Recycling in Africa: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14278. [PMID: 36361155 PMCID: PMC9655142 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling in Africa has become a major public health concern. This review examined studies that report on the association between e-waste exposure and adverse human health outcomes in Africa. The review was conducted following the updated version of the Preferred Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA 2020) statement checklist. We included papers that were original peer-reviewed epidemiological studies and conference papers, written in English, and reported on e-waste exposure among human populations and any health-related outcome in the context of Africa. Our results from the evaluation of 17 studies found an association between informal e-waste recycling methods and musculoskeletal disease (MSD) symptoms and physical injuries such as back pains, lacerations, eye problems, skin burns, and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In addition, the generation and release of particulate matter (PM) of various sizes, and toxic and essential metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), etc., during the recycling process are associated with adverse systemic intermediate health outcomes including cardiopulmonary function and DNA damage. This systematic review concludes that the methods used by e-waste recyclers in Africa expose them to increased risk of adverse health outcomes. However, there is a need for more rigorous research that moves past single pollutant analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Issah
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra 00233, Ghana
| | - John Arko-Mensah
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra 00233, Ghana
| | - Thomas P. Agyekum
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra 00233, Ghana
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana
| | - Duah Dwomoh
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra 00233, Ghana
| | - Julius N. Fobil
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra 00233, Ghana
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Decharat S, Kiddee P. Assessment of knowledge, attitude, perceptions and risk assessment among workers in e-waste recycling shops, Thailand. Environ Anal Health Toxicol 2022; 37:e2022003-0. [PMID: 35255682 PMCID: PMC9058102 DOI: 10.5620/eaht.2022003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To study the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions, to study the health effects, and to investigate the concentration of Pb and Cd in indoor dust samples, drinking water samples, and personal air samples and to assess the health risk among workers who worked at e-waste recycling shops in the southern region, Thailand. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among workers from 136 electronic waste recycling stores in Southern Thailand, between January and July 2021. The study questionnaire was given to the 272 e-waste workers participating. Indoor dust, drinking water, and personal air samples were collected 27 e-waste shops and the concentrations of Pb and Cd in all samples were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Descriptive statistics and the simple linear regression were used to analyze. Overall, 176 employees (64.7%) suffered nasal irritation, 181 employees (66.5%) reported coughing/sneezing, and 163 employees (59.9%) had inconvenient breathing/jamming symptoms. Also, 158 employees (58.1%) had skin peeling symptoms, and 188 employees (69.1%) had muscle aches. The results indicate the positive influence of increasing knowledge and attitudes on the average practice score. The hazardous index (HI)-values of indoor dust samples, drinking water samples, and personal air samples were less than 1, was considered health-protective. The results will provide the direct evidence needed by e-waste managers to warn learners. Thus, there is a need for education programme to increase knowledge among the workers. In addition, information dissemination, involvement with organizations and associations is a necessity for workers in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somsiri Decharat
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Thaksin University, Thailand
| | - Peeranart Kiddee
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Thaksin University, Thailand
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Acquah AA, D'Souza C, Martin BJ, Arko-Mensah J, Basu N, Quakyi IA, Robins TG, Fobil JN. Comparison of ergonomic risk factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dismantler and burners of electronic waste in Agbogbloshie, Accra Ghana. PROCEEDINGS OF THE HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS SOCIETY ... ANNUAL MEETING. HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS SOCIETY. ANNUAL MEETING 2021; 65:715-719. [PMID: 35115743 PMCID: PMC8809478 DOI: 10.1177/1071181321651256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Rudimentary methods for electronic waste (e-waste) recycling employed in developing countries are a source of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). A summarized comparison of WRMSDs and preliminary exposure assessment among e-waste dismantlers (D) and burners (B) in Agbogbloshie, Ghana is presented. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate WRMSDs and associated risk factors using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire and a newly developed ergonomic assessment tool. Results indicated higher WRMSDs prevalence in the lower back (68% D vs. 52% B; p = 0.172), shoulder (41% D vs. 29% B; p = 0.279) and upper arm (33% D vs 5% B; p = 0.010). Moderate to severe trunk flexion, high force exertion, repetition and vibration were prevalent risk factors among workers and were significantly higher in dismantlers than burners (p ≤ 0.001). Detailed ergonomic studies investigating the relationship between physical exposures and WRMSDs are needed to provide a deeper understanding of WRMSD causation in e-waste workers and more particularly in unstructured, unregulated work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustine A Acquah
- Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Clive D'Souza
- Center for Ergonomics, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Bernard J Martin
- Center for Ergonomics, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - John Arko-Mensah
- Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Isabella A Quakyi
- Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Thomas G Robins
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Julius N Fobil
- Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Wu T, Li Y, Xiao H, Fu M. Molecular Modifications and Control of Processes to Facilitate the Synergistic Degradation of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Soil by Plants and Microorganisms Based on Queuing Scoring Method. Molecules 2021; 26:3911. [PMID: 34206860 PMCID: PMC8271410 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26133911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, a combination of modification of the source and regulation of the process was used to control the degradation of PBDEs by plants and microorganisms. First, the key proteins that can degrade PBDEs in plants and microorganisms were searched in the PDB (Protein Data Bank), and a molecular docking method was used to characterize the binding ability of PBDEs to two key proteins. Next, the synergistic binding ability of PBDEs to the two key proteins was evaluated based on the queuing integral method. Based on this, three groups of three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) models of plant-microbial synergistic degradation were constructed. A total of 30 PBDE derivatives were designed using BDE-3 as the template molecule. Among them, the effect on the synergistic degradation of six PBDE derivatives, including BDE-3-4, was significantly improved (increased by more than 20%) and the environment-friendly and functional evaluation parameters were improved. Subsequently, studies on the synergistic degradation of PBDEs and their derivatives by plants and microorganisms, based on the molecular docking method, found that the addition of lipophilic groups by modification is beneficial to enhance the efficiency of synergistic degradation of PBDEs by plants and microorganisms. Further, while docking PBDEs, the number of amino acids was increased and the binding bond length was decreased compared to the template molecules, i.e., PBDE derivatives could be naturally degraded more efficiently. Finally, molecular dynamics simulation by the Taguchi orthogonal experiment and a full factorial experimental design were used to simulate the effects of various regulatory schemes on the synergistic degradation of PBDEs by plants and microorganisms. It was found that optimal regulation occurred when the appropriate amount of carbon dioxide was supplied to the plant and microbial systems. This paper aims to provide theoretical support for enhancing the synergistic degradation of PBDEs by plants and microorganisms in e-waste dismantling sites and their surrounding polluted areas, as well as, realize the research and development of green alternatives to PBDE flame retardants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- College of Environment, Energy of South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; (T.W.); (H.X.)
| | - Yu Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Hailin Xiao
- College of Environment, Energy of South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; (T.W.); (H.X.)
| | - Mingli Fu
- College of Environment, Energy of South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; (T.W.); (H.X.)
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Musculoskeletal Disorders in Unstructured, Unregulated Work: Assessment Methods and Injuries. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021. [PMID: 34263268 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-74611-7_99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Unstructured and unregulated work is expanding fast among low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Furthermore, accumulation of urban waste resulting from overconsumption is a global concern. Hence, waste management and recycling have received increased attention. One specific waste category pertaining to electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) is growing at a higher rate than other waste streams. Recycling of e-waste is largely informal and disproportionately relies on LMICs, exposing workers to various occupational and environmental health risks. In order to promote safer work practices and limit a broad range of occupational health and safety concerns associated with informal manual work, the broader psychosocial and sociocultural environment also deserves attention. This symposium will discuss contemporary issues in informal, unregulated, unstructured work in LMICs, primarily in Africa and South America. The goal of the symposium is to call attention to both, the unique occupational context of informal work, and the need for new ergonomics methods to address occupational exposure assessment and musculoskeletal injury prevention adapted to informal work in limited resource settings.
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Fobil J, Abotsi P, Acquah AA, Arko-Mensah J, D'Souza C, Martin B. Occupational and Environmental Health Effects of Informal Electronic Waste Recycling - A Focus on Agbogbloshie, Ghana. PROCEEDINGS OF THE 21ST CONGRESS OF THE INTERNATIONAL ERGONOMICS ASSOCIATION (IEA 2021). VOLUME IV, HEALTHCARE AND HEALTHY WORK. INTERNATIONAL ERGONOMICS ASSOCIATION. CONGRESS 2021; 222:746-752. [PMID: 34263269 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-74611-7_102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The unregulated and unorganized structure of informal electronic waste recycling worksites exposes workers to numerous occupational hazards. This context also presents research challenges in collecting exposure data to establish linkages with adverse health effects and development of risk-mitigating strategies. This paper presents some findings from a 5-year multinational and multi-institutional collaboration of academic and government partners, which documented extensive occupational and environmental health conditions at the Agbogbloshie electronic waste site in central Accra, Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Fobil
- Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG13, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Priscillah Abotsi
- Legon Center for International Affairs & Diplomcy (LECIAD), P.O. Box LG25, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Augustine A Acquah
- Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG13, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - John Arko-Mensah
- Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG13, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Clive D'Souza
- Center for Ergonomics, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2117, USA
| | - Bernard Martin
- Center for Ergonomics, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2117, USA
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Work-Related Exposures and Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms among Informal E-Waste Recyclers at Agbogbloshie, Ghana. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021. [PMID: 34308445 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-74611-7_93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Recycling of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) in developing countries is mostly conducted in the informal sector consisting of low skilled workers. Informal e-waste recycling predominantly involves the physically demanding work of manually collecting, dismantling and burning of e-waste items to extract reusable components and valuable metals including gold or copper. This cross-sectional study investigated the effects of manual e-waste recycling work on the musculoskeletal health of 176 workers at Agbogbloshie in Accra, Ghana - the largest informal e-waste dumpsites in Africa. Findings indicate significant associations between prolonged walking and weighted MSD symptom scores for the lower extremities, and between manual material handlings tasks and weighted MSD symptom scores for the upper extremities and lower back. The study calls attention to the need for ergonomics research in the informal work sector to promote safer practices and address a range of worker health concerns.
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