1
|
Li J, Jiang H, Qin J, Qin Y, Zhou X, Shi S, Shu Z, Gao Y, Tan J. Unexpectedly high levels and health risks of atmospheric polychlorinated biphenyls in modern mechanical dismantling of obsolete electrical equipment: Investigations in a large integrated e-waste dismantling industrial estate. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 182:108333. [PMID: 37995389 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108333] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Large industrial estates for electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) mechanical dismantling and recycling are gradually replacing outmoded small factories and intensive domestic workshops for e-waste manual and chemical dismantling. However, the air pollution and health risks of persistent organic pollutants during the modern mechanical processing of e-waste, especially obsolete electrical equipment, still remain unclear. Here, unexpectedly high levels (409.3 ng/m3) and health risks of airborne polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were found during the mechanical processing of obsolete electric equipment or parts in a large integrated dismantling industrial estate, which is comparable to or a dozen times higher than those reported during chemical processing. In contrast, the levels (936.0 pg/m3) and health risks of particulate polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were all lower than those of previous studies. PCB emissions (44.9-3300.5 ng/m3) varied significantly across six mechanical dismantling places specifically treating waste motors, electrical appliances, hardware, transformers, and metals, respectively. The high PCB content and mass processing number of obsolete electrical equipment probably result in the highest PCB emissions from the mechanical dismantling of obsolete motors, followed by waste electrical appliances and metals. The PCB non-cancer and cancer risks associated with inhalation and dermal exposure in different mechanical dismantling places were all above the given potential risk limits. In particular, the health risks of dismantling obsolete motor exceeded the definite risk levels. Little difference in PCB emissions and health risks between working and non-working time suggested the importance of PCB volatilization from most e-waste. Such high PCB emissions and health risks of PCBs undoubtedly posed a severe threat to frontline workers, but fortunately, they decreased significantly with the increasing distance from the industrial estate. We highlight that PCB emissions and associated health risks from obsolete electrical equipment with high PCB content during mechanical dismantling activities should be of great concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingnan Li
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haoyu Jiang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China.
| | - Juanjuan Qin
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Qin
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xueming Zhou
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shaoxuan Shi
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhao Shu
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuwei Gao
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jihua Tan
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huang J, Zhao L, Shi Y, Zeng X, Sun W, Zhao X, Liu R, Wu Q, Dong G, Chen D, Liu X. Characterization of short-, medium- and long-chain chlorinated paraffins in ambient PM 2.5 from the Pearl River Delta, China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 175:107932. [PMID: 37116426 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Research on the environmental occurrence of long-chain chlorinated paraffins (LCCPs) in ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is still scarce. In the present study, short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) and LCCPs were simultaneously quantified and profiled in PM2.5 samples collected from 96 primary or secondary schools in the Pearl River Delta of South China. SCCPs, MCCPs and LCCPs were detected in higher than 90% samples with concentrations in the range of 0.832-109, 1.02-110, and 0.173-17.4 ng/m3, respectively. The dominant congener groups of SCCPs, MCCPs and LCCPs were C13Cl6-8, C14Cl7-8, and C18Cl7-9, respectively. The concentrations of SCCPs and MCCPs were higher in summer than in winter, while an opposite seasonal trend was observed for LCCPs. Principal components analysis showed there were seasonal variations in the congener group patterns with C13Cl6-7 and C14Cl7 more abundant in summer than in winter. Concentrations of CPs also exhibited slight spatial variations. Exposure risk assessment based on different age groups suggested exposure to PM2.5-associated CPs would not pose significant health risk. The present study expands the existing knowledge of CPs contamination in atmospheric environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yumeng Shi
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaowen Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wenwen Sun
- SCIEX (China) Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510623, China
| | | | - Ruqing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qizhen Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Guanghui Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Da Chen
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaotu Liu
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li CA, Li SS, Zhang Y, Huang Y, Tao L. Residues of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a wild predatory fish from an e-waste site in South China between 2009 and 2016. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:7303-7311. [PMID: 36031680 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22736-z] [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: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Crude electronic waste (e-waste) recycling has been banned due to the serious environmental pollution it caused, leaving many abandoned e-waste sites. However, information on the current levels and associated ecological risks of e-waste-derived contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in e-waste site is limited. Wild fish, because they can accumulate high pollutant levels, are suitable indicators for environmental pollution monitoring and has been widely employed as biomonitoring. In this study, we investigated the changes in the levels and profiles of PCBs in a wild fish species, the northern snakehead (Channa argus), before (2009) and after (2016) the ban of crude e-waste recycling from a typical e-waste recycling site in South China. The mean total PCB concentration in the northern snakehead sampled in 2016 (343 ng/g ww) declined by 75% compared with that (1410 ng/g ww) in 2009. The contributions of less chlorinated congeners (tri-CBs and tetra-CBs) in the northern snakehead tended to decrease over the years, indicating that the lighter congeners are more easily eliminated than the heavier ones in the environment. Our findings suggested no fresh PCB input in these years, as well as the positive impacts of laws and regulations on the prohibition of e-waste recycling. The ecological risk assessment suggested that PCB exposure may have median to high risks to the wild fish and fish-eating wildlife that inhabit the e-waste site, even after the ban of crude e-waste recycling activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-An Li
- Hefei Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Hefei, 230061, China
| | - Si-Sheng Li
- Hefei Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Hefei, 230061, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Administration of Ecology and Environment of the Pearl River Basin & South China Sea, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Eco-Environmental Monitoring and Research Center, Guangzhou, 510611, China
| | - Yichao Huang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Lin Tao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Guo F, Yin S, Wang H, Zhang J, Liu Y, Aamir M, Liu W. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the colostrum samples from the Yangtze River Region: Exposure profile and risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 285:117253. [PMID: 33957509 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may transfer into the neonates through the placental transfer and via breastfeeding after the delivery, thus might be harmful to the infant. Sixty colostrum samples in the Yangtze River Region were collected to investigate the concentration, distribution pattern, and enantiomer characteristic of the PCB exposure. Among all samples, over 90% of pollutants were tetra-to hepta-chlorinated PCBs. The sum concentration of the PCB was 512 (IQR: 322-856) ng g-1 lipid weight. Enantiomer fraction (EF) of PCB 95 and PCB 149 was found lower than the racemic value, while EFs of PCB 45 and PCB 136 were found higher and near-racemic state, respectively. The concentration pattern and enantiomeric properties of the PCBs indicated that the mothers from Mianyang had a recent exposure to PCBs. Among all samples, similar exposure and metabolic pathways of the PCB congeners were observed. PCB exposure showed no significant correlation with the birth outcome of the infants, but 43.3% of the infants have potential health risks via breastfeeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangjie Guo
- Quality and Safety Engineering Institute of Food and Drug, School of Management Engineering and Electronic Commerce, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shanshan Yin
- Interdisciplinary Research Academy (IRA), Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Quality and Safety Engineering Institute of Food and Drug, School of Management Engineering and Electronic Commerce, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianyun Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, 311121, China
| | - Yingxue Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, Institution of Environmental Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Muhammad Aamir
- Water-Energy Resilience Research Laboratory, Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Weiping Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Academy (IRA), Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wei B, Liu C, Bao J, Wang Y, Hu J, Qi M, Jin J, Wei Y. Uptake and distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in cultivated plants around an E-waste disposal site in Southern China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:2696-2706. [PMID: 32892280 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10642-1] [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: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air, soil, and cultivated plants at e-waste disposal sites in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, were determined to allow PAH uptake by and distributions in plants to be investigated. The PAH distributions in air, rhizosphere soil, and surface soil were markedly different. This indicated that root morphology variations and root exudates may affect PAH compositions in soil around plants. The PAH concentrations in the plant samples were 29.7-2170 ng/g. The lowest PAH concentration was found in a peeled taproot sample. The PAH concentration gradients from the plant shoots to roots suggested that PAHs entered the plants through various pathways. The three- and four-ring PAHs were found to be absorbed more readily than the higher-molecular-weight (five- and six-ring) PAHs. This indicated that high-molecular-weight PAHs in soil can be prevented from entering plants, particularly taproots, via root exudates and the root peel. For most plants, the highest PAH concentrations were found in leaves, indicating that atmospheric deposition may strongly affect PAH concentrations in aerial plant parts. High-molecular-weight PAHs are more readily absorbed from ambient air by leaves than other parts. Lower PAH concentrations were found in fruits than other plant parts. This and the differences in PAH distributions between fruits and other aerial parts indicated that PAHs may be selectively absorbed by fruits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baokai Wei
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, No. 27, South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Chen Liu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, No. 27, South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Junsong Bao
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, No. 27, South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, No. 27, South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jicheng Hu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, No. 27, South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Min Qi
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, No. 27, South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jun Jin
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, No. 27, South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Food Environment and Public Health, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Yongjie Wei
- Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science, Beijing, 100012, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Trends of Polychlorinated Compounds in the Surroundings of a Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator in Mataró (Catalonia, Spain): Assessing Health Risks. TOXICS 2020; 8:toxics8040111. [PMID: 33266363 PMCID: PMC7712533 DOI: 10.3390/toxics8040111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Since 2008, the environmental levels of polychlorinated compounds near a municipal solid waste incinerator in Mataró (Catalonia, Spain) have been periodically monitored. The present study aimed at updating the data regarding the temporal changes occurred between 2015 and 2017, when air and soil samples were collected again, and the concentrations of the same chemical pollutants (i.e., polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)) were analysed. Furthermore, the health risks associated with their human exposure were also evaluated. The levels of all the contaminants in soil were far below the threshold established by regional and national legislations, also being lower than those observed in previous surveys. A similar trend was also noted for PCDD/Fs in air samples, while airborne PCBs were the only group of chemicals whose levels significantly increased. In any case, the global assessment of the data regarding the different pollutants and matrices indicates that there has not been a general increase in the environmental pollution around the facility. In addition, the environmental exposure to PCDD/Fs and PCBs by the population living nearby is still clearly lower than the dietary intake of these same chemical pollutants.
Collapse
|
7
|
Li Y, Lin M, Ni Z, Yuan Z, Liu W, Ruan J, Tang Y, Qiu R. Ecological influences of the migration of micro resin particles from crushed waste printed circuit boards on the dumping soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 386:121020. [PMID: 31874765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
About 0.8 million tons of resin particles, which were generated from the recovery of waste printed circuit boards, were dumped on soil at Qingyuan city of China. Resin particles not only belong to micro plastic but also contain brominated flame retardants and heavy metals. There is little information about soil pollution caused by the dumped resin particles. This study found resin particles would transfer from soil surface into soil at least 10 mm downward for six months. Average content of bromine in soil within 10 cm exceeded 2500 mg/kg. The highest content of Pb, Zn, and Cu was 3450, 1143 and 1450 mg/kg, which were approximately 6.9, 2.3 and 3.6 times as much as Grade Ⅲ soil standard of China. Micro plastic, brominated flame retardants, and heavy metals made significant effects on soil bacterial community. Bacterial diversity was destroyed and the number of resistant bacteria increased obviously such as Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas and Paracoccus. This paper presented the ecological destroy of soil when the resin particles were deposited on soil surface. It also suggested the government to urgently manage the resin particles produced in the recovery of waste printed circuit boards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaying Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 135 Xingang Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Mi Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 135 Xingang Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuobiao Ni
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 135 Xingang Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihui Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 135 Xingang Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiqi Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 135 Xingang Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Jujun Ruan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 135 Xingang Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yetao Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 135 Xingang Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongliang Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, 135 Xingang Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu C, Wei BK, Bao JS, Wang Y, Hu JC, Tang YE, Chen T, Jin J. Polychlorinated biphenyls in the soil-crop-atmosphere system in e-waste dismantling areas in Taizhou: Concentrations, congener profiles, uptake, and translocation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 257:113622. [PMID: 31761589 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Samples of soil, air, and locally grown crops from around an old e-waste dismantling area (Fengjiang) and a new e-waste dismantling area (Binhai) in Taizhou were analyzed to investigate the behavior of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) released during e-waste dismantling in the soil-crop-atmosphere system. The results indicated that PCB pollution is still widespread in the study area. The PCB concentrations were clearly higher in soil from FJ than in soil from BH, and the concentrations in the functional zones decreased strongly in the order industry park > residential area > farmland. Historical and current emissions during e-waste dismantling processes are probably the main sources of PCBs to soil because PCB production and use are banned. The long half-lives of PCBs have caused the target congener concentrations in soil not to decrease markedly over 10 years. The "halo effect" may have caused PCBs in soil in the heavily polluted FJ area to diffuse into the surrounding area. Soil-air exchange of PCBs in heavily contaminated FJ area may supply PCBs to air because the temperatures in Taizhou are often high. PCBs can accumulate in crops through various pathways. Less-chlorinated PCBs (mainly including Tri-PCBs) can enter crops by root uptake and translocated to the aerial tissues, and more-chlorinated PCBs (including Penta-PCBs and Hexa-PCBs) at high concentrations in soil can enter underground crop tissues through passive transport. More-chlorinated PCBs in underground tissues cannot be transferred to aboveground tissues of tall crops but may be transferred to aboveground tissues of short crops through the root-to-stem pathway and through soil dust being transferred to aboveground external surfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Bao Kai Wei
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jun Song Bao
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China; Engineering Research Center of Food Environment and Public Health, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Ji Cheng Hu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China; Engineering Research Center of Food Environment and Public Health, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yun En Tang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Tan Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China; Engineering Research Center of Food Environment and Public Health, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Jun Jin
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China; Engineering Research Center of Food Environment and Public Health, Beijing, 100081, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liao Z, Zeng M, Wang L. Atmospheric oxidation mechansim of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) initiated by OH radicals. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 240:124756. [PMID: 31563106 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT) is the main route for circulating polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from sources to sinks. In the atmosphere, PCBs containing six and less chlorine substitutions exist mainly as vapour, which can be oxidized by OH radical. Here, using quantum chemistry and transition state theory, we calculated the rate coefficients for reactions of OH radical with selected PCBs. The predicted rate coefficients agree with the available experimental values within a factor of 3. Calculations show that all PCBs considered here are persistent with their half-lives longer than 24 h. Reactions of PCBs with OH radical start with OH addition to the phenyl rings, forming PCB-n-OH adducts. Fate of biphenyl-n-OH (BP-n-OH, n = 2, 3, 4) adducts in the atmosphere is investigated. Calculations show that these radical adducts react similarly to benzene-OH adducts, forming hydroxybiphenyl (HO-BP) as main product and bicyclic radicals as minor products in their reaction with O2. Effective rates of reaction with O2 in the atmosphere are relatively slow, ∼1400, ∼45000, and ∼800 s-1 for BP-2-OH, BP-3-OH, and BP-4-OH, respectively. This suggests considerable reactions between BP-n-OH adducts and NO2, forming nitrobiphenyls. The bicyclic radicals from BP-n-OH + O2 would further transform to highly oxidized products as observed in a previous study. PCB-OH adducts react similarly as BP-n-OH radicals. For the three PCB-OH radicals considered here, their reactions with O2 also form HO-PCBs and bicyclic radicals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Liao
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Min Zeng
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Liming Wang
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wu JP, Chen XY, Wu SK, Tao L, She YZ, Luo XJ, Mai BX. Polychlorinated biphenyls in apple snails from an abandoned e-waste recycling site, 2010-2016: A temporal snapshot after the regulatory efforts and the bioaccumulation characteristics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:779-785. [PMID: 30308853 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The rudimentary recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) has been banned in China since the late 2000s, leaving many abandoned e-waste sites. However, knowledge is limited on the concentrations and fates of the e-waste derived contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in these abandoned sites. In this work, we assessed the temporal trend of PCB concentrations in the year 2010, 2012, and 2016 at an abandoned e-waste site in South China, using apple snail as a bioindicator. The mean ∑PCBs concentrations in apple snails sampled in 2016 (53.2 ng/g dry weight) was approximately 11-fold higher than that (4.68 ng/g dry weight) in apple snails from a reference site. The result suggested that the abandoned e-waste recycling site was still heavily polluted by PCBs, despite of the fact that crude e-waste recycling processes have been prohibited for nearly 10 years. The concentrations of ∑PCBs were significantly decreased in 2016 compared to those in 2010 (mean: 115 ng/g dry weight) and 2012 (mean: 92.3 ng/g dry weight), but there were no significant differences in the concentrations between 2010 and 2012. Regarding the congener profiles, the contributions of lower chlorinated congeners (tri- and tetra-PCBs) in the snails tended to be higher over the years. The ∑PCBs in snails were significantly correlated with those in soils. Additionally, PCB profiles in snails resembled those in soils. These results suggested that apple snails can be used as an ideal bioindicator for PCBs in the paddy soils. Field determined biota-soil accumulation factors (BSAFs) for PCBs ranged from 0.31 to 1.9, with most of the values being 1-2; indicating that theoretical BSAFs can be used to predict the bioaccumulation of PCBs in the snails with a reasonable degree of certainty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Ping Wu
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Water and Soil Pollution Control and Remediation, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241003, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241003, China.
| | - Xiao-Yun Chen
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Water and Soil Pollution Control and Remediation, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241003, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241003, China
| | - Si-Kang Wu
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Water and Soil Pollution Control and Remediation, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241003, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241003, China
| | - Lin Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Ya-Zhe She
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Bi-Xian Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Qin Q, Xu X, Dai Q, Ye K, Wang C, Huo X. Air pollution and body burden of persistent organic pollutants at an electronic waste recycling area of China. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2019; 41:93-123. [PMID: 30171476 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-018-0176-y] [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: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper reviews the concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in atmosphere of an electronic waste (e-waste) recycling town, Guiyu, in Southeast China, focusing on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We assess the evidence for the association between air pollution and human body burden, to provide an indication of the severity of respiratory exposure. Compared with standards and available existing data for other areas, it clearly shows that four typical POPs, derived from recycling processes, lead to serious atmospheric pollution and heavy body burden. From published data, the estimated respiratory exposure doses of Guiyu adults and children, varied between 2.48-10.37 and 3.25-13.6 ng kg-1 body weight (bw) day-1 for PBDEs, 2.31-7.6 and 4.09-13.58 pg World Health Organization-Toxic Equivalent Quantity (WHO-TEQ) kg-1 bw day-1 for PCDD/Fs, 5.57 and 20.52 ng kg-1 bw day-1 for PCBs, and 8.59-50.01 and 31.64-184.14 ng kg-1 bw day-1 for PAHs, respectively. These results show that air pollution is more harmful to children. Furthermore, except for PBDEs, the hazard quotient (HQ) of the other three pollutants was rated more than 1 by respiratory exposure only, and all of them are at risk of carcinogenesis. So we speculate these pollutants enter the body mainly through air inhalation, making respiratory exposure may be more important than dietary exposure in the Guiyu e-waste recycling area. Effective management policies and remediation techniques are urgently needed to prevent the deterioration of ambient air quality in the e-waste recycling area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qilin Qin
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, 855 East Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 511486, Guangdong, China
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515063, Guangdong, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515063, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingyuan Dai
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, 855 East Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 511486, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Ye
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, 855 East Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 511486, Guangdong, China
| | - Chenyang Wang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515063, Guangdong, China
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, 855 East Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 511486, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Influential Factors and Dry Deposition of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Atmospheric Particles at an Isolated Island (Pingtan Island) in Fujian Province, China. ATMOSPHERE 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos9020059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
13
|
Awasthi AK, Cucchiella F, D'Adamo I, Li J, Rosa P, Terzi S, Wei G, Zeng X. Modelling the correlations of e-waste quantity with economic increase. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 613-614:46-53. [PMID: 28898811 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE or e-waste) is regarded as one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world and is becoming an emerging issue owing to adverse consequences on the natural environment and the human health. This research article reveals the presence of a strong linear correlation among global e-waste generation and Gross Domestic Product. The obtained results indicate that the best fit for data can be reached by comparing e-waste collected volumes and GDP PPS. More in detail, an increase of 1000 GDP PPS means an additional 0.27kg of e-waste collected and 0.22kg of e-waste reused/recycled. Furthermore, for each additional citizen, there will be an increase of 7.7kg of e-waste collected and 6.2kg of e-waste reused/recycled. The better collection of e-waste acts an important role concerning the circular economy, and it can be an advantageous approach. Therefore, e-waste could be considered as an opportunity for recycling or recovery of valuable metals (e.g., copper, gold, silver, and palladium), given their significant content in precious metals than in mineral ores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Kumar Awasthi
- Key Laboratory for Solid Waste Management and Environment Safety, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Federica Cucchiella
- Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L'Aquila, Via G. Gronchi 18, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Idiano D'Adamo
- Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L'Aquila, Via G. Gronchi 18, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Jinhui Li
- Key Laboratory for Solid Waste Management and Environment Safety, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Paolo Rosa
- Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Sergio Terzi
- Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Guoyin Wei
- Department of Ecology, Hebei University of Environmental Engineering, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066102, China
| | - Xianlai Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Solid Waste Management and Environment Safety, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Morselli M, Terzaghi E, Di Guardo A. Do environmental dynamics matter in fate models? Exploring scenario dynamics for a terrestrial and an aquatic system. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2018; 20:145-156. [PMID: 29313860 DOI: 10.1039/c7em00530j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, there is growing interest in inserting more ecological realism into risk assessment of chemicals. On the exposure evaluation side, this can be done by studying the complexity of exposure in the ecosystem, niche partitioning, e.g. variation of the exposure scenario. Current regulatory predictive approaches, to ensure simplicity and predictive ability, generally keep the scenario as static as possible. This could lead to under or overprediction of chemical exposure depending on the chemical and scenario simulated. To account for more realistic exposure conditions, varying temporally and spatially, additional scenario complexity should be included in currently used models to improve their predictive ability. This study presents two case studies (a terrestrial and an aquatic one) in which some polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were simulated with the SoilPlusVeg and ChimERA models to show the importance of scenario variation in time (biotic and abiotic compartments). The results outlined the importance of accounting for planetary boundary layer variation and vegetation dynamics to accurately predict air concentration changes and the timing of chemical dispersion from the source in terrestrial systems. For the aquatic exercise, the results indicated the need to account for organic carbon forms (particulate and dissolved organic carbon) and vegetation biomass dynamics. In both cases the range of variation was up to two orders of magnitude depending on the congener and scenario, reinforcing the need for incorporating such knowledge into exposure assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Morselli
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bakhiyi B, Gravel S, Ceballos D, Flynn MA, Zayed J. Has the question of e-waste opened a Pandora's box? An overview of unpredictable issues and challenges. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 110:173-192. [PMID: 29122313 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite regulatory efforts and position papers, electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) remains ill-managed as evidenced by the extremely low rates of proper e-waste recycling (e-recycling) worldwide, ongoing illegal shipments to developing countries and constantly reported human health issues and environmental pollution. The objectives of this review are, first, to expose the complexity of e-waste problems, and then to suggest possible upstream and downstream solutions. Exploring e-waste issues is akin to opening a Pandora's box. Thus, a review of prevailing e-waste management practices reveals complex and often intertwined gaps, issues and challenges. These include the absence of any consistent definition of e-waste to date, a prevalent toxic potential still involving already banned or restricted hazardous components such as heavy metals and persistent and bioaccumulative organic compounds, a relentless growth in e-waste volume fueled by planned obsolescence and unsustainable consumption, problematic e-recycling processes, a fragile formal e-recycling sector, sustained and more harmful informal e-recycling practices, and more convoluted and unpredictable patterns of illegal e-waste trade. A close examination of the e-waste legacy contamination reveals critical human health concerns, including significant occupational exposure during both formal and informal e-recycling, and persistent environmental contamination, particularly in some developing countries. However, newly detected e-waste contaminants as well as unexpected sources and environmental fates of contaminants are among the emerging issues that raise concerns. Moreover, scientific knowledge gaps remain regarding the complexity and magnitude of the e-waste legacy contamination, specifically, a comprehensive characterization of e-waste contaminants, information on the scale of legacy contamination in developing countries and on the potential environmental damage in developed countries, and a stronger body of evidence of adverse health effects specifically ascribed to e-waste contaminants. However, the knowledge accumulated to date is sufficient to raise awareness and concern among all stakeholders. Potential solutions to curb e-waste issues should be addressed comprehensively, by focusing on two fronts: upstream and downstream. Potential upstream solutions should focus on more rational and eco-oriented consumer habits in order to decrease e-waste quantities while fostering ethical and sustained commitments from manufacturers, which include a limited usage of hazardous compounds and an optimal increase in e-waste recyclability. At the downstream level, solutions should include suitable and pragmatic actions to progressively reduce the illegal e-waste trade particularly through international cooperation and coordination, better enforcement of domestic laws, and monitoring in both exporting and receiving countries, along with the supervised integration of the informal sector into the recycling system of developing countries and global expansion of formal e-waste collection and recycling activities. Downstream solutions should also introduce stronger reverse logistics, together with upgraded, more affordable, and eco-friendly and worker-friendly e-recycling technologies to ensure that benefits are derived fully and safely from the great economic potential of e-waste.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bouchra Bakhiyi
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sabrina Gravel
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail (IRSST), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Diana Ceballos
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael A Flynn
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Joseph Zayed
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail (IRSST), Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang P, Zhang Q, Li Y, Matsiko J, Zhang Y, Jiang G. Airborne persistent toxic substances (PTSs) in China: occurrence and its implication associated with air pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2017; 19:983-999. [PMID: 28745352 DOI: 10.1039/c7em00187h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, China suffered from extensive air pollution due to the rapidly expanding economic and industrial developments. Its severe impact on human health has raised great concern currently. Persistent toxic substances (PTSs), a large group of environmental pollutants, have also received much attention due to their adverse effects on both the ecosystem and public health. However, limited studies have been conducted to reveal the airborne PTSs associated with air pollution at the national scale in China. In this review, we summarized the occurrence and variation of airborne PTSs in China, especially in megacities. These PTSs included polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals. The implication of their occurrence associated with air pollution was discussed, and the emission source of these chemicals was concluded. Most reviewed studies have been conducted in east and south China with more developed economy and industry. Severe contamination of airborne PTSs generally occurred in megacities with large populations, such as Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing. However, the summarized results suggested that industrial production and product consumption are the major sources of most PTSs in the urban environment, while unintentional emission during anthropogenic activities is an important contributor to airborne PTSs. It is important that fine particles serve as a major carrier of most airborne PTSs, which facilitates the long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT) of PTSs, and therefore, increases the exposure risk of the human body to these pollutants. This implied that not only the concentration and chemical composition of fine particles but also the absorbed PTSs are of particular concern when air pollution occurs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|