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Electronic waste - An emerging threat to the environment of urban India
Abstract and Figures
Electronic waste or e-waste is one of the emerging problems in developed and developing countries worldwide. It comprises of a multitude of components with valuable materials, some containing toxic substances, that can have an adverse impact on human health and the environment. Previous studies show that India has generated 0.4 million tons of e-waste in 2010 which may increase to 0.5 to 0.6 million tons by 2013-2014. Coupled with lack of appropriate infrastructural facilities and procedures for its disposal and recycling have posed significant importance for e-waste management in India. In general, e-waste is generated through recycling of e-waste and also from dumping of these wastes from other countries. More of these wastes are ending up in dumping yards and recycling centers, posing a new challenge to the environment and policy makers as well. In general electronic gadgets are meant to make our lives happier and simpler, but the toxicity it contains, their disposal and recycling becomes a health nightmare. Most of the users are unaware of the potential negative impact of rapidly increasing use of computers, monitors, and televisions. This review article provides a concise overview of India's current e-waste scenario, namely magnitude of the problem, environmental and health hazards, current disposal, recycling operations and mechanisms to improve the condition for better environment.
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... Commonly, most developed nations dispose off their e-plastics by landfilling, thermal treatment or overseas export for alleged recycling or reuse [4,5]. Either way, the methods are potentially unsafe considering worker's exposure and toxic components released into the environment [6,7]. E-plastic waste is considered one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, whereas the waste is an environmental time bomb that has received little attention [8]. ...
... Thus, after the recovery of metals, which is a priority for e-waste recycling, e-plastics becomes the most important material potential for recycling [12]. In many countries such as; Ghana, India, Nigeria, and China, e-plastics has raised concern due to challenges imposed at e-waste recycling sites, where open burning of the waste is practiced as a precursor to recovery of valuable metals [6,13]. The resultant environmental impact has led to declaration of towns where such practices occur, the most polluted places on Earth [6,14]. ...
... In many countries such as; Ghana, India, Nigeria, and China, e-plastics has raised concern due to challenges imposed at e-waste recycling sites, where open burning of the waste is practiced as a precursor to recovery of valuable metals [6,13]. The resultant environmental impact has led to declaration of towns where such practices occur, the most polluted places on Earth [6,14]. ...
... Commonly, most developed nations dispose off their e-plastics by landfilling, thermal treatment or overseas export for alleged recycling or reuse [4,5]. Either way, the methods are potentially unsafe considering worker's exposure and toxic components released into the environment [6,7]. E-plastic waste is considered one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, whereas the waste is an environmental time bomb that has received little attention [8]. ...
... Thus, after the recovery of metals, which is a priority for e-waste recycling, e-plastics becomes the most important material potential for recycling [12]. In many countries such as; Ghana, India, Nigeria, and China, e-plastics has raised concern due to challenges imposed at e-waste recycling sites, where open burning of the waste is practiced as a precursor to recovery of valuable metals [6,13]. The resultant environmental impact has led to declaration of towns where such practices occur, the most polluted places on Earth [6,14]. ...
... In many countries such as; Ghana, India, Nigeria, and China, e-plastics has raised concern due to challenges imposed at e-waste recycling sites, where open burning of the waste is practiced as a precursor to recovery of valuable metals [6,13]. The resultant environmental impact has led to declaration of towns where such practices occur, the most polluted places on Earth [6,14]. ...
E-plastic waste receives little attention despite its significance as a proportion of e-waste at 20-40%, depending on specific equipment. The waste stream is characterized by low re-use and recycling, following its perceived; low value, limited recycling technology, sagging global prices for recycled products and associated intrinsic toxicity. Unlike the lucrative precious metals in e-waste, e-plastic waste is viewed as a residual waste after recovery of valuable e-waste components. Thus, the waste stream receives little attention often associated with crude disposal methods such as burning and open dumping oblivious of potential health and environmental impacts. The global sharp rise in e-plastic waste necessitates advocacy and campaign for efficient and effective disposal methods sensitive to environmental sustainability. The growing technology in manufacturing Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) that is not easily recyclable, repairable, or reusable, aggravates the challenge of e-plastic waste management. Currently, the common e-plastic waste management techniques include; recycling, incineration, bioremediation, pyrolysis, landfilling and re-use in construction as aggregates. This study evaluates the challenges and opportunities around e-plastic management practices such as; recycling, pyrolysis, incineration, land filling, bioremediation and use in aggregates while analyzing sustainability of the techniques. The study highlights the toxicity associated with e-plastic waste and its imposed challenge to general e-waste handling. The study recommends up scaling of regulatory framework and policies for efficient management of e-plastic waste to avert the looming health and environmental impacts.
... Due to their short lifespan, mobile phones are one of the main sources of electronic waste. In industrialised countries, the average lifespan of a mobile phone is less than two years, but it is three years in underdeveloped nations (Cherukuri et al. 2018;Needhidasan et al. 2014). The secondhighest number of mobile phone subscribers is in India. ...
... In 2009, Tamil Nadu produced over 22 thousand metric tonnes of electronic garbage, of which personal computers made up roughly 60 percent. India's top ten e-waste-producing metro areas are Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Surat, Pune, and Jaipur (Cherukuri et al. 2018;Needhidasan et al. 2014). ...
... Needhidasan, S., Samuel, M., & Chidambaram, R. (2014). Electronic waste: An emerging threat to the environment of urban India. ...
The rapid technological advancement of the manufacturing sector over the past few decades inevitably led to the rise of Industry 4.0. It has the potential to significantly alter how globalisation is practiced in the production and consumption of products and services across international markets. In this chapter, we'll take a closer look at the rise of Industry 4.0 and the new technical architecture that underpins it, as well as the benefits it's expected to bring.In addition, how we may use technology to fortify a company's competitiveness and shield it from the perils of this transformation. The new global division of labour, the worldwide supply chain, and the global value chain will all be profoundly affected by this multifaceted technology, as evidenced by a thorough examination of the relevant literature. It will alter the competitive landscape by shifting the advantage away from large corporations and toward small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets and developed markets. As human and technological skills advance quickly, businesses may be able to profit.
... Due to their short lifespan, mobile phones are one of the main sources of electronic waste. In industrialised countries, the average lifespan of a mobile phone is less than two years, but it is three years in underdeveloped nations (Cherukuri et al. 2018;Needhidasan et al. 2014). The secondhighest number of mobile phone subscribers is in India. ...
... In 2009, Tamil Nadu produced over 22 thousand metric tonnes of electronic garbage, of which personal computers made up roughly 60 percent. India's top ten e-waste-producing metro areas are Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Surat, Pune, and Jaipur (Cherukuri et al. 2018;Needhidasan et al. 2014). ...
... Needhidasan, S., Samuel, M., & Chidambaram, R. (2014). Electronic waste: An emerging threat to the environment of urban India. ...
Waste management represents a challenge due to the rapid increase in waste production and the emerging of new waste types. Overcoming the issue involves using innovative technologies such as nanotechnology. Nanotechnology uses nanomaterials, which are materials that have at least one dimension less than 100 nm. Due to their small size, these materials increase reactivity in processes such as adsorption and oxidation/reduction. The application of nanotechnologies is significant in the production of new materials to replace current raw materials, and in providing novel solutions for waste recycling and disposal. Furthermore, nanofiltration is effective in the treatment of metals, toxic waste, and nonbiodegradable materials of leachate. Nanomaterials, however, represent a safety risk for the environment, and a serious threat to human health due to their small size and long suspension time. This chapter deals with the use of nanotechnology in waste management, including reduction, recycling, treatment, and disposal phases.
... Most electronic parts are made of lead, cadmium, mercury, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), chromium, beryllium, and other materials. Long-term exposure to these materials can harm the nervous system, kidneys, bones, and reproductive and endocrine systems (Needhidasan et al., 2014). CRTs, which are used in TVs, video, and computer monitors, contain significant amounts of lead. ...
... CRTs, which are used in TVs, video, and computer monitors, contain significant amounts of lead. This e-waste can contaminate the soil, water, and air when improperly disposed of (incinerated or landfilled instead of recycled) alongside domestic waste without any safeguards (and have long-term effects on the ecosystem) (Needhidasan et al., 2014). Needhidasan et al. (2014) also stated that e-waste contains harmful compounds that can hurt both people and the environment if they aren't taken care of properly. ...
... This e-waste can contaminate the soil, water, and air when improperly disposed of (incinerated or landfilled instead of recycled) alongside domestic waste without any safeguards (and have long-term effects on the ecosystem) (Needhidasan et al., 2014). Needhidasan et al. (2014) also stated that e-waste contains harmful compounds that can hurt both people and the environment if they aren't taken care of properly. These dangers frequently result from inappropriate recycling and disposal practices. ...
This project was engaged closely in how the reflection of autobiographical factors was utilised and expanded into artwork dealing with electronic waste art features. The artwork that was formed was developed through the process of understanding the inquiries of electronic fabrication from the previous work that related to the formation of new work. The artwork was created and associated with the changes and the transformation of installation and reflection of life home place artwork. This project shared the potential of the new form of the object within the context of electronic waste and represented contemporary strategies in creative artwork making. Keywords: Artwork; Electronic Waste; Reflection eISSN 2514-7528 ©2022. The Authors. Published for AMER & cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour StudiesCollege of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/jabs.v7i22.413
... Due to their short lifespan, mobile phones are one of the main sources of electronic waste. In industrialised countries, the average lifespan of a mobile phone is less than two years, but it is three years in underdeveloped nations (Cherukuri et al. 2018;Needhidasan et al. 2014). The secondhighest number of mobile phone subscribers is in India. ...
... In 2009, Tamil Nadu produced over 22 thousand metric tonnes of electronic garbage, of which personal computers made up roughly 60 percent. India's top ten e-waste-producing metro areas are Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Surat, Pune, and Jaipur (Cherukuri et al. 2018;Needhidasan et al. 2014). ...
Mobile phones are among the most widely used devices worldwide, but they also present a serious environmental contamination issue. Mobile phones often contain dangerous materials that, if not properly handled and disposed of, will leak into the environment. To ascertain the level of contamination, risk assessment techniques must be developed. In this research, national and international scenarios and regulating measures have been discussed for the harmfulness and management of mobile waste materials. The various characteristics of mobile wastes and materials flow for the processing of mobile related wastes have been elaborated. The different types of frameworks for the indicating systems, selection criteria, and risk assessment indication systems were also illustrated. The various stages of mobile waste handling and processing to recover polymers have also been represented.
... The fleeting enlargement of these electronic products in the worldwide would affect the environment by huge deposition of e-waste at the backyard and result in global pollution. Consequently, the proportionate usages of e-waste generation are more, and most people do not think about what happens when it is discarded in the garbage (Needhidasan et al. 2014). With this effect, it creates more waste management problems among policymakers. ...
... However, e-waste contains severe toxic substances or additives and, in addition, 1000 distinct substances, which covers both hazardous and non-hazards (Needhidasan et al. 2014). There are many categories of hazardous materials, and some include asbestos, batteries, cathode ray tubes, gas discharge lamps, substances containing mercury, chlorinated and fluorinated organics, plastics containing halogenated fire retardants, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) which involves capacitors, printed circuit boards, and toner cartridges (Van der Voet et al. 2013). ...
The fast evolution of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has developed into a prime environmental perturb in recent days. Today, electrical and electronic products merely become a needed part of people life’s and professional lives. The whole process of e-waste contains an organized collection system, appropriate dismantling, and its treatment of recycling. The unparalleled hastening of e-waste and unceremonious discarding lead to an adverse impact on a country’s development. Currently, challenges in e-waste have a lack of practical aid, poor structure, and insufficient economic support. Several legislations have been imposed which aim to enhance the handling of e-waste. Operative management of e-waste is now essential for the protective atmosphere and human beings as well. This article provides the systemic flow of the e-waste definition, global information, and generation of e-waste and composition of e-waste which were discussed. The study categorized the hazardous effect of e-waste on human beings, and the content analysis of e-waste in recent LCA applications was highlighted. Further different metal extraction and recovery techniques from e-waste have been reviewed. A few sets of current practices and some recommendations on a global scale level were provided. Finally, based on analysis, some approaches to e-waste was accomplished, and equitable environmental management was taken into account to identify the future outlook areas.
... India has produced roughly 8 lakh metric tonnes of e-waste annually during the past two decades. The Central Pollution Control Board estimates that India creates 0.573 MT, or 1.47 lakh metric tonnes (Needhidasan et al., 2014), of electronic garbage every day. Electronic waste, sometimes known as "E-waste," is produced on a global scale at a rate that is three times faster than other types of waste. ...
... The introduction of new waste types, as well as e-waste recycling, has exacerbated the problems associated with solid waste management (Gupta et al., 2008;N. Gupta & Nath, 2020;Needhidasan et al., 2014). The illegal recycling and dumping of e-waste have a substantial impact on both the environment and the health of employees and residents in developing countries. ...
In this chapter, the authors discuss the utilization of e-waste in the concrete for civil construction activities. Various tests have been used to investigate the effects of e-waste mixed with concrete. The various percentages of e-waste have been mixed with concrete to improve the strength of buildings. An e-waste concrete beam has a maximum tensile strength of 6.23 MPa under sulfuric curing conditions, and the highest flexural strength at 10% e-waste replacement during the hydrochloride curing process. The compressive strength is at its highest value when e-waste replaces 10% of it. After 28 days of curing, the concrete cylinder's maximum split tensile strength was 15%. Thus, the e-waste could be effectively utilized for civil construction purposes to reduce its environmental impacts.
... With the amount of E-waste generated every year, a proportionate number of research works have taken place on E-waste concrete accordingly. Of all significant sectors contributing to the growing waste epidemic, the electronic gadget, such as phone that has a lifespan of fewer than two years, is the most E-waste-generated sector [2,3]. Rapid technological advancements and inexpensive initial costs have contributed to a rapidly expanding global abundance of E-waste from electronic gadgets. ...
The exponential rise in the manufacturing of electronic components due to technological innovation and the resulting spike in E-waste have prompted scientists and researchers to seek new and sustainable methods to reuse/recycle E-waste to limit its detrimental impact on the environment. Recycling E-waste is still a challenging process due to the lack of facilities. Simultaneously, disposing of the massive amount of E-waste poses an insurmountable difficulty owing to the presence of toxic chemicals. The enormous output of E-waste has produced a slew of complications to present treatment alternatives and detrimental effects on human health and the environment. Most developed countries possess viable E-waste management technology, technological know-how, and well-defined system boundaries. However, the situation differs in underdeveloped countries due to various problems and a lack of applicable policies. Recycling electronic trash into construction materials has significant potential in decreasing waste management issues and safeguarding the environment from contamination. This article summarizes the potential uses of E-waste in building materials concerning numerous studies utilizing a scientometric approach. E-waste may be used to provide an effective alternative material for natural aggregates.
... In Figure 3, the peak of the subject was concentrated in 2018, but since 2017, the subject has drawn the attention of researchers. Because, with the advancement of technology and the reduction in the useful life of products, the amount of electronic waste increases in a considerable way [17]. Thus, there is a greater need for a strategy for managing these devices. ...
Background: The Brazilian National Solid Waste Policy establishes the shared responsibility of all actors involved in e-waste generation and management; however, some conflicts of interest need interventions and approaches for preventing them. Objective: This paper proposes using a graph model for conflict resolution (GMCR) decision support system to simulate the analysis and resolution of realistic e-waste management conflicts. Method: A systematic literature review focused on e-waste management, shared responsibility and conflict management was conducted, and a graph model for conflict resolution (GMCR) decision support system was applied to generate a framework to address this context. Results: The need for commitment agreements promoted by government institutions in partnerships with companies involved in the process is essential since the principle of shared responsibility requires educational actions, favoring efficiency in the reverse logistics recovery procedures for e-waste. Understanding the interconnected causes of conflicts and their facets is crucial for effective resolution and prevention, aiding comprehension, focused interventions, and evidence-based decision-making for transformative change amidst conflicting stakeholder objectives in the case of WEEE management. These results can be helpful for academics and practitioners working in this area.
... The United Nations (UN) reported that in 2020, E-waste generated more than 44 million metric tonnes (Mt), and without any contingency plans to curb it, such waste can accumulate to 78 million Mt by 2050 [2]; thus, E-waste management will be a critical global environment and sustainable challenges. On top of that, a typical E-waste contains more than 1,000 toxic substances, which can significantly impact human health, the environment, and the ecosystem [3]. ...
With rapid technological advancement, the life span of electronic devices has become increasingly short, contributing to massive electronic waste (E-waste) and demanding sustainable management. E-waste contains precious metals like gold (Au) many fold higher than natural mining ores. However, the current techniques of recycling are not efficient. Methods like pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy not only require higher energy expenditure but also lead to environmental pollution, hence necessitating an alternative greener technology. In line with that, metal leaching using microorganisms is gaining popularity, and Chromobacterium violaceum has been considered a promising candidate. However, the heterogeneity of culture technique and abiotic condition variations have been a perceived challenge in priming C. violaceum as an Au bioleacher for upscaled industrial
applications. Thus, the current review discusses what makes C. violaceum an excellent candidate for Au bioleaching and how to overcome the challenges associated with the application. This review will significantly enhance the current understanding of C. violaceum as an Au bioleaching agent, hence addressing the existing knowledge gaps.
... Generalova et al., 2011). Industries are releasing many organic pollutants nowadays causing several harmful effects on humans (Datta et al., 2020a(Datta et al., , 2020bNeedhidasan et al., 2014). In animal research, the toxicity profile indicates that it produces carcinogenicity and neurotoxicity (Melvin S. Samuel et al., 2021). ...
Pollution from uranium tailings ponds poses a severe threat to aquatic ecosystems. However, its effects on litterfall decomposition in aquatic environments are uncertain. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different species (Macleaya cordata and Typha orientalis Presl), sources (inside and outside the tailings pond), sites (above and below ground), initial biomass (1, 2, and 4 g) and initial ambient uranium concentrations (0, 1, and 3 mg/L) on the decomposition of uranium-containing litterfall. The study found that the above-mentioned indicators (litterfall self-characteristics and environmental factors) affect the decomposition of uranium-containing litterfall. The decomposition rate of litterfall in the water environment is related to the plant species, sites, and initial biomass, mainly due to the differences in the content of plant structural materials (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin). Uranium concentration is also an important factor affecting the decomposition of litterfall. A high concentration of uranium may affect the activities of microorganisms and thus inhibit the decomposition of litterfall, while a low concentration of uranium has the effect of accelerating the decomposition. In addition, the uranium content in M. cordata increased significantly after decomposition, but T. orientalis was the opposite, and both metal pools decreased significantly. At the same time, the underground parts of the two plants released more uranium than the aboveground parts. In conclusion, this study provides new insights and a scientific basis for the risks posed by the uranium mining industry.
... 8 These items create health risks when they are burned or disposed of in landfills because they contain harmful materials. 11 There is widespread agreement that a clean environment is necessary. 12 Due to the quick development of new technology, electrical and electronic equipments (EEEs) have become obsolete quickly after purchase. ...
Introduction: The disposal of e-waste, often known as waste from obsolete electrical and electronic equipment, is a serious issue that receives little attention. Electronic products are becoming more and more affordable, allowing consumers to use and discard them as they see fit. This has an immediate and long-term impact on our health and our environment. Bulks of e-waste are typically recycled in the informal sector (which are often unregulated), placing the recyclers—often women and children—at risk for dangerous exposure. The study’s objectives are to document the extent of knowledge consumers have related to their e-waste disposal; assessing their awareness and general practices associated with e-waste management.
Methods : The study will focus on young adults who are electronics buyers aged 18 years old or above and electronic shopkeepers. To evaluate and obtain insight into their e-waste disposal processes, a pre-tested questionnaire will be used.
Study implications: The goal of the study is to address any knowledge gaps regarding how important it is for people to recycle or correctly dispose their-waste. It is unhealthy, and the consequences will have a downward impact on both our health and our surroundings in a significant way.
... Researchers have pointed out that the generation of e-waste is considered one of the fastest-growing solid waste streams in the world [9][10][11]. The development of society has been triggered by the adoption of technology, which requires the use of electronic equipment such as mobile phones and computers [12,13], but due to poor management of this waste from electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and related materials, the world is now facing associated environmental pollution [14][15][16] and health-related problems [17,18]. Studies conducted on behalf of the United Nations (UN) showed that anywhere between 20 and 50 million tons of e-waste are generated globally and the growth rate of e-waste is nearly three times the growth rate of the municipal solid waste stream [19]. ...
This study analyzed e-waste management and capacity need assessment for both the city of Kigali and secondary cities in Rwanda. Questionnaires were used to obtain primary data. Data collected during this study have been analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v.2020). Using qualitative and quantitative data on e-waste management, this study showed that a large number of respondents used repair and reuse (38.1%) and the main environmental concerns were found to be waste management problems (reported by 77.3% of respondents), water pollution (36.2%), and air pollution (20%), whereas regarding health effects, chronic diseases were the major concern (21.6%). Results showed a significant association between education levels and awareness and dissemination, with respect to Rwanda’s e-waste legislation and general e-waste knowledge. This study showed a need for urgency to introduce an extended producer responsibility (EPR) approach. It recommends the introduction of a disposal fee for every sale of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).
... Turning to a narrower circular economy subfield, that of waste management (including the waste coming from electric and electronic devices), McMahon et al. (2019) refer to the legislation of EU member states focused on reuse and extension of equipment life cycles, pointing to the need to incentivize both consumers and producers in this regard. Pérez-Belis et al. (2015) analyse the specialized literature for a period of 22 years , focusing on issues such as waste generation and regulation, considering the social and economic aspects of these options, which constitute a new challenge for pro-environment decision-making political factors, as duly noted by Needhidasan et al. (2014). In the same vein, Babu et al. (2007) and Puckett et al. (2002) show that electronic waste represents one of the major problems worldwide, since the production of electric and electronic devices reached an unprecedented level, with the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution accelerating this tendency, while creating both synergies and strife between the green and digital transformations (Jora et al., 2022). ...
In this paper, we analyse the factors influencing the purchase frequency of three types of electronic devices and home appliances (mobile phone, TV set, laptop) by Romanian consumers and identifies the stimuli for a consumer behaviour aimed at a responsible getting out of use of electronic equipment and home appliances. Using survey data and a Poisson regression approach, we show that there is a negative relation between the gender of a respondent and the frequency of acquisition of home appliances during the last 5 years – despite that, only in the case of acquiring mobile phones the coefficient is statistically significant. Furthermore compared to individuals that have post-graduate studies (master’s degree or PhD), the high-school graduates present a greater inclination towards the more frequent purchase of mobile phones; as for age, the number of acquisitions of a new electronic device or home appliance, regardless of its nature, this decreases as age increases; referring to the acquisition manner, the persons who buy exclusively from specialized stores purchase less phones, PC-s and TV sets as compared to a person that adopts both manners (physical store and online). Concerning the stimuli for collecting, the research results show that these do not influence the purchase decision of a new equipment, regardless of its type, the results of Poisson regression being statistically insignificant for the analysed sample. The results of our paper show that there is no strong binding between the purchase determinants of new equipment and responsible recycling of old equipment.
... Turning to a narrower circular economy subfield, that of waste management (including the waste coming from electric and electronic devices), McMahon et al. (2019) refer to the legislation of EU member states focused on reuse and extension of equipment life cycles, pointing to the need to incentivize both consumers and producers in this regard. Pérez-Belis et al. (2015) analyse the specialized literature for a period of 22 years , focusing on issues such as waste generation and regulation, considering the social and economic aspects of these options, which constitute a new challenge for pro-environment decision-making political factors, as duly noted by Needhidasan et al. (2014). In the same vein, Babu et al. (2007) and Puckett et al. (2002) show that electronic waste represents one of the major problems worldwide, since the production of electric and electronic devices reached an unprecedented level, with the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution accelerating this tendency, while creating both synergies and strife between the green and digital transformations (Jora et al., 2022). ...
In this paper, we analyse the factors influencing the purchase frequency of three types of electronic devices and home appliances (mobile phone, TV set, laptop) by Romanian consumers and identifies the stimuli for a consumer behaviour aimed at a responsible getting out of use of electronic equipment and home appliances. Using survey data and a Poisson regression approach, we show that there is a negative relation between the gender of a respondent and the frequency of acquisition of home appliances during the last 5 years – despite that, only in the case of acquiring mobile phones the coefficient is statistically significant. Furthermore compared to individuals that have post-graduate studies (master’s degree or PhD), the high-school graduates present a greater inclination towards the more frequent purchase of mobile phones; as for age, the number of acquisitions of a new electronic device or home appliance, regardless of its nature, this decreases as age increases; referring to the acquisition manner, the persons who buy exclusively from specialized stores purchase less phones, PC-s and TV sets as compared to a person that adopts both manners (physical store and online). Concerning the stimuli for collecting, the research results show that these do not influence the purchase decision of a new equipment, regardless of its type, the results of Poisson regression being statistically insignificant for the analysed sample. The results of our paper show that there is no strong binding between the purchase determinants of new equipment and responsible recycling of old equipment.
... Dumped waste is searched for usable and recyclables items by the scavengers or it is frequently burned to minimize the bulk [17]. Solid waste composition is complex due to inadequate solid waste sorting at any level and may contain industrial, medical, electronic, and human waste deposited on the same open grounds where all the other municipal waste is dumped [19]. ...
In many countries of the world, especially underdeveloped countries, the practice of solid waste management is inefficient. Solid waste management has become a difficult environmental issue. Due to poor waste handling practices, many environmental and health issues arise. In this regard, many countries are trying to find ways to deal with the problem of solid waste. This chapter is an overview of solid waste management practices knocking the waste minimization techniques that play an important role in eliminating environmental problems. In developing countries, the practice of waste handling for infectious and non-infectious waste is of mixed type. Such mismanagement of solid waste paves the way for environmental pollution, leading to adverse effects on human health. Various factors such as poor policies, inefficient organizations, lack of financial support and poor governance, are the major constrains in safe waste management. Therefore, it is considered difficult to manage the recovery and safe disposal of solid waste. This study shows that there should be an appropriate organizational configuration for the separate treatment of different types of solid waste. For this, the authorities concerned must be strengthened financially and in skilled manpower for a good management of solid waste with a good recovery of resources.
... E-waste is a serious concern in both rich and developing countries worldwide. It is constructed with a range of components that contain dangerous chemicals harmful to human health and the environment [10]. Malaysia alone produced 21.0 million units of household e-waste in 2022, according to the Department of Environment (DOE), and the number is projected to increase to 24.5 million by the year 2025. ...
This study aims to apply pineapple leaves as a base substance in the preparation of dielectric materials and to analyze the important factors in pineapple leaves preparation as dielectric materials. Dielectric materials are basically insulators and are poor electrical conductors. They are commonly used for energy storage in capacitors. The investigated factors include the pineapple leaf powder mass (3 and 5 g), the ratio of pineapple leaves to distilled water, PL: DW (1:10 and 1:15), the boiling time (30 and 50 min), and the heating option (yes or no). The cellulose content was analyzed using the Kurschner-Hanack method, and the permittivity value was obtained through an Agilent Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). The experimental setup was designed by the Design-Expert software, and the data were analyzed accordingly based on the two-level factorial design (TLFD). Based on the analysis, the best condition was suggested at 3 g of pineapple leaf powder mass, 1:10 of PL: DW, 49.24 min of boiling time, and a heated sample. At this condition, the percentage of cellulose content and permittivity values were up to 59.25% and 2.8876, respectively. The obtained p-value of the cellulose content and permittivity values of 0.0035 and 0.0047 show that the chosen model was significant. The R² of 0.9856 and 0.9412 explained the well-fitted model for cellulose content and permittivity value. Hence, exploring dielectric material production using pineapple leaves could be another option to minimize pollution while turning waste into a valuable item.
Graphical abstract
... There are approximately 6.9 billion mobile users, almost as many as people on earth. People who are excessively using electronic gadgets develop musculoskeletal disorders (Needhidasan et al, 2014). Repetitive strain injury is a chronic condition that has been developed because of the repetitive, forceful, or awkward hand movements for prolonged duration that will lead to damage of muscles, tendons, and nerves of the neck, shoulder, forearm, and hand, which can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or impairment of motor control. ...
Various terminologies like "e-waste," "electronic garbage," "e-scrap," and "end-of-life electronics" are frequently used to refer to the electronics already been used that are close to reaching the end of their useful lives and are discarded, donated, or sent to a recycler. As compared to the traditional municipal wastes, certain components of electronic products contain various toxic substances, which can generate a serious threat to the environment as well as to human health. Now for example, television and computer monitors usually contains health hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, while nickel, beryllium, and zinc can often be found in circuit boards. As these substances are present, recycling and disposal of e-Waste becomes an important issue. People are gravely concerned about how used electronics and e-waste are handled inadvertently in underdeveloped nations, endangering both human health and the environment. Electronic gadgets are meant to make our lives happier and simpler, but due to the toxicity they contain, their disposal and recycling becomes a crucial health nightmare. Most of the users are unaware of the negative consequence of rapidly increasing use of computers, monitors, and televisions. Therefore, business officials as well as waste management officials are facing new challenges in an alarming rate, and e-Waste or waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is receiving considerable attention from policy makers. The phrase used to describe e-waste is "recycle it everything, no matter how little". By stopping people from discarding their threshold electronic products and by making internet gadgets accessible to the poor populations, we hope to alleviate two problems at once. In this process, we hope to focus on making the environment eco-friendly.
... However, electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), such as cell phones, computers, tablets, batteries, cameras, LED lamps, liquid crystal displays (LCD) screens, and air conditioning, is associated with the short useful life expectancy of electronic products and fast innovations, which causes the exponential generation of electronic waste (e-waste) worldwide (Perkins et al., 2014;Widmer et al., 2005). E-waste is a generic term that includes any equipment dependent on an electrical current or electromagnetic field to function and has been discarded because it no longer has any value to its owners (Needhidasan et al., 2014). This definition includes working and broken items thrown in the garbage or donated to a charity reseller. ...
Currently, electronic waste (e-waste) is grossly overproduced and only a few recycling programs exist. Improper e-waste destinations have a negative impact on the environment and human health because they contain several potentially toxic substances. Scientific publications on this topic have also grown over the years, necessitating a systematic literature review to identify trends and gaps in research. We performed a systematic review of the scientific literature on the toxic effects of e-waste and its adverse environmental impacts. We searched the literature using the Web of Science and Scopus databases , and 335 articles were selected after applying the exclusion criteria. The e-waste class most studied in the articles was the small IT and Telecommu-nication equipment, and the trashes most cited were cell phones, printed circuit boards, and liquid crystal display (LCD) panels. The heavy metals most associated with toxicity were Pb and Cd, whereas polybro-minated diphenyl ethers were the most cited organic components. In addition, we identified the different uses of bioassays to evaluate the toxic potential of e-waste in soil and water. In contrast, a few articles introduced alternative strategies for e-waste toxicity by bioremediation and educational research. Regarding human exposure, all articles demonstrated the hazardous effect of e-waste on health; however, studies include methodological difficulties, such as short-term surveys with a few volunteers, various pollutants , and different evaluated endpoints. These data gaps in the evaluation of exposure and long-term effects will narrow when collaborative studies including distinct fields are published, and the involvement of government agencies will regulate the production, discard, and recycle electronic wastes.
... Dumped rubbish is frequently searched for useful items and recyclables, and it is frequently burned to minimize the bulk. Solid waste composition is complicated due to inadequate solid waste screening at any level and may include chemical, pharmaceutical, technological, and domestic waste thrown on the same public grounds as the rest of the city's trash [15]. ...
Nigeria's population growth as a result of urban techno-economic development and changes in the production and consumption of materials has increased the amount of solid trash produced. The nation's existing waste management procedures are unsustainable and are putting both the environment and the economy in danger. In this research, we evaluate the major elements of the available literature, including waste characterization, waste management techniques, economic impacts of solid waste management as well as the consequences on public health. From the result of the investigation, it was determined that the country's current waste management practices are unsuccessful and that improper solid waste management has a detrimental influence on public health, contributing to diseases like typhoid, cholera, polio, malaria, and yellow fever. Yet, properly managed solid waste can also provide some economic benefits, such as providing industries with raw materials and a means of subsistence for the individuals who are employed in the management process. So, to handle solid waste efficiently, households must be educated on proper disposal methods, and waste management organizations must create recycling facilities.
... " Electronic waste is classified as a hazardous substance that requires special disposal due to the presence of a full spectrum of essential metals. It contains more than 1,000 different substances like Pb, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) like poly-brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (3)(4)(5). Electronic waste handling is a very complex and difficult issue due to its composition. Mishandling, informal recycling, and inappropriate disposal of e-waste can cause a serious impact on the environment and human health (1,6). ...
Introduction:
Electronic waste (e-waste) is an emerging human and environmental problem. Lead (Pb) is one of the most dangerous chemicals for human health, and it is the most prevalent heavy metal pollutant in e-waste. Despite the rapid growth of e-waste globally and the health effects of Pb, there is little information regarding the effects of Pb exposure from e-waste on children. Therefore, the aim of this review was to provide concise information on the health effects of Pb exposure from e-waste on children.
Methods:
A comprehensive search of databases was undertaken using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, HINARI, African Journal Online (AJOL), and additional sources were searched up to November 25, 2022. Eligibility criteria were determined using Population, Exposure, Comparator, and Outcome (PECO). The guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) were used during the article selection process. The protocol of this systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Registration ID: CRD42022377028). The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality appraisal checklist was used to assess the quality of the included studies.
Results:
From a total of 1,150 identified studies, 20 full-text studies were included in the systematic review. All most included studies were conducted in China recycling area for e-waste. The included studies were conducted with an exposed group versus a reference group. The majority of the included studies found that blood Pb levels were ≥5 μg/dl and that Pb exposures from e-waste were affecting children's health, such as a decrease in serum cortisol levels, inhibition of hemoglobin synthesis, impact on neurobehavioral development, affect physical development, etc.
Conclusion:
Lead exposure had a significant impact on children's health as a result of informal e-waste recycling. Therefore, formalizing the informal sector and raising public health awareness are important steps toward reducing Pb exposure from e-waste. Moreover, the concerned stakeholders, like national and international organizations, should work together to effectively manage e-waste.
... Electronic waste is one of the most interesting environmental topics being debated around the world (Needhidasan et al. 2014). The United Nations and the countries of the European Union have identified e-waste as one of the global challenges faced today (Mihai et al. 2019). ...
Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, is any part or entire electrical or electronic product that has reached the end of its useful life. In recent years, e-waste has emerged as an issue of increasing concern as its sources, categories, collection, and treatment can lead to significant environmental damage. Moreover, there are inadequate studies about how e-waste is collected , classified, distributed, treated, and disposed of in developing countries. The objective of this study is to examine the spatial analysis of e-waste clusters (collection and treatment points), sources, and categories in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. We conducted focus group discussions (FGD) at the e-waste collection centres to estimate the number of extractors at each site. KoBo Collect Tool Box was used to generate the inventory of the e-waste collection and treatment points, while ArcGIS 10.4 was used to map the spatial distribution of the e-waste collection and treatment points and perform locational analysis. The findings revealed that repairers, scavengers, companies, institutions, and households are the major sources of e-waste in Kano metropolis. A significant portion of the e-waste collected consists of lamps, screens, small equipment, temperature exchange equipment, and information and communications devices. In Kano, however, there are few e-waste collection and treatment sites. Among the key e-waste collection sites are Kurmi and Sabon Gari Markets, while Kuka Bulukiya and PRP Gidan Ruwa serve as treatment hotspots in Kano metropolis. In spite of this, the distribution of e-waste collection points and treatment facilities is highly random due to their distance from one another.
... These particles save energy due to their small size, which can ultimately lead to cost-effectiveness. NPs have a great advantage in treating water at great depths and in any place that has not been cleaned by conventionally available procedures [134][135][136]. Green nanomaterials are more likely to treat water contaminated with toxic metal ions, inorganic solutes, and organic and pathogenic microorganisms. ...
Nanotechnology (NT) is now firmly established in both the private home and commercial markets. Due to its unique properties, NT has been fully applied within multiple sectors like pharmacy and medicine, as well as industries like chemical, electrical, food manufacturing, and military, besides other economic sectors. With the growing demand for environmental resources from an ever-growing world population, NT application is a very advanced new area in the environmental sector and offers several advantages. A novel template synthesis approach is being used for the promising metal oxide nanostructures preparation. Synthesis of template-assisted nanomaterials promotes a greener and more promising protocol compared to traditional synthesis methods such as sol-gel and hydrothermal synthesis, and endows products with desirable properties and applications. It provides a comprehensive general view of current developments in the areas of drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, agriculture, and remediation. In the field of wastewater treatment, we focus on the adsorption of heavy metals and persistent substances and the improved photocatalytic decomposition of the most common wastewater pollutants. The drinking water treatment section covers enhanced pathogen disinfection and heavy metal removal, point-of-use treatment, and organic removal applications, including the latest advances in pesticide removal.
... As a result, landflls are producing an increasing amount of e-waste, worsening the degradation of the environment. Cancer risk increases along with developmental and neurological issues [9]. Additionally, incinerating has harmed the environment, particularly in the quality of solids, land, and air. ...
An effective recovery technology will be valuable in the future because the concentration of the precious metal contained in the source can be a key driver in recycling technology. This study aims to use response surface methodology (RSM) through Minitab software to discover the optimum oxygen level (mgL−1), e-waste pulp density (% w/v), and glycine concentration (mgL−1) for the maximum recovery of gold (Au) and silver (Ag). The method of precious metals recovery used for this study was taken from the bioleaching using 2 L of batch stirred tank reactor (BSTR). A Box-Behnken of RSM experimental statistical designs was used to optimize the experimental procedure. The result of the RSM optimization showed that the highest recovery was achieved at an oxygen concentration of 0.56 mgL−1, a pulp density of 1.95%, and a glycine concentration of 2.49 mgL−1, which resulted in the recovery of 62.40% of Au. The pulp density and glycine concentration greatly impact how much Au is bioleached by C. violaceum. As a result, not all of the variables analyzed seem crucial for getting the best precious metals recovery, and some adjustments may be useful in the future.
... There is still pressure on India to use open landfills and open dumps to dispose of its municipal solid waste. Hazardous waste materials are combustible, corrosive, reactive, toxic, toxic, volatile, poisonous, and infectious, which cause long-term harm to the environment (Needhidasan et al., 2014). Pressure to dispose of municipal solid trash in open dumps and landfills still exists in India. ...
In this chapter, the authors discuss the utilization of e-waste in the concrete for civil construction activities. Various tests have been used to investigate the effects of e-waste mixed with concrete. The various percentages of e-waste have been mixed with concrete to improve the strength of buildings. An e-waste concrete beam has a maximum tensile strength of 6.23 MPa under sulfuric curing conditions, and the highest flexural strength at 10% e-waste replacement during the hydrochloride curing process. The compressive strength is at its highest value when e-waste replaces 10% of it. After 28 days of curing, the concrete cylinder's maximum split tensile strength was 15%. Thus, the e-waste could be effectively utilized for civil construction purposes to reduce its environmental impacts.
... During E-waste tracking, real-time monitoring, commands, and data reserving to process the variables and ensure the implementation of the safety protocols and the safe storage of waste must be ensured for eco-friendly and sustainable management. Accepted physical and chemical treatments must be carried out during waste management [120]. Isolated regions must be designed and advertised to make the public aware of the severity of the problem. ...
Electronic waste generation is increasing dramatically throughout the world. Consequently , this increase in E-waste harms the environment, health, and other aspects of human life. Moreover, hazardous substances and the informal disposal of E-waste severely threaten human health and the environment. Saudi Arabia is the largest Arab country in terms of electronic waste generation and is the Arab country that generates the most E-waste. Over the past few decades, several initiatives and policy implementations have been undertaken in the country. However, the management of E-waste is still a source of distress and an unresolved issue. Sustainable development requires much more effort, primarily efficient E-waste management, which can only be achieved by establishing a formal collection system, early forecasting, and accurate estimations. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the fundamental and emerging trends in E-waste production worldwide and in Saudi Arabia. This paper aims to summarize the hazardous elements present in E-waste, their dangerous effects, and the economic potential for recycling E-waste as a means of developing sustainable communities. This study explores the practices regarding efficient E-waste management and E-waste estimation and prediction globally, specifically in Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries. This study suggests that more than the use of a single management probe will be needed to achieve significant results. Instead, a complementary approach can be used to achieve the most effective results. Additionally, people should be aware of the importance of handling and recycling E-waste. This study emphasizes the importance of formal collection and documentation to ensure effective monitoring and sustainable development in any developed country.
... E-waste is being rapidly generated around the world. It has become one of the new threats to the environment due to technological advancement, the development of industry and economy, urban expansion, and population increase Needhidasan et al., 2014). ...
This study aims to assess the awareness and behaviors of e-waste management in the public sector according to the circular economy. This study utilized quantitative approaches. Primary data were collected on-site using questionnaires to collect data from 480 samples in Bangkok. The results from the survey show that of the total number of respondents, 409 (85.2%) knew of E-waste, while 370 (77.1%) had a strong understanding of circular economy principles, 339 (70.6%) had a high level of awareness concerning E-waste management following the circular economy, and 367 (76.5%) had a high level of E-waste management behavior in residential areas according to the circular economy. From the analysis, perceptions of E-waste hazards affected the awareness and behavior of E-waste management in residential areas according to the circular economy. However, careers affected the behavior of E-waste management in residential areas according to the circular economy in Bangkok. E-waste management is one of the keys to achieving this but necessitates cooperation from all sectors. The circular economy principles should be publicized to increase civil society awareness concerning community e-waste management. This will then drive the concept of practices for concrete outcomes. If every sector cooperates, it will result in a balanced economy under the vision of maximizing economic value and reducing the environmental and social impacts of production, consumption, waste management, and recycling.
... As indicated by a report from the UN that every day, 50 million tonnes of e-waste is produced, As the quantity of electronic gadgets ending up in landfills is expanding constantly, e-waste has been recognized as a critical issue in solid waste management. Disposed electronic devices frequently contain unsafe chemical substances, such as lithium from a cell phone battery, which can leach into groundwater (Needhidasan et al. 2014). Simultaneously, these gadgets present a valuable chance to recover valuable and base metals, like gold and copper, in a proficient way. ...
Solid waste management is a significant aspect of urban services and environmental sustainability. In the past, enormous land masses made trash disposal easy, but today’s growing population, changing lifestyle, technological advancements, and fast urbanization make it harder. Solid waste management is crucial for a healthy and vibrant society. In this paper, attempts have been made to analyze the solid waste management scenario of Raiganj municipality using geospatial technology in terms of solid waste generation, collection, transportation, and disposal. All necessary information was gathered from both primary and secondary sources. These included field research, interviews, and municipal data collection. Data were evaluated statistically and qualitatively using Arc GIS 10.2.1, Microsoft Office Excel, and Microsoft Office Publisher. The cartographic maps were used to analyze the data. The findings of this investigation show that Raiganj’s present waste management system cannot handle the growing number of urban residents. This city has growing challenges with solid waste collection, treatment, and disposal. The unavailability of scientific landfill sites hinders Raiganj’s welfare. Solid waste management in the Raiganj Municipal area needed to be improved. The ramifications of prospective solutions for municipal solid waste (MSW) at the centralized and decentralized level must be emphasized via the conjunct initiative of different scientific treatment procedures. As a result, municipalities, in collaboration with the informal sector and commercial organizations, must concentrate on developing potential prospects to fulfill the long-term aim of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) sustainability for this municipality.
... As indicated by a report from the UN that every day, 50 million tonnes of e-waste is produced, As the quantity of electronic gadgets ending up in landfills is expanding constantly, e-waste has been recognized as a critical issue in solid waste management. Disposed electronic devices frequently contain unsafe chemical substances, such as lithium from a cell phone battery, which can leach into groundwater (Needhidasan et al. 2014). Simultaneously, these gadgets present a valuable chance to recover valuable and base metals, like gold and copper, in a proficient way. ...
It is pertinent to distinguish between urban solid waste when compared to its rural counterpart. Rural areas generate almost negligible waste when compared to the urban areas as till recently they led frugal and minimalistic lifestyle. Basically, there are four types of solid waste in urban areas, one is the household waste, which we commonly refer to as garbage, the second is the biomedical/hospital waste, the third is the e-waste and the fourth is Construction & Demolition Waste. It is indeed very surprising to note that till date most of the developing countries have not prepared an inventory of urban solid waste. In fact, it does not seem to be a priority of either the citizens or the urban local bodies. Technology will be the key to tackle the challenges of urban solid waste management in India. Through satellite imagery/remote sensing techniques to utilizing machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), it is possible to identify hotspots where different types of waste are accumulating and also in tracking movement of bins and trucks. It would then be possible to develop an optimal strategy to transfer these wastes using GIS to appropriate treatment facilities for their ultimate disposal. One of the major issues faced in solid waste management is the existence of dumpsites, which must be closed, and the legacy waste appropriately disposed as it has now become a mountain of waste and cannot take in any fresher waste. To initiate the closure, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) needs to be done, which is hampered by the lack of past data regarding the activities at the dumpsite. Therefore, the analysis of multitemporal remote sensing images and aerial photography is a useful tool for conducting the EIA. Finally, the Government of India needs to develop a standardized policy to dispose of household waste, e-waste and medical waste. It is the need of the hour and should be done in mission mode on a war footing. The need of a central ministry on solid waste management may be set up without any further delay.
... Informal recyclers utilise physico-chemical techniques to extract the metals and renewable materials from e-waste, however, hazardous materials such as heavy metals, plastics and brominated flame retardants remain untreated. In order to reduce the consequences of pollution and promote the equitable allocation of resources, recycling of e-waste components is therefore viewed as a resource-efficient way to managing e-waste (Needhidasan et al. 2014;Kumar et al. 2017). ...
The continuous and prodigious consumer requirement of electrical and electronic equipment along with their expedited product obsolescence rate owing to the fast advancements in technology has resulted in rise in generation of waste electrical and electronic equipment across the globe. Majority of e-waste contains complex mixture of heavy metals, plastics, refractory oxides, halogens and combustible substances that impose several health hazard and environmental challenges. E-waste also consists of various valuable metals and thus its recycling is not merely significant for waste management but also for the recovering of these valuable metals. Currently, conventional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical methods are being employed for extraction of metals, but the high cost and toxic intermediates are the limitations of these methods. Biotechnological methods are exclusively exploited for metal recovery and are emerging as sustainable and environment-friendly methods. Bioleaching involves microbes for facilitating leaching of minerals and is more economical in comparison with conventional metallurgic treatments owing to lower operational and energy demand. Thus, this chapter provides a comprehensive insight into biological methods of extraction of valuable metals from e-waste. In addition, advanced and hybrid recycling technologies that are being studied are also discussed.
... The copper waste from electric and electronic equipment is certainly one of the common metals that might be recycled repeatedly and reused again (Işıldar et al., 2019). In that respect, many eco-friendly and sustainable technologies have been investigated for Cu metal recovery without the use or release of volatile, toxic, or chemically dangerous substances (Needhidasan et al., 2014). In some of them the use of corrosive and oxidant acidic leaching solution remains still a challenge, which is hard to overcome (Babu et al., 2007). ...
The copper is the second largest strategic raw material. Since there is a huge gap between copper production and consumption, a green and eco-sustainable recycling technology is necessary that is able to process the copper from secondary sources of waste and scraps. Here we demonstrate the photo-oxidising properties of pyrrolic nitrogen-dominated carbon nanodots as eco-friendly and powerful oxidase-mimicking nanozyme for leaching of copper from metal scrap under irradiation with either ultraviolet or natural sun light (average intensity of 59 000 lux). The ultra-small nanoparticles with diameter < 5 nm were prepared by 600 W microwave-assisted pyrolysis, which might be considered as energy efficient synthetic method. The developed strategy enables to dissolve Cu metal at neutral pH range (between 5.1 – 8.3) and it might break the pH limitation for recycling of copper in the conventional chemical methods, where toxic and corrosive substances are used. The obtained yield was about 5 %, which is still not satisfactory for practical application in recycle technology. Nevertheless, according to our knowledge there is not any other reported photosensitizer nanozyme, which is capable to induce oxidation and dissolving of copper under natural light irradiation of neutral leaching solution.
... The increase in electronic waste due to the massive use of mobile phones and computers contributes to environmental problems. For example, cleanliness starts in the household environment, schools, markets, and public facilities due to littering (Ferronato & Torretta, 2019;Needhidasan et al., 2014). The implementation of the environmental science course so far has shown a lack of encouragement to improve students' creative thinking, and collaboration skills. ...
The implementation of the Environmental Science learning process so far has shown a lack of encouragement to improve students' 4C skills. The EMKONTAN learning model is one of the models that is believed to improve students' creativity, collaboration skills, and environmental literacy. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the EMKONTAN learning model in improving critical thinking and collaborative skills for prospective biology teacher students. EMKONTAN is a student-centered learning model (students’ active learning), oriented to creative learning, problem-based learning, collaborative learning, and provides opportunities for students to improve environmental learning. This research was conducted in the event semester of the 2020/2021 academic year at IKIP Budi Utomo Malang and FTTE Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang-Indonesia, involving 150 second-semester students through total sampling. Data was obtained through observation, questionnaires, and tests. The research used a pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design. Data collection in this study was carried out using Google Forms, Google Classroom, Google Meet, and WhatsApp. Data analysis using statistical product and service solutions (SPSS) version 23 software. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) analysis results showed that EMKONTAN, PBL affected students' creativity and collaboration skills in biology teacher candidate students with a value of p<0.005. The least significant difference (LSD) result was significantly different in improving students' creativities thinking, and collaboration skills. The EMKONTAN class gained the highest post-test score. Therefore, EMKONTAN could be applicable to improve students' creative thinking and collaborative skills outcomes in environmental learning.
Vaccine hesitancy among tribal Khasi community in Mawphlang province of Meghalaya
The exponential advancement of technology, along with our demanding consumption habits, has ended up in an alarming growth in electronic waste (e-waste) creation, posing a severe environmental risk. This chapter highlights the environmental implications of e-waste as well as government attempts to promote responsible waste management, sustainable consumption, and separation of raw materials from these wastes. Dangerous chemicals, including Hg, Pb, and Cd, along with brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are released into the atmosphere during illegal disposal or informal recycling of e-waste, eventually building up in our ecosystem and disrupting the normal ecological cycle. It results in heavy metal contamination in the soil and water, emissions in the air, as well as negative impacts on human lives such as reproductive abnormalities and respiratory disease. The government policy like extended producer responsibility (EPR) implementation frameworks emphasize the collection and recycling systems and promote the sustainable waste management practices. EPR requires producers to take responsibility for their goods complete life cycle, including proper disposal and recycling. Collaboration among governments, manufacturers, consumers, and recycling sectors is required to manage e-waste effectively. Thus, environmental risks can be reduced by adopting ecosystem-friendly practices in sustainable e-waste management and nurturing a circular economy.
The population of Monrovia is increasing accompanied by rapid urbanization. Due to rapid urbanization, economic development, higher living standards, and changes in consumption patterns and lifestyle, the generation rate of waste has increased. Mismanagement of solid waste tends to hinder any progress toward environmental sustainability. This study endeavored to determine Improper Solid Waste Management at the Duala Market, Monrovia-Liberia examines the connection between population growth, economic development, and the rise in waste production. The study evaluated behavioral factors on a qualitative and quantitative level, including knowledge, attitude, and practices of solid waste management, stakeholder collaboration, and obstacles to sustainable waste management in Monrovia. To display the various socioeconomic groups in the city, households were chosen at random (simple and stratified). The key findings revealed socio-demographic (70%) Waste generated are inadequately disposed of by female, as a result of the large fragment of waste that is still not collected, waste is dumped and burned in the open. followed by intervention to reduce improper waste management accounts (40%) which need public awareness and factors leading to improper waste management accounts (30%), not cognizant of the waste management area. These waste management challenges have become heightened because of insufficient technology to ensure proper management and low budgetary allocations for effective waste management.
Electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling is a significant source of atmospheric pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals (HMs), which may have adverse effects on the surrounding environment and residents. However, the organized emission inventories and emission characteristics of VOCs and HMs from e-waste dismantling are not well documented. In this study, the concentrations and components of VOCs and HMs were monitored at the exhaust gas treatment facility from two process areas of a typical e-waste dismantling park in southern China in 2021. Emission inventories of VOCs and HMs were established, with total emissions of 8.85 t/a and 18.3 kg/a for VOCs and HMs in this park, respectively. The cutting & crushing (CC) area was the largest emissions source, accounting for 82.6% of VOCs and 79.9% of HMs, respectively, while the baking plate (BP) area had higher emission factors. Additionally, the concentration and composition of VOCs and HMs in the park were also analyzed. For VOCs, the concentrations of halogenated hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons were comparable in the park, while m/p-xylene, o-xylene, and chlorobenzene were the key VOC species. The HM concentrations followed the order of Pb > Cu > Mn > Ni > As > Cd > Hg, with Pb and Cu being the main heavy metals released. This is the first VOC and HM emission inventory for the e-waste dismantling park, and our data will lay a solid ground for pollution control and management for the e-waste dismantling industry.
This research was carried out to determine the effects of tennis training applied during the preparation period on some physical parameters of the athletes. The research group consists of 24 male volunteer athletes licensed in the tennis branch. Athletes in the research group were trained for endurance and tennis, three days a week and 85 minutes a day for eight weeks. Height, body weight, leg strength, hand grip strength, vertical jump, speed, flexibility and agility values were measured for the research group at the beginning and end of the training. SPSS statistical package program was used in the analysis of the data. Significance was accepted as p>0.05. As a result of the research, tennis players; It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the leg strength, hand grip strength, vertical jump, flexibility, agility, ten and thirty meters values (p<0.05). As a result, it has been seen that regular and planned tennis and endurance trainings during the preparation period affect the physical parameters of the athletes positively. In this context, it is thought that if the trainings to be applied at early ages are designed considering the physical characteristics of the athletes, they will positively affect the performance of the athletes.
In the leap of electronic vehicle era, an enormous amount of electronic trash is produced due to the growing usage of electrical and electronic devices (e-waste), which is one of the ever-increasing urgent issues, especially in developing nations. Many e-wastes are buried, burned outdoors, or discharged into surface water bodies in these nations since there is no infrastructure to handle them properly. Many developing countries currently use inefficient and highly polluting recycling techniques. Several harmful compounds of e-wastes are detrimental to the environment and endanger human health if disposal processes are not carefully handled. Design for environment cleaner production, extended producer responsibility, standards and labelling, product stewardship, recycling, and remanufacturing are some strategies many nations take to cope with the e-waste stream. This chapter discusses an overview of traditional (landfills and dumps, recycling, thermo-chemical treatment, pyrometallurgical treatment, bio-sorption, bioleaching, bioremediation methods, phytoremediation) and modern techniques (life cycle assessment (LCA), material flow analysis (MFA), and multi-criteria analysis (MCA)) in e-waste management that contribute to the eco-friendly, sustainable management of e-waste.
The effects of environmental pollution and global warming have become a reality and severe. In addition to other causes, wide adoption and huge demands for computational resources have aggravated it significantly. The production process of the computing devices involves hazardous and toxic substances which not only harm human and other living beings’ health but also contaminate the water and soil. The production and operations of these computers on a large scale also result in massive energy consumption and greenhouse gas generation. Moreover, the low use cycle of these devices produces a huge amount of not easy-to-decompose e-waste. In this outlook, instead of buying new devices, it is advisable to use the existing resources to their fullest, which will minimize the environmental penalties of production and e-waste. In this study, we advocate for mobile crowd computing (MCC) to ease off the use of centralized high-performance computers (HPCs) such as data centres and supercomputers by utilising SMDs (smart mobile devices) as computing devices. We envision establishing MCC as the most feasible computing system solution for sustainable computing. Successful real-world implementation of MCC involves several challenges. In this study, we primarily focus on resource management. We devised a methodological and structured approach for resource profiling. We present the resource selection problem as an MCDM (multi-criteria decision making) problem and compared five MCDM approaches of dissimilar families to find the appropriate methodology for dynamic resource selection in MCC. To improve the overall performance of MCC, we present two scheduling algorithms, considering different objectives such as makespan, resource utilisation, load balance, and energy efficiency. We propose a deep learning based resource availability prediction to minimise the job offloading in a local MCC. We further propose a mobility-aware resource provisioning scheme for a P2P MCC. Finally, we present a proof-of-concept of the proposed MCC model as a working prototype. For this, we consider a smart HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling) system in a multistorey building and use MCC as a local edge computing infrastructure. The successful implementation of the prototype proves the feasibility and potential of MCC as alternative sustainable computing.
For the past few years, the e-waste problem has taken over on a larger scale, so we are now forced to rethink how to tackle this e-waste problem. So, people start thinking about the e-waste management concept and trying to develop new methods by which we can reduce e-waste. The present chapter highlights the scenario of e-waste in India and other parts of the globe. It also exhibits the trends of e-waste in India through a comparison with other countries. The study reveals that electronic equipment such as computers, mobile, and telephones are identified as the principal e-waste generators in India. A report suggests that computers contributed to 70% of the total e-waste generated in India, while telecommunication equipment accounted for 12%. Among cities, Mumbai is one of the biggest hubs and ranked number one on the list as it generates an estimated 120,000 tons of e-waste annually. Approximately 70% of heavy metals found in landfills are accounted for by e-waste. In light of this, this chapter also offers suggestions to deal with the challenges, conventional e-waste management methods, eco-friendly e-waste management methods, and problems of e-waste.
In the leap of electronic vehicle era, an enormous amount of electronic trash is produced due to the growing usage of electrical and electronic devices (e-waste), which is one of the ever-increasing urgent issues, especially in developing nations. Many e-wastes are buried, burned outdoors, or discharged into surface water bodies in these nations since there is no infrastructure to handle them properly. Many developing countries currently use inefficient and highly polluting recycling techniques. Several harmful compounds of e-wastes are detrimental to the environment and endanger human health if disposal processes are not carefully handled. Design for environment cleaner production, extended producer responsibility, standards and labelling, product stewardship, recycling, and remanufacturing are some strategies many nations take to cope with the e-waste stream. This chapter discusses an overview of traditional (landfills and dumps, recycling, thermo-chemical treatment, pyrometallurgical treatment, bio-sorption, bioleaching, bioremediation methods, phytoremediation) and modern techniques (life cycle assessment (LCA), material flow analysis (MFA), and multi-criteria analysis (MCA)) in e-waste management that contribute to the eco-friendly, sustainable management of e-waste.
Electronic items and gadgets are rapidly increasing their continuous presence in a typical household due to the considerable advancement in usability, needs, operational efficiency, etc., in this fast-paced world. Day-to-day work undoubtedly becomes a challenge without an electronic device be it in the transportation sector, hospitals, modern industries, workplaces, houses, etc. However, obsolete or old electronic devices end up in dump yards or recycling centers which poses modern challenges to key policymakers and in mitigating its environmental hurdles. Electronic waste or E-waste is one of the emerging problems in both developed and developing countries around the world. It typically consists of numerous components purportedly containing valuable materials, some of which have toxic substances that can adversely affect human health and the environment. This chapter carefully presents a comprehensive overview of the successful management of generated electronic waste with particular reference to the remediation of the waste through biological approaches.
The concept of microbiological leaching have played a greater role to recover valuable metals from various sulfide minerals or low grade ores during the middle era of twentieth century and that continued till the end of the century. Slowly, due to depletion of ore/minerals, and implementation of stricter environmental rules, microbiological leaching process has been shifted for its application to recover valuable metals from the different industrial wastes. Although there are conventional processes, physical and chemical methods, for treatment of industrial wastes, these technologies have certain limitation in practical applications. The microbial method is an efficient and cost-effective alternative to chemical and physical methods because of its low demand for energy, material and less generation of waste byproduct. There are several industrial wastes that possess toxic elements and thus when leached into atmosphere cause serious environmental problem. Among the wastes, spent petroleum catalysts, electronic scraps, lithium battery wastes, sewage sludge, fly ash etc. are some of the major industrially produced wastes. These solid wastes mostly contain Ni, V, Mo, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cr like heavy metals in it. The major microorganisms those play the significant role in recovery of heavy metals from such wastes belong to acidophilic group. These acidophilic groups thrive in acidic pH ranges (pH 2.0 – 4.0) and help in dissolving the metals from solid phase of wastes into the aqueous phase. Among the bacteria Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, Leptospirillum ferrooxidans, and Sulfolobus sp., are well known consortia for the bioleaching activity while Penicillium, and Aspergillus niger are some fungi those help in metal leaching process. The current chapter will be thoroughly studied about the application of these acidophilic microorganisms for the metal recovery from different industrial wastes. The key microorganisms and their bioleaching mechanism have been focused here.
This work constitutes the first part of activities being carried out within the context of beneficiation of valuable metals from a brand of spent mobile phones by leaching process in laboratory scale. The printed circuit board of the mobile phone was employed in this study. The effects of parameters such as acid concentration, particle size and temperature on the leaching efficiency at different time intervals were investigated. With 4M HCl solution about 87.4% was dissolved within 120 minutes at a temperature of 80 o C using 300rpm and a particle size of about 0.1mm. Finally, the results of this investigation showed that the rate of dissolution of the spent powdered cell phone was found to depend on the hydrogen ion concentration, the system temperature and particle diameter.
In 2004, more than 180 million personal computers (PCs) were sold worldwide. In the same year, an estimated 100 million obsolete PCs entered waste streams and were either recycled for the recovery of materials or finally disposed of. A PC may contain up to 4 g of gold and other valuable materials that can be recovered at a profit, particularly if the work is done in low-income countries. However, as is the case with almost all present-day electronic products, a PC also contains toxic substances such as lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, selenium, and hexavalent chromium. In many parts of the world, both formal and informal recycling industries that deal with the rapidly growing streams of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), or e-waste for short, have emerged. For the EU15 (the 15 countries constituting the EU before May 2004), the WEEE generated per capita today is between 4 and 20 kg/a (Widmer et al., in this issue). The range of uncertainty is mainly due to definitional problems, as it is typical for the entire e-waste topic. Computers are only one type of WEEE. However, given the trend towards pervasive computing, which means that more and more everyday commodities will contain microprocessors in the future, the borderlines between dclassicT electrical equipment (such as refrigerators) and electronic equipment will become blurred. One can already see today that more and more objects that used to be considered purely delectricalT are now equipped with computer chips, and thus have turned into delectronicT objects. Today, more than 98% of all programmable microprocessors are embedded in commodities that are usually not perceived as computers (e.g., household appliances and toys). Even more relevant from an environmental point of view, many commodities that until recently were considered dnon-electricT are now being equipped with microprocessors for extended functionality, or with radiofrequency identification (RFID) transponders for contactless identification (Hilty et al. 2005; Oertel et al. 2005). Both the old (device-like) and new (embedded) types of information and communi-cation technologies (ICTs) are spreading out rapidly, leaping geopolitical borders and penetrating our everyday lives across traditional categories of basic commodities. Given these trends in ICT diffusion and application, it is likely that the dissipation of valuable and toxic materials due to the distribution and disposal of electronics will continue, unless effective countermeasures are taken. The hope that the continued miniaturization of electronics, according to the so-called Moore's Law and related technological trends, will 0195-9255/$ -see front matter Deiar solve the problem in the long run is neither supported by experience nor by the expectations explicitly stated by ICT manufacturers. Experience shows that the miniaturization of devices is usually counteracted by the growing numbers of devices produced. For instance, the considerable reduction in the average physical mass of a mobile phone from over 350 g (1990) to about 80 g (2005), which corresponds to a reduction by a factor of 4.4, was accompanied by an increase in the number of subscribers, which in turn led to a rise of the total mass flow by a factor of 8.0 (data for Switzerland; Hilty et al. 2005). In every case of miniaturization in digital electronics thus far, the price per functional unit has fallen and triggered greater demand, which compensates–or even overcompensates–for the miniaturization effect in terms of mass flow. There is no evidence that this rebound effect of miniaturization will no longer apply if the visions called dpervasive computing,T dubiquitous computing,T or dambient intelligenceT become real. Quite the contrary, IBM expects that in the next 5–10 years, about 1 billion (10 9) people will be using more than a trillion (10 12) networked objects across the world. This would mean that there would be an average of 1000 dsmart objectsT per person in the richer part of the world, each containing a processor and some communication module. If we assume that the average mass of an electronic component used to make an object dsmartT is about 10 g and that such a component would be in service for about 1 year, the resulting per-capita flow of e-waste amounts to 10 kg/a. This value is on the same order of magnitude as today's e-waste in industrialized countries, as mentioned above. We can conclude that implementing the dsmart objectsT vision would not render the mass flows of electronic waste negligible; however, it will certainly change the quality and manageability of these flows. Taking other technological visions literally can even lead to dramatic results. One example is the vision of de-grainsT—very small processors that are envisioned to be used as dintelligent wall paint,T turning walls into large-scale displays and rooms into distributed computers. In a study for the Swiss Center for Technology Assessment, it was hypothetically assumed that this technology would be applied to give every inhabitant of Western Europe, North America, and Japan one dintelligent room.T Assuming further that nickel will still be used as a constituent of e-grains, it was estimated that more than 40% of the world's annual nickel production (1.2 million tonnes in the year 2000) would be required to produce the wall paint (Hilty et al 2005). This example shows that the supply of exotic raw materials could become a limiting factor for future electronics production. The temporary shortage of tantalum that occurred in 1999–2001 demonstrated this problem. Only two companies extract tantulum from the mineral coltan in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Australia. This scarcity appreciably slowed the growth of the ICT industry (e.g., in the mobile phone and games console segments) (Horvath 2002). In the project dThe Future Impact of ICT on Environmental SustainabilityT for the European Commission, a socio-economic simulation study with a time horizon running up to 2020 was carried out for three different policy scenarios (Hilty et al. 2004). Even in the scenario which assumed that environmental regulation would be put into force to internalize external costs (e.g., accounting for the externalities of extracting and processing raw materials, supplying energy, and disposing of waste), the total EU15 WEEE mass flow Editorial 432
There is increasing concern about chemical pollutants that are able to mimic hormones, the so-called endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), because of their structural similarity to endogenous hormones, their ability to interact with hormone transport proteins or because of their potential to disrupt hormone metabolic pathways. Thus, the effects of endogenous hormones can be mimicked or, in some cases, completely blocked. A substantial number of environmental pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phthalates, bisphenol A, pesticides, alkylphenols and heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury), have been shown to disrupt endocrine function. These compounds can cause reproductive problems by decreasing sperm count and quality, increasing the number of testicular germ cells and causing male breast cancer, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, miscarriages, endometriosis, impaired fertility, irregularities of the menstrual cycle, and infertility. Although EDCs may be released into the environment in different ways, the main sources is industrial waste water. The present paper critically reviews the current knowledge of the impact of EDCs on reproductive disorders in humans.
Arsenic (As) is a toxic metalloid element that is present in air, water and soil. Inorganic arsenic tends to be more toxic than organic arsenic. Examples of methylated organic arsenicals include monomethylarsonic acid [MMA(V)] and dimethylarsinic acid [DMA(V)]. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative damage is a common denominator in arsenic pathogenesis. In addition, arsenic induces morphological changes in the integrity of mitochondria. Cascade mechanisms of free radical formation derived from the superoxide radical, combined with glutathione-depleting agents, increase the sensitivity of cells to arsenic toxicity. When both humans and animals are exposed to arsenic, they experience an increased formation of ROS/RNS, including peroxyl radicals (ROO•), the superoxide radical, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical (OH•) via the Fenton reaction, hydrogen peroxide, the dimethylarsenic radical, the dimethylarsenic peroxyl radical and/or oxidant-induced DNA damage. Arsenic induces the formation of oxidized lipids which in turn generate several bioactive molecules (ROS, peroxides and isoprostanes), of which aldehydes [malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxy-nonenal (HNE)] are the major end products. This review discusses aspects of chronic and acute exposures of arsenic in the etiology of cancer, cardiovascular disease (hypertension and atherosclerosis), neurological disorders, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver disease and renal disease, reproductive health effects, dermal changes and other health disorders. The role of antioxidant defence systems against arsenic toxicity is also discussed. Consideration is given to the role of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (α-tocopherol), curcumin, glutathione and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in their protective roles against arsenic-induced oxidative stress.
Objective
Although industrial sectors involving semiconductors; memory and storage technologies; display, optical, and photonic technologies; energy; biotechnology; and health care produce the most products that contain nanomaterials, nanotechnology is also used as an environmental technology to protect the environment through pollution prevention, treatment, and cleanup. In this review, we focus on environmental cleanup and provide a background and overview of current practice; research findings; societal issues; potential environment, health, and safety implications; and future directions for nanoremediation. We do not present an exhaustive review of chemistry/engineering methods of the technology but rather an introduction and summary of the applications of nanotechnology in remediation. We also discuss nanoscale zerovalent iron in detail.
Data sources
We searched the Web of Science for research studies and accessed recent publicly available reports from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies and organizations that addressed the applications and implications associated with nanoremediation techniques. We also conducted personal interviews with practitioners about specific site remediations.
Data synthesis
We aggregated information from 45 sites, a representative portion of the total projects under way, to show nanomaterials used, types of pollutants addressed, and organizations responsible for each site.
Conclusions
Nanoremediation has the potential not only to reduce the overall costs of cleaning up large-scale contaminated sites but also to reduce cleanup time, eliminate the need for treatment and disposal of contaminated soil, and reduce some contaminant concentrations to near zero—all in situ. Proper evaluation of nanoremediation, particularly full-scale ecosystem-wide studies, needs to be conducted to prevent any potential adverse environmental impacts.
Electronic waste (e-waste) has been an emerging environmental health issue in both developed and developing countries, but its current management practice may result in unintended developmental neurotoxicity in vulnerable populations. To provide updated information about the scope of the issue, presence of known and suspected neurotoxicants, toxicologic mechanisms, and current data gaps, we conducted this literature review.
We reviewed original articles and review papers in PubMed and Web of Science regarding e-waste toxicants and their potential developmental neurotoxicity. We also searched published reports of intergovernmental and governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations on e-waste production and management practice.
We focused on the potential exposure to e-waste toxicants in vulnerable populations-that is, pregnant women and developing children-and neurodevelopmental outcomes. In addition, we summarize experimental evidence of developmental neurotoxicity and mechanisms.
In developing countries where most informal and primitive e-waste recycling occurs, environmental exposure to lead, cadmium, chromium, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is prevalent at high concentrations in pregnant women and young children. Developmental neurotoxicity is a serious concern in these regions, but human studies of adverse effects and potential mechanisms are scarce. The unprecedented mixture of exposure to heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants warrants further studies and necessitates effective pollution control measures.
Pregnant women and young children living close to informal e-waste recycling sites are at risk of possible perturbations of fetus and child neurodevelopment.
The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is known to be a widespread environmental contaminant and a potential toxin that may adversely affect human health. Exposure is largely via the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts; important non-industrial sources of exposure are cigarette smoke and food (from contaminated soil and water). The kidney is the main organ affected by chronic Cd exposure and toxicity. Cd accumulates in the kidney as a result of its preferential uptake by receptor-mediated endocytosis of freely filtered and metallothionein bound Cd (Cd-MT) in the renal proximal tubule. Internalised Cd-MT is degraded in endosomes and lysosomes, releasing free Cd(2+) into the cytosol, where it can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activate cell death pathways. An early and sensitive manifestation of chronic Cd renal toxicity, which can be useful in individual and population screening, is impaired reabsorption of low molecular weight proteins (LMWP) (also a receptor-mediated process in the proximal tubule) such as retinol binding protein (RBP). This so-called 'tubular proteinuria' is a good index of proximal tubular damage, but it is not usually detected by routine clinical dipstick testing for proteinuria. Continued and heavy Cd exposure can progress to the clinical renal Fanconi syndrome, and ultimately to renal failure. Environmental Cd exposure may be a significant contributory factor to the development of chronic kidney disease, especially in the presence of other co-morbidities such as diabetes or hypertension; therefore, the sources and environmental impact of Cd, and efforts to limit Cd exposure, justify more attention.
Iron-oxidizing bacteria belonging to the genus Leptospirillum are of great importance in continuous-flow commercial biooxidation reactors, used for extracting metals from minerals, that
operate at 40°C or less. They also form part of the microbial community responsible for the generation of acid mine drainage.
More than 16 isolates of leptospirilla were included in this study, and they were clearly divisible into two major groups.
Group I leptospirilla had G+C moles percent ratios within the range 49 to 52% and had three copies of rrn genes, and based on 16S rRNA sequence data, these isolates clustered together with the Leptospirillum ferrooxidans type strain (DSM2705 or L15). Group II leptospirilla had G+C moles percent ratios of 55 to 58% and had two copies of rrn genes, and based on 16S rRNA sequence data, they form a separate cluster. Genome DNA-DNA hybridization experiments indicated
that three similarity subgroups were present among the leptospirilla tested, with two DNA-DNA hybridization similarity subgroups
found within group I. The two groups could also be distinguished based on the sizes of their 16S-23S rRNA gene spacer regions.
We propose that the group II leptospirilla should be recognized as a separate species with the name Leptospirillum ferriphilum sp. nov. Members of the two species can be rapidly distinguished from each other by amplification of their 16S rRNA genes
and by carrying out restriction enzyme digests of the products. Several, but not all, isolates of the group II leptospirilla,
but none from group I (L. ferrooxidans), were capable of growth at 45°C. All the leptospirilla isolated from commercial biooxidation tanks in South Africa were
from group II.
Lead concentration in whole blood (BPb) is the primary biomarker used to monitor exposure to this metallic element. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization define a BPb of 10 microg/dL (0.48 micromol/L) as the threshold of concern in young children. However, recent studies have reported the possibility of adverse health effects, including intellectual impairment in young children, at BPb levels < 10 microg/dL, suggesting that there is no safe level of exposure. It appears impossible to differentiate between low-level chronic Pb exposure and a high-level short Pb exposure based on a single BPb measurement; therefore, serial BPb measurements offer a better estimation of possible health outcomes. The difficulty in assessing the exact nature of Pb exposure is dependent not so much on problems with current analytical methodologies, but rather on the complex toxicokinetics of Pb within various body compartments (i.e., cycling of Pb between bone, blood, and soft tissues). If we are to differentiate more effectively between Pb stored in the body for years and Pb from recent exposure, information on other biomarkers of exposure may be needed. None of the current biomarkers of internal Pb dose have yet been accepted by the scientific community as a reliable substitute for a BPb measurement. This review focuses on the limitations of biomarkers of Pb exposure and the need to improve the accuracy of their measurement. We present here only the traditional analytical protocols in current use, and we attempt to assess the influence of confounding variables on BPb levels. Finally, we discuss the interpretation of BPb data with respect to both external and endogenous Pb exposure, past or recent exposure, as well as the significance of Pb determinations in human specimens including hair, nails, saliva, bone, blood (plasma, whole blood), urine, feces, and exfoliated teeth.
The importance of information technology to the world economy has brought about a surge in demand for electronic equipment. With rapid technological change, a growing fraction of the increasing stock of many types of electronics becomes obsolete each year. We model the costs and benefits of policies to manage 'e-waste' by focusing on a large component of the electronic waste stream-computer monitors-and the environmental concerns associated with disposal of the lead embodied in cathode ray tubes (CRTs) used in most monitors. We find that the benefits of avoiding health effects associated with CRT disposal appear far outweighed by the costs for a wide range of policies. For the stock of monitors disposed of in the United States in 1998, we find that policies restricting or banning some popular disposal options would increase disposal costs from about US dollar 1 per monitor to between US dollars 3 and US dollars 20 per monitor. Policies to promote a modest amount of recycling of monitor parts, including lead, can be less expensive. In all cases, however, the costs of the policies exceed the value of the avoided health effects of CRT disposal.
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is an emerging problem as well as a business opportunity of increasing significance, given the volumes of e-waste being generated and the content of both toxic and valuable materials in them. The fraction including iron, copper, aluminium, gold and other metals in e-waste is over 60%, while pollutants comprise 2.70%. Given the high toxicity of these pollutants especially when burned or recycled in uncontrolled environments, the Basel Convention has identified e-waste as hazardous, and developed a framework for controls on transboundary movement of such waste. The Basel Ban, an amendment to the Basel Convention that has not yet come into force, would go one step further by prohibiting the export of e-waste from developed to industrializing countries. Section 1 of this paper gives readers an overview on the e-waste topic—how e-waste is defined, what it is composed of and which methods can be applied to estimate the quantity of e-waste generated. Considering only PCs in use, by one estimate, at least 100 million PCs became obsolete in 2004. Not surprisingly, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) today already constitutes 8% of municipal waste and is one of the fastest growing waste fractions. Section 2 provides insight into the legislation and initiatives intended to help manage these growing quantities of e-waste. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is being propagated as a new
A new species of ferrous-iron-oxidizing, moderately thermophilic, acidophilic bacteria, Acidimicrobium ferrooxidans, has been described. Two isolates of the species differed only in the tendency of one, previously known as strain TH3, to grow in filaments. The chromosomal DNA base composition is between 67 and 69 mol0/o G +C. The capacity of this species to fix CO, from air was greater than that of iron-oxidizing thermoacidophiles of the genus Sulfobacillus, which required an enhanced CO, concentration for optimum autotrophic growth. Under air, ferrous iron oxidation in mixed cultures of A. ferrooxidans with either Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans or Sulfobacillus acidophilus was more extensive than in pure cultures of these three strains. The greater part of ferrous iron oxidation in mixed cultures probably resulted from activity of the Sulfobacillus species, which possess a greater tolerance of ferric iron, and which presumably grew mixotrophically utilizing organic compounds from A. ferrooxidans .
This paper attempts to make an assessment and policy recommendation for the Indian perspective through a cross-national review of current practice and policy. It also addresses in a transition economy with some reference to policies and practices in other transition economies. It has been shown that existing Hazardous Waste Rules could overturn the necessity of a separate national legislation dealing with e-waste alone after it is being configured to accommodate e-waste for its management in India. The regulatory approach proposed could serve as a model or at least a starting point for other transition countries that may not be so far along as India with respect to management of e-waste. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Bandyopadhyay, A. (2008) 'A regulatory approach for e-waste management: a cross-national review of current practice and policy with an assessment and policy recommendation for the Indian perspective', Int. J. Environment and Waste Management, Vol. 2, Nos. 1/2, pp.139–186. Biographical notes: Amitava Bandyopadhyay is an Environmental Engineer of the West Bengal Pollution Control Board that implements various Environmental Rules and Regulations. He did his BTech from the Calcutta University, MTech and PhD in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Initially, he worked in a trans-national organisation in carrying out EIA and Hazop Studies, Risk Analysis, conceptual designing of ETP and Air Pollution Control systems. Besides his active background in teching, his major research areas include waste minimisation, advanced separation methods and emission control. Incidentally, he has gained experiences in almost all fields of Environmental Science and Engineering.
Exudation of low molecular weight organic acids by fungi was studied in a project focusing on bioremediation of metal-contaminated
soils. The production of acids (mainly oxalic and citric acid) as a response to nutrient variations and presence of metals
has recently been reported (Arwidsson et al. 2009). A significant release of metals was observed and was related not only to the production of organic acids but also to the
resulting pH decrease in the systems. The processes governing the release and redistribution of metals in the soil–water fungus
system were the focus of the present continuation of the project, based on observations of Aspergillus niger, Penicillium bilaiae, and a Penicillium sp. The release of lead was 12% from the soil with the second highest initial load (1,600mgkg−1), while the release of copper was 90% from the same soil (140mgkg−1). The dominating mechanism behind the release and subsequent redistribution was the change in pH, going from near neutral
to values in the range 2.1–5.9, reflecting the production of organic acids. For some of the systems, the formation of soluble
complexes is indicated (copper, at intermediate pH) which favors the metal release. Iron is assumed to play a key role since
the amount of secondary iron in the soils is higher than the total load of secondary heavy metals. It can be assumed that
most of the heavy metals are initially associated with iron-rich phases through adsorption or coprecipitation. These phases
can be dissolved, or associated metals can be desorbed, by a decrease in pH. It would be feasible to further develop a process
in technical scale for remediation of metal-contaminated soil, based on microbial metabolite production leading to formation
of soluble metal complexes, notably with copper.
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is an emerging problem as well as a business opportunity of increasing significance, given the volumes of e-waste being generated and the content of both toxic and valuable materials in them. The fraction including iron, copper, aluminium, gold and other metals in e-waste is over 60%, while pollutants comprise 2.70%. Given the high toxicity of these pollutants especially when burned or recycled in uncontrolled environments, the Basel Convention has identified e-waste as hazardous, and developed a framework for controls on transboundary movement of such waste. The Basel Ban, an amendment to the Basel Convention that has not yet come into force, would go one step further by prohibiting the export of e-waste from developed to industrializing countries.
Management of metal pollution associated with E-waste is widespread across the globe. Currently used techniques for the extraction of metals from E-waste by using either chemical or biological leaching have their own limitations. Chemical leaching is much rapid and efficient but has its own environmental consequences, even the future prospects of associated nanoremediation are also uncertain. Biological leaching on the other hand is comparatively a cost effective technique but at the same moment it is time consuming and the complete recovery of the metal, alone by biological leaching is not possible in most of the cases. The current review addresses the individual issues related to chemical and biological extraction techniques and proposes a hybrid-methodology which incorporates both, along with safer chemicals and compatible microbes for better and efficient extraction of metals from the E-waste.
Leaching copper from shredded particles of waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) was carried out in sulfuric acid solution using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant at room temperature. The influence of system variables on copper recovery by leaching was investigated, such as sulfuric concentration, amount of hydrogen peroxide addition, waste PBCs particle size, presence of cupric ion, temperature and time. The results shown that the optimum addition amount was 100mL 15 (wt%) sulfuric acid solution and 10 mL of 30% hydrogen peroxide for leaching 10 g waste PCBs powder with a solid/liquid ratio of 1/10 for 3h at room temperature (∼23 °C). Moreover leaching temperature and initial copper ion concentration had insignificant effect on the leaching recovery of copper. The effect of different particle size of shredded waste PCBs on leaching of copper was investigated under the optimum leaching condition. The results revealed that shredding pieces of waste PCBs smaller than 1mm was efficient and suitable for copper leaching. Then the leaching solution was concentrated to crystallize CuSO(4)·5H(2)O, and crystal liquor was reused for the next cycles.
Nickel is a constituent of many dental alloys. This article reviews papers published in regard to biological reactions to nickel in dentistry. Nickel is a common allergen but there is no evidence that patients are at significant risk of developing sensitivity solely due to contact with nickel-containing dental appliances and restorations. Allergic reactions are more likely to occur with prior sensitization from non-dental contacts. Some nickel compounds, which are mildly cytotoxic, have been implicated as carcinogens by inhalation in industrial settings, but these compounds are not present in dental related operations. It is concluded that subjected to recommendations for practitioners and technicians, nickel containing dental alloys do not pose a risk to patients or members of the dental team. Keywords: Nickel; Allergy; Dental alloys
This study describes the effects of cell condition, pH, and temperature on lead, zinc, and copper sorption to Acidithiobacillus caldus strain BC13 with a Langmuir model. Copper exhibited the highest loading capacity, 4.76 ± 0.28 mmol g(-1), to viable cells at pH 5.5. The highest k(L) (binding-site affinity) observed was 61.2 ± 3.0 L mmol(-1) to dehydrated cells at pH 4.0. The pHs that maximized loading capacities and binding-site affinities were generally between 4.0 and 5.5, where the sum of free-proton and complexed-metal concentrations was near a minimum. Of additional importance, lead, zinc, and copper sorbed to viable cells at pH values as low as 1.5. Previous studies with other acidithiobacilli did not measure viable-cell sorption below pH 4.0. In separate experiments, desorption studies showed that far less copper was recovered from viable cells than any other metal or cell condition, suggesting that uptake may play an important role in copper sorption by At. caldus strain BC13. To reflect an applied system, the sorption of metal mixtures was also studied. In these experiments, lead, zinc, and copper sorption from a tertiary mixture were 40.2 ± 4.3%, 28.7 ± 3.8%, and 91.3 ± 3.0%, respectively, of that sorbed in single-metal systems.
This review paper summarizes the existing knowledge on the chemical hazards associated with recycling and other end-of-life treatment options of waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste). The hazards arise from the presence of heavy metals (e.g., mercury, cadmium, lead, etc.), flame retardants (e.g., pentabromophenol, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA), etc.) and other potentially harmful substances in e-waste. If improperly managed, the substances may pose significant human and environmental health risks. The review describes the potentially hazardous content of e-waste, examines the existing e-waste management practices and presents scientific data on human exposure to chemicals, workplace and environmental pollution associated with the three major e-waste management options, i.e., recycling, incineration and landfilling. The existing e-waste management practices and associated hazards are reviewed separately for developed and developing countries. Finally, based on this review, the paper identifies gaps in the existing knowledge and makes some recommendations for future research.
In this study we used the Forum of European Geological Surveys geochemical baseline data to examine the distribution of cadmium (Cd) in Europe, with a particular reference to the international soil and water guideline values. The highest cadmium levels were found to occur in topsoil and to follow closely the distribution of P(2)O(5), suggesting that the contamination was from the use of rock phosphate fertilizer in intensive arable agriculture. In terms of human health impacts, food (up to several hundred microg/day) was found as the only major route of exposure to Cd for the non-smoking general population. It appeared that low levels of chronic exposure to Cd resulted in completely different human health impacts than those high levels that had caused the 'itai-itai' disease. Some correlations were suggested between cadmium levels and the age-adjusted prostate or breast cancer rates distributed in the European countries under study.
Bioleaching of heavy metals from a contaminated soil in an industrial area using metabolites, mainly weak organic acids, produced by a fungus Aspergillus niger was investigated. Batch experiments were performed to compare the leaching efficiencies of one-step and two-step processes and to determine the transformation of heavy metal chemical forms during the bioleaching process. After the one or two-step processes, the metal removals were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and least-significance difference (LSD). A. niger exhibits a good potential in generating a variety of organic acids effective for metal solubilisation. Results showed that after the one-step process, maximum removals of 56%, 100%, 30% and 19% were achieved for copper, cadmium, lead and zinc, respectively. After the two-step process, highest removals of 97.5% Cu, 88.2% Cd, 26% Pb, and 14.5% Zn were obtained. Results of sequential extraction showed that organic acids produced by A. niger were effective in removing the exchangeable, carbonate, and Fe/Mn oxide fractions of Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn; and after both processes the metals remaining in the soil were mainly bound in stable fractions. Such a treatment procedure indicated that leaching of heavy metals from contaminated soil using A. niger has the potential for use in remediation of contaminated soils.
Chromosome damage similar to that caused by radiation was discovered in the cultured lymphocytes of a radiation worker and his family who were exposed to americium for several years.
Exposure to arsine gas is an important environmental health hazard of concern in numerous and diverse occupational circumstances. Arsine causes a rapid and unique hemolysis and may result in oliguric renal failure, which is uniformly fatal without proper therapy. Recent attempts to use geothermal and fossil fuel energy sources high in arsenic content may increase the frequency of arsine exposure. This report is intended as a review of arsine poisoning, with emphasis on its clinical features, pathogenesis and treatment.
Biomining is the use of microorganisms to extract metals from sulfide and/or iron-containing ores and mineral concentrates. The iron and sulfide is microbially oxidized to produce ferric iron and sulfuric acid, and these chemicals convert the insoluble sulfides of metals such as copper, nickel and zinc to soluble metal sulfates that can be readily recovered from solution. Although gold is inert to microbial action, microbes can be used to recover gold from certain types of minerals because as they oxidize the ore, they open its structure, thereby allowing gold-solubilizing chemicals such as cyanide to penetrate the mineral. Here, we review a strongly growing microbially-based metal extraction industry, which uses either rapid stirred-tank or slower irrigation technology to recover metals from an increasing range of minerals using a diversity of microbes that grow at a variety of temperatures.
Heavy metal leaching of electronic waste has been documented in recent literature. Heavy metal aquatic toxicity in the toxicity characteristic (TC) leachates produced from 56 electronic devices were tested using the aquatic toxicity assays such as Ceriodaphnia dubia 48-hr acute toxicity assay, the Selenatastrum capricornutum chronic algal growth inhibition assay (test used only for circuit-board leachates), and the MetPLATE acute heavy metal toxicity tests. The electronic devices tested, include 9 circuit boards (printed wire boards), 2 videocassette recorders, 4 remote controls, 1 cathode ray tube, 15 cellular phones, 1 calculator, 5 smoke detectors and their PC board components, 3 printers, 4 laptop computers, and 7 personal computer central processing units (CPUs). The toxicity tests showed toxicity in 51 of the 56 Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure leachates of electronic devices assayed.
Computer circuit board scrap was first treated with one part concentrated nitric acid and two parts water at 70 degrees C for 1 h. This step dissolved the base metals, thereby liberating the chips from the boards. After solid-liquid separation, the chips, intermixed with some metallic flakes and tin oxide precipitate, were mechanically crushed to liberate the base and precious metals contained within the protective plastic or ceramic chip cases. The base metals in this crushed product were dissolved by leaching again with the same type of nitric acid-water solution. The remaining solid constituents, crushed chips and resin, plus solid particles of gold, were leached with aqua regia at various times and temperatures. Gold was precipitated from the leachate with ferrous sulphate.
The production of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) is one of the fastest growing global manufacturing activities. This development has resulted in an increase of waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE). Rapid economic growth, coupled with urbanization and growing demand for consumer goods, has increased both the consumption of EEE and the production of WEEE, which can be a source of hazardous wastes that pose a risk to the environment and to sustainable economic growth. To address potential environmental problems that could stem from improper management of WEEE, many countries and organizations have drafted national legislation to improve the reuse, recycling and other forms of material recovery from WEEE to reduce the amount and types of materials disposed in landfills. Recycling of waste electric and electronic equipment is important not only to reduce the amount of waste requiring treatment, but also to promote the recovery of valuable materials. EEE is diverse and complex with respect to the materials and components used and waste streams from the manufacturing processes. Characterization of these wastes is of paramount importance for developing a cost-effective and environmentally sound recycling system. This paper offers an overview of electrical and e-waste recycling, including a description of how it is generated and classified, strategies and technologies for recovering materials, and new scientific developments related to these activities. Finally, the e-waste recycling industry in India is also discussed.
Waste electric and electronic equipment, or electronic waste, has been taken into consideration not only by the government but also by the public due to their hazardous material contents. In the detailed literature survey, value distributions for different electronic waste samples were calculated. It is showed that the major economic driver for recycling of electronic waste is from the recovery of precious metals. The state of the art in recovery of precious metals from electronic waste by pyrometallurgical processing, hydrometallurgical processing, and biometallurgical processing are highlighted in the paper.
The effect of carbon dioxide concentration on the bacterial leaching of a pyrite-arsenopyrite ore concentrate was studied in continuous-flow reactors. Steady-state operation with two feed slurry densities, 6 wt% and 16 wt% solids, were tested for the effect of carbon dioxide concentration. Bacterial growth rates were estimated via the measurement of carbon dioxide consumption rates. Aqueous-phase carbon dioxide concentrations in excess of 10 mg/L were found to be inhibitory to bacterial growth. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Novel pre-treatment process for liberation of metals from waste printed circuit boards using organic solution
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A study of e-waste management in relation to awareness of college students
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