Evaluation of E-waste materials linked potential consequences to environment in India
A. K. Awasthi, Mrigendra Kumar Awasthi, Saket Mishra, Surendra Sarsaiya, Akhilesh Kumar Pandey
Abstract
Electronic waste is known to be one of the fastest mounting out-dated matters in the stream of solid waste, and contained hazardous material becomes serious environmental issue. In this work, we studied the toxic substances as well as materials in the electronic waste and then applied the qualitative assessment approach to discuss the potential adverse impacts on environment and public health. In particular, different electronic components and portions were categorized from electronic waste, with standard tests used for the characterization of the heavy metals contained therein. The WPCBs leaching findings showed, after removing epoxy coating, a substantial content of leached metals Cu (195522 ± 324.6 mg/kg) and Pb (35863.71 ± 12.02 mg/kg) in the electronics components of electronic waste. Whereas, the level was reported within the standard limit. Henceforth, the residual waste stands non-hazardous in nature (except Cu and Pb). The work indicated that improper recycling practice may cause adverse impact to the environment and public health, while well-organized and proper electronic waste resource mining has huge potential in converting the electronic waste into urban resources.