Environmental Effects of Electrical and ElectronicWaste on Water and Soil: A Review
Gratien Twagirayezu, Olivier Irumva, Kui Huang, Hui Xia, Abias Uwimana, Jean Claude Nizeyimana, Habasi Patrick Manzi, Febronie Nambajemariya, Auguste Cesar Itangishaka
Abstract
Electrical and electronic waste (E-waste) production are not only increasing enormously every day but also continue to pollute water and soil which are very essential elements to assert life completely and crucial to sustainable development and prosperity. With the emergence of information and communication technology (ICT), people are excited to explore emerging innovations, contributing robust demand for and the use of today's electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Due to the lack of a precise management and disposal approach, the expired EEE are rapidly discarded as E-waste in mass and dumped in an inapt landfill or stowed where large soil areas are available, such as near industries, institutions, etc. In addition, the majority of those areas are near to the water table and other watercourses. These induce soil and water to be unsuitable for different purposes due to harmful toxic metals. Consequently, they are leading harsh health and environmental problems in developing countries and to some extent in developed countries. This review paper compiles E-waste categories and their effects, as well as soil and water contamination processes, and also advocates viable remediation technology.