Assessment of Relative Hazard Potential of Popular e-Waste Categories during Landfilling

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Ahluwalia,, Poonam | Setia, Ashima | Nema, Arvind K.

Affiliations: Tata Consulting Engineers Limited, Kailash Colony Extension, New Delhi – 110048 | Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi

Note: [] Corresponding author: E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Electronic waste (e-waste) has become the fastest growing component in solid waste stream. Lack of data regarding characterisation of these e-waste categories and their hazard potential poses further challenge for setting up or planning of proper recycling and disposal facilities for them. The present study aims to assess relative hazard potential of popular e-waste categories such as laptop computers, mobile phones, radio sets, electronic calculators and electronic toys, which form a substantial amount of total e-waste. Samples of these e-waste categories were collected, dismantled and leached to specifically identify various plastic and metal fractions from each category. Leachates (by simulating conditions of landfilling) were prepared under different pH conditions and analysed for contents of hazardous metals. The current study could provide a basis for modelling different intervention options and predicting their effects. The findings could be utilised to support efforts to arouse and enhance public awareness regarding environmental protection by publicity and education to guide consumer preferences to support products that are manufactured with and ultimately generate little hazardous or solid waste.

Keywords: E-waste, characterisation, relative hazard potential, landfilling, heavy metal contamination

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 81-93, 2013