Purchase, Diane, Abbasi, Golnoush, Bisschop, Lieselot et al. (20 more authors) (2020) Global occurrence, chemical properties, and ecological impacts of e-wastes (IUPAC technical report). PURE AND APPLIED CHEMISTRY. ISSN 0033-4545
Abstract
The waste stream of obsolete electronic equipment grows exponentially, creating a worldwide pollution and resource problem. Electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) comprises a heterogeneous mix of glass, plastics (including flame retardants and other additives), metals (including rare Earth elements), and metalloids. The e-waste issue is complex and multi-faceted. In examining the different aspects of e-waste, informal recycling in developing countries has been identified as a primary concern, due to widespread illegal shipments; weak environmental, as well as health and safety, regulations; lack of technology; and inadequate waste treatment structure. For example, Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan, and China have all been identified as hotspots for the disposal of e-waste. This article presents a critical examination on the chemical nature of e-waste and the resulting environmental impacts on, for example, microbial biodiversity, flora, and fauna in e-waste recycling sites around the world. It highlights the different types of risk assessment approaches required when evaluating the ecological impact of e-waste. Additionally, it presents examples of chemistry playing a role in potential solutions. The information presented here will be informative to relevant stakeholders seeking to devise integrated management strategies to tackle this global environmental concern.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2020 IUPAC & De Gruyter |
Keywords: | chemical composition,e-waste,ecological assessment,environmental impacts,recycling |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Chemistry (York) |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 01 Dec 2021 15:40 |
Last Modified: | 16 Oct 2024 16:35 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2019-0502 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1515/pac-2019-0502 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:181104 |
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Description: 13653075 - Pure and Applied Chemistry Global occurrence, chemical properties, and ecological impacts of e-wastes (IUPAC technical report)
Licence: CC-BY-NC-ND 2.5