Browsing by Author "Bonzongo, J."
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Item Leaching of trace metals from mixed electronic waste using four extraction methods(Science and Development, 2017) Donkor, A.; Owusu, G.; Banson, S.A.; Ziwu, C.; Bonzongo, J.; Nyarko, S.; Tawiah, R.; Asante, I.; Nyame, F.Rapid developments in technology in recent times, coupled with increasing demands for electronic products, have led to a rapid increase in electronic waste (e-waste) in the environment. The leaching of metals from e-wastes into the environment is a potential health and environmental hazard. The present study investigates the leaching potential of fourteen metals (Ag, Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Ni, Pb and Zn) in mixed waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) and plastic housing (PH) from recycling/dump sites. The assessment was carried out using rain water, deionized water, synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) solution and seawater over a period of 192 hours at regular intervals. The data obtained was compared to TCLP and WET limits. The toxicity characteristic potential of the elements extracted by these solvents were in the order deionized water>rainwater>SPLP>seawater. The levels of the 14 elements studied were generally low and in varying concentrations, with Ca, K, Mg and Na being relatively higher in all the leaching fluids. The results further proved that leaching from PCBs and PH was a significant source of trace metals from recycling/dump sites. Therefore, proper handling and disposal of these waste materials should be encouraged to lessen their impact on the environment.Item Public Perception of E-Waste Management and Disposal Practices in Accra Metropolis, Ghana(Science and Development, 2017) Owusu, G.; Donkor, A.; Ziwu, C.; Nyarko, S.; Bonzongo, J.; Dubey, B.; Asante, I.; Nyame, F.The electrical/electronic industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world today. The increasing demand for newer electrical/electronic equipment and the shorter lifespan of these products leads to the generation of large volumes of e-wastes (electrical and electronic wastes) in the environment. Unlike the developed nations, there is lack of public awareness and proper legislation to effectively manage these wastes in most developing nations, including Ghana. In this study, a survey was carried out on 800 respondents to determine their knowledge of e-waste management practices and the effects on humans and the environment. The results generally revealed a low level of awareness, with most participants showing little or no interest in their environment. The majority of respondents identified reselling and recycling of used electrical and electronic equipment (UEEE) as the most appropriate and safe disposal methods. There was a correlation between level of education and knowledge of: (i) toxic chemicals in e-waste, (ii) human health and environmental impact and (iii) disposal methods for e-waste using a Chi-square test, a fact emphasized by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Thus, there is the need for programmes to educate and create general awareness for this class of wastes as a potential source of pollutants.