Leaching of trace metals from mixed electronic waste using four extraction methods
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Science and Development
Abstract
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.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
E-waste, Plastics, Printed circuit boards, Metals, Leaching fluids, Toxicity, Dump site
Citation
Donkor, A.,Owusu, G.,Banson, S.A.,Ziwu, C., Bonzongo, J.,Nyarko, S.,Tawiah, R.,Asante, I.,Nyame, F. (2017). Leaching of trace metals from mixed electronic waste using four extraction methods. Journal of Science and Development. 1(1), 69-78