Electronic waste (e-waste) is the world’s fastest-growing solid waste source, expanding threefold faster than the global population. E-waste is a rapidly growing environmental problem caused by the increased usage of electronic gadgets and the short lifecycle span of modern technology. The improper disposal of e-waste, which includes consumer electronics, and industrial and home appliances, exposes the environment to hazardous compounds such as heavy metals (lead, manganese, cadmium), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and flame retardants. These hazardous compounds contaminate aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, creating an imminent risk for both human health and the environment. In terrestrial ecosystems, e-waste is often disposed of in landfills or by unlawful dumping, where it decomposes and releases hazardous substances into the soil and groundwater. Surface runoff from landfills and informal dumping sites introduce toxins into aquatic ecosystems, resulting in bioaccumulation and biomagnification throughout the food chain, with major implications for aquatic biodiversity and human health. The e-waste pollutants occur through multiple pathways, including wind dispersal, water runoff, and inappropriate recycling practices. In many developing nations weak or poorly enforced environmental regulations that are informal e-waste recycling practices contribute to the spread of pollutants across wide areas, harming both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The accumulation of e-waste pollutants in ecosystems can cause long-term ecological harm, disrupt ecosystem services, and pose health risks to populations exposed to these hazardous substances. This chapter addresses the environmental challenges posed by e-waste, which requires improved global e-waste management practices, stronger regulatory frameworks, and innovative solutions to reduce e-waste generation and promote sustainable recycling. Through the integration of newly developed techniques with numerous existing methodologies related to the sources, transportation, and accumulation of e-waste, it provides ample opportunities to evaluate e-waste generation and offers a comprehensive strategy.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Source, Transport, and Accumulation of E-Waste in the Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystem

  • Ravi Kumar Goswami,
  • Priti Giri,
  • Dhitri Borah,
  • Kiran Kumar Salam,
  • Prachi,
  • Sudeshna Mandal,
  • Bronson Kumar Khangembam

摘要

Electronic waste (e-waste) is the world’s fastest-growing solid waste source, expanding threefold faster than the global population. E-waste is a rapidly growing environmental problem caused by the increased usage of electronic gadgets and the short lifecycle span of modern technology. The improper disposal of e-waste, which includes consumer electronics, and industrial and home appliances, exposes the environment to hazardous compounds such as heavy metals (lead, manganese, cadmium), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and flame retardants. These hazardous compounds contaminate aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, creating an imminent risk for both human health and the environment. In terrestrial ecosystems, e-waste is often disposed of in landfills or by unlawful dumping, where it decomposes and releases hazardous substances into the soil and groundwater. Surface runoff from landfills and informal dumping sites introduce toxins into aquatic ecosystems, resulting in bioaccumulation and biomagnification throughout the food chain, with major implications for aquatic biodiversity and human health. The e-waste pollutants occur through multiple pathways, including wind dispersal, water runoff, and inappropriate recycling practices. In many developing nations weak or poorly enforced environmental regulations that are informal e-waste recycling practices contribute to the spread of pollutants across wide areas, harming both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The accumulation of e-waste pollutants in ecosystems can cause long-term ecological harm, disrupt ecosystem services, and pose health risks to populations exposed to these hazardous substances. This chapter addresses the environmental challenges posed by e-waste, which requires improved global e-waste management practices, stronger regulatory frameworks, and innovative solutions to reduce e-waste generation and promote sustainable recycling. Through the integration of newly developed techniques with numerous existing methodologies related to the sources, transportation, and accumulation of e-waste, it provides ample opportunities to evaluate e-waste generation and offers a comprehensive strategy.