Informal E -waste recycling in nine cities of Pakistan reveals significant impacts on local air and soil quality and associated health risks

Kazim M., Syed J. H., Saqib Z., Kurt-Karakus P. B., Iqbal M., Nasir J., ...Daha Fazla

Environmental Pollution, cilt.355, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 355
  • Basım Tarihi: 2024
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124259
  • Dergi Adı: Environmental Pollution
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, EMBASE, Environment Index, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Geobase, Greenfile, MEDLINE, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: E-waste, Health risks, HMs, Informal recycling, Particulate matter, Soils
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The global increase in electronic waste (e-waste) has led to a rise in informal recycling, emitting hazardous heavy metals (HMs) that threaten human health and ecosystems. This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of HM levels in dry deposition and soils at proximity of forty (40) informal e-waste recycling sites across Pakistan, between September 2020 to December 2021. Findings reveal that Zn (1410), Pb (410) and Mn (231) exhibited the higher mean deposition fluxes (μg/m2.day), derived from air samples, particularly in Karachi. Similarly, soils showed higher mean concentrations (μg/g dw) of Mn (477), Cu (514) and Pb (172) in Faisalabad, Lahore, and Karachi, respectively. HMs concentrations were found higher in winter or autumn and lower in summer. In addition, HM levels were significantly (p = 0.05) higher at recycling sites compared to background sites year-round, highlighting the e-waste recycling operations as the major source of their emissions. The Igeo index indicated moderate to extremely contaminated levels of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Ni in Karachi, Lahore and Gujranwala. Ingestion was found as a leading human exposure route, followed by dermal and inhalation exposure, with Pb posing the greatest health risk. The Cumulative Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) model suggested moderate to low cancer risks for workers. Strategic interventions recommend mitigating health and environmental risks, prioritizing human health and ecosystem integrity in Pakistan's e-waste management.