BACKGROUND: Unsound recycling of e-waste releases toxic metals into environmental media and has deleterious health consequences to humans as the metals transfer to humans through the food chain, direct contact and inhalation. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed soil contamination with lead (Pb), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd) arising from crude e-waste recycling. METHODS: Forty-eight soil samples were collected from the vicinity of high-, medium- and low-activity recycling operations in Ogunpa in Ibadan, Nigeria as well as from the botanical garden of the University of Ibadan for background samples. Total extractable metals were leached with aqua regia and the leachates were analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Speciation analysis was also conducted on soil samples that showed high concentrations of metals to determine the distributions in various phases. RESULTS: All soil samples were determined to be sandy loam in composition with pH and organic matter ranging from 7.1-7.9 and 1.56-1.81%, respectively. Metal concentrations (mg/kg) for soils from the study area ranged as follows: Pb, 269 - 5650; Cu, 203 - 3483; Cr, 3.30 - 42.4; Ni, 0.14 - 24.0; and Cd, below detection limit - 2.50. The results indicated enrichment in soil by all metals, especially Pb and Cu, which were many times higher compared with background concentrations. Additionally, average Pb and Cu concentrations were higher than regulatory limits for soil set by selected countries across the globe. Speciation studies indicated that about 65% and 88% of Pb and Cu, respectively, were liable to potential mobility with slight changes in natural conditions. Other metal concentrations, although with higher concentrations compared with background levels, were within the permissible limits in soils accepted by many countries across the globe. There were significant correlations between all metals, suggesting that they may have been released from a common source. CONCLUSIONS: Soils from the study area require urgent clean-up, especially for Pb and Cu, to safeguard human health and the environment.
BACKGROUND: Unsound recycling of e-waste releases toxic metals into environmental media and has deleterious health consequences to humans as the metals transfer to humans through the food chain, direct contact and inhalation. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed soil contamination with lead (Pb), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd) arising from crude e-waste recycling. METHODS: Forty-eight soil samples were collected from the vicinity of high-, medium- and low-activity recycling operations in Ogunpa in Ibadan, Nigeria as well as from the botanical garden of the University of Ibadan for background samples. Total extractable metals were leached with aqua regia and the leachates were analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Speciation analysis was also conducted on soil samples that showed high concentrations of metals to determine the distributions in various phases. RESULTS: All soil samples were determined to be sandy loam in composition with pH and organic matter ranging from 7.1-7.9 and 1.56-1.81%, respectively. Metal concentrations (mg/kg) for soils from the study area ranged as follows: Pb, 269 - 5650; Cu, 203 - 3483; Cr, 3.30 - 42.4; Ni, 0.14 - 24.0; and Cd, below detection limit - 2.50. The results indicated enrichment in soil by all metals, especially Pb and Cu, which were many times higher compared with background concentrations. Additionally, average Pb and Cu concentrations were higher than regulatory limits for soil set by selected countries across the globe. Speciation studies indicated that about 65% and 88% of Pb and Cu, respectively, were liable to potential mobility with slight changes in natural conditions. Other metal concentrations, although with higher concentrations compared with background levels, were within the permissible limits in soils accepted by many countries across the globe. There were significant correlations between all metals, suggesting that they may have been released from a common source. CONCLUSIONS: Soils from the study area require urgent clean-up, especially for Pb and Cu, to safeguard human health and the environment.
Authors: C Reimann; R Boyd; P De Caritat; J H Halleraker; G Kashulina; H Niskavaara; I Bogatyrev Journal: Environ Pollut Date: 1997 Impact factor: 8.071
Authors: Kristen Grant; Fiona C Goldizen; Peter D Sly; Marie-Noel Brune; Maria Neira; Martin van den Berg; Rosana E Norman Journal: Lancet Glob Health Date: 2013-10-30 Impact factor: 26.763
Authors: Rida Akram; Shah Fahad; Muhammad Zaffar Hashmi; Abdul Wahid; Muhammad Adnan; Muhammad Mubeen; Naeem Khan; Muhammad Ishaq Asif Rehmani; Muhammadd Awais; Mazhar Abbas; Khurram Shahzad; Shakeel Ahmad; Hafiz Mohkum Hammad; Wajid Nasim Journal: Environ Sci Pollut Res Int Date: 2019-04-25 Impact factor: 4.223
Authors: Elizabeth Oloruntoba; Olusegun Gurusa; Folashade Omokhodion; Julius Fobil; Niladri Basu; John Arko-Mensah; Thomas Robin Journal: J Health Pollut Date: 2021-03-02