Electronic waste (e-waste) has emerged as a critical global ecological threat due to the rapid growth of technology and consumer electronics. Global solid waste management includes electronic trash as a significant component. E-waste, which makes a sizable portion of solid waste, is full of toxic substances that harm humans, microorganisms, and plants. These substances include halogenated compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated biphenyls (PBB). Heavy metals (HMs), such as Cr, Cd, Cu, and Hg, are one of the most toxic components of e-waste and must be handled carefully when dismantling the waste. The fact that e-waste is managed by the informal sector in developing nations exacerbates the issue. Additionally, the technologies available for e-waste disposal and treatment are inadequate and have an impact on human health both directly and indirectly. E-waste contains hazardous substances such as heavy metals (lead, mercury, and cadmium), flame retardants, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which pose significant risks to human health and the environment when improperly managed. The informal recycling of e-waste, especially in developing countries, leads to the release of toxic leachates into soil and water, contaminating local ecosystems and food chains. These leachates can cause neurological damage, respiratory problems, and various cancers in humans, while also disrupting aquatic life, soil health, and biodiversity. Effective management strategies, such as promoting the circular economy, safe recycling practices, stringent regulations, and global cooperation, are essential to mitigate the detrimental effects of e-waste. Addressing this growing issue requires not only technological innovations in recycling but also public awareness and stronger enforcement of environmental protection policies.

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Global Ecological Threat and Management of Electronic Waste and Its Leachates’ Effects on Human Health and the Environment

  • Subhadra Rajpoot,
  • Sheetal Thakur

摘要

Electronic waste (e-waste) has emerged as a critical global ecological threat due to the rapid growth of technology and consumer electronics. Global solid waste management includes electronic trash as a significant component. E-waste, which makes a sizable portion of solid waste, is full of toxic substances that harm humans, microorganisms, and plants. These substances include halogenated compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated biphenyls (PBB). Heavy metals (HMs), such as Cr, Cd, Cu, and Hg, are one of the most toxic components of e-waste and must be handled carefully when dismantling the waste. The fact that e-waste is managed by the informal sector in developing nations exacerbates the issue. Additionally, the technologies available for e-waste disposal and treatment are inadequate and have an impact on human health both directly and indirectly. E-waste contains hazardous substances such as heavy metals (lead, mercury, and cadmium), flame retardants, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which pose significant risks to human health and the environment when improperly managed. The informal recycling of e-waste, especially in developing countries, leads to the release of toxic leachates into soil and water, contaminating local ecosystems and food chains. These leachates can cause neurological damage, respiratory problems, and various cancers in humans, while also disrupting aquatic life, soil health, and biodiversity. Effective management strategies, such as promoting the circular economy, safe recycling practices, stringent regulations, and global cooperation, are essential to mitigate the detrimental effects of e-waste. Addressing this growing issue requires not only technological innovations in recycling but also public awareness and stronger enforcement of environmental protection policies.