Abstract
Background.Recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) in developing nations poses a risk to the environment and human health through the release of heavy metals.Objectives.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of heavy metals in Douala, Cameroun, the site of e-waste recycling activities.Methods.Soil samples were collected from Makea, Ngodi and New Bell e-waste recycling sites, as well as from a control site. Samples were digested and levels of heavy metals were determined.Results.The concentrations of the heavy metals in Makea occurred in the order of lead (Pb) (290±40) > zinc (Zn) (160±30) > chromium (Cr) (130±40) > copper (Cu) (130±20) > nickel (Ni) (56±5.7) > cadmium (Cd) (20±3.0); Pb (310±30) >Zn (150±20) >Cu (80±30) >Cr (70±40) >Ni (50±1.0) >Cd (30±5.0) in Ngodi; and Pb (280±40) >Zn (155±35) >Cu (80±50) >Cr (70±40) >Ni (53±2.0) >Cd (20±10) in New Bell. The levels of metals in all of the samples were higher compared to the control site, which was composed of vegetation and far from the e-waste sites, and in some cases, higher than permissible limits or guidelines. The ecological risk index of heavy metals for soil samples in all the e-waste sites indicated a very high risk.Conclusions.Heavy metals concentrations in soil around e-waste recycling sites present serious health risks and further investigations are needed.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.
Highlights
Due to rapid development in the 20th century, the information and communication sector is the largest and fastest growing manufacturing industry in developing nations and throughout the world.[1]
The levels of Zn and Cr in the e-waste processing sites were higher than the control site, but lower than the standard guideline values for different countries, including Europe
The mean concentrations of Ni in the soil at Makea, Ngodi and New Bell were higher than the concentration at the control site and the permissible limits in Europe and China
Summary
Due to rapid development in the 20th century, the information and communication sector is the largest and fastest growing manufacturing industry in developing nations and throughout the world.[1]. Recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) in developing nations poses a risk to the environment and human health through the release of heavy metals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of heavy metals in Douala, Cameroun, the site of e-waste recycling activities. Soil samples were collected from Makea, Ngodi and New Bell e-waste recycling sites, as well as from a control site. The ecological risk index of heavy metals for soil samples in all the e-waste sites indicated a very high risk. Heavy metals concentrations in soil around e-waste recycling sites present serious health risks and further investigations are needed. E-waste, Cameroon, heavy metals, ecological risk assessment, health risk Received March 1, 2018.
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