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

Kazim, Mureed; Syed, Jabir Hussain; Saqib, Zafeer; Kurt-Karakus, Perihan Binnur; Iqbal, Mehreen; Nasir, Jawad; Akcetin, Merve Ozkaleli; Akram, Sumaira; Birgul, Askin; Kara, Melik; Dumanoglu, Yetkin; Barq, Mohsin Gulzar; Amin, Farrukh Raza; Harner, Tom; Jones, Kevin C.; Zhang, Gan; Odabasi, Mustafa

doi:https://open-science.canada.ca/handle/123456789/2813

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

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Language of the publication

English

Date

2024-08-15

Type

Submitted manuscript

Author(s)

Kazim, Mureed
Syed, Jabir Hussain
Saqib, Zafeer
Kurt-Karakus, Perihan Binnur
Iqbal, Mehreen
Nasir, Jawad
Akcetin, Merve Ozkaleli
Akram, Sumaira
Birgul, Askin
Kara, Melik
Dumanoglu, Yetkin
Barq, Mohsin Gulzar
Amin, Farrukh Raza
Harner, Tom
Jones, Kevin C.
Zhang, Gan
Odabasi, Mustafa

Publisher

Elsevier

Abstract

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 I_geo 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.

Plain language summary

This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of heavy metal (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 zinc (Zn) (1410), manganese (Mn) (231) and lead (Pb) (410) exhibited the higher mean fluxes (μg/m2day) in air samples, particularly in Karachi. Similarly, soils showed higher mean concentrations (μg/g) of Mn (477), copper (Cu) (514) and Pb (172) in Faisalabad, Lahore, and Karachi, respectively. HMs concentrations peaked in winter or autumn and decreased in summer. HM levels were significantly (p = 0.05) higher at recycling sites compared to background sites year-round, highlighting their impact. The geoaccumulation index indicated moderate to extremely contaminated levels of Cu, Pb, cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni) in several cities. Ingestion was the primary exposure pathway, followed by dermal contact and inhalation, with Pb posing the greatest 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.