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Twagirayezu G, Uwimana A, Kui H, Birame CS, Irumva O, Nizeyimana JC, Cheng H. Towards a sustainable and green approach of electrical and electronic waste management in Rwanda: a critical review. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27910-5. [PMID: 37291354 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27910-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Electric and electronic equipment (EEE) consumption has grown to worrisome proportions in developing countries (DCS), resulting in massive amounts of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) being produced. A diagnosis of e-waste proliferation is required for its sustainable management plan in Rwanda. This review is based on open-access papers with e-waste as a keyword, the present situation of EEE, and e-waste in Rwanda. The need for various information communication and technology (ICT) tools, such as end-user devices, cooling-system devices, network equipment, and telecommunication devices, is strongly encouraged by Rwandan national plans, which deem ICT as a vital enabler of knowledge-based economy and development. In 2014, EEE was 33,449 tonnes (t), which is expected to be 267,741 t in 2050, with a yearly increase rate of 5.95%. In this regard, out-of-date EEE is being dumped as e-waste in large quantities and at an increasing rate across Rwanda. E-waste is often disposed of in uncontrolled landfills together with other types of household waste. To address this rising threat, as well as to preserve the environment and human health, proper e-waste management involving e-waste sorting/separation from other waste streams, repairs, reuse, recycling, remanufacturing, and disposal has been proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gratien Twagirayezu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550002, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Abias Uwimana
- College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, P. O. Box 3900, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Huang Kui
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | | | - Olivier Irumva
- School of Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Jean Claude Nizeyimana
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Hongguang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550002, China.
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Lahtela V, Hamod H, Kärki T. Assessment of critical factors in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) plastics on the recyclability: A case study in Finland. Sci Total Environ 2022; 830:155627. [PMID: 35508235 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Excessive waste is continually accumulating owing to increased consumption, and an excellent example is the consumption of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), which are eventually transformed into waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). WEEE is an interesting material stream because it includes various valuable materials that have great potential for recycling and reutilization. To maximize recycling and utilization potential, all fractions in WEEE must be reviewed from a sustainable perspective. Several WEEE contain plastic, which comprises approximately one-third of the total WEEE composition; thus, this plastic content is a good target for recycling purposes. However, the recycling of WEEE plastics might include some challenges, such as the treatment of harmful substances in the material, which can prevent effective and high-quality material recycling. This study investigates the polymer composition and critical elements of the material stream of WEEE polymer. These polymers were identified using portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) at an elemental level. The results showed that among various other polymers, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) was the main polymer identified in WEEE. The proportion of unidentified polymers was alarmingly large; specifically, when the presence of bromine was positively correlated with the presence of an unidentified WEEE polymer. This study also corroborated that bromine is actually not present in bromine-free plastics, demonstrating that industrial classification works with WEEE polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ville Lahtela
- SCI-MAT Research Platform & Fiber Composite Laboratory, School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, Yliopistonkatu 34, FI-53851 Lappeenranta, Finland.
| | - Haruna Hamod
- Fiber Composite Laboratory, School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, Yliopistonkatu 34, FI-53851 Lappeenranta, Finland
| | - Timo Kärki
- Fiber Composite Laboratory, School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, Yliopistonkatu 34, FI-53851 Lappeenranta, Finland
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Nazeri M, Salmani Arani J, Ziloochi N, Delkhah H, Hesami Arani M, Asgari E, Hosseini M. Microbial contamination of keyboards and electronic equipment of ICU (Intensive Care Units) in Kashan University of medical sciences and health service hospitals. MethodsX 2019; 6:666-671. [PMID: 30997346 PMCID: PMC6453683 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2019.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial contamination of computer keyboards and inanimate surfaces of electronic equipment in ICU (Intensive Care Units) can have a significant role for ICU-acquired colonization and a spectrum of nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to survey the incidence of bacterial contamination and the distribution of species of computer keyboards and inanimate surfaces of bed side equipment in ICUs in Kashan University of medical sciences and health service hospitals. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was done on 75 computer keyboards and inanimate surfaces electronic equipment in 5 ICUs during 2016-2017. Samples were collected from computer keyboards and electronic equipment with normal saline rinsed swabs. Samples were Cultivated on Blood Agar (BA), and MacConkey Agar (MAC) and growing bacteria were identified based on their morphology and biochemical properties. Seventy six (76%) out of 75 computer Keyboards and electronic equipment were contaminated with bacteria and fungi. The most contamination pertained to gram positive bacteria (70.7%) and the most isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci. The highest contamination rates were found on computer keyboards and electronic equipment of which were nurses. •This study demonstrates that monitoring inanimate surfaces and considering these surfaces as source of nosocomial infections is necessary.•In total, Seventy six (76%) out of 75 computer keyboards and electronic equipment in ICUs had positive culture.•It can be concluded that it is necessary for ICUs of Kashan university of medical sciences and Health service hospitals to have practical and regular program to reduce nosocomial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Nazeri
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Javad Salmani Arani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Deputy of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Narjes Ziloochi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Deputy of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hasan Delkhah
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Deputy of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Hesami Arani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esrafil Asgari
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
| | - Mona Hosseini
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Kitila AW, Woldemikael SM. Waste electrical and electronic equipment management in the educational institutions and governmental sector offices of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Waste Manag 2019; 85:30-41. [PMID: 30803584 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
E-waste management is a challenging task not only due to its rapidly growing volume but more staggeringly because of its hazardous nature. This study examined the waste electrical and electronic equipment management in the educational institutions and governmental sector offices of Addis Ababa. Through purposive sampling method, the study involves 72 sample respondents from General Service Department office and 6 higher governmental officials. The study realized the purchase of both used and working electronic equipment. The major causes of e-waste generation are rapid obsolescence rate and breakage of electronic equipment. The X2 test result (13.066, p = .042) was statistically significant in terms of the causes of electronic waste among the selected offices. The rapid technological advancements, reduce in the performances of electronic equipment, poor utilizations and handlings brought the generation of obsolete and broken e-waste. The most common e-waste disposal method was storing. Hence, 81.7% of e-waste are simply stored. Other e-waste disposal methods such as reusing, refurbishing and recycling activities were flimsy. The absence of recycling possibilities and lack of awareness about the possibilities and values of recycling e-waste were some of the hindering factors. The administrative, economic and socio-cultural related factors challenging e-waste management. What is more, there were absence of e-waste legislation, shortages of storage facilities, absence of recycling and refurbishing centres. Therefore, the study proposes a workable e-waste management model and theory. Hence, Extended Producer Responsibility Model and Actor Network theory might be adopted and practiced within the realities of today's Addis Ababa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abenezer Wakuma Kitila
- Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, P.O. Box 138, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.
| | - Solomon Mulugeta Woldemikael
- Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, College of Social Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
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Abbasi G, Saini A, Goosey E, Diamond ML. Product screening for sources of halogenated flame retardants in Canadian house and office dust. Sci Total Environ 2016; 545-546:299-307. [PMID: 26747994 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and their replacements, can be related to exposure to indoor dust and direct contact with HFR-containing products. This study aimed to identify electronic products that contributed to HFRs measured in indoor dust and to develop a screening method for identifying HFRs in hard polymer products. Concentrations of 10 PBDEs and 12 halogenated replacements in dust and surface wipe samples of hard polymer casings of electronic products plus Br in the surfaces of those casing measured using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were analyzed from 35 homes and 10 offices in Toronto (ON, Canada). HFR concentrations in dust and product wipes were positively correlated. Thus, we hypothesize that electronic products with the highest HFR concentrations contribute the most to concentrations in dust, regardless of the volatility of the HFR. Abundant HFRs in dust and product wipes were PBDEs (BDE-47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183, 209), TDCPP, DBDPE, EH-TBB and BEHTBP. Older CRT TVs had the highest concentration of BDE-209 of all products tested. This was followed by higher concentrations of HFRs in PCs, Audio/Video (A/V) devices, small household appliances (HHAs) and flat screen TVs. The removal of HFRs from polymer surfaces using wipes supports concerns that HFRs could be transferred from these surfaces to hands as a result of direct contact with HFR-containing products. Surface wipe testing shows promise for screening additive HFRs. In comparison, the Br-content obtained using a handheld XRF analyzer did not correspond to concentrations obtained from surface wipe testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnoush Abbasi
- Department of Geography, University of Toronto, 100 St. George St., Toronto M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Amandeep Saini
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Emma Goosey
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, 22 Russell Street, Toronto M5S 3B1, Canada
| | - Miriam L Diamond
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, 22 Russell Street, Toronto M5S 3B1, Canada; Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto M1C 1A4, Canada.
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Brandsma SH, de Boer J, van Velzen MJM, Leonards PEG. Organophosphorus flame retardants (PFRs) and plasticizers in house and car dust and the influence of electronic equipment. Chemosphere 2014; 116:3-9. [PMID: 24703013 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Revised: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
All nine PFRs studied were detected in house and car dust from the Netherlands with the exception of tris(butyl) phosphate (TNBP) and tris(isobutyl) phosphate (TIBP) in car dust. Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP, median 22 μg g(-1)) was dominant in house dust collected around and on electronics followed by tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP, median 1.3 μg g(-1)), tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP, median 1.3 μg g(-1)) and tris(phenyl) phosphate (TPHP, median 0.8 μg g(-1)). Levels of TPHP and tris(methylphenyl) phosphate (TMPP, also known as TCP) in house dust on electronics were significantly higher than in house dust collected around electronics, suggesting that electronic equipment has limited contribution to the PFR levels in house dust, with the exception of TPHP and TMPP. Car dust was dominated by tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) with the highest levels found in dust collected from the car seats (1100 μg g(-1)). The mean TDCIPP and TCIPP levels observed in car dust were significantly higher than the levels observed in dust collected around electronics. Significantly higher mean TMPP levels in dust taken from car seats were found compared to dust collected around the equipment (p<0.05). This is probably influenced by the use of TDCIPP, TCIPP in polyurethane foam (car seats) and the use of TMPP as plasticizer in car interiors. Worldwide four PFR patterns were observed in house dust. The PFR pattern in the Netherlands of TDCIPP, TMPP, TCEP, TCIPP and TPHP in house dust is comparable to the pattern found in six other countries, which may point to identical sources of these PFRs in the indoor environment. However, the PFR levels between the countries and within countries showed high variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sicco H Brandsma
- Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Jacob de Boer
- Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin J M van Velzen
- Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pim E G Leonards
- Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF), especially among electronic equipment repairers may induce oxidative stress and affect sleep quality. AIMS This study was carried out to (a) investigate the effect of exposure to ELF-EMF on the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels among electronic equipment repairers as an indicator of oxidative stress; and melatonin hormone levels; and (b) to study the prevalence of sleep insufficiency among electronic equipment repairers exposed to ELF-EMF. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out on 50 electronic equipment repairers at high risk of exposure to ELF-EMF, and a matched control group at lower risk of exposure to ELF-EMF. All the participants completed a self-administered questionnaire about medical and occupational histories; and sleep sufficiency. The plasma melatonin and MDA levels of the study subjects were assessed. RESULTS The mean level of serum melatonin in the electronic equipment repairers was lower than that of the controls (P < 0.01). Moreover, serum MDA mean level of the electronic equipment repairers was higher than that of the controls (P < 0.01). Sleep insufficiency was more frequent among electronic equipment repairers (18.00%) in comparison with the controls (8.70%) (P > 0.05) CONCLUSION The electronic equipment repairers, exposed to ELF-EMF, are at a risk of oxidative stress and sleep insufficiency, which could be explained by lower plasma melatonin levels and higher MDA levels. Health education about the hazards of ELF-EMF, shortening of exposure time per day, and taking antioxidant vitamins should be done to ameliorate the oxidative effect of EMF on those workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed El-Helaly
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - E. Abu-Hashem
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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