Using elemental analyses and multivariate statistics to identify the off-site dispersion from informal e-waste
Stephen M Mudge1, Katrine A Pfaffhuber, Julius N Fobil
1IMPACT, Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Instituttveien 18, 2007 Kjeller, Norway. smm@nilu.no.
Environmental Science. Processes & Impacts
|November 7, 2019
Summary
Electronic waste recycling in Accra contaminates surrounding areas with toxic metals. Dust analysis revealed widespread metal dispersion, posing health risks to residents from elements like copper.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Agbogbloshie, Accra, hosts West Africa's largest informal e-waste processing site.
- Informal e-waste recycling leads to significant environmental contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess offsite environmental contamination from e-waste activities in Accra.
- To identify sources and dispersion patterns of contaminants.
Main Methods:
- Surface dust samples collected across Accra.
- Elemental analysis of 69 elements using ICP-mass spectrometry.
- Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA, PVA) for source identification.
Main Results:
- Significant enrichment of solder and copper wire metals detected at the e-waste site.
- Downwind dispersion of contaminants up to 2.0 km.
- Elevated chlorine and bromine levels from burning plastics and flame retardants.
- Identification of three main sources: burn site residue, marine matter, and baseline soil.
Conclusions:
- E-waste processing in Agbogbloshie causes widespread environmental contamination in Accra.
- Copper poses the greatest health risk, with nickel, vanadium, chromium, and zinc also contributing.
- Low-technology electrical equipment is primarily processed at this site.
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