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Quantification of Heavy Metal Contamination and Assessment of Associated Environmental Risks from E-Waste Recycling
Sidra Shakil1, Sunia Zahid2, Ayesha Baig3
1College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Sidrashakil59@yahoo.com.
Abstract:
This study aimed to assess the environmental and health risks of heavy metal contamination from e-waste recycling in Lahore, Pakistan. Surface soil (0-15 cm) samples were collected from recycling facilities, and heavy metal concentrations were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) of Cadmium (Cd) (5.38), Copper (Cu) (835.53), Lead (Pb) (468.90), Mercury (Hg) (1.61), and Zinc (Zn) (416.39) exceeded European Union (EU) guidelines, while Manganese (Mn) (372.29), Iron (Fe) (750.05), Arsenic (As) (6.96) and Chromium (Cr) (64.80) were within limits. Soil contamination indices indicated soil quality deterioration. The highest ecological risks (Er) were from Cd (1646.232) and Hg (322.15). Children faced higher non-carcinogenic risk (2.93) and carcinogenic risk (1.76 × 10⁻3), particularly from Pb (1.74) and Cu (1.56 × 10⁻3), respectively, while adults faced no significant risks. These findings highlight the need for sustainable e-waste management practices in Pakistan.
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