E-WASTE LEACHATE CONTAMINATION: ASSESSMENT OF TRACE METAL POLLUTION IN DRINKING WATER, SOIL AND AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

DOI: https://doie.org/10.65985/jbse.2025831070

Giruba M, Karthikeyan E, Vasanthi V, Hema G

Keywords:

e-waste; trace metals; leachate; heavy metal contamination; drinking water; soil pollution;

Abstract:

Introduction: Improper management of electronic waste (e-waste) is an escalating global issue that poses severe risks to environmental quality and public health. This study systematically evaluated the impact of e-waste leachate on trace metal pollution in drinking water, soil, and agricultural systems. Methodology: Discarded television circuit boards were processed and used as a contamination source in controlled laboratory experiments simulating both waterborne and soil-based e-waste exposure. In the water contamination trials, 5 kg of e-waste fragments were leached in 25 liters of bore well water over three months, with monthly analysis of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) concentrations using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy (AFS). Parallel experiments exposed garden soil and tomato plants to both solid e-waste and its leachate. Metal concentrations were quantified in all environmental matrices, and plant growth was monitored over six months. Results: Results revealed a significant increase in chromium and lead levels in both water and soil following e-waste exposure, with maximum observed concentrations of 1.625 ppm Cr and 1.029 ppm Pb in water, and up to 6.996 ppm Pb and 3.840 ppm Cr in soil directly mixed with e-waste. Plants grown in contaminated conditions showed reduced growth rates, with the lowest heights (9.4 cm) observed in those exposed to leachate-contaminated water. The findings underscore the high mobility of toxic metals from e-waste and their detrimental effects on plant health. Conclusion: In conclusion, this work demonstrates that improper e-waste disposal leads to significant trace metal contamination in critical environmental resources, posing risks to both food safety and ecosystem function. Effective e waste management policies prioritizing recycling and safe disposal are urgently needed to mitigate such hazards.

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