Reparo de equipamentos elétricos e eletrônicos: estratégia de minimização de resíduos de informática e telefonia móvel / Repair of electrical and electronic equipment: strategy for minimizing computer and mobile phone waste

A produção de Equipamentos Elétricos e Eletrônicos (EEE) tem crescido anualmente e juntamente com ela a geração de Resíduo de Equipamentos Elétricos e Eletrônicos (REEE). A alta complexidade na fabricação dos EEE juntamente com o uso de diferentes materiais torna particularmente difícil a logística reversa dos resíduos gerados. A Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos, marco regulatório da gestão de resíduos sólidos no Brasil, estabelece como hierarquia de resíduos: a não geração, redução, reutilização e reciclagem. Uma das estratégias para a redução dos REEE é o uso dos equipamentos até o final de sua vida útil. A estratégia sugerida neste trabalho é o Reparo dos EEE, podendo assim estender seu uso, prolongando sua vida útil e retardando a necessidade do consumo de novo produto similar, contribuindo assim com a minimização da geração de REEE. Essa pesquisa tem o objetivo de analisar a atividade de Reparo como estratégia para reduzir o descarte de resíduos de equipamentos elétricos e eletrônicos pelo mundo, em contraponto com a realidade brasileira. O trabalho desenvolvido em quatro etapas: i) Revisão bibliográfica sistemática sobre Reparo de EEE/REEE; ii) Identificação do posicionamento do Reparo nos processos de valorização de REEE no mundo, com base em revisão bibliográfica; iii) Entrevista com atores da cadeia e análise temática, com base em análise do discurso; e iv) Elaboração de produto técnico-tecnológico para divulgação e incentivo do Reparo de EEE. Os resultados envolvem: i) o estado da arte da atividade de Reparo do REEE, no Brasil e no mundo; ii) conceituação de termos relacionados ao Reparo; iii) interação, barreiras e facilitadores da cadeira de atores do Reparo de EEE como um dos processos de valorização de REEE no Brasil; iv) manual para implantação de evento para divulgação e discussão da atividade de Reparo de EEE como estratégia de minimização de REEE para a sociedade em geral.

The production of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) has grown annually and along with it the generation of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). The high complexity in the manufacturing of EEE along with the use of different materials makes the reverse logistics of the generated waste particularly difficult. The National Policy for Solid Waste, the regulatory framework for solid waste management in Brazil, establishes as waste hierarchy: non-generation, reduction, reuse and recycling. One of the strategies for the reduction of WEEE is the use of equipment until the end of its useful life. The strategy suggested in this work is the repair of EEE, which can extend its use, prolonging its useful life and delaying the need for consumption of a new similar product, thus contributing to the minimization of WEEE generation. This research aims to analyze the Repair activity as a strategy to reduce the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment around the world, in contrast with the Brazilian reality. The work is developed in four stages: i) Systematic bibliographic review on Repair of EEE/ WEEE; ii) Identification of the position of the Repair in the processes of valorization of WEEE in the world, based on bibliographic review; iii) Interview with actors of the chain and thematic analysis, based on discourse analysis; and iv) Preparation of a technical-technological product for dissemination and encouragement of EEE Repair. The results involve: i) the state of the art of the EEE Repair activity in Brazil and in the world; ii) conceptualization of terms related to the Repair; iii) interaction, barriers and facilitators of the EEE Repair chain actors as one of the WEEE valorization processes in Brazil; iv) manual for the implementation of an event for the dissemination and discussion of the EEE Repair activity as a WEEE minimization strategy for society in general.

Effects of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers on the Human Body Exposure in E-Waste Dismantling Region / 法医学杂志

Objective To discuss the effects of polybrominated diphenyl ethers （PBDEs） exposure in e-waste dismantling region on the human body and provide data support for the identification of environmental health damage to residents in the e-waste dismantling region. Methods Adults in an e-waste dismantling region （exposed group, 54 participants） and a control region （control group, 58 participants） were selected, questionnaires were carried out and blood and urine samples were collected. Blood PBDEs, blood lipids, blood routine, blood lead, urine cadmium, urine chromium and urine nickel were detected. T-test was utilized to compare the differences of PBDEs between the two groups. Multivariate analysis were utilized to compare the differences between the two groups in blood routine indexes. Linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between PBDEs and blood routine. Results Exposure levels of PBDEs were significantly higher in the exposed group （240.00 ng/g, adjusted mass fraction of blood lipids, thereafter） than in the control group （93.00 ng/g, P<0.05）. There was no statistical significance in the differences in most blood routine indexes of the two groups （ P>0.05）, and their reference values were all within normal ranges. Mean platelet volume, plateletcrit, basophils percentage, absolute value of basophils, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were higher in the exposed group than in the control group （P<0.05）. Platelet distribution widths were lower in the exposed group than in the control group and below the normal reference range （P<0.05）. Conclusion PBDEs exposure in e-waste dismantling region tend to change platelet morphology, the number of basophils, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and may pose potential health hazards to local residents.

Bacterial community structure in soils contaminated with electronic waste pollutants from Delhi NCR, India

Background: Microbial community analysis of electronic waste (e-waste)-polluted environments is of interest to understand the effect of toxic e-waste pollutants on the soil microbial community and to evaluate novel microorganisms resisting the toxic environment. The present study aims to investigate the bacterial community structure in soils contaminated with e-waste from various sites of Loni and Mandoli (National Capital Region (NCR), India) where e-waste dumping and recycling activities are being carried out for many years. Results: Interferences to soil metagenomic DNA extraction and PCR amplification were observed because of the presence of inhibiting components derived from circuit boards. Whole-metagenome sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform showed that the most abundant phyla were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Deltaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria were the most common classes under Proteobacteria. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene showed that e-waste contamination altered the soil bacterial composition and diversity. There was a decrease in the number of predominant bacterial groups like Proteobacteria and Firmicutes but emergence of Actinobacteria in the contaminated soil samples. Conclusions: This is the first report describing the bacterial community structure of composite soil samples of ewaste-contaminated sites of Loni and Mandoli, Delhi NCR, India. The findings indicate that novel bacteria with potential bioremediating properties may be present in the e-waste-contaminated sites and hence need to be evaluated further.

Spatial assessment of soil contamination by heavy metals from informal electronic waste recycling in Agbogbloshie, Ghana

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the spatial distribution and the extent of soil contamination by heavy metals resulting from primitive, unconventional informal electronic waste recycling in the Agbogbloshie e-waste processing site (AEPS) in Ghana. METHODS: A total of 132 samples were collected at 100 m intervals, with a handheld global position system used in taking the location data of the soil sample points. Observing all procedural and quality assurance measures, the samples were analyzed for barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), using X-ray fluorescence. Using environmental risk indices of contamination factor and degree of contamination (Cdeg), we analyzed the individual contribution of each heavy metal contamination and the overall Cdeg. We further used geostatistical techniques of spatial autocorrelation and variability to examine spatial distribution and extent of heavy metal contamination. RESULTS: Results from soil analysis showed that heavy metal concentrations were significantly higher than the Canadian Environmental Protection Agency and Dutch environmental standards. In an increasing order, Pb>Cd>Hg>Cu>Zn>Cr>Co>Ba>Ni contributed significantly to the overall Cdeg. Contamination was highest in the main working areas of burning and dismantling sites, indicating the influence of recycling activities. Geostatistical analysis also revealed that heavy metal contamination spreads beyond the main working areas to residential, recreational, farming, and commercial areas. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the studied heavy metals are ubiquitous within AEPS and the significantly high concentration of these metals reflect the contamination factor and Cdeg, indicating soil contamination in AEPS with the nine heavy metals studied.

Bioleaching of gold, copper and nickel from waste cellular phone PCBs and computer goldfinger motherboards by two Aspergillus nigerstrains

In an effort to develop alternate techniques to recover metals from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), this research evaluated the bioleaching efficiency of gold (Au), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) by two strains of Aspergillus niger in the presence of gold-plated finger integrated circuits found in computer motherboards (GFICMs) and cellular phone printed circuit boards (PCBs). These three metals were analyzed for their commercial value and their diverse applications in the industry. Au-bioleaching ranged from 42 to 1% for Aspergillus niger strain MXPE6; with the combination of Aspergillus niger MXPE6 + Aspergillus niger MX7, the Au-bioleaching was 87 and 28% for PCBs and GFICMs, respectively. In contrast, the bioleaching of Cu by Aspergillus niger MXPE6 was 24 and 5%; using the combination of both strains, the values were 0.2 and 29% for PCBs and GFICMs, respectively. Fungal Ni-leaching was only found for PCBs, but with no significant differences among treatments. Improvement of the metal recovery efficiency by means of fungal metabolism is also discussed.

Factors affecting toxic lead(Ii) ion bioremediation by Fusarium equiseti isolated from the mangrove soil environment of southeast Borneo

Aims: Electronic waste (e-waste) is an inorganic pollutant which causes a serious environmental problem since it contains toxic heavy metals, which cannot be removed from contaminated sites easily. The use of biomaterials for removing heavy metals from contaminated soil and wastewater has emerged as a potential alternative method to the conventional techniques. The present study were aimed to isolate efficient lead tolerant fungi from mangrove soil environment and measure its capability for lead removal from aqueous solution. Methodology and results: Lead tolerant fungal strains were isolated from soil samples using PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) supplemented with varied concentrations of lead ions (100-500 mg/L). The most tolerant fungal strain was successfully isolated and identified molecularly as Fusarium equiseti KR706303. The isolated fungus was used for biosorption studies using Potato dextrose broth (PDB) supplemented with lead ions. The effects of pH, temperature, initial metal concentration, biomass dose and age, agitation and contact time to the Pb(II) removal efficiency were monitored in the study. The results showed that the optimal parameters for the removal of lead ions such as heavy metal concentration and pH were 300 mg/L, with a maximum Pb(II) adsorption of 97.9% observed at pH 4 and temperature of 30 °C during the batch biosorption experiments. The optimal parameters for biomass dose, agitation speed, contact time and biomass age were observed at 0.04 g, 150 rpm, 60 min and fifth day; respectively. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The observation in this study revealed that the biomass of the isolated Fusarium equiseti KR706303 has the potential to be used as a biosorbent for heavy metal particularly Pb(II) removal from the contaminated sites. The technology is simple, efficient, cost effective and environmental friendly.

Processo de implantação dos sistemas de logística reversa de equipamentos eletroeletrônicos previstos na Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos: uma visão dos gestores / Reverse Logistics of Electrical and Electronic Equipment of the National Solid Waste Policy Deployment Process perceptions of managers

A viabilização da coleta e destinação correta dos resíduos pós-consumo é prevista pela Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos (PNRS) - Lei n°12.305 de 2010-importante marco regulatório para a gestão ambiental no Brasil. Dentre diversos aspectos enunciados, destacam-se o princípio da responsabilidade compartilhada pelo ciclo de vida dos produtos e o instrumento logística reversa. O art. 33 desta lei considera prioritária a implantação de sistemas de logística reversa (SLR) para seis classes de resíduos, dentre eles os resíduos de equipamentos eletroeletrônicos (REEE). Objetivos: analisar e caracterizar o discurso de gestores do comércio, da indústria, do poder público e das cooperativas, relacionados com o setor de eletroeletrônicos sobre a implantação de SLR. Métodos: Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com nove gestores envolvidos no processo de implantação de SLR de eletroeletrônicos. Os dados foram transcritos, categorizados e posteriormente analisados pelo software Classification Hiérarchique Classificatoire et Cohésitive - CHIC®. O modelo dos múltiplos fluxos foi utilizado para auxiliar no entendimento do processo de formação da PNRS. Resultados: foram obtidas sete árvores hierárquicas de similaridade e quatro grupos com diferentes forças de implicação. Conclusão: Os pontos relevantes identificados mostram que: 1) o Acordo Setorial foi o instrumento escolhido para implantação de SLR de REEE, mas existem entraves entre os setores privado e público...

The feasibility of collection and proper disposal of post-consumer waste is provided by the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS) - Law n° 12.305 2010-important regulatory framework for environmental management in Brazil. Among several aspects listed, highlight the principle of shared responsibility for the lifecycle of products and reverse logistics tool. The art. 33 of this law considers a priority the implementation of reverse logistics systems (SLR) for six classes of waste, including waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Objectives: To analyze and characterize the speech of managers of trade, industry, public authorities and cooperatives, related to consumer electronics over the implementation of SLR. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine managers involved in the implementation of electronic SLR process. Data were transcribed, categorized and analyzed using the software Classification Hierarchique Classificatoire et Cohésitive - CHIC®. The model of "multiple streams" was used to assist in understanding the process of formation of PNRS. Results: seven hierarchical trees of similarity and four groups with different forces of implication were obtained. Conclusion: The relevant points identified show that: 1) the 'Sectoral Agreement' was the instrument chosen for the implementation of the WEEEs SLR, but there are barriers between the private and public sectors, generating delays in signing the agreement...

Effects of environmental lead pollution on blood lead and sex hormone levels among occupationally exposed group in an E-waste dismantling area / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of environmental multi-media lead pollution on blood lead and sex hormone levels among lead exposed males engaged in E-waste dismantling, and the correlation between confounding factors and sex hormone levels.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An E-waste dismantling area in Taizhou of Zhejiang Province was selected as the research site. One hundred and fifty two samples were collected from the groundwater, soil, rice, corn, chicken, and pork in the dismantling area. The effects of the multi-media lead pollution on the male blood lead and sex hormone levels of FSH, LH, and T, as well as the correlation with confounding factors, were studied.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The blood lead concentrations in the males aged under 31, from 31 to 45 and from 46 to 60 were 98.55, 100.23, and 101.45 μg/L, respectively. Of all the environmental media lead exposures, the groundwater, rice and soil were main contributing factors to the lead accumulation in humans. FSH and LH levels increased with the age while the T levels decreased with the age instead. There was a significant correlation between the FSH and LH levels and wearing masks.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There was correlation between the FSH, LH, and T levels, and the mean values of lead concentrations in environmental media, and the sex hormone levels were correlated with the confounding factor of wearing masks.</p>

Tóxicos ambientales y su efecto sobre el neurodesarrollo / [Environmental toxic and its effect on neurodevelopment].

Neurodevelopmental disorders are the result of a disturbance of brain function. They are frequent, with varied symptomatology, manifest themselves at different times of life and tend to be persistent with impact at the individual, family and social level. The association of these disorders with genetic entities is low. Although the research supports a mode of genetic inheritance, epigenetic factors and environmental factors can play an important role. In recent years there was a striking increase of these disorders especially attention deficit hyperactivity disorders and pervasive development disorder. Environmental factors such as the intoxication of the fetus by especially heavy metals lead and mercury are to blame in some children, of these disorders. Other substances of wide use, little degradation and maintenance in the food chain as pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls and now the recycling of electronic waste put especially infants and children at risk, and even more so in the developing countries.

Particle-bound PCDD/Fs in the atmosphere of an electronic waste dismantling area in China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Particulate samples from the atmosphere in an electronic waste dismantling area were collected to investigate the levels and sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Particulate samples including total suspended particulates (TSP) and particulate matter <2.5 μm diameter (PM(2.5)) were collected on selected non-rainy days in summer (Jul 10-12, 2006) and winter (Jan 11-13, 2007) from Fengjiang (FJ), an electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling area in eastern China, and an adjacent area Luqiao (LQ). The samples were analyzed by isotope dilution - high resolution gas chromatography / high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In FJ, the mean PCDD/F concentrations (mean TEQ values) were 280.6 pg Nm(-3) (3.432 pg WHO-TEQ Nm(-3)) for the TSP samples and 223.3 pg Nm(-3) (3.180 pg WHO-TEQ Nm(-3)) for the PM(2.5) samples. The total PCDD/F concentrations and TEQs in the PM(2.5) samples were about 66.8%-108.0% of the TSP samples, indicating that the fine particles contained higher levels of PCDD/Fs than coarse particles. The PCDD/F levels in FJ were much higher than those detected in common urban areas around the world, suggesting that the study area was heavily polluted by PCDD/Fs. Furthermore, the total average daily PCDD/F intake in FJ was estimated at 62.11 pg WHO-TEQ kg(-1)·day(-1) for adults and 110.11 pg WHO-TEQ kg(-1)·day(-1) for children, which greatly exceeds the WHO (1998) tolerable daily intake of 1-4 pg of WHO-TEQ kg(-1)·day(-1).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The PCDD/F homologues and congener profiles confirmed that the PCDD/Fs in FJ originated from crude e-waste recycling activities. The severe dioxin pollution present in FJ has also substantially influenced the adjacent area of LQ through atmospheric transport. Open burning of medical waste was another source of PCDD/Fs identified in LQ.</p>

Correlations of PCBs, DIOXIN, and PBDE with TSH in children's blood in areas of computer E-waste recycling / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study correlations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DIOXIN, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) with thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH) in children, and assess the impact on children's health.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three hundred and sixty nine children aged from 6 to 8, including 195 from Luqiao, the computer E-waste recycling area, and 174 from Longyou, the control area, were selected for this investigation to elucidate the correlation of PCBs, DIOXIN, and PBDE with TSH in children's blood samples. The children had a physical examination and their blood levels of PCBs, DIOXIN, PBDE, and TSH were detected after sample collection.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the E-waste recycling area, the contents of PCBs, PBDE, DIOXIN, and TSH in the blood samples of children were 484.00 ± 84.86 ng·g(-1) lipid weight, 664.28 ± 262.38 ng·g(-1) lipid weight, 26.00 ± 19.58 ng·g(-1) lipid weight and 1.88 ± 0.42 μIU/mL (serum) respectively, while in the control area, the PCBs, PBDE, DIOXIN, and TSH contents were 255.38 ± 95 ng·g(-1) lipid weight, 375.81 ± 262.43 ng·g(-1) lipid weight, 39.64 ± 31.86 ng·g(-1) lipid weight, and 3.31±1.04 μIU/mL respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The health status of children in the control area are better than that in the contaminated area. Among children who are exposed to persistent organic pollutants, the pollutant content increases significantly in their serum, and the distribution of TSH levels in their bodies are also affected.</p>

Hábitos relacionados ao descarte pós-consumo de aparelhos e baterias de telefones celulares em uma comunidade acadêmica / Habits related to the post-consumption discard of mobile phones and their batteries within an academic community

Cada vez mais a sociedade contemporânea incorpora em seu cotidiano equipamentos elétricos e eletrônicos, muitos deles contendo substâncias perigosas, que representam ameaças ao meio ambiente e riscos à saúde humana. Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa exploratória com o objetivo de relacionar comportamento de descarte pós-consumo de aparelhos e baterias de celulares, em um grupo de consumidores de telefonia móvel, que tem proximidade em seu cotidiano de trabalho e de estudo com informações sobre saúde pública e ambiental. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam que informação pode aproximar as pessoas do problema, porém não levam por si só à produção de alterações significativas sobre o que e como fazer com o descarte pós-consumo. Os participantes do estudo possibilitaram identificar, que além da informação e acesso a coletores específicos, outros aspectos e critérios pessoais ou coletivos interferem no procedimento de descarte: percepção sobre risco, valor econômico disponibilizado na compra do aparelho e vínculos afetivos, entre outros. Esses fatores podem produzir diferentes respostas dos usuários sobre como lidar com as inovações tecnológicas de uso pessoal.

The contemporary society increasingly incorporates electric and electronic equipments (EEE) in its everyday life, many of them containing dangerous substances that represent threats to the environment and risks to human health. This article presents the results of an exploratory research with the objective of investigating the behavior of post-consumption discard of mobile phones and their batteries in a group of consumers of mobile phones who are in contact, in their work and study, with information about public and environmental health. The results of the research indicate that information can approximate the people to the problem; however, it does not lead, by itself, to the production of significant alterations on how to perform the post-consumption discard. The study's participants enabled to identify that besides information and access to specific collectors, other personal or collective aspects and criteria interfere in the discard procedure: risk perception, economic value available in the purchase of the mobile phone and affective bonds, among others. Those factors can produce different responses of users concerning how to deal with the technological innovations of personal use.