Environmental Assessment of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) from Electronic Waste

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Published: 2025-04-01
Keywords:
Uyo village road dumpsite, Waste printed circuit boards (WPrCBs), Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), Soil and groundwater contamination, Gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GCFID)

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Solomon Chiemela Onuchukwu
Department of Chemistry/Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Imaobong Inyang Udousoro
Department of Chemistry/Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Ini Udofia Umoren
Department of Chemistry/Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of electronic waste due to technological advancements poses significant environmental and public health risks, particularly from printed circuit boards (PrCBs), which contain persistent organic pollutants such as brominated flame retardants (BFRs). Among these, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are of particular concern due to their environmental persistence and potential toxicity. This study assessed the levels of ƩPBDEs in waste printed circuit boards (WPrCBs), soil, and borehole water collected from the Uyo Village Road Dumpsite and its surrounding environment in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Quantitative analysis was conducted using gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Results revealed that soil samples exhibited the highest ƩPBDE concentrations, ranging from 423.93 to 1420.06 ng/g in topsoil and 469.36 to 1568.45 ng/g in subsoil, followed by WPrCBs (22.56 to 824.23 ng/g) and borehole water (1.53 to 12.75 ng/mL). The highest contamination level was detected in subsoil beyond the dumpsite (Ds2: 1568.45 ng/g), whereas the lowest concentration was found in borehole water upstream of the dumpsite (Cw: 1.53 ng/mL). The elevated levels in subsoil indicate progressive accumulation and leaching, while the low borehole water concentrations suggest that groundwater contamination is still at an early stage. These findings stress the urgent need for effective e-waste management, soil remediation measures, and groundwater protection strategies to reduce environmental and health risks from improper e-waste disposal.

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Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025)

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Author Biography

Solomon Chiemela Onuchukwu, Department of Chemistry/Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Faculty of Science and Computing, Amadeus University Amizi, Ikwuano Abia State, Nigeria  

How to Cite

Onuchukwu, S. C., Udousoro, I. I., & Umoren, I. U. (2025). Environmental Assessment of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) from Electronic Waste. International Journal Of Research And Technopreneurial Innovations, 2(1), 103-118. https://ijrti.com.ng/index.php/home/article/view/63

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