Heavy metal leaching potential of discarded mobile phone wastes: a laboratory-based study

Devika Bajpai, Poonam Ahluwalia and Arvind K. Nema

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2011, vol. 14, issue 5/6, 369-378

Abstract: Mobile phones have experienced tremendous growth in India since their introduction in 1995. Hence, it becomes essential to estimate the toxicity of mobile phones for implementation of legislation that regulates sound management practices. In the present study, toxicity of disposed mobile phones in Delhi (India) has been estimated in terms of concentrations of leached heavy metals. Effort has been made to simulate acid-bath recovery process used by informal recovery units in Delhi. The sample mobile phones chosen for the study constituted models from leading mobile phone companies which have become obsolete now. The present study can serve as baseline information regarding the hazards posed by rudimentary end-of-life management options prevalent for waste mobile phones.

Keywords: electronic waste; leaching potential; discarded mobile phones; discarded cell phones; toxicity; heavy metals; hazardous waste; India; end-of-life management; end-of-life products; EOL management. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
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