Mobile Phones (Cellular) have become a necessary electronic device used across the globe. The rapid
advancement of technology has created cycles of replacement that have resulted in a growing and significant source of
hazardous waste from the numerous obsolete units generated by manufacturers and consumers, respectively. Due to the
various components of e-waste containing hazardous materials, the failure to dispose of it appropriately creates many
environmental problems and issues associated with the release of heavy metals, especially lead (Pb), cobalt (Cd), nickel
(Ni) and manganese (Mn). These toxic metals are concentrated in e-waste components such as Printed Circuit Board
(PCB), Liquid Crystals Displays (LCD), plastic housings, and represent significant danger and threat to the environment.
Long-term environmental exposure presents significant dangers to human health and the environment when released under
optimal conditions; including, but not limited to, eye irritation, skin rashes, damage to kidneys and nerves, dermatitis, and
potential death. In characterizing the physiochemical properties of major segregated e-waste components, determining a
comprehensive inventory of total metals, and evaluating their potential to be toxic through the evaluation of their
leachability using long-term batch leaching studies at multiple liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratios and simulating landfill conditions
at the time of discard/landfilling. The results of the leaching studies demonstrated that the plastic housings and batteries
represent large portions of the total mass of the electronic devices. Further analysis of the data indicated the e-waste
components of each manufacturer/model to contain significant compositional variability. The total concentrations of Ni (up
to 40 mg), Pb (up to 35 mg), and Cd (up (up to 34 mg) distributed across the PCB, metallic, and plastic fractions. Analysis
of leachate (from eWaste) indicated that Cd and Ni are far more leachable than Pb or Mn when tested in a neutral to
slightly alkaline environment (pH 7-8). The results support the conclusion that the plastic portion of the leachate contains a
large proportion of mobile Ni and the high L/S ratio results established continuing leaching of Cd. Both are serious and
enduring forms of pollution and highlight the need for specific waste management practices aimed at reclaiming and
stabilizing the highly mobile forms of these contaminants found in non-conventional e-waste products.
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