Article
Environmental Sciences
Yufei Qin, Yuqing Liu, Jianbo Wang, Yan Lu, Zhenming Xu
Summary: This paper provides environmental information on the recovery of waste plastic in a certified factory in an industrial park in Eastern China. The study analyzes the emissions of particulate matters, heavy metals, PAHs, PCBs, and PBDEs during the production process. The results show that washing and crushing processes are the main sources of pollution, and management strategies are proposed to mitigate the environmental hazards caused by waste plastic recovery.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongmin Yin, Jiayi Ma, Zhidong Li, Yonghong Li, Tong Meng, Zhenwu Tang
Summary: This study found that pollution levels in regulated e-waste recycling sites were lower than in unregulated sites, but comparable to urban and industrial areas. Moderate levels of PBDEs and metals were present in vegetables, with arsenic levels exceeding acceptable limits in soil samples.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenyu Chen, Xiaojun Luo, Yuan Zeng, Shufei Tan, Jie Guo, Zhenming Xu
Summary: The study found that the mass concentration of PM10 was higher but the number concentration was lower in the manual dismantling workshop compared to the thermal dismantling workshop. The gaseous phase PBDE concentration was higher in the manual dismantling workshop while the particulate phase PBDE concentration was higher in the thermal dismantling workshop. The size distribution of particles was similar between the two workshops, but there were significant differences in the distribution of particle-bound PBDE.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kaihan Cai, Qingbin Song, Wenyi Yuan, Guiming Yang, Jinhui Li
Summary: This study investigates the change trends of PBDEs and AHFRs in typical e-waste plastics and dust, as well as human exposure risks of PBDEs in different settings. The results show higher levels of PBDEs in dust from e-waste recycling enterprises compared to residential buildings. The exposure risk of PBDEs mainly comes from dust intake rather than skin contact.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhen Wang, Jiazhen Huo
Summary: In order to improve the low e-waste recycling rate, the Chinese government has implemented a series of intervention measures. However, the effectiveness of these measures is controversial. This study constructs a system dynamics model to investigate the impact of Chinese government intervention measures on e-waste recycling from a holistic perspective. The findings suggest that the current intervention measures do not effectively promote e-waste recycling. The most effective adjustment strategy is to increase government policy support while strengthening punishments for recyclers.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Balasch, M. Lopez, C. Reche, M. Viana, T. Moreno, E. Eljarrat
Summary: This study measured the concentration levels of organophosphate esters (OPEs) and halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) in airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from an e-waste dismantling facility in Catalonia, Spain. It was found that OPEs were mainly present in the CRT dismantling area, while HFRs were mainly present in the grinding area. OPEs were also detected in solid e-waste from the facility. The estimated health risks from inhalation exposure were found to be low for the workers, but other routes of exposure may bring the risks closer to threshold values.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lu Zhan, Qi Zhang, Akemareli Bulati, Rui Wang, Zhenming Xu
Summary: This study explores the characteristics of microplastics and complex pollutions in a formal e-waste recycling base in Shanghai, China. It found that microplastics show weak adsorption effect for heavy metals, but act as an important carrier of n-aryl octa-brominated diphenyl ethers (8PBDEs). The study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the potential pollution of microplastics and upgrading control measures.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiang-Ping Wu, Wen-Lu Feng, Lin Tao, Xiao Li, You-Tian Nie, Ya-Chun Xu, Yan-Hong Zeng, Xiao-Jun Luo, Bi-Xian Mai
Summary: The study found that with the implementation of regulated e-waste recycling in China, the concentrations of several halogenated flame retardants in mud carps have decreased, while some new HFRs have shown an increasing trend, which still requires attention. Despite conservative risk assessment methods, PBDEs were found to pose significant risks to mud carps and other wildlife in e-waste sites.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenming Chen, Chen Liu, Baokai Wei, Junsong Bao, Ying Wang, Jicheng Hu, Jun Jin, Fangang Zeng
Summary: The study found that there were no significant differences in PBDE concentrations in air, rhizosphere soil, and crop samples collected from e-waste dismantling areas. PBDEs were selectively enriched in different tissues, suggesting a complex transport and distribution mechanism in the environment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yulong Ma, Ester Konecna, Reginald Cline-Cole, Stuart Harrad, Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah
Summary: Investigations into the impacts of e-waste recycling activities on urban environments in Europe are limited. Dust samples from UK e-waste recycling facilities were analyzed for concentrations of PBDEs, NBFRs, and HBCDD. The results showed varying levels of contamination, with one facility identified as a likely source of BFR contamination to UK urban environments. Occupational exposure of UK e-waste recycling workers to BFRs was comparatively low.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ranran Liu, Shengtao Ma, Daijin Chen, Guiying Li, Yingxin Yu, Ruifang Fan, Taicheng An
Summary: This study investigated the pollution profiles of BTEX in air and their urinary excretive profiles in occupational workers in a typical e-waste recycling industrial park. The results showed that the workers were exposed to high levels of BTEX and the metabolites of BTEX were efficiently metabolized at those occupational levels. N-acetyl-S-benzyl-L-cysteine (S-BMA) concentration showed a significant correlation with atmospheric individual BTEX derived from the e-waste recycling area, indicating its potential as a marker for BTEX exposure. The majority of workers had a cumulative carcinogenic risk induced by BTEX exposure, with benzene metabolite (N-acetyl-S-(phenyl)-L-cysteine) concentration exceeding the threshold.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Carlos Alberto de Albuquerque, Carlos Henrique Pereira Mello, Jose Henrique de Freitas Gomes, Valquiria Claret dos Santos
Summary: Research shows that electronic waste is highly toxic and has a rapid growth rate, emphasizing the need for more studies on environmentally friendly waste disposal. China, the USA, and India are the countries with the highest publication rate on this topic, whereas Brazil has a relatively low research output in this field.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yulong Ma, Kevin Andrew Romanak, Staci Lynn Capozzi, Chunjie Xia, Daniel Crawford Lehman, Stuart Harrad, Reginald Cline-Cole, Marta Venier
Summary: This study investigated the presence of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in US food, particularly in meat, fish, and dairy products. The results showed that the concentrations of novel BFRs (NBFRs) in food items were significantly influenced by price, and nonorganic food had higher levels of BDE-209 than organic food. Estimates of dietary exposure revealed that meat and cheese consumption were the main sources of BFR intake, particularly for children and non-Hispanic Asians.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lin Duan, Yuqin Ying, Jingyi Zhong, Chuanjia Jiang, Wei Chen
Summary: Research shows that in soils at e-waste recycling sites, PBDEs can bind to soil colloids, leading to the release of high concentrations of PBDEs into surface and subsurface soils. The concentrations of PBDEs released from colloids vary greatly, with BDE-209 having the highest concentration. The extent of binding between colloids and PBDEs is not directly related to the hydrophobicity, specific surface area, or clay content of the PBDEs. Multiple soil properties collectively influence the distribution of PBDEs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhichong Yu, Chenqi Gao, Caoyu Yang, Lingen Zhang
Summary: The study measures and predicts the monitoring of Chinese e-waste, including sources, flows, scrap, and recycling potentials of electronic products, based on data from the government and 109 formal e-waste recycling enterprises. Currently, e-waste recycling is gradually becoming the official waste disposal approach, but the industry has problems such as lower recycling efficiency and scale, lack of advanced technologies, and corresponding laws and regulations. The collected and analyzed data shed light on the e-waste market size in China, and suggestions for optimizing the e-waste recycling industry through legal, reasonable, and efficient methods are put forward.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Hassan Khalid Ageel, Stuart Harrad, Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah
Summary: Microplastics (MPs) have attracted increasing attention due to their ubiquitous presence in the environment, with limited research on human exposure indoors. Studies have shown higher concentrations of MPs in indoor air and dust, raising concerns about potential health risks through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. More research is needed to understand the full extent of human exposure and develop regulations to protect health and the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Misbah Alghamdi, Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah, Stuart Harrad
Summary: This study reviews the presence of brominated and chlorinated organophosphate flame retardants in plastic consumer articles and discusses the potential unintentional contamination caused by recycling. The study identifies portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry as a possible alternative method for checking compliance with limits on flame retardants in waste plastics.
EMERGING CONTAMINANTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah, Stuart Harrad
Summary: The chlorinated organophosphate flame retardants (Cl-PFRs) have been widely used in upholstered furniture despite their carcinogenic potential. This study assessed the dermal absorption of these chemicals from furniture fabrics for the first time, revealing that all three target Cl-PFRs were dermally bioavailable to varying degrees. Factors such as compound properties, exposure matrix, exposure dose, and skin hydration can influence the dermal uptake of Cl-PFRs.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stuart Harrad, Daniel Drage, Martin Sharkey, Will Stubbings, Misbah Alghamdi, Harald Berresheim, Marie Coggins, Andre Henrique Rosa
Summary: Legacy and alternative halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) were found in waste childcare articles in the Republic of Ireland between 2019 and 2020. Some samples exceeded the European Union limit value, raising concerns about child exposure to HFRs.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel Simon Drage, Martin Sharkey, Harald Berresheim, Marie Coggins, Stuart Harrad
Summary: Due to new European legislation, products containing PFAS entering the waste stream must have concentrations below legal limits for recycling or disposal. A rapid extraction and clean-up method was developed to determine 21 PFAS in polymers used in soft furnishings and upholstery. The method showed good accuracy and precision with low limits of quantification.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christopher Green, Antoaneta Bilyanska, Mags Bradley, Jason Dinsdale, Lorraine Hutt, Thomas Backhaus, Frank Boons, David Bott, Chris Collins, Sarah E. Cornell, Mark Craig, Michael Depledge, Bob Diderich, Richard Fuller, Tamara S. Galloway, Gary R. Hutchison, Nicola Ingrey, Andrew C. Johnson, Rachael Kupka, Peter Matthiessen, Robin Oliver, Stewart Owen, Susan Owens, John Pickett, Sam Robinson, Kerry Sims, Pete Smith, John P. Sumpter, Svetlana Tretsiakova-McNally, Mengjiao Wang, Tom Welton, Katherine J. Willis, Iseult Lynch
Summary: Chemicals play a vital role in modern society but their use comes with risks. This study used a Delphi-style approach to identify 15 global chemical threats that should be considered in environmental and chemical policies. The findings highlight the importance of broad thinking, collaboration, and systems approaches to address these challenges, and call for further collaboration between researchers, industry, regulators and policymakers.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Mengjiao Wang, Giulia Carlini, Zhanyun Wang
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yulong Ma, Kevin Andrew Romanak, Staci Lynn Capozzi, Chunjie Xia, Daniel Crawford Lehman, Stuart Harrad, Reginald Cline-Cole, Marta Venier
Summary: This study investigated the presence of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in US food, particularly in meat, fish, and dairy products. The results showed that the concentrations of novel BFRs (NBFRs) in food items were significantly influenced by price, and nonorganic food had higher levels of BDE-209 than organic food. Estimates of dietary exposure revealed that meat and cheese consumption were the main sources of BFR intake, particularly for children and non-Hispanic Asians.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muideen Remilekun Gbadamosi, Layla Salih Al-Omran, Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah, Stuart Harrad
Summary: This study measured the concentrations of eight organophosphate esters (OPEs) in UK drinking water and found that tap water had significantly higher levels of OPEs compared to bottled water, particularly chlorinated, aryl-, and alkyl-OPEs. However, exposure to OPEs via drinking water was much lower than exposure through other pathways, such as food, indoor dust, inhalation, and dermal uptake. Nevertheless, when considering overall exposure, some OPEs in UK drinking water approached health-based limit values for toddlers.
EMERGING CONTAMINANTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muideen Remilekun Gbadamosi, Adeyemi Lawrence Ogunneye, Layla Salih Al-Omran, Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah, Stuart Harrad
Summary: This study documents the presence of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in indoor dust from various microenvironments in Nigeria for the first time. The concentrations of OPEs were found to be relatively low and did not significantly differ between different indoor environments. The estimated daily intakes of the studied OPEs were lower than the reference dose values, suggesting that exposure to these OPEs in the indoor environment does not pose a significant health risk for the general population in Nigeria.
EMERGING CONTAMINANTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ovokeroye A. Abafe, Stuart Harrad, Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah
Summary: In this study, an invitro physiologically based extraction test was used to investigate the dermalbioaccessibility of PBDEs and HBCDDs in different types of microplastics. The dermal bioaccessibility of PBDEs was significantly higher in polyethylene MPs compared to polypropylene MPs. The size of MP particles and the presence of cosmetic formulations influenced the bioaccessibility of PBDEs and HBCDDs. Human exposure to these chemicals via dermal contact with MPs was found to be substantial and the dermal pathway was identified as a major route of exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Stuart Harrad, Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah, Daniel Drage, Marit Meyer
Summary: Polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), organophosphate esters (OPEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in dust samples from the International Space Station (ISS). Despite its unique environment, the concentrations of these compounds in ISS dust were generally within the range observed in terrestrial indoor microenvironments. However, the relative abundance of HBCDD diastereomers in ISS dust differed from terrestrial dust samples, suggesting different formation conditions. Additionally, the concentration of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in ISS dust exceeded that found in a survey of US childcare centers and homes, possibly due to the use of waterproofing treatments in the ISS.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Simeon Onoja, Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah, Stuart Harrad
Summary: This study provides the first report on the presence of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in UK freshwater sediments, including their spatial/seasonal variation and impact of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Detection frequencies of various OPEs ranged from 58% to 100%. The concentrations of OPEs varied among different locations and months, and the potential risk of OPEs was found to be low in most study locations.
EMERGING CONTAMINANTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hansel David Burgos Melo, Juliana de Souza-Araujo, Laura Geraldine Benavides Garzon, Joao Carlos Marcedo, Rafael Cardoso, Sandro Donnini Mancini, Stuart Harrad, Andre Henrique Rosa
Summary: Brominated flame retardants (BFRs), widely used in polymeric products like electronic equipment, have been banned in many countries due to their adverse health impacts and environmental persistence. However, research on the presence of these contaminants, particularly in waste electronic equipment, is limited in Brazil. This study detected polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in waste EEE samples in the metropolitan region of Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oddny Ragnarsdottir, Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah, Stuart Harrad
Summary: This study assessed the bioaccessibility of PFAS from indoor dust to synthetic human sweat sebum mixtures (SSSM) using in vitro tests. The composition of the SSSM significantly affected the bioaccessibility of all target compounds. Common cosmetics were found to impact the dermal bioaccessibility of PFAS. The findings highlight the potential substantial contribution of dermal exposure to human body burdens of PFAS and the need for further consideration of this pathway in risk assessment studies.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
