Title: Potential environmental hazards of non-rechargeable electric torch wastes in Nigeria

Authors: Mary B. Ogundiran; Oluwaseun A. Oyetade; Joshua O. Babayemi; Oladele Osibanjo

Addresses: Analytical/Environmental Chemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria ' Analytical/Environmental Chemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria ' Department of Chemical Science, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria ' Analytical/Environmental Chemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract: This study assessed the material and chemical compositions and methods of disposal of end-of-life non-rechargeable electric torches (EOLNETs). Thirty EOLNETs of ten different models were collected in Lagos, Nigeria. Total heavy metals in plastic and PWB components of the samples were determined using CPSC-CH-1002-08 and EPA 3050B methods. Questionnaires were distributed to 200 unselected respondents to assess the usage and disposal of EOLNETs. The result showed that plastic is the most abundant component of the waste with a mean composition of 70.9%. The levels of Cd, Cr and Ni were low. The range and mean ± SD concentrations of Pb in the plastics was 282 to 1,910 mg/kg (717 ± 522) and in PWB was 6,060 to 66,200 mg/kg (39,200 ± 20,800) respectively. 86.6% of the respondents use the products. 90.7% respondents disposed their spent torches in dumpsites. This study demonstrates that EOLNETs constitute hazardous e-wastes that require well informed management protocols and effective disposal strategies.

Keywords: electric torch waste; printed wiring boards; heavy metals; plastic components; PWB components; e-waste management; environmental hazards; electronic waste; electric torches; Nigeria; spent torches; hazardous waste; waste disposal.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2014.059614

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2014 Vol.13 No.2, pp.115 - 130

Received: 25 Nov 2011
Accepted: 27 Dec 2012
Published online: 13 May 2014 *

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