Metal constituents of e-waste black powder and its potential utilization.

Electronic waste (e-waste) generation is one of the major emerging problems of the modern era and requires consideration at the global, national and local levels. Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the biggest hubs of e-waste recycling in India, where almost 50% of printed circuit boards (PCBs) waste of the country is being handled with the engagement of more than 50,000 people. Black ash of PCBs is overtly dumped after carrying out recycling processes in the vicinity. The dumping is affecting the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of the vicinity due to this black powder ash. Analysis of ewaste black ash sample was carried out for metal content using ICP-OES. A significant amount of lead, copper, barium, tin, aluminium, silica, etc. was found in the e-waste black powder, which indicates the potential utilization of e-waste black powder in many applications. Hence there is an immediate need of an environment-friendly technology for e-waste recycling and to safeguard the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]