Removal of heavy metal from E-Waste: A review

Abstract

The rapid industrialization has raise the demand for heavy metals, but the reserves of high-grade ores are diminishing. E-waste term refers to electrical and electronic products which has multiple components some are toxic and hazardous that can cause serious health and environmental issues if not handled properly. Multiple components such as discarded computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, fax machines, electric lamps, cell phones, audio equipment and batteries if improperly disposed can leach lead and other substances into soil and groundwater. Many of these products can be reused, refurnished, or recycled. Ewaste contains precious materials such as gold, silver, copper, glass and plastics and also contains harmful materials like arsenic, mercury, cadmium and lead, which is affected to environment and human life. This review paper contain the e-waste challenging problems such as handling, transportation, recovery and some key factors which are responsible for E-waste in India, and methods for recovery of metals and other precious materials from E-waste.