Role of microbes in E-waste Bioremediation
By Sanchari Ray
Department of Chemistry
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
Abstract:
In recent times, due to adverse use of technology, serious problems on E-waste has
been noted.If not handled properly then it lead to major damage of our health as well
as environment since e-waste consists of toxic components.Biological approaches
like using microbes or microorganisms are preferably valuable in many cases in
Electronic waste management.Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, Thiobacillus
thiooxidans,Thermoplasma acidophilum,Aspergillus niger are some major microbial
strains engaged with metal bioleaching..In this article we will see how improvement in
the e-waste management process can be done biologically through microbes.
Introduction:
Enormous wastes are generated everyday which at present in need of attention.The
spectacular development in modern times have undoubtedly enhanced the quality of
our lives (Suchi Patel and Avani kasture, 2014). Again this development in the
technology has lead to many hazardous problems including the problems of
generating harmful wastes from electronic products known as “Electronic
Waste”.The deadly and toxic chemicals that are present in the modern gadgets are
massive threats to our human health as well as environment.
, Electronic wastes constitutes majorly of Electrical and electronic equipments.
Europeans produce approximately produce 20 kilograms of E-waste per person per
year. While U.S. residents produce 7 kilograms of e-waste per person per
year.(Jennifer Namias, 2013). In India, the total obsolate e-waste generated are
reckoned to be about 1,46,000 tones yearly.(Sharma et al.,2012).Now e-waste has
become a worldwide ecological issue, and it is harming our natural ecosystem
through its harmful synthetic substances which leads to toxic impact on our earth’s
ecosystem. Thus adequate measures should be taken to control the rise of e-wastes
as it can increase by 50% in the next decade consequently.(Martin et al. 2008,
Mohammed et al., 2013).
Discussion:
E-waste:
Electronic wastes are the used electronic products that require recycling or other
proper forms of disposal.(Mohammed et al.,2013;Suchi Patel and Avani Kastur,2014).
The wastes mainly consists of more than 1000 different substances, which can be
both hazardous or non hazardous.If we broadly, then it consists of metals like
Copper(cu), Aluminum(Al) and some precious metals like Silver(Ag), Gold(Au),
platinum, palladium etc.In some elements like lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium,
selenium and hexavalent chromium ,high toxicity is present which leads to retardants
beyound threshold quantities and causes adverse effect on living the organisms and
environment.(Zaved et al.,2008; Needhidasan, 2014; Puckett et al,2008;
Needhidasan, 2002; Suchi Patel and Avani Kastur, 2014). The problems of e-waste is
being faced by many people in different regions across the globe. The toxicity and
carcinogenicity in some elements can be threatful if not processed properly(Saoji,
2012).
E-waste Management and Control:
Waste Management are basically the measures taken to protect people and our
natural ecosystem from the harmful wastes produced by electronic gadgets.It is
generally undertaken to reduce the effects on our health and environment and
By Sanchari Ray
Department of Chemistry
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
Abstract:
In recent times, due to adverse use of technology, serious problems on E-waste has
been noted.If not handled properly then it lead to major damage of our health as well
as environment since e-waste consists of toxic components.Biological approaches
like using microbes or microorganisms are preferably valuable in many cases in
Electronic waste management.Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, Thiobacillus
thiooxidans,Thermoplasma acidophilum,Aspergillus niger are some major microbial
strains engaged with metal bioleaching..In this article we will see how improvement in
the e-waste management process can be done biologically through microbes.
Introduction:
Enormous wastes are generated everyday which at present in need of attention.The
spectacular development in modern times have undoubtedly enhanced the quality of
our lives (Suchi Patel and Avani kasture, 2014). Again this development in the
technology has lead to many hazardous problems including the problems of
generating harmful wastes from electronic products known as “Electronic
Waste”.The deadly and toxic chemicals that are present in the modern gadgets are
massive threats to our human health as well as environment.
, Electronic wastes constitutes majorly of Electrical and electronic equipments.
Europeans produce approximately produce 20 kilograms of E-waste per person per
year. While U.S. residents produce 7 kilograms of e-waste per person per
year.(Jennifer Namias, 2013). In India, the total obsolate e-waste generated are
reckoned to be about 1,46,000 tones yearly.(Sharma et al.,2012).Now e-waste has
become a worldwide ecological issue, and it is harming our natural ecosystem
through its harmful synthetic substances which leads to toxic impact on our earth’s
ecosystem. Thus adequate measures should be taken to control the rise of e-wastes
as it can increase by 50% in the next decade consequently.(Martin et al. 2008,
Mohammed et al., 2013).
Discussion:
E-waste:
Electronic wastes are the used electronic products that require recycling or other
proper forms of disposal.(Mohammed et al.,2013;Suchi Patel and Avani Kastur,2014).
The wastes mainly consists of more than 1000 different substances, which can be
both hazardous or non hazardous.If we broadly, then it consists of metals like
Copper(cu), Aluminum(Al) and some precious metals like Silver(Ag), Gold(Au),
platinum, palladium etc.In some elements like lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium,
selenium and hexavalent chromium ,high toxicity is present which leads to retardants
beyound threshold quantities and causes adverse effect on living the organisms and
environment.(Zaved et al.,2008; Needhidasan, 2014; Puckett et al,2008;
Needhidasan, 2002; Suchi Patel and Avani Kastur, 2014). The problems of e-waste is
being faced by many people in different regions across the globe. The toxicity and
carcinogenicity in some elements can be threatful if not processed properly(Saoji,
2012).
E-waste Management and Control:
Waste Management are basically the measures taken to protect people and our
natural ecosystem from the harmful wastes produced by electronic gadgets.It is
generally undertaken to reduce the effects on our health and environment and
