Environmental Impact of E-Waste on Biotic and Abiotic Parameters

Abstract

The exponential increase in electronic waste (e-waste) caused by rapid technological change is now a global environmental issue, particularly in urban informal economies, as lamented in Seelampur, Delhi. This study evaluated the environmental impacts of e-waste on biotic and abiotic parameters, specifically by assessing heavy metal contamination in soil, groundwater, plants, microorganisms, and smaller fauna. Employing mixed-method methodologies, the research employed a stratified random sampling technique throughout six sites, followed by the collection and analysis of soil and groundwater samples utilizing inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), as well as assessments of microbial diversity, plant uptake, and accumulation in animals. In terms of quantitative findings, lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium concentrations were very high in relation to the World Health Organization (WHO) and national allowed limits and generally exceeded the WHO and permissible limits, with statistically significant differences in spatial exposures. Biological assessments based on soil microbial diversity revealed a diminishment in the microbial range, quantifiable signs of vegetal stress, and quantifiable bioaccumulation in invertebrates. Occupational health records also indicated high levels of harmful exposures to e-waste workers. The study concluded that informal e-waste recycling practices are correlated with quantifiable negative effects on ecosystem functions and human health indicators, and that there is an urgent need to provide good environmental practices through environmental regulations, raise awareness of the issue, and sustain approaches to mitigate long-term environmental degradation and negative public health outcomes.