ENVIRONMENTAL

SCIENCE
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
a) Water Pollution: Introduction – Water Quality Standards, Sources of Water Pollution, Classification
of water pollutants, Effects of water pollutants
b) Air Pollution: Composition of air, Structure of atmosphere, Ambient Air Quality Standards,
Classification of air pollutants, Sources of common air pollutants like PM, SO2, NOX, Auto exhaust,
Effects of common air pollutants
c) Noise Pollution: Introduction, Sound and Noise, Noise measurements, Causes and Effects
d) Solid Waste: Generation and management
e) Bio-medical Waste: Generation and management

f) E-waste: Generation and management

Lecture 14 Dr. Hemanta Medhi

E-waste:
As per the E-Waste Management (Rules, 2016) E-Waste is defined as electrical and electronic
Equipment whole or in part discarded as Waste by the consumer or bulk consumer as well as
rejects from manufacturing. E-waste consists of discarded electronic and electrical appliances
which have reached the end of their tenure or life and no longer serve the purpose they were
intended for.

EXAMPLE: Waste from discarded mobile phones, mobile chargers, remotes, CDs, headphones,
batteries, computers, TVs, monitors, printers, CPUs, LCD/Plasma TV, electrical chords,
calculators, ovens, electronic toys etc.
REASON:

1. Advancement of technology.
2. Change in the lifestyle
3. Nearing the end of useful life
4. Not taking precaution while handling
 Sources/categories of E-Waste
Categories/Sources of E-waste
1. Large household appliances like refrigerators/freezers, washing machines, dishwashers
2. Small household appliances like toasters, coffee makers, irons, hairdryers, vacuum cleaners
3. Information technology (IT) and telecommunications equipment like personal computers,
telephones, Mobile phones, laptops, printers, scanners, photocopiers.
4. Consumer equipment like televisions, DVD players, stereo equipment, electric toothbrushes
5. Lighting equipment like fluorescent lamps
6. Electrical and electronic tools like handheld drills, saws,
7. Toys, leisure and sports equipment
8. Medical equipment systems (ECG device, Microscope, Incubator etc with the exception of all
implanted and infected products)
9. Monitoring and control instruments (Industry)

1. Home: PC, TV, Radio, Cell phones, Washing machines, Microwave oven, CD player, Fan,
Electric iron, Music system etc
2. Hospitals: PC, Monitor, ECG machines, Microscope, Incubator etc
3. Government Establishment: PC, CPU, FAX machines, Xerox machines, Scanner, Fan, AC,
Tubelights etc
4. Private Sectors: Industries, Restaurants etc. PC, Mixer, Signal Generator, Incubators etc
 Need of E-waste management
E-waste can have harmful effects on the environment as E-waste contains many hazardous
materials like mercury, lead, cadmium, polyvinyl chlorides etc. Long-term exposure to these
substances may damage the nervous system, bones, kidney etc. Some of them are carcinogenic
and neurotoxic
 Effects of E-waste on Environment
1. E-waster is either burned or buried. Emission of toxic fumes from E-waste create
environmental damage
2. Toxic chemicals from E-waste may enter soil and pollute it and in turn may harm the crops as
well. Acidification of soil
3. These are non-biodegradable and hence cause soil pollution
4. Groundwater pollution
5. E-waste dumping grounds and the nearby places may cause health hazards
Effects of E-waste on humans
 E-waste Disposal Methods
1. Landfill: This is the most common method of E-waste disposal. Soil is excavated and
trenches are made for burying the E-waste in it. An impervious liner (Plastic or clay) is made
with leachate basin for collection and transferring the E-waste to the treatment plant.
However, landfills are not a very sound process as E-waste contains toxic substances

2. Acid Bath: It includes soaking of the E-waste in sulphuric, hydrochloric or nitric acid
solutions.

3. Incineration: This is a controlled way of disposing off the E-waste and it involves combustion
of E-waste at high temperature in specially designed incinerators. Reduction in volume takes
place and the energy obtained in incineration can be utilized for other use. One of the
disadvantage is the generation of harmful gases in this process.

4. Recycling of E-waste: E-waste can be used for recycling. Recycling involves dismantling of
the devices, then separating the parts having hazardous substances like CRT etc and then
precious metals (copper, gold, lead) can be recovered. Its advantage is asset recovery,
reduction of landfills, reductions in junks, resale, job creations etc

5. Reuse of electronic devices: This is eco-friendly way in which E-waste can be

modified/repaired and then be reused or given to other person in need as a second hand
product. Old electronic items can be donated for charity or sold to refurbishing companies.
Reuse helps is conservation of energy needed for manufacturing of new products.
 Unit Test – 1
Date: 24/01/2021 (Sunday)
Time: 10:00 AM
Syllabus: Module 1 ad Module 2