Metal levels in computer monitor components discarded in the vicinities of electronic workshops

• Published in: Toxicological and environmental chemistry Vol. 95; no. 7; pp. 1108 - 1115
• Main Authors: Iniaghe, Paschal Okiroro, Adie, Gilbert Umaye, Osibanjo, Oladele
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 01.08.2013; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Analytical chemistry; Cadmium; Chromium; computer monitor glass screens; Copper; e-waste; Electronics; Heavy metals; Lead (metal); metals; Monitors; Nickel; printed wiring board; Spectrum analysis; total threshold limit concentration; Toxicology; VDTs; Video display terminals; Waste disposal; Zinc
• ISSN: 0277-2248; 1029-0486
• DOI: 10.1080/02772248.2013.863890

Levels of Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Cd in the glass screens (GS) and printed wiring boards (PWBs) of obsolete computer monitors (OCMs) were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) following standard digestion. Metal concentrations (mg kg −1 ) in GS were in the following ranges (medians in brackets): Pb ND - 3100 (46), Cd 0.5-2.6 (0.8), Cr ND - 18.7 (3.1), and Zn 8.1-600 (37) and in PWBs (mg kg −1 ): Pb 34,600 ± 17,000, Cd 11 ± 9, Cr 59 ± 45, Zn 15,900 ± 7800, Cu79,000 ± 22,600, and Ni 3200 ± 2500. In GS, the levels of the six metals were lower than their total threshold limit concentrations (TTLC), except for Pb with a TTLC of 1000 mg kg −1 in 10% of the samples. In the PWBs, the TTLC of Pb and Cu (2500 mg kg −1 ) was exceeded many fold. For Zn (5000 mg kg −1 ) and Ni (2000 mg kg −1 ); they were exceeded by 90% and 65%, respectively. For OCMs manufactured in 2001 and later, Pb and Zn levels in GS and Cr, Zn, and Ni in PWBs were significantly reduced.