Electronic Waste; A Potential Pollution Source in Ground Water Near Dumpsite in Karachi Pakistan

Abstract

The effect of e-waste activities on tap and ground water quality was evaluated. Sampling was carried out during dry season (May to June). Four distance points and three depths were selected to represent the ground water. The metal toxicity was the focus area and only the main metallic constitute in electronic waste (e-waste), which could be possible to be the part of e-waste were selected to determine like, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn. Analysis was carried out using standard ASTM (D1971) digestion and analysis protocol on Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The estimated data were compared with the levels allowed by the National and International standards i.e. Pakistan environmental protection agency (Pak-EPA), EC50 and WHO (world health organization) guidelines. The maximum elemental concentration were remained as Cd 0.006, Cr 0.009, Cu 0.098, Fe 0.065, Ni 0.032, Pb 0.151 and Zn 0.091mg/l for 50meter distance from the dumpsite in the ground water. Pb and Ni are found higher than the WHO & Pak-EPA recommendations while Cd is higher than WHO but within the Pak-EPA acceptable limit. It is clear that the presence of these metals in the media will cause serious health problems to the residence of the area and as well as to the city. It is concluded that the dumping of electronic waste (e-waste) is the major source of contamination of heavy metals in the studied media of the city. It emphasizes that the e-waste must be recycled properly to prevent the media from being polluted.