Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM/EDX) - a semiquantitative eco-friendly method for identifying the metals in e-waste multi circuits boards

Fast technological growth, the lack of civic responsibility regarding e-waste recycling, storage, and disposal, the lack of many years of specific legislation, and the lack of solutions to manage e-waste have led to an accelerated increase in environmental pollution. Besides pollution, other aspects, such as the depletion of natural resources, must be considered regarding e-waste, especially minerals and metals. Efficient waste management programs aim to recover the essential components of e-waste and to dispose of the others safely. A case study was applied on several boards from computer hard drives that were intended for testing if Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM/EDX) can be used to identify in a quick and eco-friendly manner the metals from e-waste multi-circuit boards. The results confirm that SEM/EDX can successfully replace the traditional method for metal determination, the first step in establishing the recovery methods.