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By: Audrey BrockmanMA Miami University ~ Veterinary Assistant ~ brockma4@miamioh.edu
What is E-waste?
What is E-waste?
"Electronic waste" is a term used to describe electronics that have reached their end of life or use. Once electronics reach this point they are either thrown away, recycled, or donated.
Types of e-waste:
Any electronic device or appliance including, but not limited to, cell phones, computers, refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, tablets, televisions, blenders, washing machines, dryers, electronic toys, lighting devices, vacuum cleaners, and medical equipment
How is it harmful?
E-waste contains toxic chemicals and heavy metals that can cause serious and irreversible damage to wildlife and ecosystems
As e-waste remnants accumulate in water sources, the soil, and air, there is more of a chance for this waste to spread and make its way through different organisms in the food chain
Heavy metals/chemicals can be absorbed through the stems of plants when in an environment of contaminated soil/water, therefore these metals end up in animals who eat those plants which then transfers to humans OR humans ingest the plant/animal directly
The environment itself is also threatened by e-waste as toxic chemicals and metals are released into nature. When e-waste is burned, it emits a large amount of CO2, thus contributing to climate change
Check out the video below to see more about how e-waste is harming the planet
Why do we care?
E-waste is affecting the health and quality of life of every living thing on Earth; it damages the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, etc. of many animals and humans as well as creating polluted habitats and ecosystems
In 2019, the world produced around 53.6 metric tons, which is about 7.3 kg (or 16 pounds) per capita. This is only expected to keep growing and by 2030, it's expected there will be around 74.7 metric tons produced
It is important to get this problem under control to protect the environment and the wildlife that lives there, including us humans. We need to create a safer and healthier planet to prevent more irreversible issues in the future because of electronic waste
Check out how much e-waste is generated around the world! Click different countries to see their e-waste statistics.
How does e-waste hurt our aquatic wildlife?
How does e-waste hurt our aquatic wildlife?
E-waste enters aquatic environments from contaminated soil or inappropriate disposal of e-waste into water sources. This causes extreme issues in aquatic wildlife. Heavy metals can lead to oxidative stress, and other responses can be considered either direct or indirect effects. Direct effects are displayed in changes in behavior, metabolism, physiology, growth, and reproduction, while indirect effects are displayed as ecological stressors and shown through food chain organisms.
Acidification from e-waste often kills marine and freshwater wildlife and disrupts ecosystems. Heavy metals affect the health of many fish species by damaging their tissues and gills, and many other aquatic organisms as well. See the Aquatic Ecosystems page for specific effects of heavy metals and chemicals.
Check out some of the aquatic animals that are affected ---> CLICK HERE
How does e-waste hurt our plant life?
How does e-waste hurt our plant life?
When soils are contaminated with e-waste chemicals, these toxins make their way into our crops and plants. Heavy metals and other harmful substances can leak into the soil directly or through contaminated water runoff. Burning or shredding e-waste materials also pollutes the soil that can make their way into the groundwater. Either way, e-waste affects our water sources which then affects our food and plants.
Check out some of the plants that are affected ---> CLICK HERE
Climate change + e-waste = extra damage to aquatic ecosystems
Climate change + e-waste = extra damage to aquatic ecosystems
Climate change makes the affects of e-waste on aquatic ecosystems even worse
Incorrect disposal of e-waste releases rare earth elements (REEs) like gadolinium (Gd), which may cause environmental issues in marine habitats because climate change is altering the salinity by causing extreme weather events
Gd causes damage no matter what, but in Andrade et al.'s (2022) study with mussels, they reacted differently based on the level of salinity and stress response
Andrade et al. (2022) also found that when salinity was increased and Gd was involved, the mussels' metabolism was reduced and they did not activate their defense mechanisms. This is believed to be because it is a psychological trait response to conditions that they did not like. Gd is also responsible for damage to the cells at any level of salinity. On the other hand, when salinity was reduced, the mussels did have antioxidant responses, an increased metabolism, and their enzymes activated
This study shows the consequences of climate change and e-waste when looking at marine organisms. Both factors disrupt their bodies' internal processes and alters their growth and reproduction
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