Risk analysis of radioecological effect of e-waste lead (Pb) content on life forms

Abstract

Abstract Electronic waste (e-waste) has been proven to pollute the soil, air, and groundwater significantly. Aside from the physical effect of coming in contact with pollution, the radioecological impact of the pollution may be dangerous either directly or indirectly to persons living at the source of pollution. In this study, the lead (Pb) pollution from e-waste was used to calculate several organisms’ radioecological parameter. It is was observed that there was a moderate reduction in the number of plants with leaves (22%), a major reduction in cumulative stem growth (43% the control value), a severe increase in the number of chlorophyll mutations, severe changes in leaf colour (4.9-fold), and a major increase in mortality for all organism. It is recommended that landfill areas where e-wastes are dumped be excavated 9 m depth as a corrective measure to reduce the negative outcome on landfill workers.