E-WASTE RESEARCH at Jackson State University

Introduction

The rapidly growing electronic waste (E-waste) stream consisting of such items as obsolete computers, TVs, printers, and cell phones has raised an unprecedented challenge for environmental protection. E-waste already constitutes 1% of the municipal solid waste (MSW) in the U.S. , and its volume is increasing three times faster than the MSW stream. Most components in the E-waste stream contain toxic substances including heavy metals and halogenated organics. Due to lack of scientific data, no significant regulations on E-waste have been promulgated. Currently, the majority of E-waste is either stored in homes and offices waiting for disposal or dumped in landfills without proper treatment. This poses potential hazards to human health and the environment.

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation's CAREER Program, a research project entitled "Study of E-waste Environmental Hazards and Treatment" is being conducted at Jackson State University . The objectives of this study are to quantify the leaching potential of the toxic substances from E-waste components and to develop pretreatment methods for reducing their leachate toxicity. Extensive experimental study, theoretical analysis and modeling are included. Integration of education and research activities is emphasized in this project.

Acknowledgment: This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0238765

Disclaimer: Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation

2006 of the E-Waste Research, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, 39217, (601) 979-1093