Heavy metal contamination and risk assessment of human exposure near an e-waste processing site

Environmental pollution due to uncontrolled e-waste recycling activities has been reported in a number of locations in China. In this study, heavy metal pollution from primitive e-waste processing facilities was investigated. The pollution is due to high concentrations of metals present in the surrounding soils and vegetables. The highest enrichment factor values due to e-waste wastewater and waste discharges were found at Anqiaotou Village and Beian Village. Vegetables from the vicinity of the e-waste processing sites were found to have higher heavy metal pollution index values in comparison with those from the background site. The bioaccessibilities of heavy metals were decreased in the order of Cd>Pb>Sn>Zn>Ni>Cr. The e-waste processing site was badly polluted by Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cr, with its pollution level decreased in the following order: Cd>Pb>Cr>Ni>Zn>Sn. Additionally, the greatest risk among six metals in the e-waste processing areas is caused by Cd and Pb. The risks associated with the consumption of contaminated vegetables grown in e-waste processing regions may be a potential health concern.