Investigations on the extraction of resources through recycling of electronic wastes

Abstract

In the past decade, the field of electronics has emerged to a higher level with the help of better technological advancement. This advancement made consumers switch over from the old electronic products to technologically advanced electronic devices which have many exciting features. Due to this, the electronic products which were used in the early 2000s have been discarded by the users. The dumping of these electronic products leads to the formation of electronic waste (E-waste). E-waste is prone to create adverse impacts on the surroundings where they have been stored. Accumulation of such e-wastes tends to degrade the nature of the soil which is present around it. If these e-wastes are not cleared periodically, the location becomes forbidden, and it is of no use. E-waste is generally composed of materials which are carcinogenic. When these e - wastes are exposed to sunlight for an extended period, they release toxic gases of sulphur, bromine and ammonia compounds. These gases mix with atmospheric air which leads to air pollution. When this polluted air is inhaled, it results in respiratory disorders and allergic reactions in the living beings. E-waste contaminates the local water bodies if they are disposed of in it which affects the aquatic organisms. E-waste are of many sources. The primary electronic devices which generate E-wastes are televisions, computer, printers, cabinets, wires and mobile phones. Many types of research are going on to reuse, recycle and reduce E-wastes. This research mainly focuses on the recycling of waste printed circuit board (WPCB) obtained from various electronic devices. The Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is a support or a platform in which various electronic components like resistors, capacitors, inductors, ICs newline