Emission inventories, emission factors, and composition profiles of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals (HMs) from an e-waste dismantling park in southern China

Electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling is a significant source of atmospheric pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals (HMs), which may have adverse effects on the surrounding environment and residents. However, the organized emission inventories and emission characteristics of VOCs and HMs from e-waste dismantling are not well documented. In this study, the concentrations and components of VOCs and HMs were monitored at the exhaust gas treatment facility from two process areas of a typical e-waste dismantling park in southern China in 2021. Emission inventories of VOCs and HMs were established, with total emissions of 8.85 t/a and 18.3 kg/a for VOCs and HMs in this park, respectively. The cutting & crushing (CC) area was the largest emissions source, accounting for 82.6% of VOCs and 79.9% of HMs, respectively, while the baking plate (BP) area had higher emission factors. Additionally, the concentration and composition of VOCs and HMs in the park were also analyzed. For VOCs, the concentrations of halogenated hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons were comparable in the park, while m/p-xylene, o-xylene, and chlorobenzene were the key VOC species. The HM concentrations followed the order of Pb > Cu > Mn > Ni > As > Cd > Hg, with Pb and Cu being the main heavy metals released. This is the first VOC and HM emission inventory for the e-waste dismantling park, and our data will lay a solid ground for pollution control and management for the e-waste dismantling industry.

Automated summary

Electronic waste dismantling releases significant amounts of VOCs and HMs, which can harm the environment and residents. This study monitored and documented the emissions of VOCs and HMs from a typical e-waste dismantling park in southern China in 2021. The cutting & crushing area was the main source of emissions, while the baking plate area had higher emission factors. The concentrations and composition of VOCs and HMs were also analyzed, providing important data for pollution control and management in the e-waste dismantling industry.