Concentrations and legislative aspects of PBDEs in plastic of waste electrical and electronic equipment in Brazil

Hansel David Burgos Melo, Juliana de Souza-Araujo, Laura Geraldine Benavides Garzón, João Carlos Macedo, Rafael Cardoso, Sandro Donnini Mancini, Stuart Harrad, André Henrique Rosa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have been widely used as additives in polymeric products such as electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) to help meet fire safety regulations. However, some BFRs like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are now listed under the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and banned in many countries, due to their adverse health impacts, environmental persistence, and capacity for bioaccumulation and long-range atmospheric transport. Despite this, in Brazil, only a few studies exist of the presence of these contaminants in the environment, and even fewer in waste EEE (WEEE). Against this backdrop, this study measured the presence of PBDEs in samples (n = 159) of WEEE in the metropolitan region of Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil. PBDEs were detected in 149 samples, with concentrations in 18 samples exceeding the European Union's Low POP Content Limit (LPCL) of 1000 mg/kg. Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) was the congener present at the highest concentration in most samples, with those of other PBDEs such as BDE-47 much lower. In general, samples containing > 1000 mg/kg are those categorised as display items and miscellaneous EEE (n = 15.27 %), comprising: parts from cathode ray tube TVs (n = 11), audio systems (n = 2), and LCD TVs (n = 2). In addition, in 5 % (n = 3) of IT and telecommunications equipment samples (computer parts) PBDE concentrations exceeded 1000 mg/kg. Our results show the need for greater control and monitoring of the presence of these pollutants in WEEE before recycling and final disposal, to prevent PBDEs entering the recycling stream.

Original languageEnglish
Article number167349
Number of pages8
JournalScience of the Total Environment
Volume906
Early online date26 Sept 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2024

Bibliographical note

Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Polybrominated diphenyl ethers
  • Persistent organic pollutants
  • Flame retardants
  • WEEE
  • Circular economy

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