Challenges of E-Waste pollution to soil environments in Nigeria - A Review

Abstract

Hitherto Nigeria has been identified as a major dumping ground for e-waste from developed countries of the world arising from increasing demand for information computer technology (ITC) and other electronic gadgets by the populace especially with the relation of telecom sector since 2001. The term “e-waste” may be applied to electrical and electronic waste material of all  categories and includes but not limited to computers, refrigerators, television sets, mobile phones, office electronic devices, entertainment device electronics and electronic toys. Evidently, in addition to human health issues associated with e-waste management, e-waste constitutes a challenge to both developed and developing countries though markedly pronounced in the latter because of the dearth of appropriate technology in handling the menace posed by the discarded waste materials. There is paucity of information in quantitative terms regarding the effect of ewaste on the environment (including the soil fauna and flora) especially in Nigeria. However, e-waste has been implicated as being deleterious to soil quality, soil fauna and flora especially from studies outside Nigeria. In this paper this category of wastes will be assessed and in relation to its possible influence on soil environment in forms including heavy metal pollution. Possible e-waste management strategies will also be highlighted on soil environment with particular reference to Nigeria.

Keywords: E-waste, Pollution, Soil, Environment, E-waste management