Biodegradability of grounded cell phone recharge cards in two Niger Delta soils

Abstract

The biodegradability of four commonly used Global System for Mobile Telecommunication (GSM) telephone recharge cards in rainforest (RS) and mangrove (MS) soils of the Niger Delta were examined. The effect of bio-stimulation with inorganic fertilizers (NPK 15:15;15 and Urea) was also examined. Biodegradation was monitored over 28-day period using changes in total organic carbon (TOC) and carbon dioxide evolution. Positive control consisted of filter paper plus test soil (rain forest soil or mangrove soil). Negative control consisted of recharge card and sterile soil. There was a rapid increase in total heterotrophic bacterial (THB) and fungal (TF) counts from a magnitude of 10₄ to10₇cfu/g for bacteria ad 10₃ to 10₄ cfu/g for fungi from day 0 to day 28 in the biodegradation test systems in rain forest and mangrove soils. There was no significant difference (p<0.05) between the THB and TF population of the biodegradation test systems. There was also no significant difference (p<0.05) between the microbial populations of both soil types during the biodegradation test. The TOC of all the treatments except negative control decreased with time. The decrease in TOC and CO₂ evolution was independent of recharge card, soil type and fertilizer application. It was concluded that GSM recharge cards are readily degraded in both rainforest ad mangrove soils of the Niger Delta, even without bio-stimulation especially when they are first physically broken up. The recharge card type did not influence the rate of biodegradation.

Journal of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology Vol. 5(1&2) 2005: 11-20