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Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in ambient air samples at the electronic waste (e-waste) reclamation site

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Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used as flame retardants in various building materials, plastic and other polymers, airplanes, electronics, etc. All or some of their congeners have been already banned in many countries, due to their persistency and adverse health effects. In this study, we are focusing on e-wastes as a source of emission of PBDEs in ambient air during reclamation processes. The ambient air particulate matter (PM) samples were collected at and near an e-waste reclamation site in Bangkok, Thailand. Results showed the presence of various homologues, viz: tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, and hepta-PBDEs in both PM2.5 and total suspended particle (TSP) samples. The comparison of samples as a function of distance from the reclamation site indicated elevated levels of PBDEs in close proximity to the e-waste site. Interestingly, a shift in the congener pattern was observed with lower brominated PBDEs being more prevalent in nearby off-site samples as compared to the PM collected at the e-waste site. The total penta-PBDEs concentration is almost double in the e-waste site PM2.5 compared to the control site samples. For TSP, tetra, penta, and hepta-PBDEs congeners are at higher concentrations at the e-waste sites and its vicinity compared to reference sites. Overall, a clear trend can be observed indicating a debromination of PBDEs to more toxic tri and tetra congeners during the reclamation process and PBDEs are being translocated from treated materials to ambient air PM. BDE 30 is uniquely detected in our studies as a dominant final debromination product, that can be used as a marker of thermal e-waste activity. This work indicates potential hazards related to the reclamation of e-wastes and remediation of sites containing PBDEs. In particular, thermal treatment methods can lead to congener transformation and increased emissions of more toxic lower brominated congeners.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Superfund Research Program, Grant number P42ES013648.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Sciences, Louisiana State University, A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

    Ajit Ghimire, Roberto Wong & Slawomir M. Lomnicki

  2. Department of Environmental Services, City of Baton Rouge, 345 Chippewa St, Baton Rouge, LA, 70805, USA

    Albert Leo N. dela Cruz

  3. Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand

    Panida Navasumrit

  4. Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

    Stephania Cormier

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  1. Ajit Ghimire
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Ghimire, A., dela Cruz, A.L.N., Wong, R. et al. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in ambient air samples at the electronic waste (e-waste) reclamation site. Waste Dispos. Sustain. Energy 1, 79–89 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42768-019-00002-2

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