Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) generation is a global problem. Despite the growing awareness and deterring legislation, most of the WEEE is disposed improperly, i.e. landfilled or otherwise shipped overseas, and treated in sub-standard conditions. Informal recycling of WEEE has catastrophic effects on humans and the environment. WEEE contains considerable quantities of valuable metals such as base metals, precious metals and rare earth elements (REE). Metal recovery from WEEE is conventionally carried out by pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. In this PhD research, novel metal recovery technologies from WEEE are investigated. Using acidophilic and cyanide-generating bacteria, copper and gold were removed from crushed electronic waste with removal efficiencies of 98.4 and 44.0%, respectively. The leached metals in solution were recovered using sulfidic precipitation and electrowinning separation techniques. Finally, a techno-economic assessment of the technology was studied. This research addresses the knowledge gap on two metal extraction approaches, namely chemical and biological, from a secondary source of metals. The essential parameters of the selective metal recovery processes, scale-up potential, techno-economic and sustainability assessment have been studied.

Global E-waste Management Strategies and Future Implications provides in-depth information about the global E-waste problem and the potential opportunities. Part 1 of this book starts with the introduction to the E-waste, sources, critical composition, and associated challenges & opportunities. Part 2 of this book further elaborates detailed overview of the current trends in E-waste management and existing treatment options (hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, bioleaching and biohydrometallurgy) and its implications. The book also discloses the critical implications of the secondary pollutants on the environment and human health with special emphasis on the informal recycling practices in the developing nations. Part 3 deals with the existing regulations in developed and developing countries which are illustrated using case studies for effective understanding and to bridge the gaps between the developed and developing nations. Part 4 of this book includes scientific and technical information to get a better vision and understanding of the most advanced and innovative methods for E-waste management such as life cycle assessment (LCA), tax credit, extended producer responsibility (EPR), extended consumer responsibility (ECR) which is explained systematically with case studies. Part 5 of this book covers the best E-waste management practises, such as reduce, recycle, recover and reuse (4R) principles, circular resource management, value out of waste (VoW), solutions for smart cities, green product design etc., which is explained using the ideal case studies. Part 6 summarizes the transition towards sustainability. - Provides information on the most advanced and innovative methods for urban mining of E-waste - Includes most suitable methods for maximum resource recovery - Discusses project evaluation methods based on best available technologies and practices - Presents best ways to delineate a sustainable roadmap for efficient E-waste management - Proposes technically and economically feasible projects worldwide

Discover the latest technologies in the pursuit of zero-waste solutions in the electronics industry In Electronic Waste: Recycling and Reprocessing for a Sustainable Future, a team of expert sustainability researchers delivers a collection of resources that thoroughly examine methods for extracting value from electronic waste while aiming for a zero-waste scenario in industrial production. The book discusses the manufacturing and use of materials in electronic devices while presenting an overview of separation methods for industrial materials. Readers will also benefit from a global overview of various national and international regulations related to the topic of electronic and electrical waste. A must-read resource for scientists and engineers working in the production and development of electronic devices, the authors provide comprehensive overviews of the benefits of achieving a zero-waste solution in electronic and electrical waste, as well as the risks posed by incorrectly disposed of electronic waste. Readers will enjoy: An introduction to electronic waste, including the opportunities presented by zero-waste technologies and solutions Explorations of e-waste management and practices in developed and developing countries and e-waste transboundary movement regulations in a variety of jurisdictions Practical discussions of approaches for estimating e-waste generation and the materials used in electronic equipment and manufacturing perspectives In-depth treatments of various recycling technologies, including physical separation, pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and biohydrometallurgy Perfect for materials scientists, electronic engineers, and metal processing professionals, Electronic Waste: Recycling and Reprocessing for a Sustainable Future will also earn a place in the libraries of industrial chemists and professionals working in organizations that use large amounts of chemicals or produce electronic waste.

"This book provides a college-level overview of chemical processing of metals in water-based solutions, in the field that is known as hydrometallurgy"--

ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT Current knowledge on electronic waste management strategies, along with future challenges and solutions, supported by case studies Electronic Waste Management maps out numerous aspects of health and environmental impacts associated with electronic waste, thoroughly detailing what we can expect in terms of the use of electronic products and the management of electronic waste in the future. The book assists readers in grasping the fundamentals of the entire e-waste system by covering various factors related to the health and environmental impacts of electronic waste, as well as a perspective on the subject based on current global recycling strategies. Presented in a straightforward and scientific manner, the book also covers many electronic waste management process technologies. By inviting together, a diverse group of experts, including researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals who generously shared their knowledge and experiences in the field to tackling this global issue, Electronic Waste Management enables readers to foster a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding electronic waste and to explore innovative solutions that can help mitigate its adverse effects on the environment and health of human and animals. Sample topics covered in Electronic Waste Management include: Global electronic waste management strategies and different global waste models, including their social, ecological, and economical aspects Economic impacts of e-waste, including cleanup costs and global loss of valuable resources like metals and plastics Value creation from electronic waste (closing the loop) and future prospects in sustainable development Negative impacts of e-waste, including environmental pollution and human health risks, such as when harmful chemicals leach into water sources Electronic Waste Management serves as a highly valuable resource for anyone involved in the global e-waste arena, including producers, users, recyclers, policymakers, academics, researchers, and health workers, by increasing knowledge and awareness surrounding health and environmental impacts that electronic waste poses.

New discoveries of the properties of gold at a nanoscale, and its effective use in modern technologies, have been driving a virtual 'gold rush'. Depleting natural resources has meant that the recovery of gold continues to grow in importance and relevance.The Recovery of Gold from Secondary Sources analyses the most advanced technology in gold recovery and recycling from spent sources of mobile phones, unwanted electronic equipment and waste materials. State-of-the-art techniques of hydrometallurgical and bio-metallurgical processing, leaching, cementing, adsorbing and separation through bio-sorbents are all described in detail, providing a guide for students and researchers. Discussion of environmentally friendly methods of recovery are presented, in order to provide modern-day alternatives to previous techniques. For those interested in the study of gold recovery this book gives a comprehensive overview of current recovery, making it the ultimate source of information for students, researchers, chemists, metallurgists, environmental scientists and electronic waste recovery experts.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) generation is a global problem. Despite the growing awareness and deterring legislation, most of the WEEE is disposed improperly, i.e. landfilled or otherwise shipped overseas, and treated in sub-standard conditions. Informal recycling of WEEE has catastrophic effects on humans and the environment. WEEE contains considerable quantities of valuable metals such as base metals, precious metals and rare earth elements (REE). Metal recovery from WEEE is conventionally carried out by pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. In this PhD research, novel metal recovery technologies from WEEE are investigated. Using acidophilic and cyanide-generating bacteria, copper and gold were removed from crushed electronic waste with removal efficiencies of 98.4 and 44.0%, respectively. The leached metals in solution were recovered using sulfidic precipitation and electrowinning separation techniques. Finally, a techno-economic assessment of the technology was studied. This research addresses the knowledge gap on two metal extraction approaches, namely chemical and biological, from a secondary source of metals. The essential parameters of the selective metal recovery processes, scale-up potential, techno-economic and sustainability assessment have been studied.