Extraction of Metals From E-Waste Seminar Report, 2016

Extraction Of Metals From E-Waste Seminar Report, 2016
1. INTRODUCTION
Since the 1980s, with the development of consumer oriented electrical and electronic
technologies, countless units of electronic equipment have been sold to consumers. The
useful life of these consumer electronic devices (CEDs) is relatively short, and decreasing as
a result of rapid changes in equipment features and capabilities. This creates a large waste
stream of electronic equipment. The rapid industrialization has raise the demand for heavy
metals, but the reserves of high-grade ores are diminishing. E-waste term refers to electrical
and electronic products which has multiple components some are toxic and hazardous that
can cause serious health and environmental issues if not handled properly.
Multiple components such as discarded computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, fax
machines, electric lamps, cell phones, audio equipment and batteries if improperly disposed
can leach lead and other substances into soil and groundwater. Many of these products can be
reused, refurnished, or recycled. E-waste contains precious materials such as gold, silver,
copper, glass and plastics and also contains harmful materials like arsenic, mercury,
cadmium and lead, which is affected to environment and human life.
Most of the industrial wastes contain various metals like Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, Mo, Co
which are quite toxic for human health if inhaled beyond the limited concentration.
Petrochemical or chemical refinery industries use different catalyst along upon certain base
and after repeated use the catalysts lose their purity and finally get discarded. These catalysts
contain various valuable metals like Ni, Mo, V, Co and their recycling is believed to be novel
one. Similarly, fly ash is another kind of waste that is commonly generated from coal-
operated plants in world wide. It contains different heavy metals which can be recycled.
Looking at our daily uses of electronic materials such as digital camera, television, computer,
the old brands usually get outdated due to demand of new brands in the market. To procure
the new asset, the old one becomes waste. However, such electronic components contain
metals like Cu, Co, Au, Ag, which are valuable metals and recycling is the best option for
such waste.
Department of Civil Engineering 1 KMPCE

2. E-WASTE
Electronic waste may be defined as discarded computers, office electronic equipment,
entertainment device electronics, mobile phones, television sets, and refrigerators. This
includes used electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling, or disposal.
E waste is classified as hazardous material therefore should be managed properly. However,
the presence of precious metals (PMs) in e-waste such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum
(Pt), Gallium (Ga), palladium (Pd), tantalum (Ta), tellurium (Te), germanium (Ge) and
selenium (Se) makes it attractive for recycling. It serves as the source of secondary raw
materials. The average 12% annual growth of e-waste is about three times that of municipal
waste streams. E-waste describes waste electronic goods, such as computers, televisions and
cell phones, while WEEE also includes traditionally non-electronic goods such as
refrigerators, ovens, etc. However, it is the rapid growth of computing that is driving E-waste
production. E-waste has been categorized into three main categories, i.e., Large Household
Appliances, IT and Telecom and Consumer Equipment. Refrigerator and washing machine
represent large household appliances; PC, monitor and laptop represent IT and Telecom,
while TV represents Consumer Equipment. Each of these e-waste items has been classified
with respect to 26 common components found in them. These components form the ‘building
blocks’ of each item and therefore they are readily ‘identifiable’ and ‘removable.’
The composition of WEEE/e-waste is very diverse and differs in products across different
categories. It contains more than 1000 different substances, which fall under ‘hazardous’ and
‘non-hazardous’ categories. Broadly, it consists of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics,
glass, wood and plywood, printed circuit boards, concrete and ceramics, rubber and other
items. Iron and steel constitutes about 50% of the WEEE followed by plastics (21%), non-
ferrous metals (13%) and other constituents. Non-ferrous metals consist of metals like
copper, aluminium and precious metals, e.g. silver, gold, platinum, palladium, etc. The
presence of elements like lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, selenium and hexavalent
chromium and flame retardants beyond threshold quantities in WEEE/e-waste classifies them
as hazardous waste.

Table 1: Substances in Electronic Components
VALUABLE HAZARDOUS
Gold Brominated Flame Retardants (BFR)
Silver Lead, Cadmium
Platinum Mercury
Aluminum Phthalate Plasticize
2.1 Composition of e waste:
Electronic waste contains a wide range of elements 52% of which constitutes of iron
and steel followed by 22% plastics, 14% non ferrous metals and 12% other constituents like
rubber, concrete and ceramics. E waste is classified as hazardous if the elements like lead,
mercury, arsenic, cadmium, selenium, and hexavalent chromium and flame retardants are
present beyond permissible quantities. Fig 2.1 shows the composition of E-Waste and Fig
2.2 shows the types of E-Waste.
non ferrous
plastic
metals
others
Fig 2.1: composition of E waste

Fig 2.2 Types of E-Wastes
2.2 Hazardous substance in e-waste
Electrical and electronic equipment contain different hazardous materials which are harmful
to human health and the environment if not disposed of carefully. While some naturally
occurring substances are harmless in nature, their use in the manufacture of electronic
equipment often results in compounds which are hazardous (e.g. chromium becomes
chromium VI). Table 2 gives a selection of the mostly found toxic substances in e-waste.

Table 2:Toxic Substances in E-Wastes
Substances Occurrence in E-Waste

Halogenated Compounds:
PCB (Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls) Condensers,Transformers
TBBA (Tetre Bromo-Bisphenol A) Fire Retardants for plastics (thermoplastic

components,cable insulation)
CFC (ChloroFluroCarbon ) Cooling unit, insulation form
PVC( Poly Vinyl Chloride) Cable insulation
Heavy Metals And Other Metals:

Arsenic Small quantities in the form of Gallium
,Arsenide within light emiting diodes
Barium Getters in CRT

Beryllium Power supply boxes which contain silicon
controlled rectifiers and X ray lenses.
Cadmium Rechargable NiCd batteries, flurescent layer
(CRT Screens), printer inks and toners,photo
copying machines(printer drums)
Chromium VI Data tapes, floppy disks
Lead CRT screens,batteries,printed wiring boards
Lithium Li batteries
Mercury Flurescent lamps that provide back lighting

in LCDs, in some alkaline batteries and
mercury wetted switches.
Nickel Rechargable NiCd batteries or NiMH

batteries, electron gun in CRT.
Rare Earth Elements (Yttrium,Europium) Fluorescent layer(CRT Screen)
Selenium Older photocopying machines (photodrums)

2.2.1 Arsenic
Arsenic is a poisonous metallic element which is present in dust and soluble substances.
Chronic exposure to arsenic can lead to various diseases of the skin and decrease nerve
conduction velocity. Chronic exposure to arsenic can also cause lung cancer and can often be
fatal.
2.2.2 Barium
Barium is a metallic element that is used in sparkplugs, fluorescent lamps and "getters" in
vacuum tubes. Being highly unstable in the pure form, it forms poisonous oxides when in
contact with air. Short-term exposure to barium could lead to brain swelling, muscle
weakness, damage to the heart, liver and spleen.
2.2.3 Beryllium
Beryllium has recently been classified as a human carcinogen because exposure to it can
cause lung cancer. The primary health concern is inhalation of beryllium dust, fume or mist.
Workers who are constantly exposed to beryllium, even in small amounts, and who become
sensitized to it can develop what is known as Chronic Beryllium Disease (beryllicosis), a
disease which primarily affects the lungs. Exposure to beryllium also causes a form of skin
disease that is characterised by poor wound healing and wart-like bumps.
2.2.4 Brominat-Frame-Retardants(BFRS)
The 3 main types of BFRS used in electronic and electrical appliances are Polybrominated
biphenyl (PBB), Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and Tetrabromobisphenol - A
(TBBPA). Flame retardants make materials, especially plastics and textiles, more flame
resistant.
2.2.5 Cadmium
Cadmium components may have serious impacts on the kidneys. Cadmium is adsorbed
through respiration but is also taken up with food. Due to the long half-life in the body,
cadmium can easily be accumulated in amounts that cause symptoms of poisoning. Cadmium
shows a danger of cumulative effects in the environment due to its acute and chronic toxicity.

2.2.6 CFCS (ChloroFluoroCarbons)

Chlorofluorocarbons are compounds composed of carbon, fluorine, chlorine, and sometimes
hydrogen. Used mainly in cooling units and insulation foam, they have been phased out
because when released into the atmosphere, they accumulate in the stratosphere and have a
deleterious effect on the ozone layer. This results in increased incidence of skin cancer in
humans and in genetic damage in many organisms.
2.2.7 Chromium
Chromium and its oxides are widely used because of their high conductivity and anti
corrosive properties. While some forms of chromium are non-toxic, Chromium (VI) is easily
absorbed in the human body and can produce various toxic effects within cells. Most
chromium (VI) compounds are irritating to eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Chronic
exposure to chromium (VI) compounds can cause permanent eye injury, unless properly
treated. Chromium VI may also cause DNA damage.
2.2.8 Dioxins
Dioxins and furans are a family of chemicals comprising 75 different types of dioxin
compounds and 135 related compounds known as furans. Dioxins• is taken to mean the
family of compounds comprising polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and (PCDFs).
2.2.9 Lead
Lead is the fifth most widely used metal after iron, aluminium, copper and zinc. It is
commonly used in the electrical and electronics industry in solder, lead-acid batteries,
electronic components, cable sheathing, in the glass of CRTs etc. It is particularly dangerous
for young children because it can damage nervous connections and cause blood and brain
disorders.
2.2.10 Mercury
Mercury is one of the most toxic yet widely used metals in the production of electrical and
electronic applications. It is a toxic heavy metal that bioaccumulates causing brain and liver
damage if ingested or inhaled. In electronics and electrical appliances, mercury is highly

concentrated in batteries, some switches and thermostats, and fluorescent lamps.
2.2.11 Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBS)

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of organic compounds use in a variety of
applications, including dielectric fluids for capacitors and transformers, heat transfer fluids
and as additives in adhesives and plastics. PCBs have been shown to cause cancer in
animals.
2.2.12 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the most widely-used plastic, used in everyday electronics and
appliances, household items, pipes, upholstery etc. PVC is hazardous because contains up to
56 percent chlorine which when burned produces large quantities of hydrogen chloride gas,
which combines with water to form hydrochloric acid and is dangerous because when
inhaled, leads to respiratory problems.
2.2.13 Selenium
Exposure to high concentrations of selenium compounds cause selenosis. The major signs of
selenosis are hair loss, nail brittleness, and neurological abnormalities (such as numbness and
other odd sensations in the extremities).
2.3 Disadvantages of electronic waste
1. E waste means end of life electronic products like computers, printers, tvs, cellphones etc.
It is a complex global problem. Electronic product contain hazardous materials which
includes poisonous chemicals. For example lead, mercury. Lead is used in CRTs of computer
and television monitors. It causes damages to the nervous system. Mercury is used in flat
panel display screens which contains neurotoxin. The harmful metal is absorbed by the
human body through contaminated drinking water. The e-waste can affects the environment
as well as the people also.
2. The main producer of e-waste was US and they send it to some countries for recycling.
Recycling means burning wires to recover metals, melting circuits and also acid stripping.
Even the recycling process produce so many problems to the environment. The recycling
process can be done by men, women and also little children which are not having any
protection for health.
3. The information is very less to know about the e-waste. Long term effect on the
environment is still unknown so increasing the education about the e-waste is needed.
2.4 Advantages of electronic waste
E-waste contains many valuable, recoverable materials such as aluminum, copper, gold,
silver, plastics, and ferrous metals. In order to conserve natural resources and the energy
needed to produce new electronic equipment from virgin resources, electronic equipment can
be refurbished, reused, and recycled instead of being landfilled.
Benefits and advantages:
1. Conserves natural resources. Recycling recovers valuable materials from old electronics
that can be used to make new products. As a result, we save energy, reduce pollution, reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, and save resources by extracting fewer raw materials from the
earth.
2. Protects your surroundings. Safe recycling of outdated electronics promotes sound
management of toxic chemicals such as lead and mercury.
3. Helps others. Donating your used electronics benefits your community by passing on
ready-to-use or refurbished equipment to those who need it.
4. Create Jobs. Recycling creates jobs for professional recyclers and refurnishes and creates
new markets for the valuable components that are dismantled.
5. Saves landfill space. E-waste is a growing waste stream. By recycling these items, landfill
space is conserved.
3. MANAGEMENT OF E - WASTE
Generally, in waste management, waste materials are collected, transported, disposed or

possibly processed and recycled with the view to reducing their negative impacts on health,

the environment or aesthetics. It is also carried out in order to recover resources from it.
Some of the methods used in managing e-waste include the following
3.1Thermal Treatment
3.1.1 Incineration
Incineration is the process of destroying waste through burning. Because of the variety of
substances found in e-waste, incineration is associated with a major risk of generating and
dispersing contaminants and toxic substances. The gases released during the burning and the
residue ash is often toxic. This is especially true for incineration or co-incineration of e-waste
with neither prior treatment nor sophisticated flue gas purification. Studies of municipal solid
waste incineration plants have shown that copper, which is present in printed circuit boards
and cables, acts a catalyst for dioxin formation when flame-retardants are incinerated. These
brominated flame retardants when exposed to low temperature (600-800°C) can lead to the
generation of extremely toxic polybrominated dioxins (PBDDs) and furans (PBDFs). PVC,
which can be found in e-waste in significant amounts, is highly corrosive when burnt and
also induces the formation of dioxins. Incineration also includes pyrolysis; substances
generated during incineration are likely to be more toxic than its ordinary form, pyrolysis
heating the substance in the absence of oxygen, here the burning does not occur but the
substances are converted to fumes, oils and charcoal.
Fig 3: Incineration Process

3.1.2Open Burning
Since open fires burn at relatively low temperatures, they release many more pollutants than
in a controlled incineration process at an MSWI-plant. Inhalation of open fire emissions can
trigger asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and cause other problems such as coughing,
wheezing, chest pain, and eye irritation. Chronic exposure to open fire emissions may lead to
diseases such as emphysema and cancer. For example, burning PVC releases hydrogen
chloride, which on inhalation mixes with water in the lungs to form hydrochloric acid. This
can lead to corrosion of the lung tissues, and several respiratory complications. The residual
particulate matter in the form of ash is prone to fly around in the vicinity and can also be
dangerous when inhaled.
Fig 5: Open Burning Process
3.2LandFilling
Landfilling is one of the most widely used methods of waste disposal. However, it is
common knowledge that all landfills leak. The leachate often contains heavy metals and
other toxic substances which can contaminate ground and water resources. Older landfill

sites and uncontrolled dumps pose a much greater danger of releasing hazardous emissions.
Mercury, Cadmium and Lead are among the most toxic leachates. Mercury, for example, will
leach when certain electronic devices such as circuit breakers are destroyed. Lead has been
found to leach from broken lead-containing glass, such as the cone glass of cathode ray tubes
from TVs and monitors. Significant impacts from landfilling could be avoided by
conditioning hazardous materials from e-waste separately and by landfilling only those
fractions for which there are no further recycling possibilities and ensure that they are in
state-of-the-art landfills that respect environmentally sound technical standards.
Fig 6: Land Filling process of E-Waste
3.3Acid Bath
Acid bath involves soaking of the electronic circuits in the powerful sulphuric, hydrochloric
or nitric acid solutions that free the metals from the electronic pathways. The recovered metal
is used in the manufacturing of other products while the hazardous acid waste finds its ways
in the local water sources.

Fig 7: Dissolved copper in the acid bath turned the solution green
3.4 Scrapping
There are individuals (both in developed and developing countries) called scrappers who like
to recycle e-waste themselves and earn some money with this. This 'scrapping' is not without
risk as many electronic devices contain toxic materials like brominated flame retardants,
lead, mercury, cadmium or chromium. Also, some of the recycling processes require other
toxic chemicals (e.g. acid treatments) for proper extraction.
3.5 Avoidance and Reduction Methods
Waste reduction or prevention involves the prevention of e-waste from being created. This
method is good in waste management because it is only when waste is generated that it has
associated waste management costs. In addition, it helps in resources conservation
3.6 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPC)
Usually producers push the responsibility for the end-of-life product management to the
general public. However, this method places it appropriately on the shoulders of the
producers and all entities involved in the product chain. With this in mind, product designers
are challenged to ensure that at every stage of products lifecycle, there is minimization of
impact on human health and the environment.

3.7 Legislation
The issue of e-waste has sparked off a number of initiatives around the world with the aim of
promoting the reuse of electronic devices and mandating manufacturers to use safer
substances in their products. For instance, in some states in the USA developed policies
banning cathode ray tubes from landfills due to the fear that the heavy metals contained in
them would contaminate ground water. Also in Europe, legislation has been drafted to deal
with the problem
3.8 Export to Developing Countries
Some developed countries have adopted a method of exporting e-waste to developing

countries like China, India and Nigeria under the guise of sale or donation of second hand
electronic. These countries have gradually become their e-waste dump sites extensions. The
exporting countries carry out their illegal business because they see it as less expensive than
normal disposal.
fand the valuable components are recovered and are used for manufacturing new products.
4.1 Reasons For Recycling E-Waste
The driving forces behind recycling e-waste are economic, environmental, public health and
data security. Recycling of electronic waste is an important subject not only from the point of
waste treatment but also from the recovery aspect of valuable materials. The US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified major benefits, such as saving in
energy and reduction in pollutions when scrap iron and steel are used instead of virgin
materials.
E-waste generally consists of plastic or metal casings, electronic circuit boards (chips),
batteries and wiring. E-waste recycling can be profitable as many devices contain precious
metals like platinum, gold, silver, copper, tin, aluminium, but also rare earth metals.
4.2 E- Waste Recycling Process

The factors that affect the selection of the recycling process are type and complexity of
material, metal content and volume. There are several methods and technologies that are

4.2.1 Collection
This is the first and crucial step in the recycling process because if no wastes are collected, it
will be impossible to establish a recycling chain. Furthermore, collection mechanism of e-
waste is very important because it is the determinant of the quantity of waste that is available
for recovery through recycling and the amount that is lost in the process of storage. Several
collection programmes exist; however their efficiencies are functions of place and recycling
technologies in use. In the developed countries, for instance, there are municipal collection
points where consumers are obliged to hand in electronic wastes. On the other hand, in the
developing countries there is an informal method where collectors go house-to-house and pay
money to consumers in order to be allowed to pick e-waste. Furthermore, the materials are
classified, evaluated and separated according to metal content and recoverability.
4.2.2 Dismantling
involved. However, to extract valuables from e-waste, it has to go through a basic process:
collection, dismantling, pre-processing, and end processing and final metal recovery. This is
illustrated in Fig 8.
Fig 8: Basic E- Waste recycling process
The figure shows that e-waste for recycling can come from various sources such as dump
sites, scrap metal shops and municipal and industrial wastes.
The next step is the removal of some functioning or valuable components such as copper
cables, memories, drives, batteries, capacitors and so on for re-use. The non-functioning

components are dismantled and sorted according to their main functions while the hazardous
substances are removed and are either stored or treated safely. This step is sometimes called
enrichment because critical materials are removed to avoid dilution or contamination with
toxic substances. Two methods are employed here; one is mechanical shredding and sorting,
while the other is manual dismantling and sorting. Simple tools are used in the second
method and thus they can be carried out by unskilled workers. This method is preferable in
the developing countries with lower wages.
4.2.3Pre-processing
Pre-processing of e-waste is one of the most important steps in the recycling chain. A basic
flow sheet diagram of pre-processing is shown in Figure 4.4. The expired equipments are
manually dismantled at collection facilities and individual components are tested and isolated
from e-waste. During the early stage, housing, wiring boards and drives, and other
components are liberated. Mechanical processing is an integrated part of this stage where e-
waste scrap is shredded into pieces using hammer mills. Metals and non-metals are separated
during this stage using techniques similar to that used in the mineral dressing, e.g., screening,
magnetic, eddy current and density separation techniques

Fig 9: The pre-processing of e-waste to separate metal and non-metal fractions
4.2.4 End processing
The final stage in the recycling chain of e-waste is the end processing, where the non-metal
and metal fractions of e-waste are further processed. The metallic fraction of e-waste can be
further processed to separate or extract minor metals/elements using various leaching
process.
5. LEACHING
Leaching is the process of extracting substances from a solid by dissolving them in a liquid,
either in nature or through an industrial process.

5.1 Chemical Leaching:

Chemical leaching involves leaching either by using acid or ligand supported
complexation. Chemical leaching techniques for precious metals using cyanide, halide,
thiourea, and thiosulfate leaching are explained as follows.
Fig 10: Types of Hydrometallurgical Techniques

5.1.1Cyanide leaching
4Au+8CN→ 4Au(CN)2+ 4e-
O2 + 2H2O+4e-→4OH
5.1.2Halide leaching
2HNO3 +6HCL→2NO +4H2O+3Cl2
2Au +11HCl+3HNO3→2HAuCl4 +3NOCl + 6H2O
5.1.3Thiourea leaching
Au +2CS(NH2)2→ Au(CS(NH2)2)2+ + e-
5.1.4Thiosulphate Leaching
Au(S2O3)23- + 4NH3 + Cu(S2O3)35-
2Cu(S2O3)35- +8 NH3 +1/2 O2 + H2O → 2Cu(NH3)42+ +2OH +6S2O32-
Chemical leaching can also be performed by involving complexometry, where ligands get
complexed with metals. Various chelating agents are used for this purpose as given in Table
4. EDTA is a strong chelating agent, which can be used for the removal of metals either from
their ores or from E waste. EDTA is also used for the recovery of Cr, Cu and Zn. Some
biodegradable ligands like DTPA (diethylene triamine pentaacetate), NTA (nitrilotriacetic
acid) along with oxalate, citrate and tartrate have also been used as chelating agents for the
extraction of metals like Cr, Cu, Zn and Pb. Chemical leaching of metals from the E-waste
can also be done by utilizing various inorganic-acids like; sulfuric acid (H2SO4),
hydrochloric acid, aquaregia and solution of H2SO4 and HNO3. Sodium hypochlorite (along
with acid or alkali) can also be used for the recovery of precious metals like gold.
Hydrometallurgical etching is a kind of chemical leaching that incorporates the use of
chemicals for metal extraction.

5.1.5 Advantages and disadvantages of chemical leaching

1. Chemical leaching is much rapid and efficient.
2. It has its own environmental consequences.
5.2 Biological-Leaching Of E-Waste
Over the past decades, industrial biotechnology has become one of the fastest growing areas
within biotechnology science. Enzymes, microorganisms, animal or plant cells are now
widely used in manufacturing and processing chemicals, materials or energy.
Microbiological processes are successfully used in mining and biohydrometallurgical
recovery of metals from low percentage ores. Bioleaching of E waste or waste materials
allow the cycling of material by a process close to natural biogeochemical cycles reducing
the demand for resources such as ores, energy, or landfill space. Bioleaching is a cost
effective and represent a “clean technology” process with a low energy level compared with
conventional thermal treatment techniques. Bioleaching mechanism is shown in figure 12.
Fig 12: Bioleaching mechanism.

Bioleaching is a cost effective method in comparison to chemical leaching. Mainly

acidophilic group of bacteria plays an important role in bioleaching of heavy metals from the
wastes for instance like Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans,
Leptospirillum ferrooxidans, and Sulfolobus sp. Microorganisms are active in the formation
and decomposition of various inorganic as well as organic matter on earth’s crust.
Bioleaching is based on the natural ability of microbes to transform solid metallic
compounds to its soluble and extractable form. Autotrophic bacteria (e.g. Thiobacilli sp.),
heterotrophic bacteria (e.g. Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp.) and heterotrophic fungi (e.g.
Aspergillus sp., Penicillium spp.) are the three major groups of microbes involved in
bioleaching of metals. Chemolithotrophs of iron- and sulfur-oxidizing nature (which grow
autotrophically by fixing CO2 from the atmosphere are the most important mineral-
decomposing microbes.
Fig 13 Microbe-Metal interaction mechanism
The way microbes interact with metals depends on whether the organisms are prokaryotic or
eukaryotic. Figure 13 depicts a schematic feature regarding mechanism of microbe and metal

interaction in environment. Microbes have the ability to bind metal ions present in the
external environment at the cell surface or to transport them into the cell for various
intracellular functions. The removal of metals from various aqueous streams by biosorption
and bioaccumulation has received significant attention. These processes involve a typical
ion-exchange process where the metal ion is exchanged for a counter-ion attached to
biomass. Bioleaching is a similar process where microbes dissolve the metals present in the
solid matrix of waste into soluble form. This process in general occurs in acidic medium
where the metal ions can easily be mobilized in aqueous system. Most of the acidophilic
microorganisms play key role for bioleaching process and previously these have been used in
mineral dissolution from ores and concentrates for which these microbes are otherwise
termed as biomining microbes. The fact that microbiological leaching is relatively
inexpensive for which many environmental technologists rely on application of
microorganisms for the industrial waste treatment. The second advantage is that the process
is quite flexible and microbes can easily adapt the variations of conditions and metabolize or
co-metabolize the substrates present in the concerned medium. The last and important aspect
is that such process can be perceived as green technology. Therefore, there is continuous
growing interest to adopt microbiological process over conventional technologies for the
treatment of industrial wastes in order to recover valuable metals.
5.2.1 Advantages And Disadvantages Of Biological Leaching
Biological leaching is comparatively a cost effective technique but at the same moment it is
time consuming and the complete recovery of the metal, alone by biological leaching is not
possible in most of the cases.
6. CASE STUDY – MUMBAI
Now Mumbai has become a junk yard of much of the electronic discards. After collecting the
metals from e-wastes they simply burn the rest, the hazardous smoke spreads and causing
variety of respiratory and skin diseases, they also wash vegetables here which also lead to
stomach problems.

Fig 14: A stream polluted by e- waste in Guiyu, China (Basel Action, 2013).
This case study explains about the recovery of copper from printed circuit boards through
electrolytic process. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) collected from local sources were used
for recovering copper by electrolytic process, using a laboratory reactor setup of working
volume 15 liters and nitric acid for dissolution. Copper plate was used as the cathode and
graphite rod as the anode for the deposition process. Five durations were adopted both for the
dissolution and deposition processes and they are 1,2,3,4 and 5 hours.
The experimental methodology has been carried out in three stages. The selection and
preparation of source material (PCBs) as a first stage, followed by dissolution of metal
present in PCBs into the prepared solution as a second stage and finally recovery of the
dissolved metals from the solution by electrolytic process, at the third stage. Capacitors, ICs,
joints, mountings, etc. were removed from the PCBs and sorted manually. The PCBs were
then cut into pieces as small as possible, and the cut pieces were weighed. The weighed
PCBs were then placed in the reactor. It was ensured that the cut pieces are in maximum
contact with the graphite anode to enhance the dissolution of the metal in the PCBs by
improving the conductivity. The anode set was connected to the positive terminal of the
rectifier and stainless steel mesh was connected to the negative terminal of the rectifier
(current 1 A and voltage 0- 12V). Maximum possible current was set to carry out the
experiment and the voltage was maintained such that to achieve maximum current and hence
rate of dissolution. In the process, 5 liters of distilled water was taken in a container, then 500
ml concentrated nitric acid was added first and after that 300 gm sodium nitrate (NaNO3)
was added. (Nitric acid was added as it can dissolve metals like lead, tin and copper, but it

does not dissolve gold). Nitric acid is steadily consumed during the dissolution and hence it
has to be added periodically. Sodium nitrate was added in the bath as it helps to maintain the
electrical conductivity of the bath and hence the release of nitrate ions.
Weight of the dried sample of PCBs was noted after 5 hours of dissolution process and it was
found that 132 gm was dissolved in nitric acid bath. Weight of PCBs dissolved goes on
gently increasing. However, the weight of copper deposited in the cathode plate almost
increases linearly with time, barring the initial stage. Also power consumption during the
dissolution and recovery processes with time, almost exhibit the same trend. For the recovery
of copper from E-waste (PCBs), the maximum duration for the dissolution process was found
to be 5 hours for the dissolution of 132 gm of PCBs compounds and the maximum duration
of electrolysis for deposition of copper was 120 minutes for 14.861 gm. The maximum
power consumption was 0.0214 kWh for 14.861 gm of copper recovered. Maximum copper
(Cu) recovered is 12% and it was achieved in 120 minutes using 5 L of dissolved solution.
The performance of the process seems to depend on the choice of the electrolyte, the initial
state of PCBs, duration and power consumed duration the dissolution and deposition stages

7. CONCLUSIONS
The present study shows that e-waste are going to become a great challenge for
environmentalists and technologists as the rate of growth is much higher than the rate at
which it is disposed, recycled or reused. Today there is an urgent need for improvement in all
the aspect of e-waste management, rules and policies for the workers who are working in e-
waste disposal. Last but not the least education regarding this activity to the environment as
well as public health should be explained properly. In future, to improve the yield of metal
through bioleaching of solid waste, new strains have to be identified that should be capable
of sustaining higher metal concentration. For this purpose, strains of genetically modified or
selected by mutation can be considered. This can reduce the residence time and
simultaneously enhance the economy of the process. In most of the bioleaching of industrial
solid waste, the detail bacterial physiological role has not been established yet. Industrial
waste containing different elements and how bacteria interact with individual elements need
further research.
Much emphasis should be given to collection point that should be located in the society. The
transportation and processing of waste needs optimization. All the methods should be
evaluated from techno economical point and their feasibility should be accessed. A single
method will not be capable of treating the pollution load but the combination of the methods
in step is required to recycle, recover and reduction of pollution

9. FUTURE SCOPE
With increasing in the computers and related peripherals, the amount of e-waste is being
generating in India is huge with the millions of tons every year. For the better future we have
to ban over the importing e-waste and also we have to provide the stop the working methods
those are using in these industries. Recycling raw materials from their useful end-of-life
electronics is the most effective solution for the growing e-waste problem. Most electronic
devices contain a variety of materials, including metals that can be recovered for future uses..
Additionally the environment which is filling up with pollutions, the recycling can reduces
the emission of green gas.

REFERENCES
[1] Ruchi Chauhan,Kanjan Upadhyay(2015): ‘Removal Of Heavy Metal From E-Waste’,

International Journal Of Chemical Studies, Vol 3, No 3, August 2015, pp15-21.
[2] Deepthi Mittal, Navnish Goel, Renu Rani (2012): ‘E-Waste : A Hidden Threat To
Global Environment And Health’, International Journal Of Computer Science And
Information Technology, Vol 2, No3,2012, pp271-275
[3] Sivakumaran Sivaramanan (2013), ‘E-Waste Management , Disposal And its impact
on the Environment’, Universal Journal Of Environmental Research And
Technology, Vol 3, Issue,pp 531-537.
[4] Saidan M, Brown B and Valix M (2012): ‘Leaching of Electronic Waste Using
Biometabolised Acids’, Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering,
Vol.120,No.3,March 2012, pp. 530-534.
[5] Cui Jirang and Zhang Lifeng(2008): ‘Metallurgical recovery of metals from
electronic waste: A review’, Journal of Hazardous Materials,Vol.158,No.4,May
2008,pp. 228–256.
[6] Pant Deepak, Joshi Deepika, K. Upreti Manoj , K. Kotnala Ravindra ,(2012):
‘Chemical and biological extraction of metals present in E waste’, Journal of waste
management’, Vol.100,No,32, June 2012, pp. 979–990.
[7] Brandl H, Bosshard R. and Wegmann M ( 2001): ‘Computer-munching microbes:
metal leaching from electronic scrap by bacteria and fungi’, Journal of
Hydrometallurgy,Vol. 59,No.5,March 2001,pp.319–326.
[8] H.Robinson Brett(2009): ‘E-waste: An assessment of global production and
environmental impacts ’,Journal of Science of the Total Environment, Vol.
408,No.4,Octobrer 2009,pp.183–191.

Extraction of Metals From E-Waste Seminar Report, 2016

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Extraction Of Metals From E-Waste Seminar Report, 2016

Department of Civil Engineering 1 KMPCE

Department of Civil Engineering 2 KMPCE

Table 1: Substances in Electronic Components

Gold Brominated Flame Retardants (BFR)

Silver Lead, Cadmium

Aluminum Phthalate Plasticize

2.1 Composition of e waste:

Fig 2.1: composition of E waste

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Fig 2.2 Types of E-Wastes

2.2 Hazardous substance in e-waste

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Table 2:Toxic Substances in E-Wastes

Substances Occurrence in E-Waste

TBBA (Tetre Bromo-Bisphenol A) Fire Retardants for plastics (thermoplastic

Heavy Metals And Other Metals:

Barium Getters in CRT

Chromium VI Data tapes, floppy disks

Lead CRT screens,batteries,printed wiring boards

Mercury Flurescent lamps that provide back lighting

Nickel Rechargable NiCd batteries or NiMH

Rare Earth Elements (Yttrium,Europium) Fluorescent layer(CRT Screen)

Selenium Older photocopying machines (photodrums)

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2.2.6 CFCS (ChloroFluoroCarbons)

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concentrated in batteries, some switches and thermostats, and fluorescent lamps.

2.2.11 Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBS)

2.2.12 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

2.3 Disadvantages of electronic waste

2.4 Advantages of electronic waste

Generally, in waste management, waste materials are collected, transported, disposed or

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Fig 3: Incineration Process

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Fig 5: Open Burning Process

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Fig 6: Land Filling process of E-Waste

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3.5 Avoidance and Reduction Methods

3.6 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPC)

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3.8 Export to Developing Countries

Some developed countries have adopted a method of exporting e-waste to developing

4.1 Reasons For Recycling E-Waste

4.2 E- Waste Recycling Process

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Fig 8: Basic E- Waste recycling process

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Department of Civil Engineering 16 KMPCE

Fig 9: The pre-processing of e-waste to separate metal and non-metal fractions

4.2.4 End processing

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5.1 Chemical Leaching:

Fig 10: Types of Hydrometallurgical Techniques

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4Au+8CN→ 4Au(CN)2+ 4e-

2HNO3 +6HCL→2NO +4H2O+3Cl2

2Au +11HCl+3HNO3→2HAuCl4 +3NOCl + 6H2O

Au(S2O3)23- + 4NH3 + Cu(S2O3)35-