Which components of electronic waste generates how much amount of energy?5 answersThe components of electronic waste that generate energy can vary based on the type of waste being processed. Waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) and plastic casings from electronic devices have been studied for their energy generation potential. PCBs have an apparent activation energy for pyrolysis ranging from 167.6 to 188.4 kJ/mol, while plastic casings emit carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) with emission factors of 55.9-1182 g/kg and 133.6-2827 g/kg, respectively. Additionally, electronic plastic waste, which contains flame retardant chemicals, has an average calorific value of 30,872.42 kJ/kg, indicating its potential for energy recovery. These findings highlight the energy generation capabilities of different components of electronic waste, emphasizing the importance of exploring recycling and energy recovery options in electronic waste management.
How much energy can be generated from electronic waste?5 answersElectronic waste can be a valuable source of energy. Research indicates that the average heat value for electronic waste is approximately 30,872.42 kJ/kg or 7,375 kcal/kg, showcasing its potential as a source of energy. Various technologies and methods, such as incineration, gasification, plasma arc gasification, pyrolysis, and anaerobic digestion, can be employed to produce energy from waste, with efficiencies ranging from 20-40%. Additionally, utilizing recycled aluminum foil as an energy-harvester unit can lead to the generation of around 5.34 μW of power from waste electromagnetic energy, demonstrating the feasibility of harvesting energy from waste resources like electronic waste. Overall, electronic waste holds promise as a significant energy source through proper recycling and energy harvesting techniques.
How much gold is in electronic waste?4 answersElectronic waste, or e-waste, contains significant amounts of gold. The concentration of gold in e-waste is approximately 10-10,000 grams per ton, which is 10 times more than the concentration of gold in gold ores. The estimation is that about 320 tons of gold, which is 8% of the total gold supply in the world, are being used in the electronics manufacturing industry. In addition, a tonne of printed-circuit boards (PCBs) with the components still attached contains a little higher quantity of gold than high-grade ore from a precious-metals mine. The extraction of gold from high-grade e-waste has been achieved with gold dissolution yields ranging from 49% to 94%. Furthermore, moss species such as Physcomitrella patens have been found to selectively bind gold with high efficiency, making them a potential bio-based method for gold recovery from e-waste.
What is the definition of electronic waste?5 answersElectronic waste (e-waste) refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices or equipment that have reached the end of their useful life. It includes domestic and commercial electronic appliances as a whole or their components. The definition of e-waste varies globally, but according to the EU WEEE Directive, it encompasses all unwanted electrical or electronic equipment, including components, subassemblies, and consumables, that are part of the discarded product. E-waste contains various materials, including organics, ceramics, and inorganics such as base metals, noble metals, heavy metals, and rare earth metals. E-waste poses health and environmental concerns due to the presence of toxic substances like lead, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. Proper management of e-waste is necessary to mitigate these risks and involves options such as refurbishment, reuse, recycling, or disposal. The use of e-waste in construction materials, such as bitumen, is being explored as a sustainable waste management solution. E-waste contains hazardous metals and compounds that can cause damage to various systems in the body.
Which developed countries contribute the most to e-waste generation?5 answersStep 1: Answer without citation
Developed countries such as China, the United States, and India are the major contributors to e-waste generation, with China being the largest producer globally. These countries have high rates of electronic equipment consumption, leading to a significant increase in e-waste volume.
Step 2: Finding Citations
China is the largest contributor to the global production of e-waste (~19%), the second being the United States. Indeed, only 14 countries generated over 65% of global e-waste production in 2019.Step 3: Answer with citation
Developed countries such as China, the United States, and India are the major contributors to e-waste generation, with China being the largest producer globally. These countries have high rates of electronic equipment consumption, leading to a significant increase in e-waste volume.
What are the factors that affect the volume of waste generated?3 answersThe volume of waste generated is influenced by several factors. These include programmed obsolescence, subjective obsolescence, and the emergence of consumer credit. In the case of expander-based breast reconstruction, factors such as age, body weight, body mass index, specimen weight, diabetes history, expander type, and surgical instrument used can affect the drainage volume. Municipal solid waste (MSW) generation is influenced by waste charging policies, socio-economic variables, population, urbanization, and gas penetration rate. In the endoscopy clinic, emergency add-on cases consume more time and resources compared to elective procedures. The management of solid waste is affected by the existence of negative externalities in individual decision-making and the financing of waste collection services.