One of the main causes of environmental damage in the world today is improper disposal of electronic garbage, or “e-waste.” A significant portion of discarded electronics wind up in landfills, open dumps, or burned in unofficial recycling activities due to the rapid obsolescence of technological gadgets. These actions hasten the depletion of natural resources and discharge dangerous chemicals into the environment. Due to their short lifespan, computers and cell phones are disproportionately common among the discarded electronic appliances that make up e-waste. The Global E-waste Monitor 2024 estimates that 62 million tons (62 billion kg) were produced worldwide. More than fifty elements from the periodic table can be found in e-waste. Heavy metals (such as cadmium, mercury, copper, nickel, lead, barium, hexavalent chromium, and beryllium), phosphor, plastics, brominate flame retardants, and battery chemicals are among the deadly ingredients. The majority of e-waste is dumped in landfills. It is costly to deploy efficient reprocessing technology that can recover valuable materials with little impact on the environment. Extreme localized contamination is the initial effect of such reprocessing, and then the contaminants migrate into receiving waters and food chains. Thus, the purpose of this study investigated on environmental degradation caused by the improper disposal of electronic waste in Chennai’s Perungudi dump yard. The project analyzed environmental and health impacts, and provided suitable management strategies. The project is based on both survey analysis and secondary data.

The leachate from Perungudi site was collected in a dried bottle and the physio and chemical properties of leachate tested in the laboratory. Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) and Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICPMS) were used to test the leachate. The total suspended solids exceeded the allowable limit by 25 mg/L. It results in long-term chronic disorders, cholera, nausea, and neurological problems. The total dissolved solids exceeded the allowable limit. It is the main contaminant in drinkable water. Kidney stones, dehydration, and gastrointestinal problems could result from it. The COD and BOD values are more in line with allowable levels. It irritates the skin and eyes, causes respiratory discomfort, increases the risk of infection, and spreads waterborne illnesses. The overall hardness is also significantly higher than the allowable limit. It results in kidney stones and gastrointestinal distress. The mean value of samples collected and contrasted with the allowed limit. The levels of hardness, cadmium, chromium, and copper are higher than the typical drinking water permitted limit. Consuming drinking water on a regular basis increases a person’s risk of developing cancer, ulcers, vomiting, and allergic reactions in both their internal and external bodies. Therefore, untreated water cannot be used for drinking. Major air pollutants include particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (o3) were found. Air Quality Index value (AQI) generally vary between 50 to 100 and it denotes yellow colour which means moderate living condition. Sometimes AQI Poor levels, primarily driven by PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants in Perungudi area.  As a result, people living close to the Perungudi Dump Yard are impacted by the E Waste, which makes it difficult for them to lead normal lives and may also have an impact on future generations. The only way to assist the residents of the adjoining Perungudi trash yard is through proper disposal. Additionally, it can promote Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle.

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