OBSERVING OF POLYBROMINATED DIPHENYL ETHERS (PBDES) IN SOME SOIL/SEDIMENT SAMPLES RESULTED FROM the ELECTRNOIC WASTE (CASE STUDY: KUWAIT COUNTRY)

Abstract

Electronic waste is Kuwait's fastest-growing waste stream and one of the largest per capita producers among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Due to the increased obsolescence of technologies and the quickening pace of technological advancement, this waste stream is anticipated to grow 5 to 7% annually. Furthermore, Kuwait uses the same landfills to dispose of both traditional and electronic trash. Serious questions are raised about the potential effects on locals' and the environment's wellbeing. Based on the present state of knowledge, strategies and laws can then be suggested for Kuwait to lessen human exposure to e-waste. The present study explored the level of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in four different locations in Kuwait. Al Shaqaya -Amghara-Shuab -Kisr from October 2021 till October 2022.Total BDEs ranged from 88738.2 to 124310.3 pg/g (110259.6 ± 13747.6 pg/g). Both the mean values of Σ10BDEs and BDE-209 showed a trend of Shuaiba > Amghara > Al Shaqaya > KISR.The risks that PBDEs in the soil and air bring to the local population in those areas were also assessed. The case study made obvious the long-term cancer risks that the prevalent BDE-209 posed to the local population.