Substance flow analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in plastic from EEE/WEEE in Nigeria in the frame of Stockholm Convention as a basis for policy advice

Abstract

This study investigated the material/substance flow of polybrominated diphenyl ethers listed in the Stockholm Convention (SC) as persistent organic pollutant (POP-PBDEs) in the most relevant plastic fractions in Nigeria. Considering the prohibition of production and the use of POP-PBDEs and knowing that these pollutants are still contained in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and associated wastes (WEEE), it is necessary to determine their flows, especially in developing countries with limited end-of-life management. Following the inventory approach of the SC Guidance and utilizing the existing national e-waste inventory together with monitoring data, a material/substance flow analysis was conducted using the STAN tool. Within the period of 2000 to 2010, the total import for EEE/WEEE in Category 3 and 4 was approximately 8 million tonnes (Mt) containing approximately 2.4 Mt of polymers. For the inventory year 2010, it was estimated that from these polymers, about 0.8 Mt was still in stock and 1.6 Mt has reached the end-of-life. It was also estimated that approximately 1.1 Mt has ended in dumpsites, 0.3 Mt was burned in the open, and 0.2 Mt was recycled. In the plastic fractions, 1,270 t of POP-PBDEs was contained with about 370 t still in use/stock and approximately 900 t has entered the end-of-life phase. All three major end-of-life treatments result in environmental pollution with associated exposure risk. The implementation of the Stockholm Convention represents an important opportunity to improve this management situation in Nigeria and other developing countries.

Environmental Characteristics of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Marine System, with Emphasis on Marine Organisms and Sediments

“…In addition, Deca-BDE has also been proposed for listing under the convention [15]. Despite the ending of the production and use, large quantities of articles containing PBDEs are still in use as well as in the recycling and end-of-life flows [90]. Therefore, some trend study, such as taking sediment core as information carrier or using material flows approach, should be done to understand or predict the existing and potential risk.…”

Current Levels and Management of Solid Wastes in Nigeria

“…Generally, in African countries, open dumping, landfilling in dug holes, and thermal treatment (open burning) are the most common solid waste management options (Babayemi & Dauda, ; Babayemi, Sindiku, Osibanjo, & Weber, ; Minh et al., ). Open dumping is usually a disposal option for domestic wastes, market wastes, and wastes from business centers and motor parks.…”

Towards an Assessment Methodology to Support Decision Making for Sustainable Electronic Waste Management Systems: Automatic Sorting Technology

“…Substance flow analysis (SFA), e.g., [27], life cycle assessment (LCA) [28] and environmental risk assessment (ERA), e.g., [15] Social sustainability…”