@article{CRSIJ26000127,
                  author = {Innocent Naomi Evangeline , Ufomba Chukwudi John, Ejiogu Chibuzor Chris, Ikwulemenze Mazico Henry, Agagwuncha Uju Cynthia},
                  title = {Heavy Metal Contamination in Dust from Informal Electronic Waste Processing Facilities in Southeastern Nigeria: Implications for Occupational and Environmental Health},
                  journal = {Cosmo Research and Science International Journal},
                  year = {2025},
                  volume = {1},
                  number = {6},
                  pages = {35-45},
                  issn = {3108-1584},
                  url = {https://cosmorsij.com/published/CRSIJ26000127.pdf},
                  abstract = {Electronic waste (e-waste) has emerged as a critical environmental and public health challenge in developing countries, where informal recycling operations expose workers and communities to hazardous materials. This study assessed heavy metal contamination in dust samples from two informal e-waste processing facilities in southeastern Nigeria: Alaba Electronics Shop in Owerri, Imo State, and Shopping Centre in Aba, Abia State. Dust samples were collected from multiple locations within facilities and from control sites, digested using aqua regia, and analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and cobalt (Co) using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results revealed substantial contamination at both facilities. Lead concentrations in facility dust (median 1,180 mg/kg) exceeded control samples (42 mg/kg) by 28-fold and surpassed USEPA residential soil screening levels (400 mg/kg) by threefold. Cadmium (median 22.3 mg/kg) exceeded Canadian residential guidelines (10 mg/kg) by 2.2-fold. Copper showed extreme enrichment (median 3,980 mg/kg) compared to controls (68 mg/kg), with an enrichment factor of 58.5. Spatial analysis identified circuit board processing and outdoor burning areas as contamination hot spots. Comparison with informal e-waste sites in Asia and West Africa revealed similar contamination patterns, suggesting consistent health risks across geographically diverse locations. The findings indicate serious occupational exposure risks for workers and potential environmental health concerns for surrounding communities, particularly children vulnerable to lead neurotoxicity. Urgent interventions including worker protection measures, regulatory framework development, and transition toward formal recycling infrastructure are recommended to mitigate these risks while preserving livelihoods in Nigeria's growing informal e-waste sector.},
                  keywords = {Electronic waste, heavy metals, Informal recycling, Lead contamination, Occupational health, Nigeria, Environmental pollution},
                  month = {May}
        }