Assessment of halogenated flame retardants in leachates and sediments of e-waste sites in Pakistan and associated ecological risks

The unsustainable management of e-waste at recycling and waste disposal sites has become a growing environmental concern, particularly in developing parts of the world. The current study is therefore designed to investigate the concentrations, as well as the associated ecological risks, of eight legacy (PBDEs) and ten alternative halogenated flame retardants (AHFRs) in the leachates and sediments from five recycling centers and seven disposal sites (1 landfill and 6 dumping sites) in Lahore, Pakistan. The results showed that median (min-max) concentrations of both ∑8PBDEs, and ∑10AHFRs were significantly higher (<i>P < 0.05</i> for all) in the leachates (ng/L) [194.40 (101.85-446.20), 169.72 (84.04-246.11)] and sediments (ng/g) [815.91 (437.96-1624.28), 256.70 (207.16-375.91)] of recycling centers compared to those [33.57 (19.76-57.32), 22.21 (11.66-28.80)] [82.33 (35.70-142.23), 33.66 (17.41-201.37)] from disposal sites, respectively. Principal component analysis revealed that acid digestion, open burning, and dismantling were the primary factors responsible for HFR emissions in the leachate and sediments of recycling centers. The ecological risk assessment indicated a significant threat to the organisms inhabiting the sediments of recycling centers as well as disposal sites. Our results highlight the need to address the emerging concerns associated with HRF releases from e-waste sites to prevent further ecological harm.