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Organisationseinheit der BAM
The recovery and reprocessing of technology-critical elements (TCE) present in printed circuit boards (PCB) from electrical and electronic waste is essential both for recycling valuable materials subject to supply risk and for reducing the environmental impact. Although the quantitative knowledge of TCE amounts in endof- life PCB plays a key role, there are neither matrix certified reference materials nor harmonized analytical methods available to establish the traceability of the results to the International System of Units. To fill these gaps, we developed and applied five reference analytical methods based on ICP-MS standard addition calibrations and INAA k0- and relative calibrations suitable to certify reference materials. In addition, we developed and tested six analytical methods based on more commonly used ICP-MS external standard calibrations to provide industry with routine analysis methods. Twenty TCE (Ag, Au, Co, Cu, Dy, Ga, Gd, Ge, In, La, Li, Nd, Ni, Pd, Pr, Pt, Rh, Sm, Ta and Ti) were selected as target analytes and a batch of powdered PCB was used as measurement material. An overall mutual agreement was observed among data collected by reference methods at a few percent relative uncertainty levels. Moreover, all but one of the methods developed for routine analysis demonstrated their suitability in industrial applications by producing data within ± 20% of the values established with reference methods.
As the drive towards recycling electronic waste increases, demand for rapid and reliable analytical methodology to analyse the metal content of the waste is increasing, e.g. to assess the value of the waste and to decide the correct recycling routes. Here, we comprehensively assess the suitability of different x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF)-based techniques as rapid analytical tools for the determination of critical raw materials, such as Al, Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Nb, Pd and Au, in three electronic waste matrices: printed circuit boards (PCB), light emitting diodes (LED), and lithium (Li)-ion batteries. As validated reference methods and materials to establish metrological traceability are lacking, several laboratories measured test samples of each matrix using XRF as well as other independent complementary techniques (instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and ICP optical emission spectrometry (OES)) as an inter-laboratory comparison (ILC). Results highlighted key aspects of sample preparation, limits of detection, and spectral interferences that affect the reliability of XRF, while additionally highlighting that XRF can provide more reliable data for certain elements compared to digestion-based approaches followed by ICP-MS analysis (e.g. group 4 and 5 metals). A clear distinction was observed in data processing methodologies for wavelength
dispersive XRF, highlighting that considering the metals present as elements (rather than oxides) induces overestimations of the mass fractions when compared to other techniques. Eventually, the effect of sample particle size was studied and indicated that smaller particle size (<200 μm) is essential for reliable determinations.
Plastics are widely used but improper disposal and release lead to increasing global pollution, threatening environmental and human health. To address this issue, we suggest intersectoral collaboration to achieve zero plastic pollution. The outcomes of the project P-LEACH demonstrated the enormous complexity and range of potential toxic effects of plastic-associated chemicals and micro-/nanoplastics released into water from UV-weathered plastics. We initiated an intersectoral dialogue amongst scientists, manufacturers, regulators and representatives of civil society about how to alleviate the negative impacts of plastic pollution. Circular economy offers a framework for selecting non-toxic chemicals, extending product (re)use, and waste reduction, which act to alleviate pollution when applied to plastics. We suggest three measures to advance a circular economy of plastics: 1.) Increase simplicity of chemicals in virgin plastics combined with transparent information on the contents; 2.) Consider recyclability already in plastic material and product design; 3.) Foster communication through intersectoral dialogue. Major cornerstones are the provision of standardized, easy-to-use tools to characterize plastics and plastic leachates chemically and (eco)toxicologically, the enhancement of citizen awareness enabling them to make informed choices, the creation of economic incentives for manufacturers, and sector-specific regulations to provide products that safeguard environmental and human health.
