Evaluation of soil contamination due to crude E-waste recycling activities in the capital city of India

Abstract Unempirical E-waste urban mining is beleaguered as a potential threat to the environment and human health. India is intensely imperiled as a chaotic region for approximately 95 % of immature E-waste recycling among which Delhi is the foremost hub. A field study at active E-waste recycling sites in Delhi was carried out to estimate the soil contamination due to the release of toxic elements in the vicinity areas. The geoaccumulation index, contamination factor, and ecological risk indicated that the soil was contaminated with the metals like Pb (1569.9), Cd (2.41), Zn (675.89), Ni (61.02), Cu (3846.8), & Al (9864.2) mg/kg, and Pb (2627.94), Al (8123.6 Cu (4108.7), Zn (354.18), & Cd (3.56) mg/kg which exceeded the threshold limit of WHO, respectively at both the acid leaching and open burning areas of E-waste recycling sites. For effective E-waste management at the informal E-waste recycling sites requires a cost-effective and environment-friendly treatment method. The results of the present study show the higher soil contamination due to the presence of heavy metals. Hence, there is a dire need for taking immediate actions and control measures by the policymakers and decision-makers and adopt scientific methods toward restricting the migration of metals into the surroundings. Phytoremediation and bioremediation are highly recommended to curb the accumulation of hazardous materials at the contaminated sites.