TY - JOUR
T1 - Size-resolved characterization of particles >10 nm emitted to air during metal recycling
AU - Lovén, Karin
AU - Isaxon, Christina
AU - Ahlberg, Erik
AU - Bermeo, Marie
AU - Messing, Maria E.
AU - Kåredal, Monica
AU - Hedmer, Maria
AU - Rissler, Jenny
PY - 2023/4
Y1 - 2023/4
N2 - Background: In the strive towards a circular economy, metal waste recycling is a growing industry. During the recycling process, particulate matter containing toxic and allergenic metals will be emitted to the air causing unintentional exposure to humans and environment. Objective: In this study detailed characterization of particle emissions and workplace exposures were performed, covering the full size range from 10 nm to 10 µm, during recycling of three different material flows: Waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), metal scrap, and cables. Methods: Both direct-reading instruments (minute resolution), and time-integrated filter measurements for gravimetric and chemical analysis were used. Additionally, optical sensors were applied and evaluated for long-term online monitoring of air quality in industrial settings. Results: The highest concentrations, in all particle sizes, and with respect both to particle mass and number, were measured in the WEEE flow, followed by the metal scrap flow. The number fraction of nanoparticles was high for all material flows (0.66–0.86). The most abundant metals were Fe, Al, Zn, Pb and Cu. Other elements of toxicological interest were Mn, Ba and Co. Significance: The large fraction of nanoparticles, and the fact that their chemical composition deviate from that of the coarse particles, raises questions that needs to be further addressed including toxicological implications, both for humans and for the environment.
AB - Background: In the strive towards a circular economy, metal waste recycling is a growing industry. During the recycling process, particulate matter containing toxic and allergenic metals will be emitted to the air causing unintentional exposure to humans and environment. Objective: In this study detailed characterization of particle emissions and workplace exposures were performed, covering the full size range from 10 nm to 10 µm, during recycling of three different material flows: Waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), metal scrap, and cables. Methods: Both direct-reading instruments (minute resolution), and time-integrated filter measurements for gravimetric and chemical analysis were used. Additionally, optical sensors were applied and evaluated for long-term online monitoring of air quality in industrial settings. Results: The highest concentrations, in all particle sizes, and with respect both to particle mass and number, were measured in the WEEE flow, followed by the metal scrap flow. The number fraction of nanoparticles was high for all material flows (0.66–0.86). The most abundant metals were Fe, Al, Zn, Pb and Cu. Other elements of toxicological interest were Mn, Ba and Co. Significance: The large fraction of nanoparticles, and the fact that their chemical composition deviate from that of the coarse particles, raises questions that needs to be further addressed including toxicological implications, both for humans and for the environment.
KW - Aerosol
KW - Nanoparticle
KW - Occupational exposure assessment
KW - Sensor
KW - Waste treatment
KW - WEEE
U2 - 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107874
DO - 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107874
M3 - Article
C2 - 36934572
AN - SCOPUS:85150285982
SN - 0160-4120
VL - 174
JO - Environment International
JF - Environment International
M1 - 107874
ER -