E-waste genotoxicity: An emerging crisis for Philippines

• Main Authors: Alam, Zeba F., Riego, Ann Jelyne V., Samson, Jana Heloise Rose P., Valdez, Sydney Angela V., Bondoc, Isabella V., Ang, Carlos Leandro J.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2017
• Subjects: Electronic waste > Philippines; Genetic toxicology > Philippines; Onions; Biology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/12046
• Institution: De La Salle University

The extraordinary growth in the usage of electronic gadgets has lead to the problem of electronic waste management in the Philippines. The improper disposal of the e-waste can lead to the exposure to the hazardous substances that can harm the human and environment. This study aims to present evidence for the association between e-waste exposure and genotoxicity. Genotoxicity of the e-waste from three different e-waste landfills sites in and around Manila were investigated using the Allium cepa bioassay using root growth inhibition, mitotic index, and chromosomal aberrations tests. The induction of chromosomal aberrations and inhibitions of root growth, and mitotic index was observed from the e-waste leachates from all three sites tested. The investigations are still on to perform Atomic absorption spectroscopy to further establish the correlation between the presence of heavy metals, which are part of the e-waste, and the genotoxicity. However, the preliminary investigations indicate the genotoxicity of the e-waste that is indicative of initiation of cancer, and other health related issues in the Filipino population. Hence, a proper e-waste management is an absolute priority to save the environment and human population.