By Shamiran Biswas

In the modern world, people's lives have become much easier and more dynamic than ever
before. Mobile phones, computers, laptops, televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, smart
watches, various agricultural machinery and digital sensors are now an integral part of our
daily lives. But with this rapid advancement in technology, another terrible problem is growing, e-waste or
electronic waste (E-waste). New models of electronic products are constantly coming to the market, and
old products are quickly becoming unnecessary. If these are not properly managed and discarded,
various types of toxic materials spread into the environment. This pollution not only harms nature, but
also poses a serious threat to agricultural production, food security, biodiversity and human health.
Therefore, e-waste is now not just an environmental problem; it is an important global challenge in
economic, social and public health.

What is e-waste : E-waste refers to all electrical and electronic products that have become unusable or
have been discarded after use. For example, old mobile phones and smartphones, computers and
laptops, televisions and monitors, refrigerators and air conditioners, washing machines, batteries and
chargers, circuit boards and electrical wires, printers, scanners and various digital devices, sensors used
in agricultural technology, GPS devices and smart control units. Due to rapid changes in technology,
consumers'; interest in new products and the short lifespan of equipment, the amount of e-waste is
increasing rapidly around the world.

Global context : Currently, billions of tons of e-waste are being generated in the world every year and its
amount is increasing every year. A large part of the e-waste generated in developed countries ends up in
developing countries in the name of recycling. But in many cases, this waste is not processed safely.
Unplanned dismantling, burning or the collection of valuable metals through chemical processes results in
the release of toxic substances into the environment. As a result, the quality of soil, water and air is
severely damaged and has a negative impact on people's lives and livelihoods in the long term.

Toxic components of e-waste : The most dangerous aspect of e-waste is the various heavy metals and
chemicals it contains. Notable among these are lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, nickel,
brominated flame retardants, various toxic plastics and polymers. These components remain in the soil
for a long time and destroy soil fertility. Sometimes they enter crops through plant roots and accumulate
in the bodies of humans and animals through the food chain. As a result, the risk of various complex
diseases gradually increases.

Impact of e-waste on agriculture and the environment: The harmful effects of e-waste are very
worrying in an agriculture-dependent country like Bangladesh.

Soil pollution: Heavy metals released from e-waste accumulate in agricultural land and disrupt the normal
biological activities of the soil. Beneficial microorganisms are destroyed and soil fertility decreases. As a
result, crop productivity decreases.

Water pollution: Chemical components of e-waste penetrate deep into the soil with rainwater and
contaminate groundwater. These substances reach rivers, canals and ponds and disrupt the balance of
the aquatic environment.

Air pollution: In many places, copper or other metals are collected by burning e-waste. This releases
dioxin, furan and other toxic gases into the air, which enter the human body through inhalation.
Food safety risk: The presence of heavy metals may increase in crops, vegetables and fruits grown in
contaminated soil. Similarly, using contaminated water also causes toxic substances to accumulate in fish
and other aquatic animals. As a result, food safety is seriously threatened.

Loss of biodiversity: Toxic chemical components of e-waste have an adverse effect on beneficial
insects, earthworms, frogs, fish, birds and other wildlife. The natural balance of the agricultural
environment is destroyed.

Impact on human health: The harmful effects of e-waste are not limited to the environment; it is also
very risky for human health. Long-term exposure to toxic materials can lead to increased risk of cancer.
Kidney and liver complications Damage to the nervous system. Respiratory and lung diseases. High
blood pressure and heart disease. Health risks to pregnant women and newborns. Impairment of
children's intellectual and physical development. Especially those who are engaged in dismantling or
burning e-waste in unhygienic environments are at the highest risk.

Bangladesh context: The use of digital technology is increasing rapidly in Bangladesh. The spread of
smartphones, computers, internet-based devices and modern technology in agriculture is also increasing
the amount of e-waste. However, in most cases, safe collection, segregation and recycling systems are
still not sufficient. Many old electronic products are thrown away with general waste or burned in open
areas. This is creating a major risk to public health as well as environmental pollution.

Economic and social impact: On the one hand, e-waste causes harm, on the other hand, it can also
become an economic asset through proper management. Because e-waste contains gold, silver, copper,
aluminum and other precious metals. If these are recovered using the right technology, the demand for
raw materials will be reduced, new jobs will be created, foreign exchange will be saved, and
environmental pollution will also be reduced. On the other hand, the use of child labor in unsafe recycling
systems is a major social problem. Many children are exposed to toxic substances at a young age and
suffer long-term health risks.

Agricultural technology and e-waste: Currently, various types of digital technologies are being used in
smart agricultural systems. For example, soil sensors, NPK sensors, weather monitoring devices, drone
technology, GPS-based agricultural equipment, automatic irrigation control systems. These devices
eventually become obsolete and become e-waste. Therefore, along with increasing the use of technology
in agriculture, it is important to ensure the safe collection and re-management of old equipment.
Lack of awareness: Many people still do not know that old batteries, chargers, mobile phones or
electrical appliances should not be thrown away with general waste. As a result, they accumulate in
garbage heaps and cause environmental pollution. Families, educational institutions, local governments,
media and social organizations must work together to increase awareness.

Solutions and actions: A coordinated effort by individuals, society, industries and the government is
needed to address the e-waste problem. The purchase of unnecessary electronic products should be
reduced. The use of long-lasting and quality products should be encouraged. Repair and use old
equipment. Hand over to others for their needs. Donate to educational institutions or social organizations.
Submitting e-waste to approved recycling institutions. Recovering precious metals through modern
technology. Developing environmentally friendly waste management. In addition, there is a need for
effective national e-waste management policies, strict implementation of laws, environmentally friendly
industrial policies, increasing the responsibility of manufacturing companies, and strengthening
environmental education in schools, colleges and universities.

Importance of Green Technology: Currently, emphasis is being placed on "Green Technology" or
environmentally friendly technology around the world. Creating easily repairable, long-lasting and
recyclable electronic products can significantly reduce the amount of e-waste. At the same time,
sustainable development can be ensured through the use of renewable energy, solar energy and
environmentally friendly production technologies.

Environment, agriculture and human health are deeply related to each other. If e-waste is not managed
properly, it will gradually poison our soil, water, air and food system. Its impact will have to be borne by
the current generation as well as future generations. E-waste is not ordinary garbage; it is a kind of silent

poison, which is invisibly damaging the environment and human civilization. Therefore, while taking
advantage of technology, we must also be equally aware of its harmful aspects. If every citizen behaves
responsibly, stores e-waste separately, submits it to authorized institutions and participates in recycling,
then this crisis can be controlled to a large extent. Now is the time to take coordinated initiatives at the
family, society and state levels. Because a safe environment means safe agriculture, safe food, healthy
people and a sustainable future. Today's conscious decisions are the foundation for building a green
world tomorrow.

Author: Shamiran Biswas, Agriculture and Environment Specialist, Dhaka.
srb_ccdbseed@yahoo.com