CIRCUIT TO SOIL: TRANSFORMING E- WASTE INTO MICRONUTRIENT FERTILIZERS

Abstract

The rapid growth of electronic consumption has led to a large amount of electronic waste (e-waste), which causes environmental issues and presents opportunities for resource recovery. Micronutrient deficiencies are becoming significant challenges in agricultural systems, impacting soil health and crop yields. E-waste contains high levels of heavy metals like zinc, copper, iron, and manganese, along with other valuable elements. These can serve as alternative sources of nutrients if we recover them through recycling processes that are friendly to the environment. Mechanical, hydrometallurgical, and bio-based extraction methods enhance the effective recovery of valuable metals without harming the environment. Using recovered micronutrients in agricultural nutrient management is a circular economy approach. It transforms waste into valuable resources. However, environmental safety, contamination control, and regulatory issues remain critical for successful implementation. Linking waste recycling to nutrient management offers a way to use resources sustainably, reduce dependence on primary mineral resources, and improve the resilience of agricultural production systems.