A systemic approach to metal recovery processes from Printed Circuit Boards oriented by Life cycle assessment and circularity metrics

• Grant number: 24/10248-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: José Augusto de Oliveira
• Grantee: Lana Sobral Vieira Escada Monteiro
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus Experimental São João da Boa Vista. São João da Boa Vista , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Waste of electrical and electronic equipment accounts for a great part of the municipal waste generated and their poor management can culminate in significant environmental impacts. Therefore, the implementation of end-of-life (EoL) strategies for these products becomes essential. In this scenario, the valorisation through material recovery is a key approach. In general, recycling is one of the last EoLs, however, it is an inevitable step in waste management systems. Printed circuit boards (PCIs) are a fundamental part of various equipment, consisting of a wide variety of precious and base metals, which give them a great economic potential, and of heavy metals and brominated flame retardants, which add toxicity to the life cycle of this product. In this scenario, the recovery of metals from PCIs appears as an alternative that, in addition to being economically advantageous, can also result in the reduction of negative environmental impacts. In general, the recovery of metals is carried out in three stages: pre-treatment, separation/concentration and refining/purification, with several possible methodologies to be integrated in each. This choice depends on the priority metal to be recovered, but research that considers environmental factors in creating a priority order is still scarce. Thus, the project aims to address processes of metal recovery from PCIs, considering environmental impacts in decision-making, implementing standardized methodologies from the selection of metals to be recovered to the choice of recovery methods. Life cycle assessment and circularity metrics will be used to assess the environmental impacts and the circularity of each methodological alternative, serving as essential tools for decision-making. (AU)