Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Scientific Innovations and the Environment: Integrated Smart Sensors, Pollution and E-waste in Africa

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Disruptive Technologies, Innovation and Development in Africa

Part of the book series: International Political Economy Series ((IPES))

Abstract

Scientific innovations, specifically smart sensors, have significant implications for addressing environmental problems. Smart sensors are creatively addressing key global societal issues, from environmental pollution and mitigation, intelligent water and waste management, precision agriculture, public health and nutrition, food safety, to energy conservation and climate change. Smart sensors and their disruptive potential are integral to the African development agenda. This chapter will explore the trends and perspectives of integrated smart sensors in the context of disruptive technology. The chapter will also focus on the innovation tangents driven by internationalization of technology and the capacity of universities to spearhead homegrown technological solutions. Finally, the chapter will analyze how smart sensors could offer an appropriate framework in resource utilization and the management of e-waste.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 109.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Agudelo-Castaneda, D. M., Teixeira, E. C., Schneider, I. L., Lara, S. R., & Silva, L. F. (2017). Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Atmospheric PM1.0 of Urban Environments: Carcinogenic and Mutagenic Respiratory Health Risk by Age Groups. Environmental Pollution, 224, 158–170.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akram, R., Natasha, & Fahad, S. (2019). Trends of Electronic Waste Pollution and Its Impact on the Global Environment and Ecosystem. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 26(17), 16923–16938.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amegah, A. K. (2018). Proliferation of Low-Cost Sensors. What Prospects for Air Pollution Epidemiologic Research in Sub-Saharan Africa? Environmental Pollution, 241, 1132–1137.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amegah, A. K., & Agyei-Mensah, S. (2017). Urban Air Pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa: Time for Action. Environmental Pollution, 220(Pt A), 738–743.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andrade, D. F., Romanelli, J. P., & Pereira-Filho, E. R. (2019). Past and Emerging Topics Related to Electronic Waste Management: Top Countries, Trends, and Perspectives. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 26(17), 17135–17151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Antonacci, A., Arduini, F., Moscone, D., Palleschi, G., & Scognamiglio, V. (2019). Nanostructured (Bio)Sensors for Smart Agriculture. TRAC- Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 98, 95–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Asamoah, D., Takieddine, S., & Amedofu, M. (2019). Examining the Effect of Mobile Money Transfer (MMT) Capabilities on Business Growth and Development Impact. Information Technology for Development. https://doi.org/10.1080/02681102.2019.1599798.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bacco, M., Berton, A., Gotta, A., & Caviglione, L. (2018). IEEE 802.15.4 Air-Ground UAV Communications in Smart Farming Scenarios. IEEE Communication Letters, 22(9), 1910–1913.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Batchelor, S. (2012). Changing the Financial Landscape of Africa: An Unusual Story of Evidence-Informed Innovation, Intentional Policy Influence and Private Sector Engagement. IDS Bulletin-Institute of Development Studies, 43, 84–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bergstrom, J. P., & Dong, T. (2015). Rapid Detection of E. coli Cells in Urine Samples Using a Self-Capacitance Touchscreen Device. Proceedings of the Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology, 5545–5548.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brauer, M., Amann, M., Burnett, R. T., Cohen, A., Dentener, F., Ezzati, M., Henderson, S. B., Krzyzanowski, M., Martin, R. V., Van Dingenen, R., van Donkelaar, A., & Thurston, G. D. (2012). Exposure Assessment for Estimation of the Global Burden of Disease Attributable to Outdoor Air Pollution. Environmental Science & Technology, 46, 652–660.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burns, K. N., Sayler, S. K., & Neitzel, R. L. (2019). Stress, Health, Noise Exposures, and Injuries Among Electronic Waste Recycling Workers in Ghana. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, 14, 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12995-018-0222-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, Y., Guerschman, J. P., Cheng, Z., & Guo, L. (2019). Remote Sensing for Vegetation Monitoring in Carbon Capture Storage Regions: A Review. Applied Energy, 240, 312–326.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chung, W. Y., Le, G. T., Tran, T. V., & Nguyen, N. H. (2017). Novel Proximal Fish Freshness Monitoring Using Batteryless Smart Sensor Tag. Sensors and Actuators B-Chemical, 248, 910–916.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cordova-Pizarro, D., Aguilar-Barajas, I., Romero, D., & Rodriguez, C. A. (2019). Circular Economy in the Electronic Products Sector: Material Flow Analysis and Economic Impact of Cellphone E-waste in Mexico. Sustainability, 11(5), 1361.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Danse, I. R., Jaeger, R. J., Kava, R., Kroger, M., London, W. M., Lu, F. C., Maickel, R. P., McKetta, J. J., Newell, G. W., & Shindell, S. (1997). Position Paper of the American Council on Science and Health: Public Health Concerns About Environmental Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 38, 71–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dhanjai, Yu, N., & Mugo, S. M. (2019). A Flexible-Imprinted Capacitive Sensor for Rapid Detection of Adrenaline. Talanta, 204, 602–606.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dias, P., Bernardes, A. M., & Huda, N. (2019). Ensuring Best E-waste Recycling Practices in Developed Countries: An Australian Example. Journal of Cleaner Production, 209, 846–854.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frittelli, C. (2018). African Academic Diaspora: Training and Research. International Higher Education, (95), 18–19. https://doi.org/10.6017/ihe.2018.95.10724.

  • Gharakheili, H. H., Sivanathan, A., Hamza, A., & Sivaraman, V. (2019). Network-Level Security for the Internet of Things: Opportunities and Challenges. Computer, 52, 58–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ghasemi-Varnamkhasti, M., Apetrei, C., Lozano, J., & Anyogu, A. (2018). Potential Use of Electronic Noses, Electronic Tongues and Biosensors as Multisensor Systems for Spoilage Examination in Foods. Trends in Food Science and Technology, 80, 71–92.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giraldo, J. P., Wu, H., Newkirk, G. M., & Kruss, S. (2019). Nanobiotechnology Approaches for Engineering Smart Plant Sensors. Nature Nanotechnology, 14(6), 541–553.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Golev, A., Corder, G. D., & Rhamdhani, M. A. (2019). Estimating Flows and Metal Recovery Values of Waste Printed Circuit Boards in Australian E-waste. Minerals Engineering, 137, 171–176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gonzalez-Teruel, J. D., Torres-Sanchez, R., Blaya-Ros, P. J., Toledo-Moreo, A. B., Jiménez-Buendía, M., & Soto-Valles, F. (2019). Design and Calibration of a Low-Cost SDI-12 Soil Moisture Sensor. Sensors, 19(3), 491.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Halachmi, I., Guarino, M., Bewley, J., & Pastell, M. (2019). Smart Animal Agriculture: Application of Real-Time Sensors to Improve Animal Well-Being and Production. Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, 7, 403–425.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamrita, T. K., & Hoffacker, E. C. (2005). Development of a “Smart” Wireless Soil Monitoring Sensor Prototype Using RFID Technology. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 21(1), 139–143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hornero, G., Gaitan-Pitre, J. E., Serrano-Finetti, E., Casas, O., & Pallas-Areny, R. (2017). A Novel Low-Cost Smart Leaf Wetness Sensor. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 143, 286–292.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Isernia, R., Passaro, R., Quinto, I., & Thomas, A. (2019). The Reverse Supply Chain of the E-waste Management Processes in a Circular Economy Framework: Evidence from Italy. Sustainability, 11, 2430. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11082430.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jesus, R. M.-A., Irineo, T. P., & Carlos, D.-G. (2013). FPGA-Based Wireless Smart Sensor for Real-Time Photosynthesis Monitoring. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 95, 58–69.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khan, S. M., Shaikh, S. F., Qaiser, N., & Hussain, M. M. (2018). Flexible Lightweight CMOS-Enabled Multisensory Platform for Plant Microclimate Monitoring. IEEE Transaction on Electron Devices, 65(11), 5038–5044.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kitila, A. W., & Woldemikael, S. M. (2019). Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Management in the Educational Institutions and Governmental Sector Offices of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Waste Management, 85, 30–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kot, C. F. (2016). The Perceived Benefits of International Partnerships in Africa: A Case Study of Two Public Universities in Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo. High Education Policy, 29(1), 41–62. https://doi.org/10.1057/hep.2015.2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lickley, M., & Solomon, S. (2018). Drivers, Timing and Some Impacts of Global Aridity Change. Environmental Research Letters, 13(10), 104010.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, C., Lin, J., Cao, H., & Sun, Z. (2019). Recycling of Spent Lithium-ion Batteries in View of Lithium Recovery: A Critical Review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 228, 801–813.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Madivoli, E. S., Kareru, P. G., Gachanja, A. N., Mugo, S. M., Murigi, M. K., Kairigo, P. K., Cheruiyot, K., Mutembei, J. K., & Njonge, F. K. (2016). Adsorption of Selected Heavy Metals on Modified Nanocellulose. International Research Journal of Pure & Applied Chemistry, 12(3), 1–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maximilian, U., Schlink, U., Dijst, M., & Weiland, U. (2019). Cyclists’ Multiple Environmental Urban Exposures-Comparing Subjective and Objective Measurements. Sustainability, 11(5), 1412.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mayer, M., & Baeumner, A. J. (2019). A Megatrend Challenging Analytical Chemistry: Biosensor and Chemosensor Concepts Ready for the Internet of Things. Chemical Reviews, 119, 7996–8027.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Memeu, D., Sarroney, M., & Maina, C. (2018). Photo-Thermal Induced Optical Scattering Modulation Sensor for Malaria Diagnosis. Open Journal of Biophysics, 8, 185–193.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Misra, D., Das, G., Chakrabortty, T., & Das, D. (2018). An IoT-Based Waste Management System Monitored by Cloud. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 20, 1574–1582.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mugo, S. M., Lu, W., Berg, D., & Mundle, T. (2019). Thin Film Composite Conductive Polymers Chemiresistive Sensor and Sample Holder for Methanol Detection in Adulterated Beverages. IEEE Sensors. https://doi.org/10.1109/JSEN.2019.2943088.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Naiker, Y., et al. (2012). Introduction of Local Air Quality Management in South Africa: An Overview and Challenges. Environmental Science and Policy, 17, 62–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ndofirepi, A., & Cross, M. (Eds.). (2017). Knowledge and Change in African Universities. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Njuguna, S. M., Yan, X., Gituru, R. W., Wang, Q. F., & Wang, J. (2017). Assessment of Macrophyte, Heavy Metal, and Nutrient Concentrations in the Water of the Nairobi River, Kenya. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 189, 454.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Odeyingbo, A. O., Nnorom, I. C., & Deubzer, O. K. (2019). Used and Waste Electronics Flows into Nigeria: Assessment of the Quantities, Types, Sources, and Functionality Status. Science of Total Environment, 666, 103–113.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ohajinwa, C. M., van Bodegom, P. M., & Osibanjo, O. (2019). Health Risks of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) and Metals at Informal Electronic Waste Recycling Sites. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(6), 906.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pietrelli, L., Ferro, S., & Vocciante, M. (2019). Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Strategies for Metals Recovery from Printed Circuit Boards. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 112, 317–323.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prata, J. C., Silva, P., Ana, L., & da Costa, L. J. P. (2019). Solutions and Integrated Strategies for the Control and Mitigation of Plastic and Microplastic Pollution. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(13), 2411.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rodina, L. (2019). Planning for Water Resilience: Competing Agendas among Cape Town’s Planners and Water Managers. Environmental Science & Policy, 99, 10–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Santonico, M., Pennazza, G., Parente, F. R., Grasso, S., Zompanti, A., Stornelli, V., Ferri, G., Bizzarri, M., & D’Amico, A. (2017). Proceedings a Gas Sensor Device for Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Detection. Proceedings, 1, 447.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Servida, F., & Casey, E. (2019). IoT Forensic Challenges and Opportunities for Digital Traces. Digital Investigation, 28, S22–S29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shi, Y., Huang, J., Zeng, G., Cheng, W., & Hu, J. (2019a). Photocatalytic Membrane in Water Purification: Is It Stepping Closer to Be Driven by Visible Light? Journal of Membrane Science, 584, 364–392.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shi, X., An, X., Zhao, O., Liu, H., Xia, L., Sun, X., & Guo, Y. (2019b). State-of-the-Art Internet of Things in Protected Agriculture. Sensors, 19(8), 1833.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stradling, D., & Stradling, R. (2008). Perceptions of the Burning River: Deindustrialization and Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River. Environmental History, 13, 515–535.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tajuri, A. M., & Naim, H. (2018). Assessing the Impacts of Population Growth and Climate Change on Performance of Water Use Systems and Water Allocation in Kano River Basin, Nigeria. Water, 10(12), 1766.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tessarolo, M., Gualaridi, I., & Fraboni, B. (2018). Recent Progress in Wearable Fully Textile Chemical Sensors. Advanced Materials Technologies, 3, 10, Special Issue: 1700310.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thompson, J. E. (2016). Crowd-Sourced Air Quality Studies: A Review of the Literature & Portable Sensors. Trends in Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 11, 23–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tian, F. M. (2016). Brain Circulation, Diaspora and Scientific Progress: A Study of the International Migration of Chinese Scientists, 1998–2006. Asian and Pacific Migration Journal, 25(3), 296–319.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • United Nations (UN). (2015). Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Washington, DC: United Nations A/RES/70/1. sustainabledevelopment.un.org

  • United Nations Development Program (UNDP). (2015). Sustainable Development Goals. New York: United Nations Development Program.

    Google Scholar 

  • United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2015). Education 2030 Incheon Declaration: Towards Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education and Lifelong Learning for All. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000245656

  • United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO). (2018). How to Feed the World in 2020. http://www.fao.org/3/I8429EN/i8429en.pdf

  • Viani, F., Bertolli, M., Salucci, M., & Polo, A. (2017). Low-Cost Wireless Monitoring and Decision Support for Water Saving in Agriculture. IEEE Sensors Journal, 17(13), 4299–4309.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • World Bank Group. (2019). Record High Remittances Sent Globally in 2018. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2019/04/08/record-high-remittances-sent-globally-in-2018

  • World Economic Forum (WEF) Report. (2019). A New Circular Vision for Electronics. Time for a Global Reboot. https://www.weforum.org/reports/a-new-circular-vision-for-electronics-time-for-a-global-reboot.

  • World Health Organization. (2006). Meeting the MDG Drinking Water and Sanitation Target: The Urban and Rural Challenge of the Decade. http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/monitoring/jmpfinal.pdf

  • World Health Organization. (2014). WHO Burden of Disease from Ambient Air Pollution for 2012. Geneva: WHO.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization. (2016). WHO Global Urban Ambient Air Pollution Database (Update 2016), Urban Ambient Air Pollution Database. World Health Organization.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, Y., Huang, Q., Nie, J., et al. (2019). All-Carbon Based Flexible Humidity Sensor. Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 19(8), 5310–5316.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang, L., Li, W., Ghandehari, M., & Fortino, G. (2018). People-Centric Cognitive Internet of Things for the Quantitative Analysis of Environmental Exposure. IEEE Internet of Things Journal, 5(4), 2353–2366.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yong, Y. S., Lim, Y. A., & Ilankoon, I. M. S. K. (2019). An Analysis of Electronic Waste Management Strategies and Recycling Operations in Malaysia: Challenges and Future Prospects. Journal of Cleaner Production, 224, 151–166.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yousefi, H., Su, H. M., Imani, S. M., Alkhaldi, K., Filipe, C. D. M., & Didar, T. F. (2019). Intelligent Food Packaging: A Review of Smart Sensing Technologies for Monitoring Food Quality. ACS Sensors, 4(4), 808–821.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yu, M., Zhang, Z., Xue, F., Yang, B., Guo, G., & Qiu, J. (2019). A more Simple and Efficient Process for Recovery of Cobalt and Lithium from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries with Citric Acid. Separation and Purification Technology, 215, 398–402.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zachary, D. B. (2015). The Unexhausted Potential of E. coli. Blount. eLife, 4, e05826.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Q., & Mugo, S. M. (2019). Nano-Sized Structured Platforms for Facile Solid-Phase Nanoextraction for Molecular Capture and (Bio) Chemical Analysis. In O. V. Zenkina (Ed.), Nanomaterials Design for Sensing Applications (pp. 111–130). Amsterdam: Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Sciences, Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Samuel M. Mugo

  2. Department of Sociology, Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Korbla P. Puplampu

Authors
  1. Samuel M. Mugo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Korbla P. Puplampu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Samuel M. Mugo .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Political Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada

    Peter Arthur

  2. African Development Bank, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

    Kobena T. Hanson

  3. Department of Sociology, Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Korbla P. Puplampu

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Mugo, S.M., Puplampu, K.P. (2020). Scientific Innovations and the Environment: Integrated Smart Sensors, Pollution and E-waste in Africa. In: Arthur, P., Hanson, K., Puplampu, K. (eds) Disruptive Technologies, Innovation and Development in Africa. International Political Economy Series. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40647-9_4

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation