Our project began as a study to find a workable algorithm for identifying e-waste through remote sensing methods, with Agbogbloshie as a test site. However, finding a spectral signature for specific e-waste contaminants proved to be more difficult than we had anticipated--in fact we found that there was no real identifiable signature for the specific waste itself. Thus, over the course of the study process, our project evolved to be more of an analysis of the precise effects of E-waste on this specific site.
Through our data, we were able to see a significant decrease in vegetation in and around the site, an increase in pollution of Korle Lagoon, a general increase in temperature, and greater occurrence of fire between the years 1985 and 2011 at the Agbogbloshie site. From our Geoeye imagery we see that E-waste dumping began to occur in the 90's. This is around the same time that we begin to see changes in the environment and geomorphology. Thus we can assume these changes are connected to the e-waste. The significant and increasing disappearance of vegetation and its correlation with the pollution of Korle Lagoon is the first indicator of e-waste contamination. E-waste has contaminated the surface water, and likely the ground water and soil as well by adding toxic chemicals and heavy metals. This has effectively poisoned surrounding vegetation and prevented new growth.
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