E-waste found in dolphins highlights urgent environmental and health risks

Published: 26 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Toxic e-waste from electronic screens is accumulating in endangered dolphins, raising global concern over environmental safety. Recent research conducted in the South China Sea has revealed significant levels of hazardous chemicals from televisions, laptops, and smartphones in the tissues of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and finless porpoises. These chemicals, known as liquid crystal monomers (LCMs), are synthetic compounds designed to control the passage of light in display screens, ensuring the sharp images consumers expect. Scientists warn that the very stability which makes LCMs effective in screens also allows them to persist in the environment, creating long-term hazards for marine life.

Published in Environmental Science & Technology, the study highlights the presence of LCMs in multiple organs of dolphins and porpoises, including blubber, muscle, liver, kidney, and, most alarmingly, the brain. The discovery of these chemicals in the brain demonstrates their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, raising concerns about potential impacts on neurological health. Yuhe He, a leading researcher at City University of Hong Kong, explained that the chemicals’ resilience, designed for durability in electronic devices, has unintended consequences when they escape into the oceans. “These light-emitting organic chemicals were designed to be very stable so they could last a long time inside your TV, computer and phone screens,” He said. “Ironically, this very stability is what makes them a problem in the environment: they don’t easily break down.”

The accumulation of LCMs in marine species mirrors broader concerns about persistent organic pollutants entering ecosystems. Over a fourteen-year analysis, He and colleagues examined tissue samples from endangered dolphins and porpoises in the South China Sea, screening for 62 individual LCM compounds. They discovered a correlation between the historical use of these chemicals in consumer electronics and their levels in marine animals, showing that while manufacturers have increasingly replaced LCMs with light-emitting diodes (LEDs), residues remain. This long-term persistence demonstrates that environmental contamination from earlier production continues to affect endangered species.

Researchers also found that the most common LCMs detected in the study were associated with gene alterations in dolphin cells, affecting DNA repair and cell division. This finding indicates that even low concentrations of these chemicals can disrupt biological processes essential for healthy development. While the blubber contained the highest concentration of contaminants, the detection of LCMs in the brain signified a more serious issue. He warned that if these chemicals are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier in dolphins, there may be potential consequences for humans consuming contaminated seafood or drinking polluted water.

E-waste, the primary source of these chemical pollutants, is rapidly increasing worldwide, with an estimated 62 million tonnes generated annually. The rise of “fast tech”—cheap and frequently replaced electronics—is a significant driver, as these devices often contain persistent chemicals like LCMs. Improper disposal of screens and electronic devices accelerates the release of hazardous substances into waterways and oceans, where they bioaccumulate in fish, invertebrates, and top predators such as dolphins. This contamination highlights the interconnected nature of marine ecosystems and the impact of human consumption on wildlife.

Experts emphasise that preventing further damage requires both consumer action and stricter regulatory measures. Extending the lifespan of electronic devices through repairs and responsible disposal using certified e-waste recycling programs can significantly reduce the introduction of persistent chemicals into the environment. Governments and manufacturers are also urged to regulate chemicals before they enter the market, ensuring that new products do not pose similar risks to human health or marine ecosystems. He stressed the urgency of proactive measures, noting that waiting for definitive proof of harm could result in irreversible consequences.

The study underscores the emerging understanding of how human activity affects marine biology on a molecular level. LCMs entering the food chain can reach dolphins through their prey, such as fish and invertebrates, demonstrating a clear pathway for toxic compounds to accumulate in top predators. This chain of exposure also mirrors potential risks for humans who rely on seafood, emphasizing the need for monitoring and preventative action. The persistent nature of LCMs means that even though some chemicals have been phased out in favour of LEDs, existing pollution continues to present a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Scientists are calling for further investigation into the impact of LCMs and similar chemicals on both marine and human health. Laboratory tests on dolphin cells revealed that exposure can alter gene activity linked to cell growth and DNA repair, suggesting potential long-term consequences. While direct evidence for human effects remains limited, researchers caution that early intervention is critical. Public awareness campaigns, sustainable manufacturing practices, and stronger e-waste policies are central to mitigating these risks before they translate into a broader public health issue.

The findings also contribute to a growing body of evidence showing that electronic waste is a complex environmental challenge. Unlike traditional pollutants that degrade relatively quickly, persistent chemicals in modern electronics resist decomposition, allowing them to circulate in ecosystems for decades. This characteristic makes them particularly dangerous, as even low-level contamination can accumulate over time, posing cumulative risks to wildlife and potentially humans. By highlighting the presence of LCMs in endangered dolphins, the study draws attention to the invisible but impactful legacy of discarded technology.

The South China Sea, home to a rich diversity of marine life, is especially vulnerable due to dense populations, intensive fishing practices, and industrial activity along its coasts. Contaminants entering this region can rapidly spread through currents, affecting species far from their original source. Endangered dolphins and porpoises, which serve as indicators of ocean health, provide an early warning system for broader environmental threats. Their exposure to LCMs signals the urgent need for global collaboration in addressing electronic waste and chemical safety.

In conclusion, the research highlights the unintended consequences of consumer electronics on marine ecosystems. Toxic e-waste chemicals, particularly LCMs, are not only persistent in the environment but can also infiltrate critical biological systems, including the brain. While human health impacts remain under investigation, the study serves as a precautionary alert to regulators, manufacturers, and consumers. Extending the life of devices, adopting responsible recycling, and enforcing stricter chemical regulations can help mitigate the risks posed by these persistent pollutants. Acting now is essential to prevent long-term damage to both wildlife and human populations, ensuring a healthier and safer future for all.

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