From Ecopedia

Overview

Mobile phones are hand-held cellular telephones used for wireless digital communications, which include mobile telephony, text messaging or SMS, and data transmission among other uses. Mobile telecommunications are transmitted over base-stationed cellular networks called cell sites.^[1]

Depending on the location of the mobile phone, local cell transmitters aid in transmitting mobile service across different coverage areas.^[2] Unlike cordless landline phones, which provide telecommunications within a limited range, mobile cell phones offer tele-services and data-services over long-range distances as well.

The first cellular phone, Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, operated on an analog communication service, was introduced by Motorola, Inc. in 1983. Since then, mobile phones managed to capture the largest market share in the portable device market.^[3]

Mobile Services

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Apart from standard voice function, currently available mobile phones offer several additional accessories and services such as:

• SMS text messaging service
• Bluetooth
• Email
• Packet switching to access Internet
• MMS multimedia service
• MP3 palyer
• Radio
• GPS and many others.^[4]

Power Sources

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In general, mobile cellular phones obtain power from various rechargeable batteries. Mobile phones are commonly charged using portable batteries, USB or mains power that uses an AC adapter. In recent times, the introduction of advanced wireless mobile charging made mobile phone charging both hi-tech and extremely simple.

In the past, mobile phone batteries were most commonly made from nickel metal-hydride. But today, lithium ion batteries are increasingly used in mobile phones. Unlike nickel metal-hydride batteries, lithium ion batteries do not show voltage depression and most-importantly, lithium ion batteries are considered be more environment-friendly than nickel metal-hydride batteries.

Keeping in line with the modern trend of developing environment-friendly products, most mobile manufacturers are shifting to experimentation of alternate energy sources such as Coca Cola and solar cells.^[5]

Environmental Impacts

Mobile phone production, usage and disposal are found to cause a lot environmental problems, needing immediate attention from mobile manufactures and users alike.

Manufacturing Impacts

Extraction of required raw materials for mobile manufacturing as well as the component manufacturing processes is found to contribute heavily to the negative impacts on the environment.

During raw material extraction alone, over hundred kilograms of mine waste is generated, contributing significantly to environmental pollution. Moreover, the use of hazardous chemicals during mobile cell production leads to severe atmospheric pollution.^[6]

Destroying Biodiversity

Disposal of mobile phones as well as transmitters in landfills would release several toxic chemicals into the soil, air and water causing dire threat to biolife and eventually leading to environmental pollution and loss of biodiversity.^[7]

According some theories on mobile phone effects on ecosystem, radiation emitted from mobile phones would eventually lead to disappearance of bee population, which is the main source for pollination. Radiation coming from mobile phones is likely to interfere with the navigation system of the bees, causing fatal consequences.^[8]

Energy Loss in Charging

The electrical energy needed for mobile phones as well as mobile networks is largely obtained from fast-depleting fossil fuel sources such as natural gas, oil and coal. Fossil fuel combustion is found to release global warming-causing Carbon dioxide (CO2).^[9]

Moreover, while in load condition, when the mobile is not connected but the charger is left unplugged with the power on, maximum amount of energy is lost.

Recognizing the potency of such energy loss, most leading mobile manufacturers including Nokia, LG Electronics, Samsung, Motorola and Sony Ericsson, are coming up with latest energy-efficient models incorporating a star rating system, which rates the energy-efficiency of mobile chargers in no-load condition.^[10]

References

1. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone
2. ↑ http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/cellular-telephone
3. ↑ http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/cellular-telephone
4. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone
5. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone
6. ↑ http://www.global-warming-and-the-climate.com/rk/mobile-phones-environment.htm
7. ↑ http://www.global-warming-and-the-climate.com/rk/mobile-phones-environment.htm
8. ↑ http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/are-mobile-phones-wiping-out-our-bees-444768.html
9. ↑ http://www.global-warming-and-the-climate.com/rk/mobile-phones-environment.htm
10. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone