The occurrence of micopollutants in the aquatic environment: a new challenge for water management

2007 ◽  
Vol 55 (12) ◽  
pp. 327-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Ternes
Keyword(s):  
Organic Pollutants ◽  
Aquatic Environment ◽  
Flame Retardants ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Pesticide Contamination ◽  
New Techniques ◽  
Comprehensive Management ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Lc Tandem Ms

The occurrence of micropollutants in the aquatic environment has become a crucial topic in the last two decades owing to the innovative development of analytical instrumentation such as LC tandem MS. Using these new techniques it became obvious that pesticides, pharmaceuticals, ingredients of personal care products, biocides, flame retardants, and perfluorinated compounds are entering rivers and streams via treated wastewater. Also contamination of bank filtrates, groundwater and in a few cases even drinking water was identified. Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove polar persistent organic pollutants occurring in the sub-mg/L range and hence many of these organic pollutants are passing WWTPs to a high extent. Waterworks with a potential pesticide contamination in their raw water are equipped with advanced techniques such ozonation, activated carbon or nanofiltration enabling the removal of a high variety of other organic compounds. However, waterworks without an expected pesticide contamination are frequently equipped with common treatment processes not enabling the removal of these kinds of organic pollutants. Therefore, comprehensive management activities for protection of aquatic environments and water resources must consider the removal of all micropollutants relevant to water quality and ecology, independent of their usage or origin.

Occurrence and fate of relevant substances in wastewater treatment plants regarding Water Framework Directive and future legislations

2012 ◽  
Vol 65 (7) ◽  
pp. 1179-1189 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Martin Ruel ◽  
J.-M. Choubert ◽  
H. Budzinski ◽  
C. Miège ◽  
M. Esperanza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Water Framework Directive ◽  
Municipal Wastewater ◽  
River Flow ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Quality Standard ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Municipal Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Conventional Activated Sludge ◽  
Treatment Processes

The next challenge of wastewater treatment is to reliably remove micropollutants at the microgram per litre range. During the present work more than 100 substances were analysed through on-site mass balances over 19 municipal wastewater treatment lines. The most relevant substances according to their occurrence in raw wastewater, in treated wastewater and in sludge were identified, and their fate in wastewater treatment processes was assessed. About half of priority substances of WFD were found at concentrations higher than 0.1 μg/L in wastewater. For 26 substances, potential non-compliance with Environmental Quality Standard of Water Framework Directive has been identified in treated wastewater, depending on river flow. Main concerns are for Cd, DEHP, diuron, alkylphenols, and chloroform. Emerging substances of particular concern are by-products, organic chemicals (e.g. triclosan, benzothiazole) and pharmaceuticals (e.g. ketoprofen, diclofenac, sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine). About 80% of the load of micropollutants was removed by conventional activated sludge plants, but about two-thirds of removed substances were mainly transferred to sludge.

scholarly journals The Use of Algae and Fungi for Removal of Pharmaceuticals by Bioremediation and Biosorption Processes: A Review

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreia Silva ◽  
Cristina Delerue-Matos ◽  
Sónia Figueiredo ◽  
Olga Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Aquatic Environment ◽  
Capital Investment ◽  
Environmental Chemistry ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Operation Costs ◽  
Emerging Issues ◽  
By Products ◽  
Easy Operation

The occurrence and fate of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment is recognized as one of the emerging issues in environmental chemistry. Conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are not designed to remove pharmaceuticals (and their metabolites) from domestic wastewaters. The treatability of pharmaceutical compounds in WWTPs varies considerably depending on the type of compound since their biodegradability can differ significantly. As a consequence, they may reach the aquatic environment, directly or by leaching of the sludge produced by these facilities. Currently, the technologies under research for the removal of pharmaceuticals, namely membrane technologies and advanced oxidation processes, have high operation costs related to energy and chemical consumption. When chemical reactions are involved, other aspects to consider include the formation of harmful reaction by-products and the management of the toxic sludge produced. Research is needed in order to develop economic and sustainable treatment processes, such as bioremediation and biosorption. The use of low-cost materials, such as biological matrices (e.g., algae and fungi), has advantages such as low capital investment, easy operation, low operation costs, and the non-formation of degradation by-products. An extensive review of existing research on this subject is presented.

scholarly journals Analysis of brominated flame retardants in the aquatic environment: a review

2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 254-267
Author(s):  
Karla Jagić ◽  
Marija Dvoršćak ◽  
Darija Klinčić
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers ◽  
Aquatic Environment ◽  
Flame Retardants ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Brominated Flame Retardants ◽  
Polybrominated Biphenyls ◽  
Diphenyl Ethers ◽  
Harmful Effects

Abstract The most common and consequently analysed brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), tetrabromobisphenol S (TBBPS), and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). As these persistent organic pollutants are widespread in the environment and have a number of harmful effects on human health, the production and use of most has been banned for several years. The aquatic environment is polluted by these compounds through their deposition from the atmosphere, sewage sludge, wastewater treatment plants, and landfills, and higher levels are found in areas with developed industry and agriculture and near landfills. Each compound also seems to show preference for specific compartments of the aquatic environment, i.e. water, sediment, or aquatic organisms, according to their physicochemical properties. The aim of this review was to take a closer look at the analysis of BFRs, as without reliable analysis we would not be able to determine their levels and distribution across the aquatic compartments and assess human exposure and health risks. Particularly worrying are the health risks associated with PBDEs in fish, whose levels generally exceed the permitted values.

A Review of the Occurrence of Pharmaceutical Compounds as Emerging Contaminants in Treated Wastewater and Aquatic Environments

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Silori ◽  
Syed Mohammad Tauseef
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Emerging Contaminants ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Pharmaceutical Compounds ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Aquatic Environments ◽  
Aquatic Life ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Comprehensive Information

: In recent years, pharmaceutical compounds have emerged as potential contaminants in the aquatic matrices of the environment. High production, consumption, and limited removal through conventional treatment processes/wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are the major causes for the occurrence of pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater and aquatic environments worldwide. A number of studies report adverse health effects and risks to aquatic life and the ecosystem because of the presence of pharmaceutical compounds in the aquatic environment. This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of the occurrence of pharmaceutical compounds in treated wastewater from various WWTPs, surface water and groundwater bodies. Additionally, this review provides comprehensive information and pointers for research in wastewater treatment and waterbodies management.

scholarly journals Analysis of halogenated flame retardants in Canadian wastewater treatment plants using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS)

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 167-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meera Shanmuganathan ◽  
Zifeng Zhang ◽  
Ed Sverko ◽  
Rachel Brymer ◽  
Biban Gill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Flame Retardants ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Brominated Flame Retardants ◽  
Dechlorane Plus ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Polybrominated Diphenylethers ◽  
Removal Efficiencies

Abstract An investigation of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), and chlorinated flame retardants was conducted in samples from Canadian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The penta-BDE mixture and deca-BDE were most commonly detected. Median removal efficiencies of PBDEs by WWTPs were 71% to 99% and higher concentrations of PBDEs were found in influent samples in summer, compared to winter. Three novel brominated flame retardants (nBFRs) including 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EHTeBB or TBB), and bis(2-ethyl-1-hexyl)tetrabromophthalate (BEHTBP or TBPH) were detected in greater than 80% of influents and biosolids. Median removal efficiencies were 45% to 99% for BTBPE, 63% to 99% for TBB, and 88% to 99% for TBPH. Detection of total dechlorane plus ((DP) syn and anti) was greater than 90% in both wastewater and biosolids samples. However, median removal efficiencies were between 51% and 66% for total DP. Overall, PBDEs were effectively removed via different treatment processes, while BTBPE, TBB, and DP exhibited lower removal rates, which could be due to their physical chemical properties.

scholarly journals Wastewater reuse in Turkey: from present status to future potential

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bilgehan Nas ◽  
Sinan Uyanik ◽  
Ahmet Aygün ◽  
Selim Doğan ◽  
Gürsel Erul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Present Status ◽  
Water Reuse ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Wastewater Reuse ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Reclaimed Wastewater ◽  
Regulatory Changes ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
The Status ◽  
Future Potential

Abstract The Ministry of Environment and Urbanization (MoEU) initiated an important project, ‘Reuse of Treated Wastewater in Turkey’, in 2017. With this project, all wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were investigated to determine wastewater reuse purposes for the first time. The results obtained from this project were that although there are 1,015 existing WWTPs, only 15 of them realized wastewater reuse. In 2017, the total volume of reused treated wastewater in Turkey amounted to 29.6 million m3/year, accounting for 0.78% of the treated urban wastewater. With the present water potential and sectoral water use rates, Turkey should make key administrative and technical regulations in the coming years for water reuse. This paper aims to give an overview of wastewater reuse activities from present status to future potential in Turkey and the opportunities and challenges in expanding water reuse. The status of WWTPs, treatment processes and their compliance with the WWTPs where reuse is carried out in Turkey are evaluated in this study. The realization of the planned goals and challenges are discussed after regulatory changes in Turkey for reclaimed wastewater and reuse targets for 2023.

scholarly journals Prevalence of common enteric viruses in municipal wastewater treatment plants and their health risks arising from wastewater reuse

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Liu ◽  
Zihan Li ◽  
Zifan Che ◽  
Hu Xinran ◽  
Ming Ying ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Municipal Wastewater ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Wastewater Reuse ◽  
Enteric Viruses ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Tertiary Treatment ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Raw Wastewater

Abstract Enteric viruses are known to be prevalent in municipal wastewater, but information on the health risks arising from wastewater reuse is limited. This study quantified six common enteric viruses in raw wastewater and determined the effectiveness of different secondary and tertiary treatment processes at reducing their abundances in three full-scale wastewater treatment plants in China. In the raw wastewater, polyomavirus BK and norovirus GII (Nov GII) exhibited the highest abundance among the detected DNA and RNA viruses, respectively, with concentrations >5 log10 copies/L. Viruses in the raw wastewater were mainly removed by the secondary treatment processes, with log reduction values ranging from 1 to 2. The tertiary treatment processes of both chlorination and ultraviolet irradiation facilitated the additional reduction of viruses. The quantitative microbial risk assessment was applied to estimate the health risks of adenovirus (Adv) and Nov GII when reusing the treated wastewater for irrigation of public green spaces and crops. Estimated disabled-adjusted life-years of Adv and Nov GII for both reuses were higher than the risk threshold (10−6) required by the WHO in the actual scenarios. More effective treatment technologies should be implemented to remove viruses for safe reuse of the treated wastewater.

Semi-quantitative analysis of a specific database on priority and emerging substances in wastewater and sludge

2008 ◽  
Vol 57 (12) ◽  
pp. 1935-1944 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Martin Ruel ◽  
J. M. Choubert ◽  
P. Ginestet ◽  
M. Coquery
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Quality Of Data ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Conventional Activated Sludge ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Few Data ◽  
Emerging Substances

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) has drawn attention to a series of metals and organic compounds because of their demonstrated or potential harmfulness for aquatic environments. The aim of our work was to build and to process a “practical” database focused on the role of wastewater treatment plants for the removal of the 37 priority compounds that have to be reduced or stopped by 2015, and of 34 additional relevant contaminants. About 11,000 concentration values in raw and treated wastewater and sludge, from more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and six French national screening programs, were integrated. A systematic approach showed the global low quality of data for most of the compounds, with missing information about the treatment process, sampling and analysis, leading to 10% of the data available for removal efficiency calculations. A semi-quantitative analysis allowed the identification of 20 priority and 10 additional relevant substances more frequently quantified at significant concentrations in raw wastewater and treated wastewater. Conventional activated sludge was able to remove more than 70% of half of the studied compounds, leaving only 10% of them with less than 50% removal. Physical–chemical treatments appeared to be about 30% less efficient than biological treatments. In addition, very few data are available concerning some compounds and some processes, especially sludge treatment and tertiary wastewater treatment processes. Therefore, complementary on-site measurements and modeling are required to propose adapted solutions for the treatment of priority and emerging substances in wastewater treatment plants.

Phenols, flame retardants and phthalates in water and wastewater – a global problem

2016 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 1025-1038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olushola Sunday Ayanda ◽  
Godwin Oladele Olutona ◽  
Emmanuel G. Olumayede ◽  
Cecilia O. Akintayo ◽  
Bhekumusa J. Ximba
Keyword(s):  
Organic Pollutants ◽  
Flame Retardants ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Environmental Problems ◽  
Organic Matters ◽  
Global Problem ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Water And Wastewater ◽  
By Products

Organic pollutants in water and wastewater have been causing serious environmental problems. The arbitrary discharge of wastewater by industries, and handling, use, and disposal constitute a means by which phenols, flame retardants (FRs), phthalates (PAEs) and other toxic organic pollutants enter the ecosystem. Moreover, these organic pollutants are not completely removed during treatment processes and might be degraded into highly toxic derivatives, which has led to their occurrence in the environment. Phenols, FRs and PAEs are thus highly toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic, and are capable of disrupting the endocrine system. Therefore, investigation to understand the sources, pathways, behavior, toxicity and exposure to phenols, FRs and PAEs in the environment is necessary. Formation of different by-products makes it difficult to compare the efficacy of the treatment processes, most especially when other organic matters are present. Hence, high levels of phenols, FRs and PAEs removal could be attained with in-line combined treatment processes.

scholarly journals Contaminants of Emerging Concern in African Wastewater Effluents: Occurrence, Impact and Removal Technologies

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1125
Author(s):  
Mohamed Chaker Necibi ◽  
Driss Dhiba ◽  
Souad El Hajjaji
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Flame Retardants ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Compounds ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Contaminants Of Emerging Concern ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Algal Toxins ◽  
Risk Assessment Models ◽  
Wastewater Effluents

Worldwide, the pollution of water bodies by contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) such as pharmaceuticals, endocrine disrupting compounds, flame retardants including brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and perfluorochemicals (PFCs), micro plastics, nanomaterials, and algal toxins, to name just a few, is creating a new set of challenges to the conventional wastewater treatment facilities, which demonstrate inefficiency in removing/degrading many CECs. As a consequence, environmentalists started to detect the presence of some of those contaminants at alarming levels in certain countries, with possible negative effects on aquatic species and often increased potential for human health risks through the exposure to the contaminated waters, or the reuse of treated wastewater in agriculture and household use. Such issues are more accentuated in the African continent due to various socio-economic problems giving rise to poor sanitation systems and serious shortages in wastewater treatment plants in many regions, making it difficult to tackle the problem of conventional pollutants, let alone to deal with the more challenging CECs. Thus, in order to effectively deal with this emerging environmental threat, African researchers are working to develop and optimize sound sampling and analytical procedures, risk assessment models, and efficient remediation technologies. In this review, related recent research efforts conducted in African universities and research institutions will be presented and discussed with respect to the occurrence and assessment of CECs in African wastewater effluents, the potential risks to aquatic ecosystems and humans, the tailored remediation techniques, along with some knowledge gaps and new research directions.

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