Fate and mass balance of bisphenol analogues in wastewater treatment plants in Xiamen City, China

Abstract

Due to the well-known endocrine disrupting ability of bisphenol A (BPA), its production and usage have been regulated. Consequently, other bisphenol analogues (BPs) have been used as the replacement of BPA. Despite their widespread use, few studies have investigated the occurrence and fate of BPs in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this study, we conducted a city-wide monitoring survey and collected the wastewater and sludge samples from seven WWTPs in Xiamen, China over seven days. The concentrations of dissolved and adsorbed BPs in the influent and effluent, together with the BP concentrations in the sludge were determined. Five BPs, including BPA, BPAF, BPE, BPF, and BPS, were widely detected. The medium concentrations of BPA, BPAF, BPE, BPF, and BPS were 1318, 0.282, 3.70, 50.0, and 48.0 ng/L in the influent, 177, 0.714, 3.64, BLD, and BLD in the effluent, and 343, 3.09, BLD, 56.5, 1.01 μg/kg in the sludge. Spatial variations were observed, which implied the industrial origin of BPA. The efficiencies of BP removal from aqueous phase were evaluated, and results showed that BPA, BPF, and BPS were highly removed with removal efficiencies higher than 78%, while BPAF and BPE were resistant in WWTPs. Mass load calculations showed that 2075 g BPs entered into the WWTPs in Xiamen City each day, while 246 g and 63 g were discharged via effluent and excess sludge, respectively. Mass balance analysis showed that BPS and BPA were mainly biodegraded, BPF were mainly adsorbed and biodegraded, BPAF was resistant to biodegradation, while BPE was resistant to both biodegradation and adsorption.

The BPA-substitute bisphenol S alters the transcription of genes related to endocrine, stress response and biotransformation pathways in the aquatic midge Chironomus riparius (Diptera, Chironomidae)

“…Although some BPA-like effects are hypothesized because of their similar chemical structures, BPS is presently unregulated and can be used without restriction, which has led to a sharp increase in its production and use [ 8 ]. Consequently, BPS has been detected in dust, water, sediment, sewage sludge and effluent samples [ 9 , 10 ], and in human urine and blood serum [ 11 ], at concentrations that are generally lower than BPA, but of the same order of magnitude [ 12 ].…”

Advancement in treatment of wastewater: Fate of emerging contaminants

“…However, they suggested combining these catalytic processes with other treatment processes such as biological treatment, UV treatment, and ultrasound treatment processes to improve the removal of these target compounds from WW. Furthermore, Sun et al compared five different advanced treatment processes, namely, coagulation sedimentation, magnetic polyacrylic anion exchange resin adsorption, activated carbon adsorption, and ozonation and electro‐adsorption to prevent the effects of endocrine disruption in municipal wastewater secondary effluent. They reported that all of the advanced oxidation treatment options that they tested were efficient for the removal of endocrine disruption effects from WW.…”

“…Average removal efficiency of emerging contaminants from wastewater during different advanced treatment processes. Data taken from elsewhere …”

“…Quantities of ECs are expressed relative to value observed in the influent (%). Data taken from elsewhere …”

“…They concluded that significant concentrations of BPA were present in the WWTP and were mostly present in the solid fraction of the sludge. Furthermore, Sun et al studied the fate and mass balances of bisphenol analogues in WWTPs in Xiamen City, China. They reported the concentrations of bisphenol analogues as follows: BPA » BPS ≈ BPF > BPE > BPAF in the influent; BPA » BPE > BPF ≈ BPAF > BPS in the effluent; and BPA » BPF > BPAF > BPS > BPE in the sludge.…”