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

Biban Gill,Christopher H Marvin,Ed Sverko,Meera Shanmuganathan,Rachel Brymer,Shirleyanne Smyth,Zifeng Zhang

doi:10.2166/wqrj.2018.040

Abstract

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.

Highlights

Halogenated flame retardants, including two main classes of commercial organobromine and organochlorine compounds, have been used in many industrial and domestic products for fire prevention (Alaee et al )
Deca-BDE is no longer imported into Canada and is registered under the European Union’s REACH program and has been designated as a persistent organic pollutant (POP) under the terms of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
31 flame retardants, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and novel flame retardants (nFRs), were analyzed in 93 influent, 93 effluent, and 58 biosolids samples collected over three years (2013–2015) from eight wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Canada

Summary

Introduction

Halogenated flame retardants, including two main classes of commercial organobromine and organochlorine compounds, have been used in many industrial and domestic products for fire prevention (Alaee et al ). Concerns over the toxicity, persistence, and accumulation of some of the extensively used brominated flame retardants (BFRs), such as the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), have led to regulation. Deca-BDE is no longer imported into Canada and is registered under the European Union’s REACH program and has been designated as a persistent organic pollutant (POP) under the terms of the Stockholm Convention on POPs Shanmuganathan et al | Analysis of flame retardants in Canadian wastewater treatment plants using GC-MS/MS

Methods

Results

Conclusion