Attenuation of 17α-ethynylestradiol onto model vegetable waste

Abstract

Estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2), and estriol (E3) are estrogens that can result in endocrine disrupting effects, impacting reproduction and development in human and wildlife populations. The efficiency of rabbit food (RF) as a model vegetable material in the removal of EE2 was investigated using column experiments where flow rate and mass of RF utilized were varied. Experimental data confirmed that the further delay in breakthrough of EE2 onto RF was observed with the increasing mass of RF and lower flow rates. The attenuation capacity of RF ranged between 64 and 232 μg/g. Thomas and Yoon–Nelson models were used to analyze the column experimental data. The data collected showed the occurrence of abiotic transformation and provided a viable approach for implementing such a process in the treatment of EE2.