Occurrence of UV filters, fragrances and organophosphate flame retardants in municipal WWTP effluents and their removal during membrane post-treatment

P Krzeminski,C Schwermer,A Wennberg,K Langford,C Vogelsang

doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.08.001

P Krzeminski, C Schwermer + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.08.001

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Abstract

Membrane filtration using ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF) or reverse osmosis (RO) membranes was evaluated as an efficient effluent polishing step at municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) for the removal of selected contaminants of emerging concern and for improvement of water quality according to water reuse requirements. In samples collected at two largest WWTPs in Norway, 12 out of 14 selected personal care products and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) were found above analytical detection limit. The highest concentrations were observed for BP3, OC (UV filters), HHCB, AHTN (fragrances), TCPP and TBP (OPFRs), exceeding the predicted no-effect concentration for BP3 in one sample and AHTN in five samples. Independently of the membrane type used, membrane filtration effectively (>60%) removed BP3, UV-329, OC, HHCB, AHTN and DBPP. However, UF was insufficient (<20%) for removal of DEET, TCPP and TCEP. UF was sufficient to remove 30–50% of COD, 80–95% of TP, up to 30% of TN and NH4, and a min of 2log reduction of E. coli. Water quality improved further with application of NF and RO. The results indicate that membrane filtration can be effective post-treatment to improve overall water quality and a measure to reduce potential risk in the receiving aquatic environment.

Highlights

The global population growth and rapid urbanization results in increasing water demands and consumption, which subsequently results in a higher production of used and polluted water, i.e., wastewater, which may be harmful to the environment
Membrane filtration using ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF) or reverse osmosis (RO) membranes was evaluated as an efficient effluent polishing step at municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) for the removal of selected contaminants of emerging concern and for improvement of water quality according to water reuse requirements
The concentrations are higher compared to the results reported in 2008 and 2011, especially TBP concentrations in Bekkelaget WWTP effluent which are 5 times higher compared to historical data

Summary

Introduction

The global population growth and rapid urbanization results in increasing water demands and consumption, which subsequently results in a higher production of used and polluted water, i.e., wastewater, which may be harmful to the environment. The expected population increase and concomitant increase in discharges from the main wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) VEAS and Bekkelaget in the Oslo area will add an extra burden to the already heavily loaded inner Oslofjord. P. Krzeminski et al / Journal of Hazardous Materials 323 (2017) 166–176 significance of WWTPs as important point sources for “old and new” organic and inorganic contaminants to the environment. Krzeminski et al / Journal of Hazardous Materials 323 (2017) 166–176 significance of WWTPs as important point sources for “old and new” organic and inorganic contaminants to the environment In these studies, DEET, BP3, OC, HHCB, AHTN, TCPP, TCEP, DBPP, TBP (see Tables 2 for compound description) were frequently found at elevated concentrations in effluents [8,9,10,11]. Consideration was given to the selection of the CECs from different functional groups and with different physico-chemical properties

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