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Xiang T, Liu Y, Guo Y, Zhang J, Liu J, Yao L, Mao Y, Yang X, Liu J, Liu R, Jin X, Shi J, Qu G, Jiang G. Occurrence and Prioritization of Human Androgen Receptor Disruptors in Sewage Sludges Across China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:10309-10321. [PMID: 38795035 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
The global practice of reusing sewage sludge in agriculture and its landfill disposal reintroduces environmental contaminants, posing risks to human and ecological health. This study screened sewage sludge from 30 Chinese cities for androgen receptor (AR) disruptors, utilizing a disruptor list from the Toxicology in the 21st Century program (Tox21), and identified 25 agonists and 33 antagonists across diverse use categories. Predominantly, natural products 5α-dihydrotestosterone and thymidine emerged as agonists, whereas the industrial intermediate caprolactam was the principal antagonist. In-house bioassays for identified disruptors displayed good alignment with Tox21 potency data, validating employing Tox21 toxicity data for theoretical toxicity estimations. Potency calculations revealed 5α-dihydrotestosterone and two pharmaceuticals (17β-trenbolone and testosterone isocaproate) as the most potent AR agonists and three dyes (rhodamine 6G, Victoria blue BO, and gentian violet) as antagonists. Theoretical effect contribution evaluations prioritized 5α-dihydrotestosterone and testosterone isocaproate as high-risk AR agonists and caprolactam, rhodamine 6G, and 8-hydroxyquinoline (as a biocide and a preservative) as key antagonists. Notably, 16 agonists and 20 antagonists were newly reported in the sludge, many exhibiting significant detection frequencies, concentrations, and/or toxicities, demanding future scrutiny. Our study presents an efficient strategy for estimating environmental sample toxicity and identifying key toxicants, thereby supporting the development of appropriate sludge management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Xiang
- College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang110004, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
| | - Yanna Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
| | - Yunhe Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
| | - Jifu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Linlin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
| | - Yuxiang Mao
- School of Resources and Environment, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, China
| | - Xiaoxi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
| | - Runzeng Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xiaoting Jin
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao266071, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan430074, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang110004, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
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2
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Vo PHN, Ky Le G, Huy LN, Zheng L, Chaiwong C, Nguyen NN, Nguyen HTM, Ralph PJ, Kuzhiumparambil U, Soroosh D, Toft S, Madsen C, Kim M, Fenstermacher J, Hai HTN, Duan H, Tscharke B. Occurrence, spatiotemporal trends, fate, and treatment technologies for microplastics and organic contaminants in biosolids: A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133471. [PMID: 38266587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the occurrence, fate, treatment and multi-criteria analysis of microplastics (MPs) and organic contaminants (OCs) in biosolids. A meta-analysis was complementarily analysed through the literature to map out the occurrence and fate of MPs and 10 different groups of OCs. The data demonstrate that MPs (54.7% occurrence rate) and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactants (44.2% occurrence rate) account for the highest prevalence of contaminants in biosolids. In turn, dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs) have the lowest rates (<0.01%). The occurrence of several OCs (e.g., dioxin, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pharmaceutical and personal care products, ultraviolet filters, phosphate flame retardants) in Europe appear at higher rates than in Asia and the Americas. However, MP concentrations in biosolids from Australia are reported to be 10 times higher than in America and Europe, which required more measurement data for in-depth analysis. Amongst the OC groups, brominated flame retardants exhibited exceptional sorption to biosolids with partitioning coefficients (log Kd) higher than 4. To remove these contaminants from biosolids, a wide range of technologies have been developed. Our multicriteria analysis shows that anaerobic digestion is the most mature and practical. Thermal treatment is a viable option; however, it still requires additional improvements in infrastructure, legislation, and public acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phong H N Vo
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Gia Ky Le
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Lai Nguyen Huy
- Environmental Engineering and Management, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Klong Luang, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Lei Zheng
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China; Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4103, Australia
| | - Chawalit Chaiwong
- Environmental Engineering and Management, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Klong Luang, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Nam Nhat Nguyen
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Hong T M Nguyen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4103, Australia
| | - Peter J Ralph
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Unnikrishnan Kuzhiumparambil
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Danaee Soroosh
- Biotechnology Department, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Tehran 3353-5111, Iran
| | - Sonja Toft
- Urban Utilities, Level 10/31 Duncan St, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Craig Madsen
- Urban Utilities, Level 10/31 Duncan St, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Mikael Kim
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | | | - Ho Truong Nam Hai
- Faculty of Environment, University of Science, 227 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Haoran Duan
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ben Tscharke
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4103, Australia
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Jiang H, Li QY, Sun JX, Huang YY, Zhang P, Mao YF, Qu YF, Liu XL. Studies on competitive adsorption characteristics of bisphenol A and 17α-ethinylestradiol on thermoplastic polyurethane by site energy distribution theory. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:5181-5194. [PMID: 37093366 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01566-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Compound pollution of microplastics and estrogens is a growing ecotoxicological problem in aquatic environments. The adsorption isothermal properties of bisphenol A (BPA) and 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2) on polyamide (TPU) in monosolute and bisolute systems were studied. Under the same adsorption concentration (1-4 mg L-1), EE2 had a greater adsorption capacity than BPA in the monsolute system. Compared to the energy distribution features of the adsorption sites of EE2 and BPA, the BPA adsorption sites were located in the higher energy area and were more evenly distributed than those of EE2, while the quantity of BPA adsorption sites was less than that of EE2. In the bisolute system, the average site energy, site energy inhomogeneity, and adsorption site numbers of BPA increased by 1.674, -17.166, and 16.793%, respectively. In comparison, the average site energy, site energy inhomogeneity, and adsorption sites numbers of EE2 increased by 2.267, 4.416, and 8.585%, respectively. The results showed that BPA and EE2 had a cooperative effect on the competitive adsorption of TPU. XPS analysis showed that BPA and EE2 had electron transfer on TPU, although the chemisorption effects and hydrogen bonds between BPA and TPU were more significant. Comparing the changes in the relative functional group content of TPU in monosolute and bisolute systems, BPA and EE2 were synergistically absorbed on TPU. This study can provide a theoretical reference for the study of competitive adsorption between coexisting organic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Jiang
- National Engineering Research Center for Inland Waterway Regulation, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, China
- School of River and Ocean Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, China
- Chongqing Research Institute, China Coal Research Institute, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Qiao-Ying Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Inland Waterway Regulation, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, China
- School of River and Ocean Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, China
| | - Jiao-Xia Sun
- National Engineering Research Center for Inland Waterway Regulation, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, China
- School of River and Ocean Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Huang
- National Engineering Research Center for Inland Waterway Regulation, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, China
- School of River and Ocean Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, China
- Chongqing Academy of Science and Technology, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Chongqing Municipal Sanitation Inspection Center, Chongqing, 401121, China
| | - Yu-Feng Mao
- Chongqing Municipal Sanitation Inspection Center, Chongqing, 401121, China
| | - Ying-Fang Qu
- Chongqing Municipal Sanitation Inspection Center, Chongqing, 401121, China
| | - Xiu-Li Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Inland Waterway Regulation, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, China.
- Bijie City Real Estate exchange, Guizhou, 551700, China.
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Zhang X, Luo X, Wei J, Zhang Y, Jiang M, Wei Q, Chen M, Wang X, Zhang X, Zheng J. Preparation of a Molecularly Imprinted Silica Nanoparticles Embedded Microfiltration Membrane for Selective Separation of Tetrabromobisphenol A from Water. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:571. [PMID: 37367775 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13060571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous presence of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) in aquatic environments has caused severe environmental and public health concerns; it is therefore of great significance to develop effective techniques to remove this compound from contaminated waters. Herein, a TBBPA imprinted membrane was successfully fabricated via incorporating imprinted silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs). The TBBPA imprinted layer was synthesized on the 3-(methacryloyloxy) propyltrimethoxysilane (KH-570) modified SiO2 NPs via surface imprinting. Eluted TBBPA molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (E-TBBPA-MINs) were incorporated onto a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) microfiltration membrane via vacuum-assisted filtration. The obtained E-TBBPA-MINs embedded membrane (E-TBBPA-MIM) showed appreciable permeation selectivity toward the structurally analogous to TBBPA (i.e., 6.74, 5.24 and 6.31 of the permselectivity factors for p-tert-butylphenol (BP), bisphenol A (BPA) and 4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl (DDBP), respectively), far superior to the non-imprinted membrane (i.e., 1.47, 1.17 and 1.56 for BP, BPA and DDBP, respectively). The permselectivity mechanism of E-TBBPA-MIM could be attributed to the specific chemical adsorption and spatial complementation of TBBPA molecules by the imprinted cavities. The resulting E-TBBPA-MIM exhibited good stability after five adsorption/desorption cycles. The findings of this study validated the feasibility of developing nanoparticles embedded molecularly imprinted membrane for efficient separation and removal of TBBPA from water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingran Zhang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, 1 Jinji Road, Guilin 541004, China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai 201620, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Automatic Detecting Technology and Instruments, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, 1 Jinji Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Xiang Luo
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, 1 Jinji Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Jiaqi Wei
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, 1 Jinji Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, 1 Jinji Road, Guilin 541004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Automatic Detecting Technology and Instruments, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, 1 Jinji Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Minmin Jiang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, 1 Jinji Road, Guilin 541004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Automatic Detecting Technology and Instruments, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, 1 Jinji Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Qiaoyan Wei
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, 1 Jinji Road, Guilin 541004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Automatic Detecting Technology and Instruments, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, 1 Jinji Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Mei Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xueye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, 1 Jinji Road, Guilin 541004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Automatic Detecting Technology and Instruments, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, 1 Jinji Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Junjian Zheng
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, 1 Jinji Road, Guilin 541004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Automatic Detecting Technology and Instruments, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, 1 Jinji Road, Guilin 541004, China
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5
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Chen Q, Zhao B, Zhang Y, Zhu F, Wang H, Wang J, Fu X. The function of "Cambi® thermal hydrolysis + anaerobic digestion" on heavy metal behavior and risks in a full-scale sludge treatment plant based on four seasons investigation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130579. [PMID: 37055984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The environmental risk of heavy metals in sewage sludge from a full-scale "Cambi® thermal hydrolysis + anaerobic digestion" sludge treatment plant was discussed based on four seasons' data. Results showed that the order of heavy metal concentration in sludge was Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > As > Pb > Hg > Cd, which all increased significantly due to the "enrichment effect" caused by the degradation of organics. Nevertheless, the mass of heavy metals except for Cd decreased. Chemical fractions of different heavy metals in raw sludge varied greatly. The proportion of their residual fraction all increased slightly after treatment. Thermal hydrolysis and anaerobic digestion led to the transformation of some heavy metal fractions. Deep dehydration process reduced the mass of heavy metals from sludge (less than 10%). Potential ecological risk of heavy metals was low (RI <150) when sludge is applied 0.75 kg/m2 to soil according to GB 4284-2018, in which the risk of Hg and Cd was highest. Furthermore, the accumulation amounts of heavy metals in test soil and rural soil with the annual sludge application amount of 0.75 kg/m2 for 15 years were calculated, which did not exceed GB 36600-2018 and GB 15618-2018 respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Yuhui Zhang
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Fenfen Zhu
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China.
| | - Huan Wang
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Beijing Drainage Group Co. Ltd., Beijing 100124, China
| | - Xingmin Fu
- Beijing Drainage Group Co. Ltd., Beijing 100124, China
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Song X, Zhang Z, Wen Y, Zhang W, Xie Y, Cao N, Sun D, Yang Y. The response of steroid estrogens bioavailability to various sorption mechanisms by soil organic matter extracted with sequential alkaline-extraction method from an agriculture soil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119630. [PMID: 35760201 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The long-term groundwater contamination risks posed by steroidal estrogens (SEs) in animal-manured agricultural soils are closely associated with the soil organic matter (SOM) content and composition. In this study, the bioavailability of estrone (E1) and 17β-estradiol (17β-E2) under different sorption mechanism in humic acids (HA1 and HA2) and humin (HM) extracted with sequential alkaline-extraction technique (SAET) were examined. These SOMs extracted by SAET showed various properties and sorption characteristics for SEs. The alkyl carbon and condensed SOM increased during SAET, but aromatic carbon decreased and the same trend for polarity. Quick sorption was the major SEs sorption mechanism on HA1 and HA2, which contributed more than 69%; whilst slow sorption rate was about 50% in soil and HM. The logKoc values were proportional to the TOC of SOM according to Freundlich fitting, and the sorption capacity of sorbent for E1 and 17β-E2 was related to the logKow values, indicating that the main mechanism controlling the SEs sorption was hydrophobic interaction. The larger micropore volume of HM and soil was more conducive to the micropore filling of SEs. Meanwhile, the specific sorption of SEs on condensed domain of SOM was the main reason for the strong desorption hysteresis and slow sorption in HM and soil. The SEs degradation rate was positively correlated with the contribution rate of quick adsorption and negatively correlated with the contribution rate of slow adsorption, indicating that the bioavailability of SEs sorbed by hydrophobic interaction was higher than that of micropore filling or specific sorption, which was also the reason for the low bioavailability of SEs in HM and soil. This work confirms the regulation of on-site SOM compositions and their properties on SEs sorption and bioavailability. Characterization of these details is crucial for the improved prediction of long-term risks to groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Song
- Key Laboratory of Regional Environment and Eco-restoration, Ministry of Education, Shenyang University, Shenyang, 110044, China
| | - Zhipeng Zhang
- Chengdu Center of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology, Sichuan Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources, Chengdu, 610081, China.
| | - Yujuan Wen
- Key Laboratory of Regional Environment and Eco-restoration, Ministry of Education, Shenyang University, Shenyang, 110044, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea, SA1 8EN, UK
| | - Yi Xie
- Liaoning Provincial Ecology & Environment Monitoring Center, Shenyang, 110161, China
| | - Nan Cao
- Chengdu Center of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology, Sichuan Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Dong Sun
- Chengdu Center of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology, Sichuan Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Yuesuo Yang
- Key Laboratory of Regional Environment and Eco-restoration, Ministry of Education, Shenyang University, Shenyang, 110044, China; College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
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Ma Q, Yang X, Guo Y, Wang Y, Liu Y, Zhang S, Xie HQ, Xiang T, Li Z, Nie T, Yan Y, Qu G, Jiang G. Effect-directed analysis of estrogenic chemicals in sediments from an electronic-waste recycling area. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119369. [PMID: 35513195 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electronic waste (e-waste) pollution is of great concern due to the release of hazardous chemicals during the improper e-waste disposal. Many chemicals leached from e-waste were reported to pose estrogenic effects. To date, little is known regarding the occurrence and biological effects of estrogenic chemicals in sediments near an e-waste area. In this study, an effect-directed analysis (EDA) is applied to determine the estrogenic chemicals in sediments of four sites collected from a typical e-waste recycling city in China. Following screening with the ER-CALUX assay, the extract of sample with the most potent effect was subjected in fractionation using reverse phase liquid chromatography. Based on a target analysis for the active fractions, four compounds, including estrone, 17β-estradiol, 17α-ethinylestradiol and bisphenol A, were identified, and these contributed to 17% of the total toxic effects in the sample. A further nontarget analysis screened four candidates, namely diethylstilbestrol (DES), hexestrol (HES), nandrolone and durabolin, and the total contribution was found to be 48% from the active sample. Specifically, DES and HES were only detected in the active sample and were found to be the primary drivers of estrogenic effects. An examination of the identified chemicals in the four sites indicated that these estrogenic chemicals may originate from e-waste recycling, livestock excretion and domestic waste. These findings uncovered the estrogenic pollutants in sediments from an e-waste area. Considering single endpoint in biological assay is not abundant to screen chemicals with different toxic effects, further EDA studies with multiple endpoints are required to better understand the occurrence of representative or unknown chemicals in e-waste-polluted areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianchi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoxi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
| | - Yunhe Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Yanna Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Songyan Zhang
- Engineering Laboratory of Shenzhen Natural Small Molecule Innovative Drugs, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Heidi Qunhui Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tongtong Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Zikang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tong Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Yuhao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310000, China
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8
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Sellier A, Khaska S, Le Gal La Salle C. Assessment of the occurrence of 455 pharmaceutical compounds in sludge according to their physical and chemical properties: A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 426:128104. [PMID: 34996022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.128104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sludge agronomical reuse is of major interest due to the beneficial contribution of nutrients. However, it implies the introduction of unregulated pharmaceuticals into amended-soils and creates a controversial issue about sludge management. To limit their dissemination, it is essential to identify the compounds of interest and understand their attenuation mechanisms through the sludge processes. This paper summarizes the knowledge on 455 investigated pharmaceuticals among 32 therapeutical categories in amendable sludge matrices. It contributes to enlarging the list of commonly quantified compounds to 305 residues including 84 additional compounds compared to previous reviews. It highlights that sorption appears as the main mechanism controlling the occurrence of pharmaceuticals in sludge matrices and shows the considerable residual levels of pharmaceuticals reaching several mg/kg in dry weight. Antibiotics, stimulants, and antidepressants show the highest concentrations up to 232 mg/kg, while diuretics, anti-anxieties or anticoagulants present the lowest concentrations reaching up to 686 µg/kg. Collected data show the increase in investigated compounds as antifungals or antihistamines, and underline emerging categories like antidiabetics, antivirals, or antiarrhythmics. The in-depth analysis of the substantial database guides onto the pharmaceuticals that are the most likely to occur in these amendable matrices to assist future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Sellier
- CHROME Détection, évaluation, gestion des risques CHROniques et éMErgents (CHROME) / Université de Nîmes, 30021 Nîmes Cedex 01 - FRANCE.
| | - Somar Khaska
- CHROME Détection, évaluation, gestion des risques CHROniques et éMErgents (CHROME) / Université de Nîmes, 30021 Nîmes Cedex 01 - FRANCE.
| | - Corinne Le Gal La Salle
- CHROME Détection, évaluation, gestion des risques CHROniques et éMErgents (CHROME) / Université de Nîmes, 30021 Nîmes Cedex 01 - FRANCE.
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9
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Black GP, He G, Denison MS, Young TM. Using Estrogenic Activity and Nontargeted Chemical Analysis to Identify Contaminants in Sewage Sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:6729-6739. [PMID: 33909413 PMCID: PMC8378343 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c07846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Diverse organic compounds, many derived from consumer products, are found in sewage sludge worldwide. Understanding which of these poses the most significant environmental threat following land application can be investigated through a variety of predictive and cell-based toxicological techniques. Nontargeted analysis using high-resolution mass spectrometry with predictive estrogenic activity modeling was performed on sewage sludge samples from 12 wastewater treatment plants in California. Diisobutyl phthalate and dextrorphan were predicted to exhibit estrogenic activity and identified in >75% of sludge samples, signifying their universal presence and persistence. Additionally, the application of an estrogen-responsive cell bioassay revealed reductions in agonistic activity during mesophilic and thermophilic treatment but significant increases in antagonism during thermophilic treatment, which warrants further research. Ten nontarget features were identified (metoprolol, fenofibric acid, erythrohydrobupropion, oleic acid, mestranol, 4'-chlorobiphenyl-2,3-diol, medrysone, scillarenin, sudan I, and N,O-didesmethyltramadol) in treatment set samples and are considered to have influenced the in vitro estrogenic activity observed. The combination of predictive and in vitro estrogenicity with nontargeted analysis has led to confirmation of 12 estrogen-active contaminants in California sewage sludge and has highlighted the importance of evaluating both agonistic and antagonistic responses when evaluating the bioactivity of complex samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle P. Black
- Agricultural & Environmental Chemistry Graduate Group, University of California, Davis
| | - Guochun He
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis
| | | | - Thomas M. Young
- Agricultural & Environmental Chemistry Graduate Group, University of California, Davis
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis
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10
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Choi YJ, Nies LF, Lee LS. Persistence of three bisphenols and other trace organics of concern in anaerobic sludge under methanogenic conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2021; 42:1373-1382. [PMID: 31524554 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2019.1668966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The degradation and distribution of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol AF (BPAF) were evaluated in dilute anaerobic sludge slurries amended with a single bisphenol or a mixture of all three and maintained under methanogenic conditions over a 28-d period. No significant degradation of the bisphenols was observed in methane-generating microcosms. Rapid sorption to sludge particles was the primary removal process with sorption observed: BPAF > BPA > BPS. Several other trace organic chemicals of concern in the sludge were detected using quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry. Of those detected, triclosan and triclocarban had sufficiently high intensities to quantify changes over the 28-d period in the bisphenol-amended microcosms. Similar to the bisphenols, triclosan and triclocarban concentrations also did not significantly change over the 28-d period with concentrations quantified at 2021 ± 627 and 1864 ± 769 μg/kg dry weight, respectively. Findings exemplify that methane-generating microcosms do not appear conducive to significant degradation of trace organics of concern in anaerobic sludge digesters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youn Jeong Choi
- Department of Agronomy, Ecological Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Loring F Nies
- School of Civil Engineering, Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Linda S Lee
- Department of Agronomy, Ecological Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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11
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Zhao S, Rogers MJ, He J. Abundance of organohalide respiring bacteria and their role in dehalogenating antimicrobials in wastewater treatment plants. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 181:115893. [PMID: 32502751 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic organohalide contaminants present in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) often remain untreated and can be discharged into the environment. Although organohalide respiring bacteria (OHRB) contribute to the elimination of anthropogenic organohalides in natural anaerobic environments, reductive dehalogenation by OHRB in mainstream WWTPs remains poorly understood. In this study, we quantified OHRB during a long-term operation of a municipal WWTP with short hydraulic and sludge retention times (3 h and 1.5-5 days, respectively). The obligate OHRB were detected at high levels (averaging 2.56 ± 1.73 × 107 and 3.11 ± 1.16 × 107 16S rRNA gene copies/ml MLSS sludge in anoxic and aerobic zones, respectively) over the entire sampling period and throughout the wastewater treatment train. Microcosms derived from mainstream activated sludge contained an unidentified member of the Dehalococcoides genus that metabolically dechlorinated triclosan, used as a representative emerging organohalide antimicrobial, to diclosan, suggesting the potential of anaerobic degradation of emerging contaminants in WWTPs. To further understand the mechanisms for such antimicrobials' removal, an investigation of dechlorination of triclosan by Dehalococcoides strains was conducted. Dechlorination of environmentally relevant concentrations of triclosan to diclosan was observed in Dehalococcoides mccartyi strain CG1, yielding 4.59 ± 0.34 × 108 cells/μmole Cl- removed at a rate of 0.062 μM/day and a minimal inhibitory concentration of 0.5 mg/L. Notably, both the tolerance of strain CG1 to triclosan and the rate of triclosan dechlorination increased when CG1 was cultured in the presence of both triclosan and tetrachloroethene. Taken together, our results suggest that anaerobic degradation of organohalide antimicrobials might be more prevalent in mainstream WWTPs than previously speculated, though the low growth yields that are supported by triclosan dechlorination seem to indicate that other organohalide substrates could be necessary to sustain OHRB populations in these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyan Zhao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117576, Singapore
| | - Matthew J Rogers
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117576, Singapore
| | - Jianzhong He
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117576, Singapore.
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12
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Szabó L, Vancsik A, Király C, Ringer M, Kondor A, Jakab G, Szalai Z, Filep T. Investigation of the sorption of 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) on soils formed under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 240:124817. [PMID: 31561160 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A study was conducted on the sorption of 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) on five soils formed under different redox conditions: an Arenosol (A_20) with fully aerobic conditions, two Gleysol samples (G_20 and G_40) with suboxic and anoxic conditions and two Histosols (H_20 and H_80) with mostly anoxic conditions. The soils were characterized on the basis of total organic carbon (TOC), specific surface area (SSA) and the Fourier transform infrared spectra of the humic acid and humin fractions (the soil remaining after alkali extraction) of the soil. The maximum adsorption capacity of the soils (Qmax) ranged from 10.7 to 83.6 mg/g in the order G_20 > H_20 > G_40 > A_20 > H_80, which reflected the organic matter content of the soils. The sorption isotherms were found to be nonlinear for all the soil samples, with Freundlich n values of 0.45-0.68. The strong nonlinearity found in the adsorption of the H_80 samples could be attributed to their high hard carbon content, which was confirmed by the high aromaticity of the humin fraction. The maximum sorption capacity (Qmax) of the soils did not increase indefinitely as the organic carbon content of the soils rose. There could be two reasons for this: (i) the large amount of organic matter may reduce the number of binding sites on the surface, and (ii) the decrease in SSA with increasing soil OC content may limit the ability to adsorb EE2 molecules. In anaerobic soil samples, where organic matter accumulation is pronounced, the amount of aromatic and phenolic compounds was higher than in better aerated soil profiles. Strong correlations were found between the amount of aromatic and phenolic compounds in the organic matter and the adsorption of EE2 molecules, indicating that π-π interaction and H-bonding are the dominant sorption mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Szabó
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Geographical Institute, Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Science, Environmental and Landscape Geography, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Anna Vancsik
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Geographical Institute, Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Király
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Geographical Institute, Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marianna Ringer
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Geographical Institute, Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Kondor
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Geographical Institute, Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergely Jakab
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Geographical Institute, Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Science, Environmental and Landscape Geography, Budapest, Hungary; Institute of Geography and Geoinformatics, University of Miskolc, Miskolc, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szalai
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Geographical Institute, Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Science, Environmental and Landscape Geography, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tibor Filep
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Geographical Institute, Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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13
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Wang K, Larkin T, Singhal N, Zhuang T. Amendment of municipal sewage sludge with lime and mussel shell: Effects on fate of organic matter and pharmaceutically active compounds. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 85:272-282. [PMID: 30803581 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2018.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The deterioration in its strength from long-term degradation of organic matter and release of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) have caused adverse environmental effects in municipal sewage sludge (MSS) landfill. Lime and a mixture of lime and mussel shell were employed as potential stabilization agents for MSS in this work. Their efficacy was assessed by investigating the effects on transformation of organic matter, as well as the occurrence and fate of four PhACs (fluoxetine, gemfibrozil, triclosan and carbamazepine) over 42 days. The addition of the selected agents: (i) prevented the microbial degradation of organic matter; (ii) modified the predominant functional groups of amide groups (amide I and II) and polysaccharides to deprotonated carboxylic groups and destruction of amide groups; and (iii) shifted the abundance of organic constituents from microbial by-products to humic acid-like organics with conformational changes. The measurement method provided reliable and precise results for determining PhAC concentrations in MSS with and without amendment, although matrix effects and process effects were found to affect measurement sensitivity. Available fractions of the PhACs increased in MSS with lime addition, but decreased in the presence of the mixture of lime and mussel shell due to the strong adsorption effects of the shells. The mixture of lime and mussel shell would be recommended for stabilizing MSS prior to being landfilled. However, longer term and larger scale investigation may be needed to better evaluate the applicability of lime and mussel shell for reducing the hazards and facilitating the management of MSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- Institute of Soil, Jinan Environmental Research Academy, Jinan 250102, PR China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, New Zealand.
| | - Tam Larkin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, New Zealand
| | - Naresh Singhal
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, New Zealand
| | - Tao Zhuang
- Institute of Soil, Jinan Environmental Research Academy, Jinan 250102, PR China
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14
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Jiang L, Yang Y, Jia LX, Liu Y, Pan B, Lin Y. Effects of earthworm casts on sorption-desorption, degradation, and bioavailability of nonylphenol in soil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:7968-7977. [PMID: 29302909 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-1130-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Up to hundreds of milligrams per kilogram (dry weight) of nonylphenol (NP) reportedly entered the soil and sediment through the agricultural reuse of biosolids, pesticide application, etc. Organic pollutants in soil could not only further trigger groundwater contamination via leaching (that highly depends upon sorption-desorption and degradation phenomena) but also harm food safety by crop uptake (that mainly rests with the bioavailability of pollutants in soil). Thus, we first investigated the effects of earthworm casts (EWCs) on the sorption-desorption, degradation, and bioavailability of NP in soil under laboratory microcosm conditions, and then, analyzed the FT-IR spectra of EWC and soil samples (with and without EWC). The application of EWC could notably increase the sorption capacity of soils for NP and in turn significantly inhibited the desorption of NP from soil; responsively lengthened the half-time of NP in the soil; and reduced the uptake and translocation of NP in tomato seedlings and promoted their growth during the first 3 weeks. Finally, FT-IR spectra of EWC and soil samples indicated that the application of EWC increased the content of N, P, and organic matter in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jiang
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Lin Xian Jia
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
- College of Environment and Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Bo Pan
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
| | - Yong Lin
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China.
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15
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Lhotský O, Krákorová E, Mašín P, Žebrák R, Linhartová L, Křesinová Z, Kašlík J, Steinová J, Rødsand T, Filipová A, Petrů K, Kroupová K, Cajthaml T. Pharmaceuticals, benzene, toluene and chlorobenzene removal from contaminated groundwater by combined UV/H 2O 2 photo-oxidation and aeration. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 120:245-255. [PMID: 28500989 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.04.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study was performed to test the feasibility of several decontamination methods for remediating heavily contaminated groundwater in a real contaminated locality in the Czech Republic, where a pharmaceuticals plant has been in operation for more than 80 years. The site is polluted mainly by recalcitrant psychopharmaceuticals and monoaromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene and chlorobenzene. For this purpose, an advanced oxidation technique employing UV radiation with hydrogen peroxide dosing was employed, in combination with simple aeration pretreatment. The results showed that UV/H2O2 was an efficient and necessary step for degradation of the pharmaceuticals; however, the monoaromatics were already removed during the aeration step. Characterization of the removal mechanisms participating in the aeration revealed that volatilization, co-precipitation and biodegradation contributed to the process. These findings were supported by bacterial metabolite analyses, phospholipid fatty acid analysis, qPCR of representatives of the degradative genes and detailed characterization of the formed precipitate using Mössbauer spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Further tests were carried out in a continuous arrangement directly connected to the wells already present in the locality. The results documented the feasibility of combination of the photo-reactor employing UV/H2O2 together with aeration pretreatment for 4 months, where the overall decontamination efficiency ranged from 72% to 99% of the pharmaceuticals. We recorded even better results for the monoaromatics decontamination except for one month, when we encountered some technical problems with the aeration pump. This demonstrated the necessity of using the aeration step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Lhotský
- DEKONTA a.s., Volutová 2523, CZ-158 00, Prague 5, Czech Republic; Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Benátská 2, CZ-128 01, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Krákorová
- DEKONTA a.s., Volutová 2523, CZ-158 00, Prague 5, Czech Republic; Institute of Microbiology Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Mašín
- DEKONTA a.s., Volutová 2523, CZ-158 00, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Žebrák
- DEKONTA a.s., Volutová 2523, CZ-158 00, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Linhartová
- Institute of Microbiology Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Zdena Křesinová
- Institute of Microbiology Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic; Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Benátská 2, CZ-128 01, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Kašlík
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Department of Physical Chemistry and Experimental Physics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, 17. Listopadu 1192/12, CZ-771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Steinová
- Technical University of Liberec, Studentská 2, CZ-461 17, Liberec, Czech Republic
| | - Torgeir Rødsand
- ALS Laboratory Group Norway AS, Drammensveien 173, N-0214, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alena Filipová
- Institute of Microbiology Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic; Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Benátská 2, CZ-128 01, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Klára Petrů
- Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Benátská 2, CZ-128 01, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Kroupová
- Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Benátská 2, CZ-128 01, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Cajthaml
- Institute of Microbiology Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic; Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Benátská 2, CZ-128 01, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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16
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Yang S, McDonald J, Hai FI, Price WE, Khan SJ, Nghiem LD. The fate of trace organic contaminants in sewage sludge during recuperative thickening anaerobic digestion. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2017; 240:197-206. [PMID: 28233607 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to study the fate of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) in sewage sludge during recuperative thickening anaerobic digestion. Sludge shearing at 3142s-1 for 5minutes improved biogas production. By contrast, shearing at ≥6283s-1 for 5minutes caused a notable reduction in biogas production and the removal of volatile solids. Results reported here showed the prevalent occurrence of 17 TrOCs in sewage sludge and highlights the importance of assessing TrOC removal via mass balance calculation by taking into account partitioning between the aqueous and solid phase as well as biodegradation. Hydrophilic and readily-biodegradable TrOCs (caffeine, trimethoprim, and paracetamol) were well removed and were not affected by shearing. TrOCs such as carbamazepine, gemfibrozil, and diuron showed biodegradation only at high shearing. It is possible that shearing can facilitate the circulation of TrOCs between aqueous and solid phases, thus, enhancing the biodegradation of some TrOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufan Yang
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Lab, School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - James McDonald
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Faisal I Hai
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Lab, School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - William E Price
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Lab, School of Chemistry, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Stuart J Khan
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Long D Nghiem
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Lab, School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia.
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17
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Huang P, Mukherji ST, Wu S, Muller J, Goel R. Fate of 17β-Estradiol as a model estrogen in source separated urine during integrated chemical P recovery and treatment using partial nitritation-anammox process. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 103:500-509. [PMID: 27566951 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Recently, research on source separation followed by the treatment of urine and/or resource recovery from human urine has shown promise as an emerging management strategy. Despite contributing only 1% of the total volume of wastewater, human urine contributes about 80% of the nitrogen, 70% of the potassium, and up to 50% of the total phosphorus in wastewater. It is also a known fact that many of the micropollutants, especially selected estrogens, get into municipal wastewater through urine excretion. In this research, we investigated the fate of 17β-estradiol (E2) as a model estrogen during struvite precipitation from synthetic urine followed by the treatment of urine using a partial nitritation-anammox (PN/A) system. Single-stage and two-stage suspended growth PN/A configurations were used to remove the nitrogen in urine after struvite precipitation. The results showed an almost 95% phosphorous and 5% nitrogen recovery/removal from the synthetic urine due to struvite precipitation. The single and two stage PN/A processes were able to remove around 50% and 75% of ammonia and nitrogen present in the post struvite urine solution, respectively. After struvite precipitation, more than 95% of the E2 remained in solution and the transformation of E2 to E1 happened during urine storage. Most of the E2 removal that occurred during the PN/A process was due to sorption on the biomass and biodegradation (transformation of E2 to E1, and slow degradation of E1 to other metabolites). These results demonstrate that a combination of chemical and biological unit processes will be needed to recover and manage nutrients in source separated urine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, 110 South Campus Drive, MCE 2000, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Sachiyo T Mukherji
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, 110 South Campus Drive, MCE 2000, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Sha Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, 110 South Campus Drive, MCE 2000, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - James Muller
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Ramesh Goel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, 110 South Campus Drive, MCE 2000, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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18
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Yang S, Hai FI, Price WE, McDonald J, Khan SJ, Nghiem LD. Occurrence of trace organic contaminants in wastewater sludge and their removals by anaerobic digestion. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2016; 210:153-159. [PMID: 26795886 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.12.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the occurrence of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) in wastewater sludge and their removal during anaerobic digestion. The significant occurrence of 18 TrOCs in primary sludge was observed. These TrOCs occurred predominantly in the solid phase. Some of these TrOCs (e.g. paracetamol, caffeine, ibuprofen and triclosan) were also found at high concentrations (>10,000ng/L) in the aqueous phase. The overall removal of TrOCs (from both the aqueous and solid phase) by anaerobic digestion was governed by their molecular structure (e.g. the presence/absence of electron withdrawing/donating functional groups). While an increase in sludge retention time (SRT) of the digester resulted in a small but clearly discernible increase in basic biological performance (e.g. volatile solids removal and biogas production), the impact of SRT on TrOC removal was negligible. The lack of SRT influence on TrOC removal suggests that TrOCs were not the main substrate for anaerobic digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufan Yang
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Lab, School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Faisal I Hai
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Lab, School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - William E Price
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Lab, School of Chemistry, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - James McDonald
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Stuart J Khan
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Long D Nghiem
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Lab, School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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19
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Thomaidi VS, Stasinakis AS, Borova VL, Thomaidis NS. Assessing the risk associated with the presence of emerging organic contaminants in sludge-amended soil: A country-level analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 548-549:280-288. [PMID: 26802356 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Greece was used as case study and the environmental risk associated with the existence of 99 emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) in sludge-amended soil was estimated using risk quotient (RQ) approach. Data on the concentration levels of EOCs in sewage sludge was collected after literature review. Chemical analyses were also conducted for 50 pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs in sludge samples from Athens Sewage Treatment Plant. Risk assessment was based on both terrestrial and aquatic acute toxicity data, using both the maximum and the average measured concentrations of the target compounds. EC50/LC50 values were collected through literature review or using the ECOSAR program in cases that experimental values were not available. Triclosan seems to pose an environmental risk on the soil environment, as its RQ values exceeded 1, both in terrestrial and aquatic toxicity data based risk assessment. Calculations based on aquatic toxicity data showed that another eleven compounds had RQs higher than 1, most of them belonging to the classes of synthetic phenolic compounds and siloxanes. Tetradecamethylhexasiloxane presented the highest RQ, while high RQs were also calculated for decamethylcyclopentasiloxane and caffeine. No environmental risk for the terrestrial environment is expected due to the individual action of illicit drugs, perfluorinated compounds and benzotriazoles. The sludge source and the day of sampling affected the estimated threat due to nonylphenolic compounds; however these factors did not affect the estimated risk for siloxanes, caffeine and ofloxacin. Calculation of RQ values for the mixture of EOCs, using either the maximum or the average concentrations, far exceeded 1 (253 and 209, respectively), indicating a presumable threat for the terrestrial environment due to the baseline toxicity of these compounds. Countries that reuse sludge for agricultural purposes should include specific EOCs in national monitoring campaigns and study more thoroughly on their effects to the terrestrial environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Viola L Borova
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos S Thomaidis
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
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20
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Semblante GU, Hai FI, Huang X, Ball AS, Price WE, Nghiem LD. Trace organic contaminants in biosolids: Impact of conventional wastewater and sludge processing technologies and emerging alternatives. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2015; 300:1-17. [PMID: 26151380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper critically reviews the fate of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) in biosolids, with emphasis on identifying operation conditions that impact the accumulation of TrOCs in sludge during conventional wastewater and sludge treatment and assessing the technologies available for TrOC removal from biosolids. The fate of TrOCs during sludge thickening, stabilisation (e.g. aerobic digestion, anaerobic digestion, alkaline stabilisation, and composting), conditioning, and dewatering is elucidated. Operation pH, sludge retention time (SRT), and temperature have significant impact on the sorption and biodegradation of TrOCs in activated sludge that ends up in the sludge treatment line. Anaerobic digestion may exacerbate the estrogenicity of sludge due to bioconversion to more potent metabolites. Application of advanced oxidation or thermal pre-treatment may minimise TrOCs in biosolids by increasing the bioavailability of TrOCs, converting TrOCs into more biodegradable products, or inducing complete mineralisation of TrOCs. Treatment of sludge by bioaugmentation using various bacteria, yeast, or fungus has the potential to reduce TrOC levels in biosolids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galilee U Semblante
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Laboratory, School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Faisal I Hai
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Laboratory, School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Xia Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Andrew S Ball
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora 3083, Australia
| | - William E Price
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Laboratory, School of Chemistry, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Long D Nghiem
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Laboratory, School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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21
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Verlicchi P, Zambello E. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products in untreated and treated sewage sludge: Occurrence and environmental risk in the case of application on soil - A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 538:750-67. [PMID: 26327643 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.08.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This review is based on 59 papers published between 2002 and 2015, referring to about 450 treatment trains providing data regarding sludge concentrations for 169 compounds, specifically 152 pharmaceuticals and 17 personal care products, grouped into 28 different classes. The rationale of the study is to provide data to evaluate the environmental risk posed by the spreading of treated sludge in agriculture. Following discussion of the legislative scenario governing the final disposal of treated sludge in European countries and the USA, the study provides a snapshot of the occurrence of selected compounds in primary, secondary, mixed, digested, conditioned, composted and dried sludge originating in municipal wastewater treatment plants fed mainly with urban wastewater as well as in sludge-amended soil. Not only are measured values reported, but also predicted concentrations based on Kd values are reported. It emerges that in secondary sludge, the highest concentrations were found for fragrances, antiseptics and antibiotics and an attenuation in their concentrations occurs during treatment, in particular anaerobic digestion and composting. An in-depth literature survey of the (measured and predicted) Kd values for the different compounds and treated sludge are reported and an analysis of the influence of pH, redox conditions, sludge type was carried out. The data regarding measured and predicted concentrations of selected compounds in sludge-amended soil is then analyzed. Finally an environmental risk assessment posed by their occurrence in soil in the case of land application of sludge is examined, and the results obtained by different authors are compared. The most critical compounds found in the sludge-amended soil are estradiol, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, tetracycline, caffeine, triclosan and triclocarban. The study concludes with a focus on the main issues that should be further investigated in order to refine the environmental risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Verlicchi
- Department of Engineering, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 1 44122 Ferrara, Italy; Technopole Terra and Acqua Tech, Via Borsari 46, 44123 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - E Zambello
- Department of Engineering, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 1 44122 Ferrara, Italy.
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22
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Li Y, Wang J, Zhang A, Wang L. Enhancing the quantity and quality of short-chain fatty acids production from waste activated sludge using CaO2 as an additive. WATER RESEARCH 2015; 83:84-93. [PMID: 26141424 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The effect of calcium peroxide (CaO2) addition on anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge (WAS) was investigated. The lab-scale experiments were conducted at 35 °C with CaO2 doses ranging from 0.05 to 0.3 g/g VSS. The performances of hydrolysis and acidification of WAS were significantly enhanced by CaO2 addition, whereas the production of methane was inhibited. Maximum total short-chain fatty acids (TSCFA) production (284 mg COD/g VSS) occurred at a CaO2 dose of 0.2 g/g VSS and fermentation time of 7 d, which was 3.9 times higher than the control tests. Further, CaO2 addition led to the conversion of other SCFAs to acetic acid. Acetic acid comprised 60.2% of TSCFA with the addition of 0.2 g CaO2/g VSS compared with 45.1% in the control tests. The mechanism of improved SCFAs generation was analyzed from the view of both chemical and biological effects. Chemical effect facilitated the disintegration of WAS, and improved the activities of both hydrolytic enzymes and acid-forming enzymes. Illumina MiSeq sequencing analysis revealed that bacteria within phylum Firmicutes increased significantly due to CaO2 addition, which played an important role in the hydrolysis and acidification of WAS. In addition, CaO2 oxidized most refractory organic contaminants, which were difficult to biodegrade under the ordinary anaerobic condition. Hydroxyl radicals were the most abundant reactive oxygen species released by CaO2, which played a key role in the removal of refractory organic compounds. We developed a promising technology to produce a valuable carbon source from WAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Ogunlaja OO, Parker WJ. Assessment of the removal of estrogenicity in biological nutrient removal wastewater treatment processes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 514:202-210. [PMID: 25666280 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.01.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The removal of estrogenicity in a University of Cape Town-biological nutrient removal (UCT-BNR) wastewater treatment process was investigated using pilot and bench scale systems, batch experiments and mathematical modeling. In the pilot BNR process, 96 ± 5% of the estrogenicity exerted by the influent wastewater was removed by the treatment process. The degradation efficiencies in the anaerobic, anoxic and aerobic zones of the pilot BNR bioreactor were 11 ± 9%, 18 ± 2% and 93 ± 10%, respectively. In order to further understand the performance of the BNR process in the removal of estrogenicity from wastewater, a bench scale BNR process was operated with synthetic wastewater dosed with E1 and E2. The removal of estrogenicity in the bench scale system (95 ± 5%) was comparable to the pilot BNR process and the degradation efficiencies were estimated to be 8 ± 0.8%, 38 ± 4% and 85 ± 22% in the anaerobic, anoxic and aerobic zones, respectively. A biotransformation model developed to predict the fate of E1 and E2 in batch tests using the sludge from the BNR process was calibrated using the data from the experiments. The biotransformation rate constants for the transformation of E2 to E1 were estimated as 71 ± 1.5, 31 ± 3.3 and 1 ± 0.9 Lg COD(-1)d(-1) for the aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic batch tests, respectively, while the corresponding biotransformation rate constants for the transformation of E1 were estimated to be 7.3 ± 1.0, 3 ± 2.0, and 0.85 ± 0.6 L·g COD(-1)d(-1). A steady state mass balance model formulated to describe the interactions between E2 and E1 in BNR activated sludge reasonably described the fate of E1 and E2 in the BNR process.
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Affiliation(s)
- O O Ogunlaja
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - W J Parker
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
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Malmborg J, Magnér J. Pharmaceutical residues in sewage sludge: effect of sanitization and anaerobic digestion. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2015; 153:1-10. [PMID: 25645950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The fate of pharmaceutical residues in treatment of WWTP sludge was evaluated during mesophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) and six sanitization technologies (pasteurization, thermal hydrolysis, advanced oxidation processes using Fenton's reaction, ammonia treatment, thermophilic dry digestion, and thermophilic anaerobic digestion). Sludge spiked with a selection of 13 substances was used and in total 23 substances were detected. A correlation between substance lipophilicity and sludge partitioning was found after sample centrifugation, with e.g., SSRI drugs (90-99%) and estrogens (96-98%) mainly found in the solid phase. A correlation between lipophilicity and persistence of pharmaceutical residues during AD was also detected, indicating that hydrophobic substances are less available to degrading microorganisms. Overall, AD was found to be the most effective technology in reducing a wide spectrum of organic substances (in average ca 30% reduction). Similar effects were obtained for both AD treatments, suggesting that temperature (mesophilic or thermophilic) is less important for micropollutant reduction. Advanced oxidation processes using Fenton's reaction also affected several compounds, including substances showing general stability over the range of treatments such as carbamazepine, propranolol, and sertraline. Pasteurization, ammonia treatment, and thermophilic dry digestion exhibited relatively modest reductions. Interestingly, only thermal hydrolysis efficiently removed the ecotoxicologically potent estrogenic compounds from the sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Malmborg
- Tekniska verken i Linköping AB (publ.), Department of Biogas R&D, P.O. Box 1500, SE-58115 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Jörgen Magnér
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute Ltd, P.O. Box 21060, SE-10031 Stockholm, Sweden
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25
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Ogunlaja OO, Parker WJ. Impact of activated sludge process configuration on removal of micropollutants and estrogenicity. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2015; 72:277-283. [PMID: 26177411 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2015.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of three different wastewater treatment configurations, conventional activated sludge (CAS), nitrifying activated sludge (NAS) and biological nutrient removal (BNR) for removal of selected micropollutants from authentic wastewater was investigated. The processes were also characterized based on their proficiency to reduce the estrogenic activity of the influent wastewater using the in vitro recombinant yeast assay. The removal efficiency of trimethoprim improved with the complexity of the three treatment process configurations. Ibuprofen, androstendione, sulfamethoxazole, nonyl-phenol, estrone and bisphenol-A had moderate to high removals (>65%) while carbamazepine and meprobamate remained recalcitrant in the three treatment process configurations. The removal of gemfibrozil was better in the NAS than in BNR and CAS treatment configurations. The yeast estrogen screen (YES) assay analyses showed an improvement in estrogenicity removal in the BNR and NAS treatment configurations as compared to the CAS treatment configuration. Comparing the estrogenic responses from the three treatment configurations, the removal efficiencies followed the order of BNR=NAS>CAS and all were greater than 81%.
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Affiliation(s)
- O O Ogunlaja
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada E-mail:
| | - W J Parker
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada E-mail:
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26
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Chawla C, Sarkar S, Ali S, Rehmann L, Nakhla G, Ray MB. Anaerobic digestibility of estrogens in wastewater sludge: effect of ultrasonic pretreatment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2014; 145:307-313. [PMID: 25098232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogenic compounds have been detected in the secondary effluents and in the biosolids from conventional wastewater treatment plants, which are not designed for their removal. Furthermore, existing limited studies on anaerobic digestibility of estrogens report conflicting results. The objective of the present work was to determine the fate and anaerobic digestibility of estrogenic compounds in various types of sludge including primary sludge (PS), waste activated sludge (WAS), and anaerobically digested sludge (seed). METHODS Estrone (E1) and 17-β estradiol (E2) were chosen as the model estrogenic compounds. Initially batch adsorption was conducted to determine the extent of adsorption and isotherm of E1 on various sludge. Thereafter, batch anaerobic digestion of E1 and E2 was conducted in various sludge using So/X ratio of 4 gCOD/gVSS in 250 ml bottles. The effect of earlier optimized ultrasonication dosage on the anaerobic digestion of E1 and E2 was also characterized. Estrogenicity of the digested samples was determined by the YES assay. RESULTS Most of E1 and E2 was adsorbed on the biosolids and the Freundlich isotherm fitted the experimental data well. No anaerobic digestion of E1 and E2 was found in any of the sludge tested, and the estrogenicity of the sludge measured by YES assay increased during digestion due to the formation of E2 from E1 in a reduced environment. Ultrasonication decreased the initial mass of E1 and E2 by 20% in the sonicated digester as compared to control digester, however, there was no further decrease in E1 and E2 during digestion. CONCLUSIONS Most of the estrogenic compounds partitioned onto the solids and remained there during digestion. Ultrasonication pretreatment reduced the estrogen burden for the digester due to advance oxidation, but no further removal of the estrogens occurred in the digester.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Chawla
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London N6A5B9, Canada
| | - Shubhajit Sarkar
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London N6A5B9, Canada
| | - Sura Ali
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London N6A5B9, Canada
| | - Lars Rehmann
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London N6A5B9, Canada
| | - George Nakhla
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London N6A5B9, Canada
| | - Madhumita B Ray
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London N6A5B9, Canada.
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27
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Krzmarzick MJ, Novak PJ. Removal of chlorinated organic compounds during wastewater treatment: achievements and limits. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 98:6233-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-5800-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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28
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Li Y, Zhang C, Li S, Zhou C, Li X. Single and competitive adsorption of 17α-ethinylestradiol and bisphenol A with estrone, β-estradiol, and estriol onto sediment. Mar Drugs 2014; 12:1349-60. [PMID: 24608971 PMCID: PMC3967214 DOI: 10.3390/md12031349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The competitive adsorption of bisphenol A (BPA) and17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) with different endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), such as estrone (E1), β-estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3) was investigated in the water-sediment system. The primary and interaction effects of coexisted EDCs on the adsorption of BPA and EE2 were studied in binary and multiple systems. The adsorption selectivity of sediment at different initial concentrations of EDCs was also considered, based on the distribution coefficient (β). In binary systems, coexisted EDCs exhibited a positive effect on the adsorption of BPA, while E3 showed a negative effect on the adsorption of EE2. In ternary systems, the interaction of E1*E3 and E2*BPA showed a synergistic effect on the sorption of BPA and EE2, respectively. In quaternary systems, the interaction of E1*E2*E3 showed a synergistic effect on the adsorption of both BPA and EE2. In the quinary system, coexisted EDCs all showed an antagonistic effect on the adsorption of BPA and EE2, which indicated that the coexisted EDCs competed for adsorption with BPA and EE2. EDCs in the E2-EE2-BPA system presented a superior selectivity of sediment with β values of 43.48–87.86. The order of sediment selectivity (E1 > EE2 > E2 > E3 > BPA) in binary systems was in agreement with EDCs’ adsorption capacity, which suggested that the adsorption was dominated by partition adsorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- Resources and Environmental Research Academy, MOE Key Laboratory of Regional Energy Systems Optimization, North China Electric Power University, No. 2, Beinong Road, Changping District, Beijing 102206, China; E-Mails: (Z.C.); (Z.C.); (L.X.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel./Fax: +86-10-6177-3886
| | - Chen Zhang
- Resources and Environmental Research Academy, MOE Key Laboratory of Regional Energy Systems Optimization, North China Electric Power University, No. 2, Beinong Road, Changping District, Beijing 102206, China; E-Mails: (Z.C.); (Z.C.); (L.X.)
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Changzhi Zhou
- Resources and Environmental Research Academy, MOE Key Laboratory of Regional Energy Systems Optimization, North China Electric Power University, No. 2, Beinong Road, Changping District, Beijing 102206, China; E-Mails: (Z.C.); (Z.C.); (L.X.)
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- Resources and Environmental Research Academy, MOE Key Laboratory of Regional Energy Systems Optimization, North China Electric Power University, No. 2, Beinong Road, Changping District, Beijing 102206, China; E-Mails: (Z.C.); (Z.C.); (L.X.)
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Narumiya M, Nakada N, Yamashita N, Tanaka H. Phase distribution and removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products during anaerobic sludge digestion. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2013; 260:305-312. [PMID: 23774781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The fate and removal of 48 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) during anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge were investigated in four full-scale sewage treatment plants (STPs). We measured concentrations in both the liquid and solid phases of the sludge to compare the distribution ratios (Kd) between phases before and after digestion. The results showed changes in Kd values of PPCPs with carboxyl or amino functional groups, probably due to a shift of dissociation equilibrium with the increase in pH. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim were almost completely degraded (>90%); triclosan, triclocarban, and ofloxacin were moderately degraded (around 30-50%); but carbamazepine was not eliminated. To our knowledge, this is the first report that shows (i) the occurrence and removal of several tens of PPCPs by anaerobic sludge digestion in full-scale municipal STPs and (ii) the change of distribution between the liquid and solid phases during digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Narumiya
- Research Center for Environmental Quality Management, Kyoto University, 1-2 Yumihama, Otsu, Shiga 520-0811, Japan
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30
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Hamid H, Eskicioglu C. Effect of microwave hydrolysis on transformation of steroidal hormones during anaerobic digestion of municipal sludge cake. WATER RESEARCH 2013; 47:4966-4977. [PMID: 23866136 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Fate and removal of 16 steroidal (estrogenic, androgenic and progestogenic) hormones were studied during advanced anaerobic digestion of sludge cake using microwave (MW) pretreatment. Effect of pretreatment temperature (80, 120, 160 °C), operating temperature (mesophilic at 35 ± 2 °C, thermophilic at 55 ± 2 °C) and sludge retention time (SRT: 20, 10, 5 days) were studied employing eight lab-scale semi-continuously fed digesters. To determine the potential effect of MW hydrolysis, hormones were quantified in total (sorbed + soluble) and supernatant (soluble) phases of the digester influent and effluent streams. Seven of 16 hormones were above the method reporting limit (RL) in one or more of the samples. Hormone concentrations in total phase of un-pretreated (control) and pretreated digester feeds ranged in <157-2491 ng/L and <157-749 ng/L, respectively. The three studied factors were found to be statistically significant (95% confidence level) in removal of one or more hormones from soluble and/or total phase. MW hydrolysis of the influent resulted in both release (from sludge matrix) and attenuation of hormones in the soluble phase. Accumulation of estrone (E1) as well as progesterone (Pr) and androstenedione (Ad) in most of the digesters indicated possible microbial transformations among the hormones. Compared to controls, all pretreated digesters had lower total hormone concentrations in their influent streams. At 20 days SRT, highest total removal (E1+E2+Ad +Pr) was observed for the thermophilic control digester (56%), followed by pretreated mesophilic digesters at 120 °C and 160 °C with around 48% efficiency. In terms of conventional performance parameters, relative (to control) improvements of MW pretreated digesters at a 5-d SRT ranged in 98-163% and 57-121%, for volatile solids removal and methane production, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Hamid
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 1137 Alumni Ave., Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
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Li J, Jiang L, Xiang X, Xu S, Wen R, Liu X. Competitive sorption between 17alpha-ethinyl estradiol and bisphenol A/4-n-nonylphenol by soils. J Environ Sci (China) 2013; 25:1154-1163. [PMID: 24191605 DOI: 10.1016/s1001-0742(12)60165-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The sorption of 17alpha-ethinyl estradiol (EE2), bisphenol A (BPA), and 4-n-nonylphenol (NP) in single systems and the sorption of EE2 with different initial aqueous concentrations of BPA or NP were examined using three soils. Results showed that all sorption isotherms were nonlinear and fit the Freundlich model. The degree of nonlinearity was in the order BPA (0.537-0.686) > EE2 (0.705-0.858) > NP (0.875-0.0.951) in single systems. The isotherm linearity index of EE2 sorption calculated by the Freundlich model for Loam, Silt Loam and Silt increased from 0.758, 0.705 and 0.858, to 0.889, 0.910 and 0.969, respectively, when BPA concentration increased from 0 to 1000 microg/L, but the effect of NP was comparably minimal. Additionally, EE2 significantly suppressed the sorption of BPA, but insignificantly suppressed that of NP. These findings can be attributed to the difference of sorption affinity of EE2, NP and BPA on the hard carbon (e.g., black carbon) of soil organic matter that dominated the sorption in the low equilibrium aqueous concentration range of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Competitive sorption among EDCs presents new challenges for predicting the transport and fate of EDCs under the influence of co-solutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Li
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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Li J, Fu J, Xiang X, Wu M, Liu X. Kinetics, equilibrium, and mechanisms of sorption and desorption of 17α-ethinyl estradiol in two natural soils and their organic fractions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 452-453:404-410. [PMID: 23542434 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 03/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A study was conducted on the kinetics, equilibrium, and mechanisms of sorption and desorption of 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2) in six sorbents, which were two natural soils (Bulk1 and Bulk2) and their fractions obtained by alkaline extraction, namely, humic acids (HA1 and HA2), and mineral-bond humins (MHU1 and MHU2). These sorbents, characterized by total organic carbon (TOC), black carbon (BC), gas adsorption and Fourier transform infrared spectra, were shown to be porous solids containing aromatic (hard carbon) and aliphatic carbon (soft carbon). The two-compartment first-order model fitted the kinetics of sorption very well (R(2)>0.990). The fast and slow sorption rate constants ranged from 1.110 h(-1) and 0.026 h(-1) to 2.063 h(-1) and 0.067 h(-1), respectively. The slow sorption was attributed to the diffusion of EE2 in micropores rather than organic matter. The Freundlich model fitted the equilibrium of sorption and desorption very well. The nonlinearity of sorption took the order MHU>bulk soil>HA and was positively related to BC/TOC (p<0.01). The hysteresis in MHU2 with higher BC/TOC was stronger than that in Bulk2 with lower BC/TOC, but a contrary observation was found in MHU1 and Bulk1. This contradictory phenomenon could be attributed to the location difference of hard carbon which greatly affected the desorption process. These findings could give an insight into the sorption mechanisms and promote an accurate model for the transport, fate and risk assessment of EE2 in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Li
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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Patureau D, Delgenes N, Muller M, Dagnino S, Lhoutellier C, Delgenes JP, Balaguer P, Hernandez-Raquet G. Chemical and toxicological assessment of a full-scale biosolid compost. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2012; 31:2748-2756. [PMID: 22949087 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The impact of a full-scale biosolid composting plant on the fate of a broad range of priority organic pollutants was investigated. Chemical analysis was performed at different steps of the process during two seasons. Simultaneously, the toxicological quality was assessed using estrogen α-, dioxin-, and pregnane X-receptor reporter cell lines. Mass-balance calculation highlighted the removal of easily degradable pollutants during composting. The important variations observed for each compound and for the two seasons might be explained by pollutant-fate dependency on process parameters like temperature. The final compost displayed low pregnane X activity but high estrogenic activity. The dioxin-like activity stayed constant through the process. The chemical and toxicological results highlight the importance of combining both approaches to accurately assess the compost quality. Such compilation of data on full-scale processes may be also very helpful for the environmental risk assessment of new organic waste disposal practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Patureau
- INRA, UR050, Laboratoire de Biotechnologie de l'Environnement, Narbonne, France.
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Hamid H, Eskicioglu C. Fate of estrogenic hormones in wastewater and sludge treatment: A review of properties and analytical detection techniques in sludge matrix. WATER RESEARCH 2012; 46:5813-33. [PMID: 22939851 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2012.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2012] [Revised: 07/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Estrogenic hormones (estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2)) are the major contributor to the total estrogenicity in waterways. Presence of these compounds in biosolids is also causing concern in terms of their use as soil amendment. In comparison with wastewater treatment, removal of estrogenic compounds in sewage sludge has received less attention. This paper presents a literature review regarding the source and occurrence of these pollutants in our environment. The removal pathways of estrogenic compounds in engineered systems, such as full-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), are also discussed. Review of the fate studies revealed that activated sludge system with nutrient removal shows very high (>90%) removal of estrogenic hormones in most of the cases. Although, aerobic digestion showed better attenuation of estrogenic compounds, anaerobic digestion increased the overall estrogenicity of biosolids. Finally, this paper highlights the challenges involved in analytical determination of these compounds in sewage sludge matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Hamid
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 1137 Alumni Ave., Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
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Stasinakis AS. Review on the fate of emerging contaminants during sludge anaerobic digestion. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2012; 121:432-40. [PMID: 22853968 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.06.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2012] [Revised: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Several research papers have been published during the last years investigating the occurrence, fate and effects of emerging contaminants (ECs) on sludge anaerobic digestion (AD). Literature review revealed that research has been mainly focused on specific groups of compounds (linear alkylbenzene sulphonates, nonylphenol ethoxylates, some pharmaceuticals, estrogens, phthalates), while there are fewer or no data for others (personal care products, perfluorinated compounds, brominated flame retardants, organotins, benzotriazoles, benzothiazoles, nanoparticles). AD operational parameters (sludge residence time, temperature), sludge characteristics (type of sludge, adaptation on the compound), physicochemical properties of ECs and co-metabolic phenomena seem to affect compounds' biodegradation. The use of sludge pretreatment methods does not seem to enhance ECs removal; whereas encouraging results have been reported when AD was combined with other treatment methods. Future efforts should be focused on better understanding of biotransformation processes and sorption phenomena occurred in anaerobic digesters, as well as on identification of (bio)transformation products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios S Stasinakis
- Department of Environment, Water and Air Quality Laboratory, University of Aegean, University Hill, Mytilene 81 100, Greece.
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Voudrias E, Goudakou L, Kermenidou M, Softa A. Composition and production rate of pharmaceutical and chemical waste from Xanthi General Hospital in Greece. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2012; 32:1442-52. [PMID: 22365264 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2012.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 01/15/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to determine the composition and production rates of pharmaceutical and chemical waste produced by Xanthi General Hospital in Greece (XGH). This information is important to design and cost management systems for pharmaceutical and chemical waste, for safety and health considerations and for assessing environmental impact. A total of 233 kg pharmaceutical and 110 kg chemical waste was collected, manually separated and weighed over a period of five working weeks. The total production of pharmaceutical waste comprised 3.9% w/w of the total hazardous medical waste produced by the hospital. Total pharmaceutical waste was classified in three categories, vial waste comprising 51.1%, syringe waste with 11.4% and intravenous therapy (IV) waste with 37.5% w/w of the total. Vial pharmaceutical waste only was further classified in six major categories: antibiotics, digestive system drugs, analgesics, hormones, circulatory system drugs and "other". Production data below are presented as average (standard deviation in parenthesis). The unit production rates for total pharmaceutical waste for the hospital were 12.4 (3.90) g/patient/d and 24.6 (7.48) g/bed/d. The respective unit production rates were: (1) for vial waste 6.4 (1.6) g/patient/d and 13 (2.6) g/bed/d, (2) for syringe waste 1.4 (0.4) g/patient/d and 2.8 (0.8) g/bed/d and (3) for IV waste 4.6 (3.0) g/patient/d and 9.2 (5.9) g/bed/d. Total chemical waste was classified in four categories, chemical reagents comprising 18.2%, solvents with 52.3%, dyes and tracers with 18.2% and solid waste with 11.4% w/w of the total. The total production of chemical waste comprised 1.8% w/w of the total hazardous medical waste produced by the hospital. Thus, the sum of pharmaceutical and chemical waste was 5.7% w/w of the total hazardous medical waste produced by the hospital. The unit production rates for total chemical waste for the hospital were 5.8 (2.2) g/patient/d and 1.1 (0.4) g/exam/d. The respective unit production rates were: (1) for reagents 1.7 (2.4) g/patient/d and 0.3 (0.4) g/examination/d, (2) for solvents 248 (127) g/patient/d and 192 (101) g/examination/d, (3) for dyes and tracers 4.7 (1.4) g/patient/d and 2.5 (0.9) g/examination/d and (4) for solid waste 54 (28) g/patient/d and 42 (22) g/examination/d.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Voudrias
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, GR-671 00 Xanthi, Greece.
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McNamara PJ, Wilson CA, Wogen MT, Murthy SN, Novak JT, Novak PJ. The effect of thermal hydrolysis pretreatment on the anaerobic degradation of nonylphenol and short-chain nonylphenol ethoxylates in digested biosolids. WATER RESEARCH 2012; 46:2937-2946. [PMID: 22494493 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2012.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2011] [Revised: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The presence of micropollutants can be a concern for land application of biosolids. Of particular interest are nonylphenol diethoxylate (NP(2)EO), nonylphenol monoethoxylate (NP(1)EO), and nonylphenol (NP), collectively referred to as NPE, which accumulate in anaerobically digested biosolids and are subject to regulation based on the environmental risks associated with them. Because biosolids are a valuable nutrient resource, it is essential that we understand how various treatment processes impact the fate of NPE in biosolids. Thermal hydrolysis (TH) coupled with mesophilic anaerobic digestion (MAD) is an advanced digestion process that destroys pathogens in biosolids and increases methane yields and volatile solids destruction. We investigated the impact of thermal hydrolysis pretreatment on the subsequent biodegradation of NPE in digested biosolids. Biosolids were treated with TH, anaerobic digestion, and aerobic digestion in laboratory-scale reactors, and NPE were analyzed in the influent and effluent of the digesters. NP(2)EO and NP(1)EO have been observed to degrade to the more estrogenic NP under anaerobic conditions; therefore, changes in the ratio of NP:NPE were of interest. The increase in NP:NPE following MAD was 56%; the average increase of this ratio in four sets of TH-MAD samples, however, was only 24.6 ± 3.1%. In addition, TH experiments performed in pure water verified that, during TH, the high temperature and pressure alone did not directly destroy NPE; TH experiments with NP added to sludge also showed that NP was not destroyed by the high temperature and pressure of TH when in a more complex sludge matrix. The post-aerobic digestion phases removed NPE, regardless of whether TH pretreatment occurred. This research indicates that changes in biosolids processing can have impacts beyond just gas production and solids destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J McNamara
- University of Minnesota, Department of Civil Engineering, 500 Pillsbury Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Citulski J, Farahbakhsh K. Overcoming the toxicity effects of municipal wastewater sludge and biosolid extracts in the Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES) assay. CHEMOSPHERE 2012; 87:498-503. [PMID: 22277884 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
For nearly two decades, the Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES) has been used as a valuable tool for determining the total estrogenic potency of various environmental samples, including influent and effluent streams at municipal wastewater plants. However, applying the YES assay to wastewater sludges and stabilized biosolids has been problematic. This is due to co-extracted compounds from the solids either proving toxic to the yeast or masking the presence of estrogenic substances. The present research describes the development and validation of sample preparation steps that mitigate the toxicity effects of municipal wastewater sludge and biosolid samples in the YES assay, while allowing for reliable dose-dependent expression of estrogenic activity. A copper work-up for sulfur removal and chromatographic cleanup with silica and alumina were required in addition to solid-phase extraction to adequately remove interfering compounds. Sample stabilization methods such as autoclaving, lyophilization and formaldehyde treatment were found to be detrimental to the assay. Hence, heat-drying is recommended to prevent cytotoxicity and the degradation of estrogenic substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Citulski
- School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1.
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Yang YY, Gray JL, Furlong ET, Davis JG, Revello RC, Borch T. Steroid hormone runoff from agricultural test plots applied with municipal biosolids. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:2746-54. [PMID: 22283735 DOI: 10.1021/es203896t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The potential presence of steroid hormones in runoff from sites where biosolids have been used as agricultural fertilizers is an environmental concern. A study was conducted to assess the potential for runoff of seventeen different hormones and two sterols, including androgens, estrogens, and progestogens from agricultural test plots. The field containing the test plots had been applied with biosolids for the first time immediately prior to this study. Target compounds were isolated by solid-phase extraction (water samples) and pressurized solvent extraction (solid samples), derivatized, and analyzed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Runoff samples collected prior to biosolids application had low concentrations of two hormones (estrone <0.8 to 2.23 ng L(-1) and androstenedione <0.8 to 1.54 ng L(-1)) and cholesterol (22.5 ± 3.8 μg L(-1)). In contrast, significantly higher concentrations of multiple estrogens (<0.8 to 25.0 ng L(-1)), androgens (<2 to 216 ng L(-1)), and progesterone (<8 to 98.9 ng L(-1)) were observed in runoff samples taken 1, 8, and 35 days after biosolids application. A significant positive correlation was observed between antecedent rainfall amount and hormone mass loads (runoff). Hormones in runoff were primarily present in the dissolved phase (<0.7-μm GF filter), and, to a lesser extent bound to the suspended-particle phase. Overall, these results indicate that rainfall can mobilize hormones from biosolids-amended agricultural fields, directly to surface waters or redistributed to terrestrial sites away from the point of application via runoff. Although concentrations decrease over time, 35 days is insufficient for complete degradation of hormones in soil at this site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ya Yang
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1170, United States
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Ye X, Guo X, Cui X, Zhang X, Zhang H, Wang MK, Qiu L, Chen S. Occurrence and removal of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in wastewater treatment plants in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, Chongqing, China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 14:2204-11. [DOI: 10.1039/c2em30258f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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