Ecosystem risk-based prioritization of micropollutants in wastewater treatment plant effluents across China.
Water Res
; 263: 122168, 2024 Oct 01.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39096815
ABSTRACT
Identifying priority pollutants in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents is crucial for optimizing monitoring efforts, improving regulations, and developing targeted mitigation strategies. Despite the presence of numerous trace organic pollutants in WWTP effluents, a comprehensive prioritization scheme is lacking, hindering effective control. This study screened 216 micropollutants, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals, which had been detected in effluents from 46 WWTPs across China. A multi-criteria prioritization method was developed, considering exposure potential based on median concentrations and detection frequencies, as well as hazard potential determined by persistence, bioaccumulation, in vitro toxicity, and in vivo toxicity. Pollutants with low exposure or hazard potential were filtered out, and a priority index was calculated to rank the remaining 59 substances. The top 15 priority pollutants included regulated persistent organic pollutants like perfluorooctanoic acid and their alternatives such as perfluorobutane sulfonate, pesticide transformation products, and emerging contaminants such as bisphenol A, which are not currently regulated in WWTP effluents. This study provides a systematic approach to identify priority pollutants and generates a guiding framework for monitoring, regulation, and control of both well-recognized and overlooked contaminants in WWTP effluents.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Water Pollutants, Chemical
/
Environmental Monitoring
/
Wastewater
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
En
Journal:
Water Res
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article