Removal of endocrine disrupting compounds using a membrane bioreactor and disinfection. Issue 2 (1st March 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spring, A J; Bagley, D M; Andrews, R C; Lemanik, S; Yang, P
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental engineering and science. Volume 6:Issue 2(2007)
• Page Start: 131
• Page End: 137
• Publication Date: 2007-03-01
• Subjects: environment; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Sanitary engineering -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Canada -- Periodicals; Environnement, Technique de l' -- Périodiques; Technique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Environnement, Technique de l' -- Canada -- Périodiques; Environmental engineering; Sanitary engineering; Canada; Electronic journals; Computer network resources; Periodicals; 628.05
• DOI: 10.1139/s06-049
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1496-2551

Abstract

Abstract : Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) in combination with appropriate disinfection may provide sufficient wastewater treatment to produce effluent suitable for non-potable reuse. However, the ability of this technology combination to remove endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) has not been well studied. This study found that prior to disinfection a MBR removed greater than 96% of the influent cholesterol, coprostanol, and stigmastanol from municipal wastewaters compared to greater than 85% removal in a conventional treatment plant receiving the same influent. MBR effluent EDC concentrations were also lower for estrone, 17 α -ethynylestradiol, and bisphenol A. Disinfection of MBR effluent with chlorine, chloramines, and chlorine dioxide provided no significant additional removal of estrone, 17 β -estradiol, or 17 α -ethynylestradiol but could remove 95% of added bisphenol A. Ultraviolet light at a dose appropriate for non-potable reuse did not affect removal of the target EDCs. Key words : endocrine disrupting compounds, membrane bioreactor, conventional treatment, disinfection.