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Bisphenol A: emissions from point sources.
M Fürhacker1, S Scharf, H Weber
1IWGA-SIG, University of Agricultural Sciences, Vienna, Austria. mail@iwaga-sig.boku.ac.at
Chemosphere
|June 2, 2000
Summary
Bisphenol A (BPA), a plasticizer, shows weak estrogenic activity. The paper industry is the main source contaminating wastewater, though treatment removes 90% of BPA.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Ecotoxicology
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used industrial chemical in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics.
- BPA exhibits weak estrogenic activity, posing potential risks to aquatic ecosystems via wastewater discharge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify major Bisphenol A (BPA) contributors to municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).
- To quantify BPA fluxes and assess removal efficiency during wastewater treatment.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous monitoring of industrial emitters and communal wastewater at nine sample sites over one week.
- Analysis of mixed wastewater samples to determine BPA concentrations and fluxes.
Main Results:
- BPA concentrations and fluxes in wastewater were highly variable.
- The paper industry was identified as the primary contributor of BPA to the WWTP influent.
- Household and other measured sources contributed significantly lower BPA loads.
Conclusions:
- Wastewater treatment processes effectively removed approximately 90% of the total Bisphenol A load.
- Targeted management of industrial discharges, particularly from the paper industry, is crucial for mitigating BPA contamination in aquatic environments.