Study on endocrine disrupting chemicals in wastewater treatment plants

From July 1998 to March 1999, a study was made of a total of 27 treatment plants for the principal purpose of understanding the actual condition of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in sewage, and the behavior of EDCs in wastewater treatment plants. The results showed actual levels of influent and effluent concentrations of EDCs in sewage. Substances detected above the minimum limit of determination were 15 for wastewater influent and 6 for effluent. Similarly, nonyl phenol ethoxylate and 17 beta-estradiol, which are highlighted as pertinent substances, were detected. It was confirmed that the reduction ratio of EDCs in treatment plants was 90% or more for almost all substances. The behavior of EDCs in general in treatment plants was also studied. As a result, the EDCs reduction effect was recognized in both the primary setting tank and biological reaction tank, though the trend varies among substances.