Removal of organotins during sewage treatment: a case study

Discharge consents for tributyltin (TBT) from wastewater treatment works in the UK are set by the Environment Agency. These values are normally derived from the Environmental Quality Standards for concentrations of TBT in the receiving water, based on the volume of effluent discharged and subsequent dilution within the environment. In this study, a sampling program was designed to monitor concentrations of TBT (and other organotins) in the influent and effluent at each stage of treatment. Sampling was undertaken at 3 hourly intervals, over 24 hours, at 8 locations throughout the works for five days. Organotin concentrations were determined using capillary gas chromatography with flame photometric detection. The results demonstrated that TBT was consistently present in the influent at concentrations of approximately 0.1 microg l(-1). However, a "pulse" of TBT and monobutyltin (MBT) was observed on the third day when the concentration of TBT and MBT in the influent increased to 14 microg l(-1). This "pulse" of TBT and MBT was also observed as the wastewater passed through the unit treatment processes. Concentrations of both compounds were much reduced in the final effluent (TBT 2.5 microg l(-1) and MBT 6.9 microg l(-1)). Over the entire period, the average removal of TBT during primary treatment was 81%, and during secondary biological treatment was 71%. The overall removal efficiency of the plant, taking into account the recycling of returned liquors was 86% between influent and effluent for TBT. Removal efficiency of TBT was correlated to that of suspended solids, and it was demonstrated that on days when suspended solids removal was low, TBT removal was also reduced. The mass flow of organotins through the plant indicated that the majority of TBT was concentrated into the sewage sludge. Concentrations of TBT in sludge at the plant were approximately 18 microg kg(-1) (dry weight).