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Published on: October 15, 2015
Activated sludge biodegradation of 12 commercial phthalate esters
D P O'grady1, P H Howard, A F Werner
1Life and Environmental Sciences Division, Syracuse Research Corporation, Syracuse New York 13210, and Monsanto Polymer Products Company, St. Louis, Missouri 63167.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Phthalate esters are quickly biodegraded in activated sludge, as shown by tests measuring the loss of these compounds. This rapid primary degradation indicates their susceptibility to breakdown in wastewater treatment systems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Phthalate esters are widely used plasticizers with potential environmental implications.
- Understanding their biodegradability is crucial for assessing wastewater treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the activated sludge biodegradability of 12 commercial phthalate esters.
- To determine the rate and extent of primary degradation under simulated wastewater conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a semicontinuous activated sludge test system.
- Employed an acclimated 19-day die-away procedure.
- Measured the loss of parent phthalate ester compounds.
Main Results:
- Both test systems demonstrated rapid biodegradation of phthalate esters.
- Significant primary degradation was observed under activated sludge conditions.
- The parent phthalate ester compounds were effectively removed.
Conclusions:
- Phthalate esters undergo rapid primary biodegradation in activated sludge.
- Wastewater treatment processes involving activated sludge are effective in degrading these compounds.
- Further research could explore complete mineralization pathways.
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