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Bisphenol A in the Canadian environment: A multimedia analysis.
Sarah B Gewurtz1, Geneviève Tardif2, Monique Power2
1Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada.
The Science of the Total Environment
|October 15, 2020
Summary
Government actions have successfully reduced Bisphenol A (BPA) environmental levels in Canada. Long-term surface water monitoring effectively tracks BPA trends, showing decreased concentrations overall.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Ecotoxicology
- Environmental Monitoring
Background:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical recognized as an environmental concern.
- Canada identified BPA as a risk to the environment and human health in 2010, prompting regulatory action.
- A comprehensive multimedia analysis was needed to assess BPA's environmental status and trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate spatial and temporal trends of Bisphenol A (BPA) in the Canadian environment.
- To identify mechanisms influencing BPA distribution patterns.
- To assess the effectiveness of Canadian environmental protection actions regarding BPA.
Main Methods:
- Multimedia analysis of BPA concentrations in wastewater, biosolids, landfill leachate, surface water, and sediment.
- Monitoring of BPA in soil, earthworms, and European Starling plasma following biosolids application.
- Statistical analysis of spatial and temporal trends from 2008 to 2018.
Main Results:
- BPA was consistently detected in wastewater, biosolids, and landfill leachate across Canada.
- Surface water BPA concentrations were higher downstream of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in urban areas.
- Biosolids application did not elevate BPA in agricultural soil, earthworms, or bird plasma.
- Surface water BPA concentrations significantly decreased at 10 of 16 sites between 2008 and 2018.
- BPA was detected in bird plasma near WWTPs and landfills, though trends were unclear.
- Sediment core trends were variable, potentially due to tetrabromobisphenol A biotransformation.
Conclusions:
- Canadian government actions have been largely successful in reducing BPA concentrations in the environment.
- Surface water monitoring is the most effective medium for tracking future BPA environmental trends.
- Human activities, particularly WWTPs and industrial sources, significantly influence BPA spatial distribution.
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