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Implementation of initial emission mitigation measures for 1,4-dioxane in Germany: Are they taking effect?
Ursula Karges1, Sabrina de Boer2, Alexander L Vogel1
1Institute of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Altenhöferallee 1, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
The Science of the Total Environment
|October 11, 2021
Summary
Mitigation measures reduced 1,4-dioxane in drinking water by up to 88% in some German areas. However, untreated sites showed stagnant or increased contamination, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and analogous ether investigation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Water Quality Analysis
- Pollutant Fate and Transport
Background:
- Widespread contamination of 1,4-dioxane in German drinking water from managed aquifer recharge was identified in 2015-2016.
- Emission mitigation measures, including advanced oxidation processes, were implemented at some affected sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of implemented emission mitigation measures on 1,4-dioxane concentrations in surface and drinking water.
- To assess the occurrence and fate of other cyclic ethers in wastewater and aquatic environments.
Main Methods:
- Follow-up water quality testing in 2017/2018, analyzing surface and finished drinking water.
- Modified US EPA Method 522 for 1,4-dioxane quantification.
- Suspected target screening of wastewater treatment plant effluents for cyclic ethers.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in average 1,4-dioxane drinking water concentrations were observed in Lower Franconia (-54%) and Passau (-88%) following mitigation.
- Sites without monitoring or mitigation showed stagnant or increased drinking water concentrations.
- 1,3-Dioxolane and other cyclic ethers were detected in industrial effluents, with 1,3-dioxolane concentrations exceeding those of 1,4-dioxane at one site.
- 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane was detected 13 km downstream from its discharge point.
Conclusions:
- Emission mitigation measures are effective in reducing 1,4-dioxane contamination in drinking water.
- Continuous monitoring is crucial for managing water quality at contaminated sites.
- Analogous cyclic ethers, such as 1,3-dioxolane, warrant further investigation due to their presence and persistence in the environment.
