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Distribution and fate of perfluoroalkyl substances in municipal wastewater treatment plants in economically developed areas of China

Wei Zhang, Yating Zhang, Sachi Taniyasu, Leo W.Y. Yeung, Paul K.S. Lam, Jianshe Wang, Xinhai Li, Nobuyoshi Yamashita, Jiayin Dai

    Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

    Abstract

    Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a significant source for poly-/perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) entering the environment. The presence of PFASs in twenty-eight municipal WWTPs from eleven cites in economically developed areas of China were screened. Overall, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were dominant in wastewater and sludge, and were not effectively removed during wastewater treatment. Elevated influent concentration ratios of perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) to PFOA and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) to PFOS in some WWTPs suggested that short chains substitution were adopted in these cities. Cluster analysis showed treatment processes had important impacts on PFASs profiles in effluent and sludge. Average concentration of total PFCAs in influent from each city and its gross domestic product (GDP) had significant positive correlation. This study provides a snapshot of both domestic and industrial discharges of PFAS to WWTPs as well as PFAS discharge from WWTPs to the aquatic environment in China. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)10-17
    JournalEnvironmental Pollution
    Volume176
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2013

    UN SDGs

    This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    1. SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
      SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
    2. SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
      SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    3. SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
      SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

    Research Keywords

    • Economically developed areas of China
    • Fate
    • Municipal wastewater treatment plants
    • Perfluoroalkyl substances

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