Removal Efficiency and Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in a Typical Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facility in Guangzhou, China
Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews › RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal › peer-review
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Detail(s)
Original language | English |
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Article number | 861 |
Journal / Publication | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 8 |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2017 |
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DOI | DOI |
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Link to Scopus | https://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85026835709&origin=recordpage |
Permanent Link | https://scholars.cityu.edu.hk/en/publications/publication(80f1728a-5d7c-4f34-92cb-bb87e5cf7ff6).html |
Abstract
The loading and removal efficiency of 16 US EPA polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were examined in an inverted A2/O wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) located in an urban area in China. The total PAH concentrations were 554.3 to 723.2 ng/L in the influent and 189.6 to 262.7 ng/L in the effluent. The removal efficiencies of ∑PAHs in the dissolved phase ranged from 63 to 69%, with the highest observed in naphthalene (80% removal). Concentration and distribution of PAHs revealed that the higher molecular weight PAHs became more concentrated with treatment in both the dissolved phase and the dewatered sludge. The sharpest reduction was observed during the pretreatment and the biological phase. Noncarcinogenic risk, carcinogenic risk, and total health risk of PAHs found in the effluent and sewage sludge were also assessed. The effluent BaP toxic equivalent quantities (TEQBaP) were above, or far above, standards in countries. The potential toxicities of PAHs in sewage effluent were approximately 10 to 15 times higher than the acceptable risk level in China. The health risk associated with the sewage sludge also exceeded international recommended levels and was mainly contributed from seven carcinogenic PAHs. Given that WWTP effluent is a major PAH contributor to surface water bodies in China and better reduction efficiencies are achievable, the present study highlights the possibility of utilizing WWTPs for restoring water quality in riverine and coastal regions heavily impacted by PAHs contamination.
Research Area(s)
- inverted A2/O process, municipal effluents, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, risk assessment, sludge, wastewater treatment
Citation Format(s)
Removal Efficiency and Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in a Typical Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facility in Guangzhou, China. / Liu, Zhineng; Li, Qing; Wu, Qihang et al.
In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol. 14, No. 8, 861, 08.2017.
In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol. 14, No. 8, 861, 08.2017.
Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews › RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal › peer-review
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