Estrogens removal by sludge from enhance biological phosphorus removal system

Abstract

This study was to investigate the removal of four estrogens in enhance biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) system. Sludge from four EBPRs were used to investigate both of anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Results showed that EBPR could remove estrogen both under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. In anaerobic condition, estrogens removals were in the range of 76-92% for E1 (estrone), 58-90% for E2 (17β-estradiol), 43-63% for E3 (estrol), and 62-88% for EE2 (17α-ethinylestradiol). In aerobic phase, removal of estrogens were ranging from 79-96% for E1, 76-96% for E2, 36-64% for E3, and 57-96% of EE2. Sorption onto sludge was the main mechanism of estrogens removal in comparison with biodegradation, which their sorption:biodegradation ratios were around 0.9:0.1 and 0.8:0.2 in anaerobic and aerobic conditions, respectively. Moreover, biotransformation of E2 to E1 was found in every E2-batch experiments that used active sludge. © (2014) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.