Occurrence and removal of contaminants of emerging concern in water reclamation facilities in Korea

초록

In this study, we investigated the occurrence and removal of contaminants of emerging concern including 10 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and 3 endocrine disrupting compounds in 6 water reclamation facilities (WRFs) in Korea for better understanding of the fate of those contaminants through the water reuse system. The sampling campaigns were performed six times at each WRF from influent, and after biological, coagulation and ultraviolet disinfection processes. Concentrations of the monitored compounds in WRFs (A, B and C), which were located in industrial and urban areas, were relatively higher compared with other WRFs. Concentrations of caffeine and ibuprofen in influents were relatively higher than other PPCPs. Biological processes in the WRFs removed most of the PPCPs except carbamazepine and primidone. Carbamazepine was not readily removed by coagulation and filtration processes, which were followed by biological processes in the WRFs. Continuous monitoring and management for carbamazepine and primidone may be required to reduce or eliminate the potential adverse impact of those contaminants to ecosystems and down-stream utilities.

키워드