Removal of Estrone (E1), 17β-Estradiol (E2) and 17α-Ethinylestradiol (EE2) During Soil Aquifer Treatment of a Model Wastewater

Abstract

There is growing concern over the health and environmental effects posed by endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the aquatic environment. The removal of three potent EDCs including estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), and 17α -ethinylestradiol (EE2) in a wastewater using soil columns was investigated. E2 was the most easily removed estrogen, while EE2 was the least removed. Removal efficiencies were improved as the thickness of the unsaturated zone increased whereas increased DOC improved the removal in the saturated columns. Enhanced removal efficiencies were also obtained at lower water flow rates and in the presence of silt and clay.

Keywords:

• endocrine disrupting chemicals
• estrogens
• separation
• soil aquifer treatment
• wastewater treatment

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The study was carried out with support from The Netherlands Organisation for International Cooperation in Higher Education (Nuffic).

Notes

^a (9).

^b (10).