emerging contaminants | Ricerc@Sapienza

Determination of multi-class emerging contaminants in sludge and recovery materials from waste water treatment plants: development of a modified QuEChERS method coupled to LC–MS/MS

Recycling and recovering valuable resources from wastewater treatment plants is an important aspect in circular economy. The safe use of sludge and sludge-related products deriving from wastewater treatment strictly depends on their chemical contamination, especially by emerging pollutants. In this work, an analytical method was developed for the determination of a range of selected compounds, included in a recent European watch-list (macrolides, fluoroquinolones, neonicotinoids, carbamates and estrogens), in recovery materials from innovative pilot systems.

Recent advancements and future trends in environmental analysis: sample preparation, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry

Among the thousands of chemicals having potential to enter the environment, the NORMAN network has identified at least 700 substances categorized into 20 classes in the European surface waters. Pesticides, pharmaceuticals, disinfection by-products, wood preservation and industrial chemicals are the prominent classes. Since the impact of these substances on aquatic life and human health might be dramatic, action is urgently required at multiple levels; one of them is just related to the development of more and more sensible and selective analytical methods.

A study through batch tests on the analytical determination and the fate and removal of methamphetamine in the biological treatment of domestic wastewater

Methamphetamine (MET) is one of the most used illicit drugs in Europe and is recognized as one of the Emerging Organic Micropollutants. It is discharged into the sewerage system from different sources and then enters the wastewater treatment plants. The present study aimed at providing a better knowledge of the fate of MET through the wastewater treatment plants.

Dissolved Oxygen Perturbations. A New Strategy to Enhance the Removal of Organic Micropollutants in Activated Sludge Process

Cycles of dissolved oxygen perturbation can affect emerging contaminants removal. The nitrification process can also be enhanced by oxygen perturbations. Perturbation frequency is a sensitive parameter

PFOA and PFOS Removal Processes in Activated Sludge Reactor at Laboratory Scale

Adsorption was the main removal process of PFOS and PFOA in activated sludge reactors at laboratory scale. Some biodegradation of the two tested contaminants was also detected, after adsorption. Respirometric tests showed inhibition of the nitrifying bacteria up to 30% due to the presence of PFOS and PFOA. COD removal was not affected by the presence of PFOS and PFOA.