Occurrence and removal of micropollutants in full-scale aerobic, anaerobic and facultative wastewater treatment plants in Brazil

This study aims to evaluate micropollutant occurrence and removal in a low-middle income country (LMIC) by investigating the of 28 chemicals from different classes (triclosan, 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 4 estrogens 8 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners) three technologically diverse full-scale Brazilian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). These were detected at concentrations similar those reported other countries (LMICs) high-income (HICs) (0.1–49 μg/L) indicating their widespread use globally need for more studies LMICs that are typically characterized relatively inadequate barriers. Among WWTPs investigated these chemicals, least energy intensive system, waste stabilization ponds (WSPs), was most effective (95–99%) compared activated sludge (79–94%), Up-flow blanket reactor (UASB) with trickling filters system (89–95%). results highlight potential WSPs removal-especially warm climates. However, effluent all WWTP could pose risk aquatic organisms when discharged into receiving waters as triclosan, some estrogens, PAHs BDE 209 above European environmental quality standards (EQS) or predicted no effect concentration (PNEC values), water bodies benefit further treatment. In combination, help understand prevailing micropollutants fate current systems.