The Importance of the Management of Micropollutants in an Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Amazon

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5585/2023.22689

Keywords:

micropollutants, removal, wastewater, technologies, integrated management

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to determine the dynamics of the discharge of micropollutants in the Amazon River from an advanced wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and discusses the importance of management in order to minimize impacts.

Methodology: A total of 13 micropollutants: ibuprofen (IBP), paracetamol (PCM), atenolol (ATL), loratadine (LTD), fexofenadine hydrochloride (FXF), amoxicillin (AMX), 17α-ethynyl estradiol (EE2), caffeine (CAF), sodium diclofenac (DCF), estrone (E1), estriol (E3), bisphenol A (BPA), and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were analyzed in effluent samples that came from different treatment stages of a WWTP with advanced treatment technology at different periods of the day. The presence of micropollutants and their quantification were obtained using LC-MS and GC-MS techniques.

Originality/Relevance: This is the first study carried out at a WWTP in Manaus, a city in Brazil that is located within one of the most extensive fluvial system in the world. The data obtained are important for understanding the dynamics of the discharge of micropollutants into the Amazon River and its implications.

Main results: After the treatment process, the micropollutants paracetamol, fexofenadine hydrochloride, caffeine, sodium diclofenac, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate were detected in the final effluent.

Contributions: The results obtained in this study indicate the need for integrated management, considering technical, governmental, organizational and community-based approaches to minimize the effects of the discharge of micropollutants into the environment.

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Author Biographies

Priscila Pauly Ribas, Samsung Research and Development Institute Brazil / Manaus (AM)

Bioprocess and Biotechnology Engineer, PhD in Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology. Currently, she is a Researcher in Environmental Sciences, part of the Environmental Development Team of SRBR in Manaus, working in scientific research in the area of water and wastewater treatment in the Research Laboratory for Water Reuse at Samsung Eletrônica da Amazônia

Erickson Oliveira dos Santos, Samsung Research & Development Insitute Brazil (SRBR) - Samsung Eletrônica da Amazônia (SEDA-M) / Manaus (AM)

Graduated in Chemical Processes Technology with a PhD in Analytical Chemistry. Currently, he is a Researcher in Environmental Sciences, part of the Environmental Development Team of SRBR in Manaus, working in scientific research in the area of water and wastewater treatment in the Research Laboratory for Water Reuse at Samsung Eletrônica da Amazônia

Cleideane Cunha Costa, Samsung Research & Development Insitute Brazil (SRBR) - Samsung Eletrônica da Amazônia (SEDA-M) / Manaus (AM)

Environmental and Sanitary Engineer. Currently, she is a Environmental Analyst, part of the Environmental Development Team of SRBR in Manaus, working in scientific research in the area of water and wastewater treatment in the Research Laboratory for Water Reuse at Samsung Eletrônica da Amazônia

Pedro Luiz Sosa González, Samsung Research & Development Insitute Brazil (SRBR) - Samsung Eletrônica da Amazônia (SEDA-M) / Manaus (AM)

Agricultural Engineer with a master’s degree in Agricultural Irrigation and Drainage. Currently, he is a manager, part of the Environmental Development Team of SRBR in Manaus, working in scientific research in the area of water and wastewater treatment in the Research Laboratory for Water Reuse at Samsung Eletrônica da Amazônia

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Published

2023-07-07

How to Cite

Ribas, P. P., Santos, E. O. dos, Costa, C. C., & Sosa González, P. L. (2023). The Importance of the Management of Micropollutants in an Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Amazon. Revista De Gestão Ambiental E Sustentabilidade, 12(1), e22689. https://doi.org/10.5585/2023.22689