In the heart of China’s industrial landscape, a critical study is shedding light on the persistent challenge of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) in wastewater treatment. Led by Yunhai Zhang from the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at Nanjing Tech University, the research published in the journal *Water Resources and Industry* (translated to English as *Water Resources and Industry*) offers a comprehensive look at the occurrence, removal, and ecological risks of 68 EOCs in an industrial wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).
The study’s findings are a wake-up call for industries, particularly those in the energy sector, where wastewater management is a significant concern. “Our research demonstrates that while conventional biotreatment and advanced treatment processes can effectively remove many EOCs, some contaminants persist and pose ecological risks,” Zhang explains. The study revealed that pharmaceuticals (PhMs) and antibiotics (ATBs) were significantly reduced through biotreatment (84.8% and 79.2% removal, respectively) and advanced treatment (78.6% and 64.7% removal, respectively). However, perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) showed no removal, with a concerning negative removal efficiency of -68.5%.
The ecological risk assessment highlighted perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), imidacloprid (IMI), and clothianidin (CLO) as high-risk contaminants, underscoring the need for targeted technologies to mitigate these risks. “The correlation between partition coefficients (LogKd) and octanol-water partition coefficients (logKow) provides a valuable insight for developing more effective treatment strategies,” Zhang adds.
For the energy sector, these findings are particularly relevant. Industrial wastewater often contains a complex mix of contaminants, and understanding their behavior in treatment processes is crucial for compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable operations. The study’s mass balance analysis revealed that organophosphate esters (OPEs), PhMs, and UV filters (UVFS) were mainly removed through biodegradation, while ATBs were primarily removed through sludge adsorption.
This research could shape future developments in wastewater treatment technologies, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that combine secondary and advanced treatment processes. “Our study provides guidance for the development of targeted technologies to mitigate the risks of EOCs,” Zhang notes. As industries strive for more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, the insights from this research are invaluable for optimizing wastewater treatment processes and reducing the ecological impact of industrial activities.
In an era where environmental sustainability is paramount, this study serves as a critical step forward in understanding and managing emerging organic contaminants in industrial wastewater. The findings not only highlight the effectiveness of current treatment processes but also underscore the need for continuous innovation and improvement in the field.