Vorkommen und Eliminierung von Bisphenol A in ausgewählten deutschen Kläranlagen

The effectiveness of different sewage treatment technologies for removal of estrogenic endocrine disruptors from wastewter is investigated in a joint effort of several German research institutes. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a substance of particular interest 16 samplings carried out in 2000 and 2001 indicated an average removal of BPA from wastewater of 75% and considerable release of BPA during sludge digestion of 170% on average in relation to BPA-concentration in primary sludge. These results were confirmed by laboratory experiments and literature data. The release of BPA during sludge digestion probably leads to extensive recontamination of the aeration tank, a possibility suggesting the need for reevaluation of the currently predominant mesophilic sludge treatment method. Current publications show that the effluent concentrations measured (0.03 to 2.52 μg/L with an average of 0.49 μg/L) must be considered to be a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems in most cases.