Influence of Conjugation on the Fate of Pharmaceuticals and Hormones in Canadian Wastewater Treatment Plants

• DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.1c00376
• Publication Date: 2022-01-21T18:53:05Z
• Authors: Sarah B. Gewurtz; Steven Teslic; M. Coreen Hamilton; Shirley Anne Smyth
• Keywords: Xenobiotic

The concentrations of 30 pharmaceuticals and 17 hormones in influent, effluent, biosolid samples were determined at 19 representative Canadian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Many are excreted by humans conjugated forms that not detected analytical techniques aimed free analytes. Conjugation can be reversed naturally occurring enzymes found WWTPs, the collection system, and/or environment. In this study, we applied deconjugating (β-glucuronidase/sulfatase) to an aliquot each sample order release target analytes from their glucuronate sulfate forms. Of evaluated, deconjugation during only influenced fate lamotrigine lagoons as well secondary advanced facilities, but a primary plant. Several arrived WWTPs part form, our data indicate some mestranol testosterone survived treatments. Therefore, may eventually become deconjugated hence more prevalent natural This study demonstrates utility for screening impact conjugation processes accurately quantifying occurrence removal WWTPs.