Presence of 17β-Estradiol, Bisphenol A and Caffeine in the Treatment Stages of A Water Treatment Plant (WTP)

Objective: The objective of this study is to show an evaluation of the presence of 17β-Estradiol, BPA, and Caffeine, in different stages of treatment in a conventional WTP, located in the South of Brazil. Theoretical Framework: The presence of micropollutants (drugs, hormones, etc.) in water sources is identified. These contaminants, although in low concentrations, can cause negative impacts on the environment and the health of the population. In Brazil, there is an aggravation due to deficiencies in basic sanitation. The national conventional water treatment plants are not efficient in removing these micropollutants, as they are not designed and operated for this purpose. Method: The methodology involved the collection of water samples from different processes of a Conventional Water Treatment Plant Case Study. The presence of 17β-estradiol, Bisphenol A (BPA), and Caffeine was evaluated. To determine the concentrations of these micropollutants, the Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) and Liquid Chromatography technique was used. Results and Discussion: Concentrations for RW ranged from 2.084 ng.L-1 up to 3.174 ng.L-1 for 17β-Estradiol, 0.029 ng.L-1 up to 0.064 ng.L-1 for Caffeine, and 1.951 ng.L-1 up to 7.753 ng.L-1 for BPA. For TW, the concentrations of 17β-estradiol, Caffeine, and BPA were respectively, <DL up to 2.821 ng.L-1, <DL up to 0.078 ng.L-1, and 1.154 ng.L-1 up to 2.229 ng.L-1. Research Implications: The research showed that there is presence of 17β-estradiol, Caffeine, and BPA in all stages of water treatment of the case study plant. This result confirmed the hypothesis that conventional water treatment plants used in Brazil may not be removing micropollutants. Originality/Value: The presence and detection of micropollutants in environmental matrices is still not regulated in the vast majority of countries. As this is a relatively recent topic, many researchers are seeking to understand the concentrations and effects of these contaminants on the environment and health. Therefore, any research that contributes to this database is considered relevant. In the case of this work, the presence of 17β-Estradiol, BPA, Caffeine; Micropollutants in all stages of a conventional national Water Treatment Plant, including in the drinking water that is distributed to the population, stands out. In other words, there is a risk of serious impacts on the quality of the water that reaches the taps of homes.