17[alpha]-ethinylestradiol: an endocrine disrupter of great concern. analytical methods and removal processes applied to water purification. a review
17a-Ethinylestradiol: AnEndocrine Disrupter of GreatConcern. Analytical Methodsand Removal Processes Appliedto Water Purification. A ReviewLudiwine Clouzot,a Benoıˆt Marrot,a Pierre Doumenq,b Nicolas Rochea
a LM2P2, UMR CNRS 6181, Laboratoire de Me´canique, Mode´lisation et Proce´de´s Propres, Universite´ PaulCe´zanne Aix-Marseille 3, Europoˆle de l’Arbois, Baˆt Lae¨nnec hall C BP 80, 13545 Aix-en-provenceCedex 4; [email protected] (for correspondence)
b SCC-F-QE, UMR 6171, Laboratoire de Chimie Analytique de l’Environnement, Universite´ Paul Ce´zanneAix-Marseille 3, Europoˆle de l’Arbois, Baˆt Villemin, BP 80, 13545 Aix-en-provence Cedex 4
Published online 16 June 2008 in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ep.10291
The xenobiotic 17a-ethinylestradiol, an oral con-
ing microorganisms that are responsible for EE2 bio-
traceptive component, is an endocrine disrupter
degradation. Among bioprocesses, i.e., AS, membrane
(EDC) of great concern, with fish feminization
bioreactors (MBRs), biofilm reactors, and sequencing
induced for concentrations as low as ng L21. EE2
batch reactors, MBR technology appears as a hopeful
occurrence in the aquatic environment can be linked
solution for the improvement of EDCs removal, and,
to insufficient removal in wastewater treatment
more precisely, EE2. Alternative treatments such as
plants. The focus of this review is to consider opti-
mum treatment processes for removal of EE2. The
MnO2, and sand reactor or ozonation were tested in
main problem of EE2 is concentrations often below
the laboratory and were shown to be inadequate.
authors’ limits of detection. Consequently, it is impor-
Ó 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ
tant to fully understand the advantages and disad-
vantages of different analytical techniques as this will
Keywords: estrogen, EDC, EE2, wastewater, mem-
determine confidence in comparison of the efficiency
of different treatment processes. Solid-phase extrac-tion followed by chromatography is widely used butalternative methods, such as solid-phase microextrac-
tion, stir bar sorptive extraction, or passive samplers,
In the European workshop on the Impact of Endo-
appear as promising tools. During the conventional
crine Disrupters on Human Health and Wildlife, Wey-
activated sludge (AS) process, the incomplete sludge
bridge, UK, 1996, an endocrine disrupting chemical
settlement results in lost of biomass, which means loss
(EDC) was defined as ‘‘an exogenous substance that
of EE2 adsorbed, and in low SRT, unsuited to nitrify-
causes adverse health effects in an intact organism, orits progeny, secondary to changes in endocrine func-
Ó 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers
tion.’’ An EDC is likely to cause disruption in vivo if
Environmental Progress (Vol.27, No.3) DOI 10.1002/ep
it has at least one of the following characteristics: (i)it is present in environment at high concentrations,(ii) it is persistent and bioaccumulative, or (iii) it isconstantly released into environment [1]. Endocrinedisruptions were highlighted in wildlife, e.g., fishes,mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and inverte-brates [2–4]. Estrogenic responses were first observedin caged trout exposed to sewage effluents [5]. Subse-quently, among many fish species, feminization proc-esses such as testes malformation or intersex fish,with oocytes in the testes, were detected downstreamof municipal sewage effluents: flounder [6–8], Medi-terranean swordfish [9, 10], Rainbow trout [11], roach[12, 13], or cyprinids [14, 15]. Therefore, endocrinedisruptions in the aquatic ecosystem can be linked to
Figure 1. Endocrine disruptions in Medaka and Fat-
EDCs release from waste water treatment plants
head minnow by hormones and alkylphenols. LOEC,
lowest tested concentration at which noted effect
EDCs are composed of a wide range of molecules
occurred; left, testis-ova in Medaka; right, vitellogenin
such as chlorinated pesticides, phthalates, alkylphe-
(VTG) synthesis in fathead minnow. Medaka, adapted
nols, natural and synthetic hormones. EDCs impact
from [21]; Fathead minnow: EE2 [22]; E1 and E2 [23];
on fish populations were previously reviewed by
Mills and Chichester [16]. Laboratory experimentsdemonstrated EDCs in
mainly estrogenic. In surface water, natural estrogenssuch as estrone (E1), 17a-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3),
doses (1–1000 lg kg21) of EE2 in male Rainbow trout
showed VTG synthesis until 720 times more than E2
(EE2), widely used in human oral contraceptives,
[5]. Besides, concentrations as low as 0.1 ng L21 of
were detected in the low ng L21 range. Despite trace
EE2 were shown to cause significant rise in plasma
concentrations, hormones contribute largely to the
VTG. A food-web model of aquatic organisms in river
surface water estrogenicity [17], with 35–50% due to
systems also suggests bioaccumulation of EE2 by
the xenobiotic EE2 [18]. Natural steroids have relative
fishes [27]. Ecotoxicologic studies classified EE2 as at
potency about one million times more than pesticides
least R51/53 that means ‘‘toxic to aquatic organisms
and 300,000 times more than p-nonylphenol (NP)
and may cause long-term effects in the aquatic envi-
[19]. Male Rainbow trouts (Oncorhynchus mykiss),
undergoing sexual maturation, were exposed at 3
EE2 occurrence in the aquatic environment comes
weeks to EE2, NP, and octylphenol (OP) [20]. While
from WWTP effluents, due to insufficient removal
fish exposed to 30 lg L21 of NP and OP showed sig-
during water purification. With regard to endocrine
nificant reduction in testicular growth, males exposed
disruptions caused by EE2, the focus of this review is
to 2 ng L21 of EE2 showed some disruption. Intersex
to consider optimum treatment processes for removal
gonads (testis-ova) were observed in male Medakas
of the synthetic hormone from sewage effluent dis-
(Oryzias latipes) exposed at 100 days post-hatch to
charges. The major issue of EE2 is its occurrence at
EE2, E1, E2, E3, and bisphenol A (BA) (see Figure 1).
trace concentrations, which raises problems about the
The lowest tested concentration at which the noted
analytical method. Endocrine disruptions observed
effect occurred (LOEC) was observed for hormones
with EE2 were mainly at concentrations below the
EE2 and E2; E3 and BA induced intersex gonads for
authors’ limit of detection (LOD). Consequently, it is
concentration 100 times more than EE2 and E2. Syn-
important to fully understand the advantages and dis-
thesis of the female protein vitellogenin (VTG) by
advantages of different analytical techniques as this
male or juvenile fish is commonly used as an indica-
will determine confidence in comparison of the effi-
tor of exposure to estrogenic EDCs. Adult Fathead
ciency of different treatment processes.
minnows (Pimephales promelas) were exposed at 3weeks to EE2, E1 and E2, NP (see Figure 1), and BA[25]. Alkylphenols induced VTG production in male
Fathead minnow from the highest concentrations,with 160 lg L21 for BA. In contrast, only 1 ng L21 of
From EE2 Synthesis to its Release into Environment
EE2 was sufficient to synthesize VTG. Therefore,
Synthetic estrogen EE2 is engineered from natural
estrogens, particularly EE2, were shown to be the
hormone E2 (see Figure 2). Steroid estrogens are
most potent EDCs. With regard to the results cited
defined by aromatic ring with hydroxyl group at the
previously, EE2 induced endocrine disruptions from
C-3 position. For the xenobiotic EE2, additional
the lowest concentrations. Impact studies on Danio
ethinyl group at C-17 results in a hormone that is
rerio demonstrated sex ratio changes toward females
much more resistant to biodegradation than natural
from 50 ng L21 E1, 54 ng L21 E2, and 21.7 lg L21 E3,
ones. Prior to human excretions in feces and urine,
whereas 6 ng L21 EE2 were sufficient to obtain 100%
EE2 is metabolized to biologically inactive form by
of females [26]. Intramuscular injections of varying
hydroxylation of an aromatic ring followed by conju-
Environmental Progress (Vol.27, No.3) DOI 10.1002/ep
Figure 2. 17a-ethinylestradiol engineered from the natural hormone 17b-estradiol.
gation with sulphate or glucuronide at C-3 and/or C-
WWTPs discharge but can be dispersed in the whole
17. Johnson and Williams [29] developed a model in
aquatic environment. EE2 removal during waste
which EE2 fate in body and its excretion were esti-
water treatment seems insufficient to avoid any endo-
mated to predict subsequent inputs into WWTPs;
crine perturbations in the aquatic ecosystem.
inputs were assumed to be the sum of EE2 excretedfrom different groups of human population. EE2
ingested was estimated at 26 lg d21: 43% was pre-
Chemical properties of EE2 and natural hormones
dicted to be metabolized within the body, 27%
come in useful to understand the behavior of estro-
excreted as conjugated molecules, and 30% as free
gens in environment (Table 2). All estrogens are non-
form. EE2 was detected in WWTP effluents in active
volatile organic compounds, with vapor pressures
form, suggesting a de-conjugation pathway between
between 9 3 10213 and 3 3 1028 Pa. Octanol-water
human excretions and WWTP outlets [30, 31]. Esche-
partition coefficient (log Kow) is an indicator of
richia coli, largely excreted in feces, is presumed re-
hydrophobicity. With a log Kow of more than 3, EE2
sponsible for estrogens de-conjugation because of
is considered liposoluble. Additionally, EE2 with the
their important b-glucuronidase enzyme activity.
highest log kow demonstrated the highest factor of
EE2 as a free molecule was measured in WWTP
bioaccumulation [27]. It was also shown that sorption
influents/effluents and in surface water (Table 1). In-
to sediments was related to hydrophobicity; the great-
dependently of analytical method used, lowest con-
est sorption is observed for the most hydrophobic
centrations were often below authors LODs (from
compound, EE2 [43]. The synthetic hormone has the
0.02 ng L21 to 1.6 ng L21), which limits the discus-
lowest water solubility and the highest log Kow, sug-
sion about EE2 removal during water purification and
gesting that sorption will be a significant factor in
EE2 impact on the ecosystem at environmental con-
reducing EE2 concentrations in the aqueous phase
centrations. Some endocrine disruptions, such as
[39, 44]. A further parameter, log Koc, defines organic
intersex fish or VTG induction, occur below these
carbon sorption. It is suggested that in the absence of
LODs. Even though, it is possible to conclude that
EE2 is released at concentrations that could induce
closely depends on organic content in soil or sedi-
feminization processes in fish during laboratory stud-
ment. Sorption of EE2 on aquifer material was stud-
ies. With regard to highest concentrations (from 0.76
ied and log Koc was shown to be 3.7, which demon-
ng L21 to 42 ng L21), there is a decrease between
strates significant sorption abilities [39]. Colloidal or-
influents and effluents, from 37 to 87% [18, 35, 37,
ganic carbon seems to be implicated in estrogens
38]. To make a link with removal rate, measures in
transport [45]. Indeed, up to 60% of EE2 may be asso-
influents and effluents have to be made exactly at the
same time in same conditions. Besides, given the val-
Consequently, due to its lowest biodegradability
ues below LODs, only highest concentrations were
(ethinyl group at C-17) and its highest potential sorp-
taken into account, which limit good interpretation.
tion ability, the synthetic hormone is the most persis-
The tested surface waters presented in Table 1
tent estrogen in the natural environment. Under aero-
were in urbanized areas generally receiving WWTP
bic conditions, EE2 has a half-life between 20 and 40
effluents. Owing to the dilution of effluents in the
days, whereas it is 1 day for E2 [46, 47]. In contrast to
river, concentrations in surface water are lower than
natural steroids, EE2 sorption plays a more significant
in effluents, but values still remain above those that
role than biodegradation [48]. Even if adsorption
could induce endocrine disruptions. EE2 dissipation
processes result in estrogenicity decrease, due to
downstream of WWTPs was studied up to 100 km
lower EE2 concentrations in aqueous phase, sedi-
away from plants [40–42]. For instance, in the Lower
ments are an EE2 trap [49]. Hormones adsorbed on
Jordan River, concentrations above 1.5 ng L21 were
sediments are not bioavailable, but they can be
measured up to 100 km downstream of WWTPs [40].
released into the aquatic environment and, thus,
Therefore, EE2 contamination is not limited to
become bioavailable. EE2 persistence in anoxic sedi-
Environmental Progress (Vol.27, No.3) DOI 10.1002/ep
Table 1. EE2 concentrations in WWTPs influents/effluents and in surface water.
Effluent: 2.7–4.5 (3.8)Surface water: 1.1–2.9 (1.5)
Effluent: <1.1†Surface water: <0.4†–1
*[Solid-phase extraction (SPE): C18, SDB-XC, Ethinylbenzene-DVB, OASIS] Analysis (gas or liquid chromatogra-
phy (GC or LC)/mass spectrometry or tandem spectrometry (MS or MS-MS)).
ments is emphasized by nonbiodegradability under
analyzed. Owing to the high sorption ability of EE2,
anerobic conditions [39, 47, 50]. On sunny spring
in WWTPs, a fraction is adsorbed on sludge. To com-
days, EE2 degradation can be amplified by photoly-
pare waste water treatments for EE2 removal, the
sis, reducing its half-life from about 20 to 1.5 days
degraded fraction has to be discriminated from the
[51, 52]. Therefore, EE2 persistence in the aquatic
adsorbed one. Thus, for grab sampling, EE2 should
environment can be likened to a possible perpetua-
be extracted from suspended solids [53, 54]. During
tion of endocrine disruption in wildlife.
EE2 extraction, polar solvents are generally used;coextraction of many interferents is then induced,
resulting in heterogeneous extract [55]. Given the
complex matrix and trace concentrations, EE2 extrac-
aquatic environment at concentrations below the
tion from sludge is a critical step in terms of selectiv-
authors’ LODs, it seems essential to choose an appro-
ity and loss of target analytes. Soxhlet extraction in
priated analytical method. Indeed, analysis of trace
methanol can be used, but it is time consuming and
elements in complex matrix with particles, colloids,
high quantities of solvent are required [56]. The
and organic matter raises problems about analytical
extraction of estrogens using ultrasonics with metha-
specificity and sensitivity. Therefore, a discussion
nol-acetone (50:50, v/v) showed recoveries above
about optimum treatment for EE2 removal during
70% [57]. With microwave-assisted extraction (30 W,
waste water purification requires first a review about
5 min, methanol), EE2 recovery was 72% 6 6% [41],
the advantages and disadvantages of different analyti-
whereas simple extraction with ethyl acetate allowed
EE2 recoveries of 95% 6 3.7% and 96% 6 0.6% [39,47]. In a newer technique, the accelerated solvent
extraction (ASE), the centrifugation step after extrac-
Traditional sampling methods for the analysis of
tion is avoided. ASE performed at 1008C and 2000 psi
trace pollutants consist of collecting large volumes
with acetone-methanol (50:50, v/v) showed a recov-
(about 1L for single analysis). The samples are stored
at 48C in dark to minimize any modification. In the
The main problem of traditional monitoring pro-
lab, the samples are then concentrated with chemical
grams is that they the measured contaminants present
extraction, purified to remove any interferences, and
only at the time of sampling. Alternative methods are
Environmental Progress (Vol.27, No.3) DOI 10.1002/ep
Table 2. Chemical properties of natural and synthetic oestrogens (adapted from [27]).
passive samplers; they allow average concentrations
cleaning steps are laborious and numerous [32]. The
to be measured that take account of the temporal var-
OASIS copolymer with hydrophilic-lipophilic balance
iation in chemical concentration in natural waters and
(HLB) enables greater clean-up selectivity and sensi-
effluents [59]. The purpose of passive sampling tech-
tivity than C18; EE2 recoveries are amongst the high-
niques is to sample as well as concentrate; which is
est [37, 41]. Difference in recovery between the two
well adapted to trace pollutants such as EE2. Another
Oasis HLB presented in Table 3 can be explained by
advantage is to biomimic the exposure of aquatic
the influence of operational conditions: effluents
organisms to contaminants. A novel passive sampler,
were not exactly the same and elution/cleaning steps
are different. To conclude, the breadth of C18 use can
(POCIS), consists of a sequestration medium enclosed
be explained by broad selectivity, which gives the
within a hydrophilic microporous polyethersulfone
opportunity to compare a wide range of contami-
membrane [60]. The POCIS were applied successfully
nants with a single extraction technique. Another
to environmental estrogens and compared with grab
possible reason is polymeric SPE, such as Oasis-HLB,
sampling and bioaccumulation tests [61]. The POCIS
which is newer than C18 and the cartridge cost is
provided results similar to those obtained with
repeated grab samples and appeared to accumulate
Alternative extraction methods have recently been
estrogens very similar to brown trout. Therefore, the
developed: solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and
POCIS is a meaningful method to analyze EE2 in
stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) (Table 3). These
WWTP effluents undergoing variable inputs and eco-
techniques are defined by an equilibrium based on
systems with dynamic hydrological conditions.
partitioning of the solutes between a silicone phase
Given the trace concentrations of EE2, the syn-
and the aqueous matrix. Compared with SPE, less
thetic hormone has to be concentrated prior to analy-
sample volumes are required (1–50 mL versus 1L for
sis. Grab water samples or extracts from sludge
SPE), higher selectivity is achieved, and automation is
undergo the same type of analytical method, which is
possible. SPME and SBSE are solvent-free technolo-
chemical extraction followed by analysis. Concerning
gies that are easier, quicker, and economical. Fully
passive sampling techniques, EE2 is directly analyzed.
automated SPME with the capillary column as anextraction device showed low recoveries: 38.6% for10 ng L21 of EE2 [68]. However, extraction with a stir
bar resulted in higher recoveries: 89% of recovery for
Liquid-liquid extraction is not applied to EE2
EE2 with LOD in the same range of those obtained
because of high volumes of organic solvents and la-
with SPE methods (Table 3). Generally, coated with
borious clean-up steps [62]. Solid-phase extraction
polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), SPME was demon-
(SPE) with organic solid phase is generally preferred.
strated better for EE2 with polyacrylate [64, 69]. The
SPE was applied to EE2 in WWTPs effluents (Table
phase amount can also influence recovery; SBSE,
3); a high recovery (75–96%) and good accuracy (rel-
coated with higher amount of phase than SPME (24–
ative standard deviation (RSD) 0–8%) were obtained.
126 lL for SBSE versus < 0.5 lL for SPME), showed
Retention ability and selectivity of SPE can be linked
the highest recoveries (>95%) [65, 70]. Therefore,
to the nature of the extractive phase. The octadecyl
SPME and SBSE appear as useful tools for EE2 analy-
siloxane (C18) is the most commonly used for
reversed-phase SPE due to its broad selectivity; C18has also been used widely for estrogens analysis [18,48, 66, 67]. However, when compared with the other
SPEs, C18 cartridges have the lowest recoveries (Table
Functional analysis, based on estrogenic activity,
3). Indeed, given to a less selective nature, interfer-
can be used to measure EE2 in the aquatic environ-
ents for analysis are extracted. Besides, because of an
ment. In vitro biotests have been developed for
increase number of conditioning and cleaning steps,
screening estrogenicity in WWTP effluents and conta-
SPE with C18 is time consuming. The carbograph 4
minated surface water: the yeast estrogen screening
(C4) cartridge is easier in the cleaning step and
assay (YES) [17, 71] and the proliferation test with
showed higher recovery for EE2 but stronger solvents
human MCF-7 breast cancer cells [18, 72]. For the
(less polar) are necessitated [35, 38]. The polystyrene
YES, the human estrogen receptor is expressed in a
divinylbenzene extraction disc SDB-XC was character-
recombinant yeast strain. Upon binding, an active
ized by higher recovery for EE2 than C18 and C4 but
ligand, namely, an estrogenic compound, the reporter
Environmental Progress (Vol.27, No.3) DOI 10.1002/ep
gene Lac-Z is expressed and b-galactosidase, the
secreted enzyme, metabolizes the yellow chlorophe-
product, measured by absorbance at 540 nm. Con-
cerning the proliferation test, MCF-7 cells transfected
with an estrogen-regulated luciferase gene (MELN
cells) are used; luciferase induction reveals estrogen
activity. These biotests are useful for detecting estro-genic compounds but chemical analysis is preferred
to quantify a specific EDC, such as EE2. Chemical
analysis makes researchers more confident in the
comparison of waste water treatments efficiency.
Radioimmunassay (RIA) was the first method
tested for hormones analysis [33]. The principle is to
measure radioactivity associated with antigen-anti-
body immune reaction. Owing to the radioactivity
use, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),
based on enzymatic reaction instead of radioactivity,was then proposed [70]. However, with the environ-
mental matrix, cross-reactions result in overestimation
of estrogens concentrations [73, 74]. Given the
increased concern of the scientific community about
EDCs removal in WWTPs, chromatographic methods
have next been developed and used more and more.
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC),
applied to river samples, showed lower LODs with
electrochemical detector (0.07 lg L21) than with UV
detector (0.4 lg L21) [75]. Fluorometric detectors
allowed higher sensitivity, with LODs in the environ-
mental range (1.6–4 ng L21) [33, 76]. HPLC is advan-
tageous, in comparison with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, (GC/MS) with an inexpensive de-tector and lower maintenance costs. However, in
environmental samples, the analysis is subject to po-
lar interferences. Consequently, for EE2 analysis in
WWTP effluents, HPLC is not commonly used. Dur-
ing studies on EE2 removal in WWTPs, liquid chro-
matography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and GC/MS
are preferred because of low LODs (0.3–4.1 ng L21)
(Table 3). It can be noted that the lowest LODs were
obtained with tandem spectrometry (MS-MS). Selec-tivity with MS-MS is more adapted to environmental
matrices such as WWTP effluents; GC revealed a sen-
sitivity 10 times higher with MS-MS than MS [32]. LC-
MS analysis was shown to be highly influenced by
matrix effects [77]. Coelution of matrix components is
a critical aspect of LC-MS because it results in ion
suppression or enhancement of target analyte. Given
their less sensitivity to matrix effects than LC, GC/MS
or GC/MS-MS are used more often to analyze EE2 in
WWTPs effluents [17, 18, 66, 67, 78]. To optimize GC/
MS, a derivatization step is generally performed prior
to analysis; optimal sensitivity and resolution are
obtained because of derivatives with higher polarity,
enhanced volatility, and increased thermal and cata-
lytic stability [62, 79–81]. Two main problems with
EE2 derivatization were highlighted: (1) difficult syli-
lation of the hydroxyl group at the C17 position [62]
(2) EE2 conversion into estrone (E1), resulting in
overestimation of E1 and underestimation of EE2 [79].
EE2 derivatization was shown to be complete withtemperature under 758C, pyridine as solvent, N,O-bis-
(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) as reagent
Environmental Progress (Vol.27, No.3) DOI 10.1002/ep
Table 4. EE2 removal efficiencies of various water purifications at different initial concentrations.
*Estradiol equivalents (estrogenicity).
and trimethylschlorosilane (TMCS) as catalyst [81].
5%) [85]. EE2 removal during the AS process is largely
However, recent work showed that pyridine led to
variable, ranging from 34% to 98% (Table 4). The AS
secondary products that disrupt chromatographic pat-
process can be characterized by the sludge retention
terns, whereas dimethyl formamide avoided EE2 con-
time (SRT). The higher the SRT, the more efficient is
version without any disruption [80].
the pollutant biodegradation. For instance, when SRT
Chromatographic methods are powerful analytical
is above 20 days, the biodiversity is higher with
techniques, but for EE2 analysis in WWTPs effluents
broader physiological abilities than sludge with SRT
or rivers, sensitivity and selectivity need to be
below 20 days. Conventional AS processes are widely
enhanced. LODs should be lessened because endo-
used despite some problems such as the low settling
crine disruptions in the aquatic ecosystem occur at
ability of the sludge that results in low SRTs, often
concentrations below the authors’ LODs obtained at
below 20 days. The whole sludge does not settle in
the moment. Nowadays, researchers need to focus on
the clarifier, resulting in biomass in the effluent and
optimizing the analysis conditions; for instance,
reduction of the matrix effects for LC/MS or optimiza-
The second bioprocesses frequently used for water
tion of derivatization conditions for GC/MS analysis.
purification are biofilm reactors, such as trickling andupflow biological filters or fluidized beds. In compar-
ison with suspended cultures, the fixed beds arecharacterized by higher biomass concentration. How-
ever, fixed beds raise problems about fouling and
It has been seen previously that EE2 is released
dead space [71]. With regard to EE2, the AS system
from WWTPs at concentrations inducing endocrine
has a higher removal rate (Table 4). Another biofilm
disruptions in aquatic environment (> 0.1 ng L21)
reactor, the rotating biodisc, can also be used during
(Table 1). Consequently, EE2 removal during waste-
wastewater treatment [86, 87]. Control of the biofilm
water treatment seems to be insufficient. Auriol et al.
thickness is easier and aeration is more effective
[82] reviewed EDCs removal at each step of water pu-
because of direct contact of the biofilm and air dur-
rification. First, EE2 undergoes physical removal by
ing rotation. However, one of the main drawbacks is
adsorption on particles [83]. For instance, in activated
the limited surface area of discs for biofilm formation
sludge process, between 60% and 80% of EE2 were
due to 40% immersion in wastewater [87]. Alternative
shown to be adsorbed on sludge and thus eliminated
bioprocesses have been studied for wastewater treat-
from the aqueous phase [48, 84, 85]. Chemical treat-
ment. Granular sludge, characterized by good settling
ment such as precipitation with aluminium sulphate,
ability, can be developed in sequencing batch reac-
ferric chloride, and lime were shown to be inefficient
tors (SBRs) [88, 89]. Periodic processes exert a strong
pressure on microbial populations, thus establishing
Biological treatments are more suited to removal
selection in favor of more adaptable biomass [89].
of organic matter such as EDCs. The activated sludge
The improvement of settlement, in comparison with
(AS) process is the most widespread process for sew-
AS systems, can be explained by selection of floc-
age treatment. For natural estrogens, removal rate by
forming microorganisms over filamentous ones. In
the AS process is generally more than 75%, whereas
application to EDCs removal or more precisely to
EE2 elimination is more often lower than 80% [18, 35,
EE2, SBRs have not yet been shown to be better than
67]. Mineralization studies with 14C-labeled estrogens
demonstrated that the percent mineralization of 14C-
Alternative treatments for EE2 elimination have
EE2 (20.2% 6 11%) was considerably less than the
been investigated during laboratory experiments.
mineralization of the natural one, 14C-E2 (75.2% 6
First, photodegradation induced by a high-pressure
Environmental Progress (Vol.27, No.3) DOI 10.1002/ep
mercury lamp (k 313, 250 W) and catalysed by
Biodegradation processes can undergo two path-
Fe31 or algae Anabaena cylindrical eliminated 40%
ways, either xenobiotic utilization for growth or com-
of EE2 at initial concentrations between 2.5 and 15
etabolism, in which a compound is modified but not
mg L21 [90]. Unfortunately, this process has not been
used for growth. EE2 biodegradation is suggested by
tested with environmental EE2 concentrations, and
some authors to be a cometabolism [94, 95]. Monoox-
the AS process remains the most effective in term of
ygenase enzymes are known to cometabolize many
removal rate (Table 4). Adsorption on granulated acti-
organic compounds. The nitrifying bacterium Neutro-
vated carbon (GAC), often used because of high
somonas europaea produces ammonium monooxy-
sorption capacities, revealed complete elimination for
genase (AMO), catalyzing the ammonium oxidation
EE2 concentrations in the lg L21 range [91]. For EE2
to nitrite. Biodegradation studies with N. europaea
concentration about 13.8 lg L21, the adsorption
demonstrated that AMO inhibition resulted in EE2
capacity was shown to be 163.5 lg g21, whereas for
persistence [94]. Thus, EE2 biodegradation by comet-
concentrations below 10 ng L21, sorption ability was
abolism with AMO was validated. However, N. euro-
only 1 lg g21. Consequently, at environmental con-
paea degraded EE2 with accumulation of unknown
centrations, GAC will have a very short bed lifetime,
polar products characterized by a phenolic group
leading to a costly process. With manganese oxide
[94]. Contrary to AS, N. europaea conducted to
(MnO2) reactor, EE2 removal was significant at 5 and
incomplete degradation of EE2. Therefore, in AS bio-
20 lg L21 (Table 4) but at 0.1 lg L21, reduction abil-
reactor, complex consortia of microorganisms, includ-
ity was 100 times lower than at 10 lg L21 [91]. There-
ing or not AMO, are probably involved in the degra-
fore, MnO2 reactor needs improvement for applica-
tion to environmental concentrations of EE2. Sand re-
Bacterial strains with EE2 degradation abilities
actor allowed only 17.3% of EE2 removed for
were previously isolated [93, 94, 96]. A first strain Fu-
concentrations in the lg L21 range (Table 4). By con-
sarium proliferatum, isolated from a cowshed sam-
trast, ozonation allowed more complete elimination
ple, removed 97% of EE2 at an initial concentration
than did the AS process. The sum of the estrogenic
of 25 mg L21 [97]. However, unknown products of
activity of intermediates was shown to be 200 times
EE2 degradation, more polar with a phenolic group,
lower than the estrogenicity of the original EE2 [92].
were accumulated. Additionally, three other strains,
Therefore, this process could be considered for EE2
removing between 80% and 96% of EE2 at an initial
removal, but its high cost explains that it is only used
concentration of 100 mg L21, were isolated from AS
for drinking water. Economically, wastewater treat-
[96]. Byproducts were not identified, but they were
ments used to protect the aquatic ecosystem need to
shown to have no estrogenic activity. A last strain
be cheaper than treatments used to produce drinking
Sphingobacterium sp. JCR5, isolated from the WWTPs
water. This observation explains partially why the AS
AS of an oral contraceptives factory, metabolized up
process is generally used for water purification.
to 87% of 30 mg L21 EE2 [93]. The identified catabolicpathway ended with carbon dioxide formation. Com-pared to isolated bacterial strains, AS system is com-
EE2 Removal During the Activated Sludge Process
posed of diverse biomass with complementary abil-
During the AS process, nitrifying biomass was
shown to be responsible for EE2 degradation [36, 48,
During the AS process, EE2 is biodegraded by
93–96]. Nitrification reaction is divided into two steps,
nitrifying biomass but the xenobiotic is also adsorbed
the ammonia conversion to nitrite and the subse-
on sludge. For initial ammonia concentrations below
quent oxidation to nitrate. Nitrifying biomass is not
50 mg L21, sorption was shown to be predominant
diverse, with mainly two genus represented, Nitroso-
(up to 60%) because of low cometabolic activity but
monas and Nitrobacter. Nitrifying microorganisms are
for higher concentrations, biodegradation became
autotrophs, using inorganic carbon as source for
more important (up to 50%) [98]. Therefore, EE2 re-
growth. Besides, they are characterized by slow
moval during the AS process depends not only on its
growth. Therefore, nitrifying AS in WWTPs require
biodegradation activity but also on the sorption abil-
Only few studies were done on EE2 removal by
nitrifying AS. During preliminary experiments, nitrify-
Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs) as Alternative Treatment
ing biomass of 1 g L21 did not succeed in eliminating
It has been explained previously that the main
1 lg L21 and 1 ng L21 of EE2 [36]. Thus, higher EE2
drawback of AS process is the low SRT, due to
concentrations were tested. Nitrifying AS, at concen-
incomplete retention of the biomass in the clarifier.
trations of 1 g L21, with a nitrifying capacity of 50 mg
An alternative solution to enhance the removal of
NH41 g DW21 h21, were able to remove 50 lg L21
pollutants is the use of membrane processes that
of EE2 in 6 days [95]. These results were confirmed
allow complete retention, which means higher bio-
by some other experiments with 2.7 g L21 of biomass
mass concentrations in the bioreactor and higher SRT.
and 1 mg L21 of EE2 [94]. De Mes et al. [83] reviewed
This process is named the membrane bioreactor
first-order degradation constants for AS at concentra-
(MBR), combination of a bioreactor with membrane
tions of EE2 from 100 ng L21 to 25 mg L21. There-
filtration [99]. Research on MBR technology began
fore, EE2 removal by nitrifying biomass is proved,
more than 30 years ago. Since the last 10 years, a
but it has to be confirmed with environmental con-
near linear increase in research outputs has been
centrations, in the low ng L21 range.
observed around the world [100]. Replacing the sec-
Environmental Progress (Vol.27, No.3) DOI 10.1002/ep
ondary clarifier in WWTPs by membranes, SRT and
terms of concentration reduction and endocrine dis-
biomass concentrations will be increased and the
plant size will be lessened [101, 102]. The MBR
Analysis of trace elements in a complex matrix
advantage is easier control of high SRT, which is
raises problems about specificity and sensitivity. SPE
required for nitrifying biomass growth and thus for
followed by chromatography appears as a widespread
EE2 removal. Wastewater treatment with MBRs was
analytical method for estrogens. However, in many
investigated, and this process proved a reduction in
studies, EE2 can not be quantified because of high
about 99% for hormones [103]. Estrogens removal
LODs. Recently, SPME and SBSE have been shown as
rate with MBRs ranged from 81.9% to 100%, whereas
a good alternative of SPE, due to higher recovery and
for AS the values were between 59.4% and 100%
accuracy. During monitoring programs, passive sam-
[104]. Few studies have been conducted on EE2 re-
plers appear as promising tools to quantify EE2
moval during wastewater treatment with MBRs. The
because of LODs being lower than SPE and average
biological degradation model showed higher EE2 re-
measures which take account of temporal variations.
moval activity for nitrifying sludge from MBR (SRT 30
One of the research priorities should be the develop-
days) than from AS (SRT 11 days) [105]. The higher
ment of these analytical methods. Diminution of endo-
removal activity in MBRs can first be explained by
crine disruptions by improvement of EE2 removal in
smaller flocs size, resulting in greater exposed surface
wastewater requires reliable comparison of processes
area. For the moment, it is unknown where estrogen
and, thus, reliable analytical methods.
degradation took place: (i) throughout the floc (ii) on
The synthetic hormone is much more resistant to
the floc surface or (iii) in the bulk medium. Sludge
biodegradation than natural ones, but its high hydro-
from MBR had higher hydrophobicity values (68%)
phobic nature makes sorption a significant removal
than those from SBR (22–35%), which means EE2
factor in WWTPs. During conventional AS, the incom-
sorption will be higher in MBR [98]. Polysaccharides,
plete sludge settlement results in loss of biomass,
strongly correlated with EE2 sorption, were shown to
which means that loss of EE2 adsorbed, and in low
be preferentially accumulated in MBR (30% 6 8% of
SRT, unsuited to nitrifying micro-organisms which are
the total organic carbon), compared with the AS
responsible for EE2 biodegradation. Among biopro-
process (19% 6 3%) [45]. The problem is polysaccha-
cesses, such as AS, MBR, biofilm reactors and SBR,
rides were also shown to be responsible for mem-
MBR technology allows the highest SRT and, thus,
brane fouling [106]. Membrane fouling can explain
the growth of nitrifying biomass, which results in
the slow commercialization of MBR technology [100,
sludge with the highest sorption ability. Owing to
107–109]. Other membrane application is the use of
more stringent effluent regulations, research and
appropriate cutoff to retain xenobiotics directly with
commercial application of MBRs are advancing rap-
high molecular weight, e.g., estrogens [110, 111].
idly around the world for municipal wastewater treat-
Therefore, membrane processes appear as hopeful
ment. The scientific community agrees that MBR tech-
solutions to enhance EE2 removal in WWTPs. First,
nology is the alternative process for WWTPs. This
membranes can be considered as improvement of the
technology appears as a hopeful solution for the
AS system because of more diversified biomass, due
improvement of EDCs removal during wastewater
to higher SRT. With regard to EE2, the nitrifying bio-
treatment and should be studied for this.
mass will be able to grow and thus enhance biode-
Alternative wastewater treatments, such as photo-
gradation of the synthetic estrogen. The other advant-
degradation, GAC, MnO2, and sand reactor or ozona-
age is the retention of pollutants, directly or adsorbed
tion, were tested in laboratory to improve EE2 re-
on particles. As during ultrafiltration were shown to
moval but at the present time they seem to be too
develop a dynamic membrane that the improved
costly or not suitable for environmental concentrations.
retention of natural hormones [112]. Natural hor-
Therefore, future studies are necessary to develop
mones can also be retained by adsorption on the
these alternative solutions and to reduce their cost.
membrane polymer [113, 114]. Compared with naturalhormones, EE2 has higher molecular weight andsorption ability, which means that the synthetic hor-
mone could be removed more easily by membranes.
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