Abstract

A multi-residue screening method for simultaneous measurement of a wide range of micropollutants in drinking water (DW) resources was developed. The method was applied in a field study in central Sweden on water from source to tap, including samples of surface water (upstream and downstream of a wastewater treatment plant, WVVTP), intake water before and after a DW treatment plant (DWTP, pilot and full-scale), treated DW leaving the plant and tap water at end users. Low detection limits (low ng L-1 levels) were achieved by using large sample volumes (5 L) combined with ultra performance liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). In total, 134 different micropollutants were analyzed, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), drug-related compounds, food additives, and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Of these 134 micropollutants, 41 were detected in at least one sample, with individual concentrations ranging from sub ng L-1 levels to similar to 80 ng L-1. Two solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges (Oasis HLB and Bond-Elut ENV) were shown to be complementary in the field study, with three compounds detected exclusively using HLB. The total concentration in treated drinking water (56-57 ng L-1) was at a similar level as upstream from the VVWTP (79-90 ng L-1). The composition of micropollutants changed along the water path, to a higher fraction of food additives and PFASs. Median treatment efficiency in the full-scale DWTP was close to 0%, but with high variability for individual compounds. In contrast, median treatment efficiency in the pilot-scale DVVTP was similar to 90% when using nanofiltration followed by a freshly installed granulated active carbon (GAC) filter. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license.

Keywords

Drinking water; Mass spectrometry; Micropollutants; Mulfiresidue method; Water treatment

Published in

Science of the Total Environment
2018, Volume: 627, pages: 1404-1432
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

SLU Authors

• Tröger, Rikard

  • Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Klöckner, Philipp

  • Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Ahrens, Lutz

  • Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Wiberg, Karin

  • Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages


UKÄ Subject classification

Water Treatment


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.277

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/95362