Occurrence and emission of phthalates and non-phthalate plasticizers in sludge from wastewater treatment plants in Korea

Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that cause adverse health effects in wildlife and humans. Due to domestic and global regulations of phthalates in commercial products, non-phthalate plasticizers (NPPs) have been introduced into industrial markets. Few studies have been conducted on the occurrence of phthalates and NPPs in sludge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this study, sludge samples were collected from 40 WWTPs in Korea to investigate the occurrence, compositional profiles, and emission flux of phthalates and NPPs. Total concentrations of phthalates and NPPs in sludge ranged from 4.7 to 1400 (mean: 110) μg/g dry weight and from 0.17 to 780 (mean: 28.0) μg/g dry weight, respectively. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) was a predominant compound, suggesting widespread consumption in Korea. Di(2-ethylhexyl)terephthalate (DEHT) was dominant in industrial sludge samples, whereas di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH) and trioctyl trimellitate (TOTM) were dominant in domestic sludge. This implies different consumption patterns of phthalate alternatives by industry and domestic activities. Concentrations of NPPs were significantly correlated with those of high-molecular-weight (HMW) phthalates, indicating that HMW phthalates were preferentially replaced by NPPs. The emission fluxes of phthalates via domestic WWTP activities were higher than those measured for industrial WWTPs, while the emission fluxes of NPPs via industrial WWTPs were higher than those found for domestic and industrial WWTPs. This indicates that phthalate emissions are associated with household activities, while NPP emissions are associated with industrial activities. [Display omitted] •A first study on phthalates and their alternatives was conducted in sludge of WWTPs.•Five non-phthalate plasticizers were detected in all sludge samples.•DEHT was a major alternative for phthalates as shown by its occurrence and concentration.•Consumption patterns of phthalates and alternatives depend on WWTP type.•Emissions of DEHT were mostly derived from industrial activities, while DINCH and TOTM were associated with household activities.