Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Indian wastewater treatment plant: Occurrence, mass flow and removal

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are categorized as a group of brominated flame retardants that cause hazardous health impacts but are still being used consistently worldwide. The studies on their occurrence and fate in wastewater treatment plants are scarce, and considering the Indian scenario, no study has been reported till date in this context. Therefore, in the present study, PBDE congeners of primary concern were investigated first time to assess the existence, dissemination and fate of PBDEs in the municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWTP) located in Nagpur city, Maharashtra, India. BDE 209 and 47 were detected as the predominant PBDE contaminants in all the analysed samples. The concentration of PBDEs was primarily found in the particulate phase of wastewater. According to mass loading analysis, 1297 mg/day concentration of PBDEs is disposed of at landfill sites in the form of sludge, while 77.46 mg/day is released via final effluent. The present investigation is the first of its kind of study conducted to evaluate the PBDE contamination in Indian MWTP, which reveals the presence of high PBDE concentration in Indian municipal sewage. The findings of the current study exhibit the need for appropriate action toward the sound surveillance of PBDEs in the Indian context. [Display omitted] •Occurrence, fate and mass loading of PBDEs in Indian STP reported the first time.•BDE 209, 47 & 99 were observed as dominant contaminants in wastewater and sludge.•Sorption of PBDEs on particulate matter was a major process of PBDEs eradication.•The PBDE concentration and carbon content (r2 = 0.712) were found correlated.•Sewage treatment sludge and effluent are potential sources of PBDEs.