Removal of ecotoxicity of 17α-ethinylestradiol using TAML/peroxide water treatment

Abstract

17α-ethinylestradiol (EE 2), a synthetic oestrogen in oral contraceptives, is one of many pharmaceuticals found in inland waterways worldwide as a result of human consumption and excretion into wastewater treatment systems. At low parts per trillion (ppt), EE 2 induces feminisation of male fish, diminishing reproductive success and causing fish population collapse. Intended water quality standards for EE 2 set a much needed global precedent. Ozone and activated carbon provide effective wastewater treatments, but their energy intensities and capital/operating costs are formidable barriers to adoption. Here we describe the technical and environmental performance of a fast- developing contender for mitigation of EE 2 contamination of wastewater based upon small- molecule, full-functional peroxidase enzyme replicas called "TAML activators" From neutral to basic pH, TAML activators with H 2 O 2 efficiently degrade EE 2 in pure lab water, municipal effluents and EE 2 -spiked synthetic urine. TAML/H 2 O 2 treatment curtails estrogenicity in vitro and substantially diminishes fish feminization in vivo. Our results provide a starting point for a future process in which tens of thousands of tonnes of wastewater could be treated per kilogram of catalyst. We suggest TAML/H 2 O 2 is a worthy candidate for exploration as an environmentally compatible, versatile, method for removing EE 2 and other pharmaceuticals from municipal wastewaters.