Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in industrial wastewater samples in Toronto, Ontario

Abstract

The occurrence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), nonylphenol (NP) and its ethoxylates (NPEO) in wastewater generated in the Toronto area has been studied. In all, 97 samples from 40 facilities in ten different industry classes have been collected and analyzed. Widely divergent concentrations have been observed in these samples. They ranged from <0.01 to 195 μg/L for OP, from <0.1 to 253 μg/L for NP, from <2 to 117,570 μg/L for NPEO, and from <0.01 to 149 μg/L for BPA. The results show that the concentrations of NP and NPEO in these samples generally exceeded City of Toronto By-law (No. 457-2000) limits. The results also suggest that detergents based on NPEO are still extensively used by the commercial laundries, and also by the textile products and clothing industries. These facilities, together with several sources in the chemical and chemical products industries and the fabricated metal products industries are believed to be the major sources of NP and NPEO input into the sewer system in Toronto. In addition to the two facilities in the chemicals and chemical products sector, several commercial laundries also had significant on-site releases of BPA. Except for those collected from three facilities in the chemicals and chemical products industries, the levels of OP in these samples were generally low. Many industries in the Toronto area would have to take drastic actions to reduce releases of NPEO and NP if full compliance with the most recent City By-law regarding wastewater quality were to be achieved.