Micropollutant

Commonly known micropollutants that might pose possible threats to ecological environments are, to name just a few: To date, most of the scientists have identified wastewater treatment plants as the main source of micropollutants to aquatic ecosystems and/or adversely affect the extraction of potable water from raw water.

In addition, some of the substances are bioaccumulative, which means that they accumulate in animals or plants and thus also in the human food chain.

In total, they found 229 pesticides and biocides, 175 pharmaceutical chemicals as well as surfactants, plastic and rubber additives, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and corrosion inhibitors.

Several studies have shown that feminization occurs in an unusually high number of fish below discharges from sewage treatment plants, which has a negative impact on the population.

Other substances, such as benzotriazole, which is added to dishwasher detergent as corrosion protection for silver cutlery, are suspected of being carcinogenic in addition to acting as an endocrine disruptor in the concentrations found.

Firstly, by transporting already resistant strains into the receiving water due to inadequate treatment technology.

Preventing the entry of bacteria has long been used as a form of hygienic treatment using UV light or ozone, especially if the water is to be reused.

The extent to which membrane technologies with low energy consumption are able to deplete trace substances is being investigated.

[10] Since 1 January 2025, there has been a recast of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive in the European Union, which requires the removal of a large proportion of micropollutants from wastewater.

The implementation of the framework guidelines is staggered until 2045, depending on the size of the sewage treatment plant and its population equivalents (PE).