Murray State University
Trace Level Analysis of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Samples From the Murray Water Treatment Plant Using a Gas Chromatograph-Electron Capture Detector
Institution
Murray State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Bommanna Loganathan
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are one of the additives in flame retardants. These compounds are used in industrial and domestic applications such as plastics, textiles, and in electronic appliances including computers and televisions. Widespread use of PBDEs have resulted in environmental contamination. Exposure to PBDEs can cause harmful effects in wildlife and humans. Due to widespread use of this chemical, environmental media such as air, water, and biota (plants and animals) are contaminated with PBDEs. PBDEs discharged from waste water treatment plants (WWTP) are considered to be one of the important sources of PBDE contamination of rivers and lakes. In this study, an assessment was made on the quantity of PBDEs that are being discharged from the Murray Waste Water Treatment Plant (MWWTP). Influent, effluent water, suspended sediment, and sludge samples from MWWTP were collected and analyzed for PBDEs. A gas chromatograph equipped with electron capture detector (GCEDC) was calibrated using known concentrations of PBDE standards.
Trace Level Analysis of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Samples From the Murray Water Treatment Plant Using a Gas Chromatograph-Electron Capture Detector
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are one of the additives in flame retardants. These compounds are used in industrial and domestic applications such as plastics, textiles, and in electronic appliances including computers and televisions. Widespread use of PBDEs have resulted in environmental contamination. Exposure to PBDEs can cause harmful effects in wildlife and humans. Due to widespread use of this chemical, environmental media such as air, water, and biota (plants and animals) are contaminated with PBDEs. PBDEs discharged from waste water treatment plants (WWTP) are considered to be one of the important sources of PBDE contamination of rivers and lakes. In this study, an assessment was made on the quantity of PBDEs that are being discharged from the Murray Waste Water Treatment Plant (MWWTP). Influent, effluent water, suspended sediment, and sludge samples from MWWTP were collected and analyzed for PBDEs. A gas chromatograph equipped with electron capture detector (GCEDC) was calibrated using known concentrations of PBDE standards.