Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate in sewage sludge and post-treated sludge: quantitative determination by HRGC-MS and mass spectral characterization.
DEHP was quantified into sewage sludge, thermally dried sludge and compost samples from different areas of Catalonia (North East Spain) using high-resolution gas chromatography (HRGC) coupled to a mass spectrometry (MS). The aim of the work was to determine the evolution of this ubiquitous environmental contaminant along some post-treatment sludge processes, such as composting and thermally drying. DEHP concentration detected in some sludges are above the maximum limit suggested by the EC (100 ppm d.m.) for agricultural use. However, the composting and thermally drying reduce the amount of DEHP in sewage sludge to acceptable level for safe land application. The study was completed with the characterization and long-term observation of DEHP in sewage sludge, composted sludge and thermally dried sludge mixed with two types of soils. In all cases, the percentage of DEHP degraded was higher than 50% after 9 months of incubation.
Bagó
B
B
Chromatography Section, Institut Quimic de Sarrià, Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, Barcelona 08017, Spain.
Martín
Y
Y
Mejía
G
G
Broto-Puig
F
F
Díaz-Ferrero
J
J
Agut
M
M
Comellas
L
L
D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D012722:Sewage / Q000032:analysis*; D013030:Spain
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D012722:Sewage; D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate