Environmental impact of flame retardants (persistence and biodegradability).
Flame-retardants (FR) are a group of anthropogenic environmental contaminants used at relatively high concentrations in many applications. Currently, the largest market group of FRs is the brominated flame retardants (BFRs). Many of the BFRs are considered toxic, persistent and bioaccumulative. Bioremediation of contaminated water, soil and sediments is a possible solution for the problem. However, the main problem with this approach is the lack of knowledge concerning appropriate microorganisms, biochemical pathways and operational conditions facilitating degradation of these chemicals at an acceptable rate. This paper reviews and discusses current knowledge and recent developments related to the environmental fate and impact of FRs in natural systems and in engineered treatment processes.
Segev
Osnat
O
Unit of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 653, Be'er-Sheva 84105, Israel. segevos@bgu.ac.il
Kushmaro
Ariel
A
Brenner
Asher
A
D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D052918:Environmental Restoration and Remediation; D005411:Flame Retardants / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D005411:Flame Retardants