Occurrence and Nationwide Distribution of Multiple Novel Bisphenol S Analogues in Municipal Sewage Sludge across China

Abstract

Our previous study identified seven bisphenol S (BPS) derivatives and/or analogues in human breast milk from China. However, their environmental occurrences and distribution remain largely unknown. Herein, we conducted a comprehensive, large-scale investigation analyzing a broader range of novel BPS analogues in municipal sludge across China. In addition to BPS, all 12 target novel BPS analogues were detected in the sludge samples. Among the 12 novel BPS analogues, nine were newly identified and reported in the environment for the first time. Six of the 12 novel BPS analogues were detected in all of the sludge samples, with one exhibiting a level higher than that of BPS and two exhibiting a level comparable to that of BPS. The total concentration of BPS and its 12 novel analogues (∑BPSs) varied in the range of 5.41–30.9 ng/g (median of 10.7 ng/g). The spatial distribution indicated significantly higher levels of BPSs in East China than in Central and West China (p < 0.05). The nationwide annual emission of ∑BPSs via sludge disposal in China was estimated to be 167 kg/year in 2019, which is expected to increase considerably in the future. This is the first report of the prevalent occurrence and widespread geographical distribution of multiple novel BPS analogues in municipal sludge.

Unveiling the existence and ecological hazards of trace organic pollutants in wastewater treatment plant effluents across China

“…The total concentration of BPs, PFASs, and PAEs could be up to 75% in 11 chemical classes of pollution. In general, the results obtained in this study were consistent with several previous studies [ 13 , 28 , 31 , 32 ]. Notably, in the studied areas in China, the residue of trace organic pollutants in the effluent of domestic wastewater should gain more attention, especially for BPs, PFASs, and PAEs.…”

Nationwide Occurrence and Unexpected Severe Pollution of Fluorescent Brighteners in the Sludge of China: An Emerging Anthropogenic Marker

“…The per capita daily release amount (EDR) of FBs was further estimated based on the annual emission flux . Using the seventh national census data of China in 2021 (1.41 billion), the EDR of FBs was estimated to be 1620 μg/day person, which is 1 order of magnitude greater than the EDR of phthalates (125 μg/day person) and at least 2 orders of magnitude higher than the EDR of a wide range of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (33.9–9320 ng/day person). , With growing demands for FBs in multiple industrial fields, their production and release from consumer products will substantially increase in the near future. Consequently, the global emissions of these important but overlooked emerging chemicals into the environment should be given sufficient attention.…”

“…31−34 Generally, pollutant concentrations in urban sewage sludge can provide a valuable indicator of general exposure and usage of chemicals, as well as reflect their regional-scale pollution levels. 35 Therefore, integrating a broad range of currently used FBs into a comprehensive screening of urban sewage sludge on a large geographical scale is of particular importance for understanding their overall pollution status.…”

“…Meanwhile, sludge is a second source of many refractory pollutants to the environment . Many previous studies have demonstrated that sludge is an excellent medium and pollution source marker for tracing wastewater-borne refractory pollutants locally. − Generally, pollutant concentrations in urban sewage sludge can provide a valuable indicator of general exposure and usage of chemicals, as well as reflect their regional-scale pollution levels . Therefore, integrating a broad range of currently used FBs into a comprehensive screening of urban sewage sludge on a large geographical scale is of particular importance for understanding their overall pollution status.…”

Triazine-Derived Ultraviolet Filters and Flame Retardants: A Nationwide Co-Occurrence and Prevalence Study in China

“…Using the national population statistic data (1.41 billion in 2021) in China, 46 the per capita daily release amounts (EDR) of TA-UVFs, TA-FRs, and ∑TAs were estimated to be 1.66, 8.30, and 10.4 μg/day/ person, respectively, which are 1 order of magnitude higher than the EDRs of a wide range of previously reported emerging pollutants (0.152−0.397 μg/day/person), such as parabens and bisphenols. 47,48 With increasing demands for TA-UVF and TA-FRs as the main alternatives to traditional UVFs and FRs applied in multiple industrial fields, their environmental emissions will also increase rapidly in the future. Thus, these emerging pollutants deserve more attention from a global perspective.…”