SEWAGE SLUDGE, A NEW SOURCE OF PBDEs?

摘要

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are chemical products widely used as flame retardants in polymeric materials. Their toxicological properties, similar to other well-known POP's such as dioxins, furans and PCBs, have led regulatory authorities to restrict or even ban their use (Directive 2003/11/EC) and to likely include these pollutants into the so-called "dirty dozen" of toxic substances from Stockholm Convention. Despite recent observations confirming their ubiquitous occurrence in air, wildlife, sediments and waste streams (overall electric and electronic appliances and sewage sludge), more information about these pollutants is desired. Spreading of sewage sludge onto agricultural land is a controversial practice constituting the subject of many environmental forums and discussions. Following the trend of some European countries (Sweden and Switzerland), this study comprises a preliminary assessment of sewage sludge contamination with PBDEs from Spanish waste-water treatment plants, in order to know more about their environmental fate, potential risk to human health and to set up future legislation.