Effect of process conditions on the analysis of free and conjugated estrogen hormones by solid-phase extraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPE-GC/MS).

Simultaneous analysis of 11 free estrogen hormones and five conjugated estrogens in water and municipal wastewater was studied. The analytical method was developed and tested for different types of solid-phase extraction adsorbents, eluents, sample containers and storage conditions, derivatization, and matrix effects. Varian Bond Elut C-18 solid-phase extraction adsorbent cartridge was selected based on its high recoveries for both free and conjugated estrogens.

Free synthetic and natural estrogen hormones in influent and effluent of three municipal wastewater treatment plants.

Three municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in southeastern Pennsylvania were sampled to determine the presence and concentrations of 12 natural and synthetic estrogen hormones in the wastewater influent and effluent. The target estrogens were 17alpha-estradiol, estrone, estriol, equilin, 17alpha-dihydroequilin, 17beta-estradiol, 17alpha-ethinyl estradiol, gestodene, norgestrel, levonorgestrel, medrogestone, and trimegestone. One WWTP uses a biofilm reactor (packed-bed trickling filter),and the other two use suspended-growth media (continuously stirred activated sludge reactor and sequential batch reactor).

Ultrasound-induced destruction of low levels of estrogen hormones in aqueous solutions.

The removal of estrogen hormones from water and wastewater is of importance due to their adverse effects toward ecosystems and potential risks to human health. The ultrasound-induced destruction of estrogen compounds in aqueous solutions is studied in a batch reactor using a 1.1 W/mL sonication unit and in a continuous flow reactor using a 2.