ΕΘΝΙΚΟ ΜΕΤΣΟΒΙΟ ΠΟΛΥΤΕΧΝΕΙΟ
ΕΘΝΙΚΟ ΜΕΤΣΟΒΙΟ ΠΟΛΥΤΕΧΝΕΙΟ
ΕΘΝΙΚΟ ΜΕΤΣΟΒΙΟ ΠΟΛΥΤΕΧΝΕΙΟ
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In a GAC column system the concentration of the effluent varies with time,<br />
resulting in a sigma-shaped curve (Breakthrough curve). When the concentration of<br />
the effluent exceeds a certain level (Breakthrough limit) the carbon must be replaced<br />
or regenerated. The performance of GAC column systems is expressed with the<br />
Bohart-Adams model.<br />
Emerging Contaminants (ECs)<br />
ECs have many subcategories, including “Endocrine Disrupting Compounds”<br />
(EDCs) and “Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products” (PPCPs). EDCs are<br />
chemical substances that cause health problems to human and animals, mainly<br />
because they cause malfunctions in the endocrine system. In this MSc thesis the EDCs<br />
Bisphenol-A and Triclosan were examined.<br />
PPCPs are biologically active substances and many are toxic to certain<br />
organisms at environmental levels (e.g. the deaths of Indian vultures due to exposure<br />
to Diclofenac). Antibiotics, hormones, analgesics, cytostatic agents, non-steroidal<br />
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and β-blockers belong to PPCPs. Among them<br />
NSAIDs cause great interest, as they are frequently detected in the aquatic<br />
environment. In this MSc thesis the PPCPs that were examined were the NSAIDs<br />
Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Ketoprofen and Diclofenac.<br />
It has been shown that the main entrance route of EDCs and PPCPs in the<br />
aquatic environment is through the effluents of wastewater treatment plants, as the<br />
traditional activated sludge plants cannot effectively remove those substances from<br />
wastewater. For the effective removal of those substances additional processes are<br />
required, such as nanomembranes, reverse osmosis, activated carbon etc.<br />
Materials and Methods<br />
The samples of ECs were bought from Sigma-Aldrich and the ECs high purity<br />
standards were bought from Ehrenstorfer Quality. Internal standards were bought<br />
from Ehrenstorfer Quality (Bisphenol-A-d16 used for EDCs) and Toronto Research<br />
Chemicals Inc. (Meclofenamic Acid used for PPCPs).<br />
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