ΕΘΝΙΚΟ ΜΕΤΣΟΒΙΟ ΠΟΛΥΤΕΧΝΕΙΟ

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