Effects of Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds (Bisphenol A and Octhyl Phenol Ethoxylate) on COD Removal Efficiency

This study explored the effects of two representative endocrine disrupting compounds (Bisphenol A (BPA) and Octhyl Phenol Ethoxylate (OPEO)) on Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal efficiency. The biofilm reactor was operated at different initial BPA (1.6-15 mg/l) and OPEO (3.01-20.1 mg/l) concentrations. Performances of the process were evaluated in terms of BPA, OPEO degradation and COD removal. Results revealed that 95% of COD removal could be achieved with influent COD and BPA concentrations of 430 mg/L and 1.67 mg/L respectively. The coexistence of BPA (25 mg/l) and OPEO (25 mg/l) resulted in a 64% of COD removal with an initial COD of 542 mg/l. COD removal efficiency was 83% for 3.5 mg/l BPA+3.5 mg/l OPEO, and 64% for 25 mg/l BPA+25 mg/l OPEO indicating a 19% decrease. Rather than the toxic effect of BPA and OPEO, the reduction in COD removal was due to the increase in influent COD values.