Author(s): Javad Shafiee Neyestanak; Robel S. Bekele; Jacqueline Malazarte; Pekka M. Rossi; Elisangela Heiderscheidt
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Abstract: Decentralized wastewater treatment plants (DWWTPs) are commonly used in sparsely populated areas of Finland serving between 100 and 1,000 population equivalent (PE), but their ability to remove micropollutants (MPs) is not well known. This study examines the occurrence and removal of selected MPS in ten DWWTPs in northern Finland, considering treatment type and seasonal effects. All in all, results indicate that out of 137 MPs, 108 compounds have been observed at least once in the utilities. Removal efficiencies for most compounds were generally negative and highly variable across sampling events, while caffeine and ibuprofen consistently showed high removal (>80%). Seasonal effects were not significant, whereas the treatment process influenced removal efficiency, with a significant difference observed between the biological rotating contactor (BRC) and Batch Activated Sludge (AS).
Year: 2026