Chemicals of emerging concern, such as bisphenols and phthalates, are difficult to remove from wastewater. Bisphenols and phthalates are classified as chemicals of emerging concern because they have not been studied extensively, but are shown to be health hazards to both people and aquatic life. Traditional wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remediate chemicals of emerging concern. To address this deficiency, constructed wetlands may be used as an alternative and natural method of water treatment. The goals of this research were to acquire baseline chemical data on the fate and distribution of EDCs in the water, sediment, and plants of a natural treatment wetland in Forest Grove, OR. Composite samples were collected from four locations in the wetland. Additionally, a primary discharge water sample was collected where water exited the traditional plant but before it entered the constructed wetland. Basic water quality parameters were measured at each sampling location and numerous controls were incorporated in order to ensure the quality of the results. All samples were collected via grab methods and properly stored until extraction and sample cleanup. Two analyses were done on each water, plant, or sediment sample: GCMS for phthalates and HPLC for bisphenols. Results indicate a distinct distribution of phthalates in water and plant samples but not in the sediment samples. Out of 15 phthalate analogs included in the method, six were detected in all matrices in concentrations ranging from 385 ppb to 3049 ppb. Four bisphenols of nine included in the method were found in sediment and plant tissues with concentrations ranging from 55 to 820 ppb. Bisphenols and phthalates were found all ponds of the wetland, suggesting incomplete removal of the chemicals via natural treatment. Future work includes confirmatory analysis and seasonal sampling events.

Chemicals of emerging concern in plants, sediment, and water in a constructed wetland in Oregon

2019 Spring National Meeting

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