Comprehensive Study on Endocrine Disruptor Removal from Wastewater Using Different Microalgae Species

The concentration of endocrine disruptor compounds (EDCs) in wastewater is increasing, posing significant risks to living organisms. This study concerns the simultaneous degradation of a variety of EDCs from wastewater, including methylparaben (MeP), propylparaben (PrP), butylparaben (BuP), benzophenone (BP), bisphenol A (BPA), and estrone (E), in the presence of the microalgae Scenedesmus sp. or Chlorella vulgaris. The potential for the abiotic removal of these EDCs and their underlying degradation mechanisms were also studied. The presence of microalgae significantly enhanced the degradation of parabens, achieving complete removal within 7 days, primarily through the mechanism of biodegradation. BPA removal was also improved by microalgae, reaching 82% and 90% within 7 days with Scenedesmus sp. and C. vulgaris, respectively. BP degradation was predominantly abiotic, accomplishing 95% removal in 7 days. E degradation was mainly abiotic, achieving approximately 40% within 7 days, with a notable contribution from a biodegradation mechanism in the later stages, accounting for 27% and 40% of the final total removal in the presence of Scenedesmus sp. and C. vulgaris, respectively. This study provides insights into the mechanisms of EDC degradation by microalgae, highlighting the potential of Scenedesmus sp. and C. vulgaris to remove a mixture of EDCs from wastewater.