Abstract

The French Broad River (FBR) serves as the home to several endangered species, raising concern due to the presence of endocrine-active compounds (EAC). Research shows that exposure to EACs in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent, namely phthalates, induces complications in reproductive physiology of fish and animals. Quantification of EAC concentration in WWTP effluent was conducted in Asheville, NC. Multiple phthalate monoester concentrations have been successfully detected in WWTP effluent above the LOD and LOQ, through the use of solid-phase extraction (SPE) and a Shimadzu Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer-8040 (LCMS). Moving forward, metabolite concentrations acquired in WWTP influent will be compared to concentrations located in the effluent. This comparison will describe the effectiveness of WWTP removal of EACs, and increase awareness in the community for environmental sustainability. Results indicate successful removal of phthalate monoesters from the wastewater, moving many of the phthalate monoesters below the limit of quantitation (LOQ). Detectable concentrations were found in ng L-1, considerable lower than concentrations found in various other WWTPs detecting concentrations in ug L-1 and even mg L-1

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