Global review of the problem of the emerging contaminants. PBDEs in Mexico, a particular case

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a specific group of emerging contaminants. These compounds are lipophilic, hydrophobic, nondegradable, and tend to bioaccumulate. The family of PBDEs consists of 209 isomers or congeners and their chemical structure, persistence and distribution in the envi...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Rocha Gutiérrez, Beatriz Adriana, Peralta Pérez, María Del Rosario, Zavala Díaz de la Serna, Francisco Javier
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2015
País:México
Institución:UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE MÉXICO
Repositorio:Revista Internacional de Contaminación Ambiental
Idioma:español
OAI Identifier:oai:ojs.pkp.sfu.ca:article/45908
Acceso en línea:https://www.revistascca.unam.mx/rica/index.php/rica/article/view/45908
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:polybrominated diphenyl ethers
flame retardants
wastewater
sewage sludge
éteres de bifenilos polibromados
retardantes de flama
aguas residuales
lodos residuales
Descripción
Sumario:Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a specific group of emerging contaminants. These compounds are lipophilic, hydrophobic, nondegradable, and tend to bioaccumulate. The family of PBDEs consists of 209 isomers or congeners and their chemical structure, persistence and distribution in the environment follow similar patterns than the polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The main application of PBDEs is as flame retardants. They are added to electronics, appliances, textiles, furniture, carpets, construction materials and polymers. Globally, North America is the main consumer of the most toxic BDEs mix (penta-BDE) for humans and environment. The highest concentrations of PBDEs have been reported in the USA in wastewater and sewage sludge. In Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, similar concentrations of PBDEs to those of the USA were found in wastewater influents. There are no regulations for PBDEs monitoring, usage and disposal. However, some countries have eliminated and decreased the production and usage of this type of compounds. The aims of this paper were to review the most important aspects of these pollutants, to analyze the concentrations previously reported in wastewater and sewage sludge and to verify its environmental regulations in Mexico.