Alkylphenol and phthalate contamination of all sources of greywater from French households

- Alkylphenols and phthalates were investigated in six sources of greywater.
- The most contaminated waters were produced by washing machine and floor cleaning.
- Washing machine and shower greywater have the highest phthalate and alkylphenol loads.
- Nature of the products and people habits explained the concentration variability.

Despite the importance of domestic wastewater, the contribution of greywater to both alkylphenol and phthalate pollution is not yet well documented. Likewise, the detailed emissions of phthalates and alkylphenols by greywater have been insufficiently studied, this work aims to fill this gap. The levels of four phthalates (DEP, DnBP, BBP and DEHP) and two alkylphenols (nonylphenol isomers and octylphenol) were quantified in six different types of greywater, namely that from washing machines, manual dishwashing, dishwashers, bathroom water (from showers and sinks) and floor cleaning. This paper presents the methodology used to characterize all sources of greywater and provides their levels of contamination. The highest concentrations were found in greywater produced by the washing machine and floor cleaning, while washing machine and shower greywater have the highest phthalate and alkylphenol loads because of the volume associated with these two sources of greywater.

136