| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4411239 | Chemosphere | 2011 | 6 Pages |
The mass flows and removal of 20 antibiotics of seven classes in two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) of Hong Kong were investigated in different seasons of a whole year, using bihourly 24 h flow proportional composite samples. Antibiotics were detected at concentrations of 3.2–1718, 1.3–1176 and 1.1–233 ng L−1 in influents, secondary and disinfection effluents. Total daily discharges of all the detected antibiotics from effluents of Shatin and Stanley WWTPs were 470–710 and 3.0–5.2 g d−1, respectively. Ampicillin, cefalexin, sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine, sulfamethazine, chlortetracycline and vancomycin were effectively (52–100%) eliminated by activated sludge process while ampicillin and cefalexin were effectively (91–99%) eliminated by disinfection. Bihourly variation analysis showed that concentrations of the major antibiotics in influents varied more significantly in Stanley WWTP which served small communities.
► Mass flows and elimination of 20 antibiotics in two WWTPs were investigated in 1 year. ► Seven and two antibiotics are effectively removed by AS and chlorination, respectively. ► Antibiotic consumption patterns vary significantly in different regions in the same city. ► Concentrations of antibiotics fluctuate significantly, as showed by the bihourly sampling.
