1984/08/10 by Walter Giger, Paul H. Brunner, Christian Schaffner · 2 citations
Environmental Science · #Environmental Chemistry and Analysis #Microplastics and Plastic Pollution #Toxic Organic Pollutants Impact
paper · doi:10.1126/science.6740328
openalex publication_date 1984/08/10 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
Anaerobically treated sewage sludge was found to contain extraordinarily high concentrations of 4-nonylphenol, a metabolite derived from nonionic surfactants of the nonylphenol polyethoxylate type. Concentrations in activated sewage sludge, in mixed primary and secondary sludge, and in aerobically stabilized sludge were substantially lower, suggesting that the formation of 4-nonylphenol is favored under mesophilic anaerobic conditions. Because 4-nonylphenol may be highly toxic to aquatic life, further research is needed on the fate of 4-nonylphenol after sludge is disposed of in the environment.