Over the course of action, the focus was on two types of CECs: pharmaceuticals and per- and polyfluorinated alkali substances (PFAS; present in firefighting foams, packaging, cookware). Each group was studied via different approach to address the diverse nature of these compounds.
Pharmaceuticals: five 3-days sampling campaigns were conducted from one of the Norwegian wastewater treatment plants. Physicochemical parameters were measured, along with samples' spectral properties and chemical composition. Through screening and target analysis, a larger number of substances were identified, including phthalates (plasticizers), pharmaceuticals, and bisphenol A. Most these compounds were present at very low levels, below the limit of detection. Diclofenac was detected in all the samples, both in influent and effluent of the wastewater treatment. However, the other pharmaceuticals were only found in the influent, which means they were successfully removed during the wastewater treatment process. An interesting finding was the high frequency of phthalates detection. Phthalates are chemicals commonly used as plasticizers. Among them, the most frequently detected were bis-methyl-glycol ester of phthalic acid (found in 94% of the samples), bis-ethyl-ester of phthalic acid (found in 69% of the samples), bis-isobutyl ester of phthalic acid (found in 33% of the samples), and bis-methyl-ester of phthalic acid (found in 33% of the samples). Currently, the data analysis is taking place, to discover any underlying correlations that can be the basis for soft-sensor development. The results will be published in open access peer-review journal.
PFAS: The work on PFAS focused mostly on the potential usage of spectral probes. The task has been proven challenging, as PFAS do absorb light as well as they do not have inert fluorescence. However, the presence of PFAS affected the fluorescence signal of humic acid which are commonly found in water. The increasing concentration of PFAS caused the decrease of humic acid signal. The tests with synthetic and natural samples were conducted). Currently, the data analysis of spectral responses is conducted, to discover any underlying correlations that can be the basis for soft-sensor development. The results will be published in open access peer-review journal.
To achieve the best results as well as to be more independent and mature researcher, the postdoctoral fellow, Agnieszka Cuprys, participated in 5 different conferences, 5 webinars/seminars, 3 workshops, and in various training sessions for big data analysis. Additionally, the project and its objective were presented during Norwegian Research Days 2021, European Researchers Night (2021), Science is wonderful! 2021 (1 webinar and 8 individual sessions), Science Festival Pint of Science Norway 2022, and other smaller events.
