Estradiol Removal From Wastewater

Estradiol is a type of estrogen and is the primary female sex hormone. It plays a crucial role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system. It also contributes to the development of secondary sexual characteristics in females.

In HRT treatments, it is often prescribed to relieve symptoms associated with the menopause like hot flushes and mood swings. Also, it may be prescribed to treat other hormonal imbalances or conditions.

Estradiol levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. After the menopause, when ovarian function declines, estradiol levels decrease.

Estrogen refers to a class of hormones. Some can be naturally occurring – like estradiol – and some are synthetic. Synthetic estrogens (xenoestrogens) can be found in some industrial chemicals, pesticides, plastics, and medications.

However, both naturally occurring and synthetic estrogens have the potential to disrupt the endocrine system of animals and marine life due to estrogen persistence in the environment. This can affect the reproductive and developmental processes.

Estrogen in water can also result in behavioural changes in marine life. These can have long-term implications for the population dynamics of some species. These can affect feeding patterns, migration, and social interactions, potentially disrupting the fragile ecological balance.

By far the most environmentally-responsible and cost-effective method of treating estradiol in the environment is the Nyex Rosalox™ system from Arvia.

This patented treatment system answers the question of how to remove estrogen from water. It provides targeted removal of recalcitrant organics from mg/L to ppb ranges. It takes two Best Available Technique (BAT) technologies – adsorption and oxidation – and combines them in a single step process.

This process can be scaled up or down quickly and uses unique treatment reactors with no moving parts for greater reliability. There are no dangerous chemicals to tip in, and no sludge is produced.

For more information about our water treatment technology:

The negative consequences of Thalidomide in the 1960s and the excessive use of PCBs and DDT on crops in the 1970s, which had a significant impact on wildlife, raised awareness among scientists about the effects of endocrine disruptors.

If estrogen is produced naturally in the body, it usually remains in the body. However, when estradiol and other types of estrogens are introduced to the body, a certain amount may not get metabolised. This is one of the ways that estrogen builds up in wastewater. Other causes can include agricultural run-off, dumping and over-prescribing.

In the past, approaches employed for eliminating estrogen from water have involved techniques such as granular activated carbon adsorption, reverse osmosis membrane filtration, and activated sludge biological processes.