Abstract

ROCHA-GUTIERREZ, Beatriz Adriana; PERALTA-PEREZ, María del Rosario  and  ZAVALA-DIAZ DE LA SERNA, Francisco Javier. Global review of the problem of the emerging contaminants. PBDEs in Mexico, a particular case. Rev. Int. Contam. Ambient [online]. 2015, vol.31, n.3, pp.311-320. ISSN 0188-4999.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a specific group of emerging contaminants. These compounds are lipophilic, hydrophobic, nondegradable, and tend to bioaccumulate. The family of PBDEs consists of 209 isomers or congeners and their chemical structure, persistence and distribution in the environment follow similar patterns than the polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The main application of PBDEs is as flame retardants. They are added to electronics, appliances, textiles, furniture, carpets, construction materials and polymers. Globally, North America is the main consumer of the most toxic BDEs mix (penta-BDE) for humans and environment. The highest concentrations of PBDEs have been reported in the USA in wastewater and sewage sludge. In Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, similar concentrations of PBDEs to those of the USA were found in wastewater influents. There are no regulations for PBDEs monitoring, usage and disposal. However, some countries have eliminated and decreased the production and usage of this type of compounds. The aims of this paper were to review the most important aspects of these pollutants, to analyze the concentrations previously reported in wastewater and sewage sludge and to verify its environmental regulations in Mexico.

Keywords : polybrominated diphenyl ethers; flame retardants; wastewater; sewage sludge.