Hormone Identification in Superficial Waters at Brazilian Municipalities and Synthesis of Adsorbents for Hormone Removal

Abstract.

The presence of synthetic hormones in supply waters is not a problem solved through conventional treatment forms. Their presence cause impacts in aquatic fauna, also causing problems of endocrine disruption in humans. Therefore, this study was divided in two parts; the first consists of 17 β-estradiol hormone identification in surface waters. And the second part, to remove this, through adsorption process, using activated carbon produced from agricultural residues. For the identification test, water samples were collected. Then the hormone was isolated and detected by a chromatograph. To adsorption test, was developed a rice husk carbon, activated with zinc chloride, and submitted to physical activation. Then an estradiol hormone solution was made, where aliquots were removed and placed in erlenmeyers with activated carbon. Then the erlenmeyers were subjected to the stirring table. In determined times samples were collected for spectrophotometer analysis. From the analyzed data, was determined how much hormone was removed in absorbance and percentage. Then mathematical models of chemical kinetics were used to determine the adsorption behavior. After analyzes, the presence of the hormone in the water was confirmed. In the adsorption test, it was observed the higher the agitation time, the greater the adsorption. And the higher efficiency was 85.7%. Therefore the rice husk carbon, activated with zinc chloride, is capable to remove the 17 β-estradiol hormone from the water, being possible for future studies to use it as a filter in continuous systems of water treatment and effluent treatment.