Analysis of halogenated flame retardants in Canadian wastewater treatment plants using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS)

An investigation of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), and chlorinated flame retardants was conducted in samples from Canadian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The penta-BDE mixture and deca-BDE were most commonly detected. Median removal efficiencies of PBDEs by WWTPs were 71% to 99% and higher concentrations of PBDEs were found in influent samples in summer, compared to winter. Three novel brominated...