Chemical characterization and source attribution of organic pollutants in industrial wastewaters from a Chinese chemical industrial park

Accelerated urbanization and industrialization have led to an alarming increase in the generation of wastewater with complex chemical contents. Industrial wastewaters are often a primary source of water contamination. The chemical characterization of different industrial wastewater types is an essential task to interpret the chemical fingerprints of wastewater to identify pollution sources and develop efficient water treatment strategies. In this study, we conduct a non-target chemical analysis for the source characterization of different industrial waste-water samples collected from a chemical industrial park (CIP) located in southeast China. The chemical screening identified volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds that included dibutyl phthalate at a maximum con-centration of 13.4 mu g/L and phthalic anhydride at 35.9 mu g/L. Persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) substances among the detected organic compounds were identified and prioritized as high-concern contaminants given their impact on drinking water resources. Moreover, a source analysis of the wastewater collected from the wastewater outlet station indicated that the dye production industry contributed the largest quantities of toxic contaminates (62.6%), and this result was consistent with the ordinary least squares and heatmap results. Thus, our study utilized a combined approach of a non-target chemical analysis, a pollution source identification method, and a PMT assessment of different industrial wastewater samples collected from the CIP. The results of the chemical fingerprints of different industrial wastewater types as well as the results of the PMT assessment benefit risk-based wastewater management and source reduction strategies.

Automated summary

Accelerated urbanization and industrialization have led to increased generation of wastewater with complex chemical contents, posing a threat to water quality. Understanding the chemical characteristics and pollution sources of industrial wastewater is crucial for effective water treatment strategies. This study conducted a non-target chemical analysis of industrial wastewater samples from a chemical industrial park in China, identifying volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. Priority was given to persistent, mobile, and toxic substances that could impact drinking water resources. The source analysis revealed the dye production industry as the largest contributor of toxic contaminants. The results provide valuable information for risk-based wastewater management and source reduction strategies.