Retention characteristics and balance assessment for two polycyclic musk fragrances (HHCB and AHTN) in a typical German sewage treatment plant

Measurements of two polycyclic musk fragrances HHCB (galaxolide) and AHTN (tonalide) were measured in wastewater and sludge of a German sewage treatment plant. The metabolite HHCB-lactone was identified and quantified in the same plant. The influent concentrations were about 1900 ng/l HHCB and 580 ng/l AHTN, while in the sludge about 3000 ng/g HHCB and 1500 ng/g AHTN were analysed. About 35% of both compounds passed through the plant unaltered and were discharged to the river. Slightly more HHCB was sorbed to the sludge than was discharged; while for AHTN about twice as much was sorbed to the sludge than was discharged. About 5-10% of the HHCB was oxidised in the plant to HHCB-lactone. The dominant processes in the STP were sorption processes, though.