Work

Bisphenol A leaching from sewer renovation products

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • Leaching tests with deionized water on four resin systems used for sewer renovations • The release of BPA/BPF was determined in the standardized DSLT for two epoxy resins and two vinyl ester resins. • The toxic effects of eluates were also investigated. • Classification and assessment of BPA release with a model This paper presents findings on the leaching behavior of bisphenol A (BPA) and its potential substitute, bisphenol F (BPF), from sewer renovation products. Deionized water was used as the leaching medium in experiments conducted using the Dynamic Surface Leaching Test (DSLT), in accordance with EN 16637-2:2023. Four resin formulations were evaluated, comprising two epoxy and two vinyl ester resin systems. BPA, a monomer, has been widely employed in sewer renovation products due to its excellent polymerization properties. For instance, in the United Kingdom, epoxy-based resin systems have fully replaced cement-based materials, such as mortar, for the rehabilitation of defective pipes since the late 1990s. However, concerns have emerged regarding the endocrine-disrupting properties of BPA, its potential impact on drinking water quality, and its broader environmental implications. Achieving the dual objectives of effective remediation and minimal release of hazardous substances presents a significant challenge. Collaboration among regulatory bodies, manufacturers, and researchers is essential to establish guidelines that balance material performance with environmental and health safety. This necessitates comprehensive testing and evaluation of materials to assess their long-term behavior and leaching potential. In this study, only one resin system was found to exceed the upper limit of 0.085 milligrams per square meter for cumulative BPA release in the DSLT, as determined by a predictive model and aligned with the Environmental Quality Standard threshold. Further investigations using ERα-CALUX and semi-quantitative gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) screening revealed that BPA is not the sole contributor to the toxicological effects observed in the eluate.

Source: Environmental Challenges

DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2025.101342

Authors: Konstantin Ahrens, Reiner Gschwendtner, Volker Linnemann, Anya Vollpracht

Institution: RWTH Aachen University

Language: English

Topic: Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,140