A1 Journal article (refereed)
Removal of estrogens from aqueous solutions using 3D-printed polymers (2023)

Frimodig, J., & Haukka, M. (2023). Removal of estrogens from aqueous solutions using 3D-printed polymers. Environmental Science : Advances, 2(12), 1739-1745. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3VA00159H

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Frimodig, Janne; Haukka, Matti

Journal or series: Environmental Science : Advances

eISSN: 2754-7000

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 03/11/2023

Volume: 2

Issue number: 12

Pages range: 1739-1745

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D3VA00159H

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/92010

Abstract

Different pharmaceuticals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can negatively impact our environment, even at nanogram per liter levels. At the same time, the amount of micro- and nanoplastics from various sources, such as personal care products, wastewater sludge, vehicle tire wear, etc., are increasing in the environment. Polymers may also serve as a source for EDCs and other contaminants via the decomposition of polymers or metabolic processes. However, they may serve as sorbents for pollutants as well. In this work, estrogen group hormones were shown to bind into 3D-printed filters made from commonly used polymers, such as polyamide-12 (PA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). The adsorption tests showed that polymers containing a higher degree of functional groups (PA and TPU) were more efficient adsorbents than structurally simpler polymers (PP and PS). Kinetic models for polyamide flow-through filters were measured for estrone, 17β-estradiol, and 17α-ethinylestradiol. The filters printed with the powder-bed fusion 3D printing technique successfully removed estrogen group hormones from water. The 3D printing technique provided a versatile tool for preparing filters with optimized porosities and flow-through properties.

Keywords: chemicals; medicines; endocrine disrupting chemicals; hormones; estrogens; plastic; polymers; adsorption; three-dimensional printers; polyamide; polyurethane

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