Sources of endocrine-disrupting compounds and their migration to the environment

The aim of this article is to present issues related to the presence and pathways of bisphenol A emission and its migration to wastewater and the environment. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic compound mainly used in the production of plastics. It is classified as an endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) and should therefore not be emitted to the environment. This paper presents basic information on bisphenol A, its applications and potential sources of emission to the environment. A wide review of literature confirming the occurrence of bisphenol A in sewage, sediments, natural waters, drinking water and the atmosphere is performed. Effective wastewater treatment and neutralisation of bisphenol A in sewage sludge could partially reduce the levels of BPA pollution in the aquatic environment.