Environmental Impact of Flame Retardants (Persistence and Biodegradability)

Osnat Segev, Ariel Kushmaro and Asher Brenner
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Osnat Segev: Unit of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 653, Be’er-Sheva, 84105, Israel
Ariel Kushmaro: Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 653, Be’er-Sheva, 84105, Israel
Asher Brenner: Unit of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.Box 653, Be’er-Sheva, 84105, Israel

IJERPH, 2009, vol. 6, issue 2, 1-14

Abstract: Flame-retardants (FR) are a group of anthropogenic environmental contaminants used at relatively high concentrations in many applications. Currently, the largest market group of FRs is the brominated flame retardants (BFRs). Many of the BFRs are considered toxic, persistent and bioaccumulative. Bioremediation of contaminated water, soil and sediments is a possible solution for the problem. However, the main problem with this approach is the lack of knowledge concerning appropriate microorganisms, biochemical pathways and operational conditions facilitating degradation of these chemicals at an acceptable rate. This paper reviews and discusses current knowledge and recent developments related to the environmental fate and impact of FRs in natural systems and in engineered treatment processes.

Keywords: Biodegradation; Bioremediation; Brominated flame retardants; Dehalogenation; Flame retardants; Persistence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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