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Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a member of the phthalate ester (PAE) family and extensively used as a plasticizer in polymeric products. DEHP is classified as a priority substance by many environmental protection agencies. DEHP can be found in many environmental matrices, such as surface waters, groundwater, drinking waters, wastewaters, landfill leachate, sludge, soil, and sediments. Sewage effluents and sludge are identified as major routes that bring DEHP into the environment. It can cause negative impacts on the endocrine system, thyroid hormones, and reproduction cells (sperm abnormalities) at long-term exposure. Unfortunately, conventional drinking water and wastewater plants are insufficient in terms of DEHP removal. In this study, best treatment alternatives to remove DEHP from drinking water and wastewater were determined using a systematic model based on multi-criteria decision-making methods (MCDM). The potential treatment alternatives were weighted according to defined 18 criteria by using criteria weighting method (CWM). The total weight score of each treatment alternative was calculated according to weighted sum method (WSM) and a priority ranking was made based on simple ranking method (SRM). Ultimately, adsorption process and membrane filtration processes were determined as the best treatment alternatives for the removal of DEHP from drinking water and wastewater. |
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