Removal of phenolic estrogen pollutants from different sources of water using molecularly imprinted polymeric microspheres

The efficiency and effects of using Bisphenol A-molecularly imprinted polymeric microspheres (MIPMs) to remove phenolic estrogens from different sources of water were evaluated. MIPMs prepared by precipitation polymerization removed a group of phenolic estrogens from different kinds of water selectively and effectively. The highest removal efficiency was observed at pH = 5. Fifty millimoles per litre ions or 10 mg/L humid acid improved removal efficiency. MIPMs were more suitable to remove trace estrogens in large volume than high concentration of estrogens in small volume. The removal efficiency of spiked tap water, lake water and river water were better than that of distilled water. Hundred milligrams of MIPMs had higher removal selectivity and efficiency than those of 100 mg or 300 mg activated carbons. Moreover, MIPMs can be re-used for at least 30 times without losing any removal efficiency. MIPMs provided a selective, simple, reliable and practicable solution to remove trace phenolic estrogens from different sources of water.