Degradation of Steroid Hormones in Sludge by Ionizing Radiation

Key Points

• To investigate the degradation characteristics and mechanisms of four steroid hormones in sludge using ionizing radiation.
• Applied ionizing radiation treatment to sludge containing steroid hormones.
• Examined degradation rates of androstenedione, 9-hydroxyandrostenedione, testosterone, and progesterone.
• Conducted adsorption tests to evaluate hormone binding capacity to sludge.
• Performed toxicity testing using wheat seed germination to assess bioactivity post-treatment.
• Adsorption capacity of progesterone was significantly higher than the other hormones, affecting degradation rates.
• At 5.0 kGy radiation dose, concentrations of androstenedione, 9-hydroxyandrostenedione, and testosterone dropped below detection limits.
• Progesterone showed an 81% removal rate at the same radiation dose.
• Post-treatment root length inhibition rate in wheat seeds decreased from 54%-62% to 11%-20%, indicating reduced toxicity.