Polydimethylsiloxane

Siloxanes are a diverse group of materials which may take the form of fluids, elastomers, or resins. This chapter’s focus is on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fluids. Many applications result in the disposal of PDMS fluids with down-the-drain products, which are eventually transported to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The authors summarize the properties and prevalence of these materials, as well as their potential to enter the environment, primarily as a component of wastewater treatment plant sludge. This work examines the ecological fate, effects, and risk of PDMS in water, soil, and sediment.