Silicon atom and oxygen atom are arranged alternately in the formation of the main chain skeleton of siloxane. Due to the characteristics of high hydrophobicity

lubricity and stability

siloxane is widely employed as a raw material in lubricants

sealants

cosmetics and personal care products etc.

and it is also applied in producing textile goods and superficial coating materials frequently. It is the environmental characteristics of high persistence

biological enrichment and reproductive toxicity that have drawn increasing attention to volatile methyl siloxane (VMS) during the past few years. This study outlines the context of the utilization and distribution of VMS

and its environmental behavior and fate in water treatment plants(WWTPs) are also discussed both at home and abroad. The current removal method of VMS adopted by WWTPs is primarily via absorption which contributes to over 90% of the reduction of that in influent. The majority of the rest is further eliminated by atmospheric volatilization and biodegradation. However

the mechanism of the biodegradation of VMS in water environment currently remains unclear

and it is suggested that the further study should place more attention to the analysis of the principle of the transformation and the mechanism of biodegradation of VMS in sludge.