Occurrence and Risk Management of EDCs and PPCPs in Surface Waters

Abstract

The occurrence and risk management of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are topics receiving considerable attention in recent years. Monitoring of EDC and PPCP residues has been conducted in raw and treated sewage, surface waters, ground waters, and drinking waters. Recent research has been aimed at improving analytical methods and furthering knowledge of fate and transport processes, environmental risks, source reduction, and risk management including treatment of EDC and PPCP contaminants. This paper provides an overview of the topic and regulatory issues pertaining to our understanding and managing of EDCs. In addition, this paper provides discussion on emerging concerns regarding PPCPs in the environment. Completed research is described pertaining to development of analytical methods, occurrence of EDCs and PPCPs in waters of southeastern Louisiana USA and Ontario Canada, assessment of drinking water treatment processes, and experimental results regarding the formation of chlorinated naproxen byproducts and impact of these byproducts on a simulated biofilm system. And finally, EDCs and PPCPs are described from an industry perspective. Background More and more the public is expressing interest in classes of organic micropollutants known as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). EDCs and PPCPs represent a wide range of compounds including synthetic and natural hormones, prescription and over-thecounter drugs, and personal care products such as shampoos and deodorants. EDCs and PPCPs have been detected in municipal wastewater effluents, surface water, groundwater, and drinking water supplies at very low levels, typically in the nanogram to microgram per liter levels. In general, public awareness is concerned about how these organic micro-pollutants can potentially affect our water resources, and what are acceptable levels of risk to humans, wildlife, and the environment.