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Challenges of New Water Contaminants: Understanding and Addressing the Emerging Issues

Explore the complexities of emerging water pollution, including organic micropollutants and endocrine disruption compounds. Learn about the detection, treatment, and legislative responses to this growing concern.

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Challenges of New Water Contaminants: Understanding and Addressing the Emerging Issues

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  1. NCAC SOT: Emerging Issues in Water ContaminationChemical Pollutants in Water: The Emerging Challenges Stakeholders FaceApril 15, 2010

  2. Old Problems: New Twists • Water contamination is not new • Certain water contaminants are new, however, and others are new to detection • New class of contaminants called organic micropollutants • Concept is micro “dose”/low dose • Three large groupings • Endocrine Disruption Compounds (EDCs) • Pharmaceuticals/Personal Care Products (PCPs) • Engineered Nanomaterials

  3. Endocrine Disruption Compounds • EDCs are not new, but emphasis on them is relatively recent, and now quite intense under FQPA and SDWA • 67 chemicals have been identified by EPA to be in the first group of chemicals to be screened • 756 test orders • Sent to 440 companies • Second list of 100 chemicals to be screened is expected to be available by October 2010

  4. Pharmaceuticals/Personal Care Products (PCPs) • Contaminants include broad range of pharmaceuticals and PCPs, including veterinary medicines • Many typically contain a broad spectrum of substances that represent a range of physico-chemical properties • A recent article published by The Royal Society[1] categorized common pharmaceuticals and PCPs by chemical compound classes as follows: acidic pharmaceuticals, including ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and benzafibrate; neutral pharmaceuticals, including antiepileptics, psychiatrics, and lipid regulators; betablockers such as metoprolol, atenolol, sotalol, and salbutamol; iodinated X-ray contrast media, including diatrizoate, iopamidol, and iopromide; and antibiotics such as triclosan, tetracyclines, and penicillins. [1] Comerton, A., et al. (2009). Practical Overview of Analytical Methods for Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds, Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in Water and Wastewater. Phil. Trans. R. Sor. A. 367:3923-3939.

  5. Pharmaceuticals/Personal Care Products (PCPs) (cont’d) • Legislative response -- In 2009, the National Water Research and Development Initiatives Act was passed in the House. It would coordinate federal research and development efforts regarding trace levels of pharmaceuticals/PCPs in drinking water • A host of other measures have been introduced, along with state initiatives

  6. Engineered Nanomaterials • Rapid commercialization -- Over 1,000 nano-enabled products in commerce according to Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies • Nanoparticles may be released in manufacturing operations, when products are used as intended (sun screen lotions), and upon end of life • Intentional application of certain nanomaterials as remedial measures (zero valent nanoscale iron)

  7. Technical Challenges • Detection/Identification • Characterization • Number of contaminants • Treatment • Resources

  8. Thank you Lynn L. Bergeson BERGESON & CAMPBELL, P.C. 1203 Nineteenth Street, N.W., Suite 300 Washington, D.C. 20036 lbergeson@lawbc.com www.lawbc.com THE ACTA GROUP, L.L.C. 1203 Nineteenth Street, N.W., Suite 300 Washington, D.C. 20036 www.actagroup.com THE ACTA GROUP EU, LTD Avanta Royal Mills 17 Redhill Street Ancoats Urban Village Manchester M4 5BA, UK www.actagroup.com

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