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Status of current USGS Status of current USGS work in the Assabet Riverwork in the Assabet River
Overview of our knowledge of Overview of our knowledge of endocrine disrupting endocrine disrupting
chemicals in the environmentchemicals in the environment
Monitoring Progress Toward Monitoring Progress Toward Meeting the Assabet River Meeting the Assabet River
Phosphorus TMDLPhosphorus TMDL
In cooperation with In cooperation with MassDEPMassDEP
Duckweed (light green) and algae (dark green) cover the Duckweed (light green) and algae (dark green) cover the surface of Ben Smith impoundment on the Assabet Riversurface of Ben Smith impoundment on the Assabet River
TMDL objectives investigated by USGS
• RReduced concentrations of total and dissolved educed concentrations of total and dissolved phosphorus in Assabet impoundmentsphosphorus in Assabet impoundments
• 90% decrease in release of phosphorus from riverine 90% decrease in release of phosphorus from riverine and impoundment sedimentsand impoundment sediments
• 50% reduction in the extent and biomass of aquatic 50% reduction in the extent and biomass of aquatic plants, primarily plants, primarily Lemna Lemna (duckweed)(duckweed)
Endocrine Disruptors in the Endocrine Disruptors in the Environment, An OverviewEnvironment, An Overview
Boston Globe 10 March 2008Boston Globe 10 March 2008
Flame retardant Flame retardant PBDE found in Lake PBDE found in Lake Michigan, adding to Michigan, adding to concerns (Wisc.)concerns (Wisc.)
Test finds Boulder Test finds Boulder Creek is potpourri of Creek is potpourri of chemicals (Col.)chemicals (Col.)
Drugs found in tap water Drugs found in tap water (W. Va.)(W. Va.)
Frogs, fish and pharmaceuticals a troubling Frogs, fish and pharmaceuticals a troubling brew: Prozac, other drugs detected in brew: Prozac, other drugs detected in streams and their inhabitants (Nat’l)streams and their inhabitants (Nat’l)
Old water tests, new pollutants, worry Old water tests, new pollutants, worry scientists (Ala.)scientists (Ala.)
Septic systems grow dangerously Septic systems grow dangerously close (Fla.)close (Fla.)
Drugs From Waste Water Found Drugs From Waste Water Found in Riverin River
Drinking water may be at risk Drinking water may be at risk (Conn.)(Conn.)
The bactericidal agent triclosan modulates thyroid The bactericidal agent triclosan modulates thyroid hormone-associated gene expression and disrupts hormone-associated gene expression and disrupts postembryonic anuran developmentpostembryonic anuran development
Common Industrial Common Industrial Chemicals In Chemicals In Tiny Doses Raise Health Tiny Doses Raise Health Issue (WSJ)Issue (WSJ)
Premature births may be linked to Premature births may be linked to seasonal levels of pesticides and seasonal levels of pesticides and nitrates in surface water (Ind.)nitrates in surface water (Ind.)
Water is becoming a Water is becoming a dangerous drugdangerous drug
Gender-bending industrial chemicals Gender-bending industrial chemicals are skewing the birth ratio in favor of are skewing the birth ratio in favor of baby girls. Could a world without men baby girls. Could a world without men be a few short generations away? be a few short generations away?
Intersex in Smallmouth Bass Intersex in Smallmouth Bass Coincident with Population and Coincident with Population and Agriculture in Potomac WatershedAgriculture in Potomac Watershed
Other headlines you may have readOther headlines you may have read
Everyday chemicals Everyday chemicals gather in most gather in most people (Alaska)people (Alaska)
Emerging ContaminantsEmerging Contaminants
Emerging Contaminants?Emerging Contaminants?PPCP’s
EDC’s
PhAC’s
HAA’s
OWC’s
EPOCs
AWI’s CEC’s
CPC’sES’s
• Human Drugs• Vet. Drugs • Antibiotics• Hormones• Steroids• Detergents • Plastics• Pathogens
• Antioxidants• Fire retardants• Disinfectants• Fumigants• Fragrances• Insecticides/
Repellants• Nanomaterials
Emerging Contaminants?Emerging Contaminants?PPCP’s
EDC’s
PhAC’s
HAA’s
OWC’s
EPOCs
AWI’s CEC’s
CPC’sES’s
Endocrine Active CompoundEndocrine Active CompoundEACEAC
• Organochlorine pesticidesOrganochlorine pesticides
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
• Heavy metalsHeavy metals
• PharmaceuticalsPharmaceuticals
• SurfactantsSurfactants
• Flame retardants (PBDEs)Flame retardants (PBDEs)
• PlasticizersPlasticizers
Chemicals we use daily can enter the waste Chemicals we use daily can enter the waste stream and, eventually, the environment.stream and, eventually, the environment.
From our homes From our homes and workplacesand workplaces
To our water To our water resourcesresources
• WWTPWWTP
• CSOsCSOs
• Industrial DischargesIndustrial Discharges
• LandfillsLandfills
• Water Reuse/RechargeWater Reuse/Recharge
Human Waste PathwaysHuman Waste Pathways
Agricultural sourcesAgricultural sources
Next, some history…Next, some history…
EDCs in the environmentEDCs in the environment
Buser and others, 1998Buser and others, 1998
• ““Occurrence of the [cholesterol-Occurrence of the [cholesterol-lowering] pharmaceutical drug clofibric lowering] pharmaceutical drug clofibric acid and the [household] herbicide acid and the [household] herbicide mecoprop in various Swiss Lakes and mecoprop in various Swiss Lakes and in the North Sea” in the North Sea”
Jobling and others, 1998Jobling and others, 1998
• ““Widespread Sexual Disruption in Wild Widespread Sexual Disruption in Wild Fish”Fish”– Related high incidence of intersex Related high incidence of intersex
characteristics in fish to levels of characteristics in fish to levels of hormonally active chemicals detected hormonally active chemicals detected downstream from wastewater treatment downstream from wastewater treatment plantsplants
- Streams (1999-2000)- Streams (1999-2000)
- Ground Water (2000)- Ground Water (2000)
- Sources of Drinking Water (2001)- Sources of Drinking Water (2001)
- Streambed Sediment (2002)- Streambed Sediment (2002)
Occurrence - National Reconnaissance Occurrence - National Reconnaissance Studies Studies
ES&T; March 15, 2002 ES&T; March 15, 2002 v. 36, no. 6, p. 1202-1211v. 36, no. 6, p. 1202-1211
National Reconnaissance SurveysNational Reconnaissance Surveys(USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program)(USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program)
http://toxics.usgs.gov/regional/emc.htmlhttp://toxics.usgs.gov/regional/emc.html
USGS Stream ReconnaissanceUSGS Stream Reconnaissance
• 139 streams were sampled for 95 compounds.139 streams were sampled for 95 compounds.• 82 compounds were detected at least once in 80% of 82 compounds were detected at least once in 80% of
the streams.the streams.• As many as 38 compounds were detected in a single As many as 38 compounds were detected in a single
sample.sample.• 33 of the 95 target compounds were known or 33 of the 95 target compounds were known or
suspected endocrine disruptors. All 33 were suspected endocrine disruptors. All 33 were detected.detected.
• Concentrations of all compounds were generally low Concentrations of all compounds were generally low and rarely exceeded DW guidelines, health and rarely exceeded DW guidelines, health advisories, or aquatic-life criteria.advisories, or aquatic-life criteria.
• But, many of the compounds have no guidelines.But, many of the compounds have no guidelines.
Endocrine disruptor effects on Endocrine disruptor effects on fishfish
• Intersex in fishIntersex in fish– Presence of oocytes in male gonadPresence of oocytes in male gonad– Presence of spermatocytes in female gonadPresence of spermatocytes in female gonad
• Female-biased sex ratiosFemale-biased sex ratios• Impaired testicular function (reduced sperm Impaired testicular function (reduced sperm
abundance)abundance)• Impaired ovarian function (asynchronous Impaired ovarian function (asynchronous
ovary development)ovary development)• Elevated vitellogenin (protein associated Elevated vitellogenin (protein associated
with eggs) levels in maleswith eggs) levels in males
Rodgers-Gray and others, 2001Rodgers-Gray and others, 2001
• ““Exposure of Juvenile Roach (Exposure of Juvenile Roach (Rutilus Rutilus rutilusrutilus) to Treated Sewage Effluent ) to Treated Sewage Effluent Induces Dose-Dependent and Induces Dose-Dependent and Persistent Disruption in Gonadal Duct Persistent Disruption in Gonadal Duct Development”Development”
Hinck and others, 2009Hinck and others, 2009
• ““Widespread occurrence of intersex in black Widespread occurrence of intersex in black basses (basses (MicropterusMicropterus spp.) from U.S. rivers, spp.) from U.S. rivers, 1995-2004”1995-2004”– Widespread incidence of intersex in 9 major U.S. Widespread incidence of intersex in 9 major U.S.
river basinsriver basins– Most common in black (largemouth and Most common in black (largemouth and
smallmouth) basssmallmouth) bass– Reinforced findings of Reinforced findings of Blazer and others (2007)Blazer and others (2007)
from Potomac Riverfrom Potomac River– Size of basins makes it difficult to determine Size of basins makes it difficult to determine
causalitycausality
Boulder CreekBoulder Creek, Colorado,, Colorado, study study Vaida and others (2008)Vaida and others (2008)
• ““Reproductive Disruption Downstream from Reproductive Disruption Downstream from an Estrogenic Wastewater Effluent”an Estrogenic Wastewater Effluent”– Of 22 PPCPs and 44 Organic Wastewater Of 22 PPCPs and 44 Organic Wastewater
Chemicals looked for, 12 PPCPs and 32 OWCs Chemicals looked for, 12 PPCPs and 32 OWCs were present, including a number of EDCs.were present, including a number of EDCs.
– Native fish populations were found to exhibit Native fish populations were found to exhibit endocrine disruption, including low male-to-endocrine disruption, including low male-to-female sex ratio and fish having both female and female sex ratio and fish having both female and male reproductive organs.male reproductive organs.
Boulder CreekBoulder Creek
<0.8 ng/L2.1 ng/L
1.4 ng/L
2.9 ng/L
1.2 ng/L
17b-Estradiol in stream water
<0.8 ng/L2.1 ng/L
1.4 ng/L
2.9 ng/L
1.2 ng/L
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%
100%
Upstream Downstream
18-Jun-04
Sex
, in
Per
cen
t
Female Male Intersex
Iwanowicz and others, 2009Iwanowicz and others, 2009
• ““Reproductive health of bass in the Reproductive health of bass in the Potomac, USA, drainage: Part 1. Potomac, USA, drainage: Part 1. Exploring the effects of proximity to Exploring the effects of proximity to wastewater treatment plant discharge”wastewater treatment plant discharge”– Combinations of EDCs from WWTPs seem Combinations of EDCs from WWTPs seem
to have a substantial effect on to have a substantial effect on reproductive health of fish and the effects reproductive health of fish and the effects observed are also more widespread due observed are also more widespread due to other (agricultural, suburban, and urban to other (agricultural, suburban, and urban runoff) sources.runoff) sources.
Alvarez and others, 2009Alvarez and others, 2009
• ““Reproductive health of bass in the Potomac, Reproductive health of bass in the Potomac, USA, drainage: Part 2. Seasonal occurrence USA, drainage: Part 2. Seasonal occurrence of persistent and emerging organic of persistent and emerging organic contaminants”contaminants”– 84 of 138 targeted organic wastewater indicators 84 of 138 targeted organic wastewater indicators
and agricultural pesticides were detected in the and agricultural pesticides were detected in the Potomac River. Ag chemical concentrations Potomac River. Ag chemical concentrations spiked in the spring; other target analyte spiked in the spring; other target analyte concentrations did not change seasonally.concentrations did not change seasonally.
– Screening tests indicated the presence of Screening tests indicated the presence of compounds capable of inducing estrogenic compounds capable of inducing estrogenic responses.responses.
Do chronic, low-level Do chronic, low-level exposures affect wild exposures affect wild populations of fish?populations of fish?
Kidd and others, 2007Kidd and others, 2007
• ““Collapse of a fish population after exposure Collapse of a fish population after exposure to a synthetic estrogen”to a synthetic estrogen”– A 7-year, whole-lake study in Canada’s A 7-year, whole-lake study in Canada’s
Experimental Lakes Area in northwestern OntarioExperimental Lakes Area in northwestern Ontario– For the first 3 years, scientists applied a synthetic For the first 3 years, scientists applied a synthetic
estrogen (used in birth control pills) at estrogen (used in birth control pills) at concentrations seen in municipal wastewater concentrations seen in municipal wastewater receiving waters (5-6 parts per trillion) to observe receiving waters (5-6 parts per trillion) to observe effects on the fathead minnow.effects on the fathead minnow.
– During the remaining 4 years, the effects were During the remaining 4 years, the effects were studied.studied.
Observed effects on the fathead Observed effects on the fathead minnowminnow
• Males produced female proteinsMales produced female proteins
• Intersex (male and female tissues in Intersex (male and female tissues in individuals)individuals)
• Other gonadal tissue deformities in Other gonadal tissue deformities in malesmales
• Delayed ovarian development in Delayed ovarian development in femalesfemales
Population effectsPopulation effects
• After 2 years of application, the minnow After 2 years of application, the minnow population crashed almost to extinction population crashed almost to extinction in the lake.in the lake.
• Following 3 years of application, Following 3 years of application, population limped along for 2 more population limped along for 2 more years before starting to rebound.years before starting to rebound.
It’s not all just about fish.It’s not all just about fish.
KRAJNIAK (2005)KRAJNIAK (2005)
• ““Annelid Endocrine Disruptors and a Annelid Endocrine Disruptors and a Survey of Invertebrate FMRFamide-Survey of Invertebrate FMRFamide-Related Peptides”Related Peptides”– In annelids, EDCs cause decreases in In annelids, EDCs cause decreases in
growth and reproductive output, delay growth and reproductive output, delay sexual maturation, and inhibit the immune sexual maturation, and inhibit the immune system.system.
• Fluoxetine (antidepressant):Fluoxetine (antidepressant): Found in fish tissue at Found in fish tissue at significant concentrations (Brooks et al., 2005).significant concentrations (Brooks et al., 2005).
• CarbamazepineCarbamazepine (antiepileptic):(antiepileptic): Sediment exposure of Sediment exposure of benthic benthic insectinsect (Oetkin, et al., 2005). (Oetkin, et al., 2005).
• Triclosan (antimicrobial disinfectant):Triclosan (antimicrobial disinfectant): Effects thyroid Effects thyroid in in frogsfrogs (Veldhoen et al., 2006). (Veldhoen et al., 2006).
• Diclofenac (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory):Diclofenac (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory): Consumption of diclofenac-treated meat caused Consumption of diclofenac-treated meat caused renal failure in renal failure in vulturesvultures (Oaks et al., 2004). (Oaks et al., 2004).
Additional studies demonstrating evidence Additional studies demonstrating evidence of ecological effects of EDCsof ecological effects of EDCs
• Antibiotics:Antibiotics: Reduced soil microbial activity at Reduced soil microbial activity at Environmental Concentrations (Costanzo et al., 2005; Environmental Concentrations (Costanzo et al., 2005; Thiele-Bruhn and Beck, 2005).Thiele-Bruhn and Beck, 2005).
• Ciprofloxacin, triclosan, Tergitol NP 10:Ciprofloxacin, triclosan, Tergitol NP 10: shifts in algal shifts in algal community structure (Wilson et al., 2003) .community structure (Wilson et al., 2003) .
• Mixture of 5 EDCs:Mixture of 5 EDCs: Total estrogenicity affected Total estrogenicity affected fathead minnow reproduction (Brian et al., 2007).fathead minnow reproduction (Brian et al., 2007).
• Drug Mixtures:Drug Mixtures: 13 drugs at environmental levels 13 drugs at environmental levels inhibited growth of human embryonic cells (Pomati et inhibited growth of human embryonic cells (Pomati et al., 2006).al., 2006).
Additional studies, continuedAdditional studies, continued
Local studiesLocal studies• Draft report, in review:Draft report, in review: “A multi-metric assessment “A multi-metric assessment
of environmental contaminant exposure and effects of environmental contaminant exposure and effects in an urbanized reach of the Charles River near in an urbanized reach of the Charles River near Watertown, MA”Watertown, MA”– ““This data report provides results from the fish This data report provides results from the fish
health analysis, biomarkers of exposure and health analysis, biomarkers of exposure and effects (i.e., reproductive, carcinogenic, effects (i.e., reproductive, carcinogenic, genotoxic, and immunologic), sediment genotoxic, and immunologic), sediment chemistry, toxicity, and fish/invertebrate chemistry, toxicity, and fish/invertebrate community structure.” community structure.”
• On-going study:On-going study: “Assessment of Endocrine “Assessment of Endocrine Disruption in Smallmouth Bass (Disruption in Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus Micropterus dolomieudolomieu) and Largemouth Bass () and Largemouth Bass (M. salmoidesM. salmoides) in ) in Region 5 National Wildlife Refuges”, including Great Region 5 National Wildlife Refuges”, including Great Meadows NWRMeadows NWR
Tributaries to the lower Tributaries to the lower Charles RiverCharles River
Faneuil BrookFaneuil Brook
Laundry BrookLaundry Brook
Organic wastewater contaminants Organic wastewater contaminants detected in lower Charles River basindetected in lower Charles River basin
• Diazinon (pest.)Diazinon (pest.)• Carbaryl (pest.)Carbaryl (pest.)• OPEO1 (d.m.)OPEO1 (d.m.)• NPEO1(d.m.)NPEO1(d.m.)• NPEO2 (d.m.)NPEO2 (d.m.)• Para-nonylphenol Para-nonylphenol
(d.m.)(d.m.)• Bisphenol A (plast.)Bisphenol A (plast.)• Tris(2-butoxy-ethyl) Tris(2-butoxy-ethyl)
phosphate (f.r.)phosphate (f.r.)• Para-cresol (pres.)Para-cresol (pres.)• Diethylphthalate Diethylphthalate
(plast.)(plast.)
• Tetrachlorethylene (PCE)Tetrachlorethylene (PCE)• Phthalic anhydridePhthalic anhydride• DEETDEET• PhenanthrenePhenanthrene• FluoroantheneFluoroanthene• Cis-chlordaneCis-chlordane• PyrenePyrene• BenzopyreneBenzopyrene• CoprostanolCoprostanol• ChloresterolChloresterol
Suspected or known endocrine disruptorsSuspected or known endocrine disruptors; ; other contaminantsother contaminants
• PharmaceuticalsPharmaceuticals– Painkillers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)Painkillers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)– Antacid (cimetidine)Antacid (cimetidine)
• Antibiotics (trimezoprim, erithromycin, Antibiotics (trimezoprim, erithromycin, lincomycin)lincomycin)
• Hormones and steroids (Hormones and steroids (androsterone, androsterone, estriol, estrone, ethynyl estradiolestriol, estrone, ethynyl estradiol))
• Stimulant (caffeine)Stimulant (caffeine)
PPCPs detected in the lower PPCPs detected in the lower Charles River BasinCharles River Basin
Merrimack and Blackstone River basins Merrimack and Blackstone River basins surface watersurface water and groundwater and groundwater raw raw
(untreated) water supplies, 2001(untreated) water supplies, 2001
PPCPs detected in Merrimack and PPCPs detected in Merrimack and Blackstone basins raw drinking-water Blackstone basins raw drinking-water
supplies:supplies:• CaffeineCaffeine• Trimethoprim (antibiotic)Trimethoprim (antibiotic)• Carbamazepine (antidepressant)Carbamazepine (antidepressant)• Cotinine (nicotine breakdown product)Cotinine (nicotine breakdown product)• AcetaminophenAcetaminophen• TriclosanTriclosan (anti-bacterial in liquid soaps) (anti-bacterial in liquid soaps)• Diphenhydramine, a.k.a., benadryl Diphenhydramine, a.k.a., benadryl
(antihistamine)(antihistamine)
Suspected or known EDCs detected in the Suspected or known EDCs detected in the Merrimack and Blackstone River basins raw Merrimack and Blackstone River basins raw
drinking water suppliesdrinking water supplies
• Tris(dichlorisopropyl)-Tris(dichlorisopropyl)-phosphate (f.r.)phosphate (f.r.)
• Tris(2-Tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate chloroethyl)phosphate (f.r.)(f.r.)
• Tris(2-butoxy-Tris(2-butoxy-ethyl)phosphate (f.r.)ethyl)phosphate (f.r.)
• Benzopyrene (PAH)Benzopyrene (PAH)• Diazinon (pest.)Diazinon (pest.)• Triclosan (anti-Triclosan (anti-
microbial)microbial)• 1717ββ estradiol (hormone) estradiol (hormone)
• 1,4-dichlorobenzene (deod.)1,4-dichlorobenzene (deod.)• Benzophenone (frag.)Benzophenone (frag.)• Para-nonylphenol (d.m.)Para-nonylphenol (d.m.)• Pentachlorophenol (pres.)Pentachlorophenol (pres.)• Bisphenol A (plast.)Bisphenol A (plast.)• NPEO2 (d.m.)NPEO2 (d.m.)• AHTN (frag.)AHTN (frag.)• HHCB (frag.)HHCB (frag.)
Occurrence of Organic Wastewater Occurrence of Organic Wastewater Contaminants, Pharmaceuticals, and Contaminants, Pharmaceuticals, and Personal Care Products in Selected Personal Care Products in Selected
Water Supplies, Cape Cod, Water Supplies, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, June 2004 Massachusetts, June 2004
Cape CodCape Cod
• Of 13 different PPCPs and OWCs (or their Of 13 different PPCPs and OWCs (or their breakdown products) detected in samples breakdown products) detected in samples from public, semipublic, and private water from public, semipublic, and private water supply wells, 3 were suspected EDCs.supply wells, 3 were suspected EDCs.
• Of the 21 PPCPs and OWCs detected in Of the 21 PPCPs and OWCs detected in monitoring (not drinking-water) wells as monitoring (not drinking-water) wells as far as 1 mile from a municipal wastewater far as 1 mile from a municipal wastewater treatment plant, 5 were suspected EDCs.treatment plant, 5 were suspected EDCs.
Standley and others, 2008Standley and others, 2008
• ““Wastewater-contaminated groundwater as a source Wastewater-contaminated groundwater as a source of endogenous hormones and pharmaceuticals to of endogenous hormones and pharmaceuticals to surface water ecosystems”surface water ecosystems”– Wastewater compounds discharged to Wastewater compounds discharged to
groundwater were detected in surface water groundwater were detected in surface water ponds on Cape Cod.ponds on Cape Cod.
Promising methods for Promising methods for wastewater and drinking water wastewater and drinking water
treatment:treatment:Reverse osmosisReverse osmosis
OzonationOzonation
Activated charcoalActivated charcoal
Other absorbentsOther absorbents
Some good newsSome good news
Removal of wastewater Removal of wastewater compoundscompounds
• Spring 2004, special issue of Ground Spring 2004, special issue of Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation, Water Monitoring and Remediation, Volume 24 Number 2 Volume 24 Number 2 – Laboratory and field studies indicated that Laboratory and field studies indicated that
many, but not all, compounds were many, but not all, compounds were removed in part or to undetectable levels removed in part or to undetectable levels when wastewater was used for recharge.when wastewater was used for recharge.
– Some compounds persist in groundwater, Some compounds persist in groundwater, reach surface water and may enter water reach surface water and may enter water supplies.supplies.
Estrogen removal in wastewater Estrogen removal in wastewater treatment process (Servos and treatment process (Servos and
others, 2005)others, 2005)• Some mixed results, but…Some mixed results, but…
– High solid retention times in treatment High solid retention times in treatment plants or lagoons were effective at plants or lagoons were effective at reducing hormone levels.reducing hormone levels.
– Effectively operating plants achieving Effectively operating plants achieving nitrification also had relatively high nitrification also had relatively high hormone removal.hormone removal.
Barber and others (2007) Barber and others (2007)
• ““Reproductive responses of male fathead Reproductive responses of male fathead minnows exposed to wastewater treatment minnows exposed to wastewater treatment plant effluent, effluent treated with XAD8 plant effluent, effluent treated with XAD8 resin, and an environmentally relevant resin, and an environmentally relevant mixture of alkylphenol compounds”mixture of alkylphenol compounds”– Reproductive responses were strongest from Reproductive responses were strongest from
exposure to untreated effluent. Resin treatment exposure to untreated effluent. Resin treatment resulted in weaker responses.resulted in weaker responses.
Phillips and others (2005),Phillips and others (2005), “A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to the “A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to the Removal of Emerging Contaminants in Municipal Wastewater Removal of Emerging Contaminants in Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants in New York State (2003-2004)”Treatment Plants in New York State (2003-2004)”
Median percent reduction in all EC compounds
EC removal was associated with increasing EC removal was associated with increasing Sludge Retention Time (SRT)Sludge Retention Time (SRT)
Not all wastewater goes into Not all wastewater goes into wastewater treatment plants.wastewater treatment plants.
Operated by Operated by
Barnstable County Department of Health Barnstable County Department of Health and the Environmentand the Environment
In cooperation withIn cooperation with
Massachusetts DEPMassachusetts DEP
New England Region EPANew England Region EPA
TEST CENTER
Testing of onsite systemsTesting of onsite systems
• Fewest PPCPs were detected following Fewest PPCPs were detected following passage through standard passage through standard Massachusetts Title 5 septic system (2’ Massachusetts Title 5 septic system (2’ aggregate on top of 5’ of sand). aggregate on top of 5’ of sand).
Title 5 systems are primarily designed to Title 5 systems are primarily designed to remove solids, BOD, not to nitrify.remove solids, BOD, not to nitrify.
In summaryIn summary
• EDCs enter waterways from waste disposal EDCs enter waterways from waste disposal (point sources) and from agricultural and (point sources) and from agricultural and urban runoff (non-point sources).urban runoff (non-point sources).
• Waste-disposal sources seem to have the Waste-disposal sources seem to have the most immediate and strongest effects.most immediate and strongest effects.
• EDCs are highly variable in their EDCs are highly variable in their environmental persistence and ability to environmental persistence and ability to migrate in groundwater and surface water.migrate in groundwater and surface water.
• Other contaminants serve to complicate the Other contaminants serve to complicate the story of ecosystem impairment.story of ecosystem impairment.
Summary, continuedSummary, continued
• Traditional toxicity testing is probably not Traditional toxicity testing is probably not appropriate for determining environmental appropriate for determining environmental effects of EDCs that occur in extremely low effects of EDCs that occur in extremely low concentrations; concentrations; estrogenicityestrogenicity testing is one testing is one approach.approach.
• EDCs, at concentrations now detectable in EDCs, at concentrations now detectable in the environment, affect the reproductive the environment, affect the reproductive capacity of aquatic organisms and have the capacity of aquatic organisms and have the potential to drive isolated populations to potential to drive isolated populations to extinction.extinction.
Summary, continuedSummary, continued
• WWTPs were not designed to remove WWTPs were not designed to remove emerging contaminants.emerging contaminants.
• However, many of the general However, many of the general improvements to WWTPs have resulted improvements to WWTPs have resulted in greater removal of some emerging in greater removal of some emerging contaminants.contaminants.
• Although we can measure removal, we Although we can measure removal, we don’t know the ultimate fate of many don’t know the ultimate fate of many emerging contaminants.emerging contaminants.
Research Plan for Endocrine Research Plan for Endocrine DisruptorsDisruptors
USEPA/600/R-98/087, February 1998USEPA/600/R-98/087, February 1998
Some key questions have been answered in part, Some key questions have been answered in part, or are objects of current research, but many still or are objects of current research, but many still
remain:remain:• What are the major sources and environmental fates of EDCs?What are the major sources and environmental fates of EDCs?• What are the chemical classes of interest and their potencies?What are the chemical classes of interest and their potencies?• How and to what degree are human and wildlife populations How and to what degree are human and wildlife populations
exposed to EDCs?exposed to EDCs?• What EDC-related effects are occurring in exposed human and What EDC-related effects are occurring in exposed human and
wildlife populations?wildlife populations?• What are the effects of exposure to multiple EDCs, and will a What are the effects of exposure to multiple EDCs, and will a
toxicity equivalency factor (TEF) approach be applicable?toxicity equivalency factor (TEF) approach be applicable?• Do testing guidelines adequately evaluate potential endocrine-Do testing guidelines adequately evaluate potential endocrine-
mediated effects?mediated effects?• What are the dose-response characteristics in the low-dose What are the dose-response characteristics in the low-dose
region?region?• What extrapolation tools are needed?What extrapolation tools are needed?• How can unreasonable risks be managed?How can unreasonable risks be managed?
