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Shutler JD, Zaraska K, Holding T, Machnik M, Uppuluri K, Ashton IGC, Migdał Ł, Dahiya RS. Rapid Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Risk for Fecally Contaminated River Water. ACS ES&T WATER 2021; 1:949-957. [PMID: 33880460 PMCID: PMC7931626 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.0c00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Following the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), airborne water droplets have been identified as the main transmission route. Identifying and breaking all viable transmission routes are critical to stop future outbreaks, and the potential of transmission by water has been highlighted. By modifying established approaches, we provide a method for the rapid assessment of the risk of transmission posed by fecally contaminated river water and give example results for 39 countries. The country relative risk of transmission posed by fecally contaminated river water is related to the environment and the populations' infection rate and water usage. On the basis of in vitro data and using temperature as the primary controller of survival, we then demonstrate how viral loads likely decrease after a spill. These methods using readily available data suggest that sewage spills into rivers within countries with high infection rates could provide infectious doses of >40 copies per 100 mL of water. The approach, implemented in the supplementary spreadsheet, can provide a fast estimate of the upper and lower viral load ranges following a riverine spill. The results enable evidence-based research recommendations for wastewater epidemiology and could be used to evaluate the significance of fecal-oral transmission within freshwater systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Holding
- University
of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, U.K.
| | - Monika Machnik
- Łukasiewicz-Institute
of Electron Technology, 01-919 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Łukasz Migdał
- University
of Agriculture in Kraków, 30-239 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ravinder S. Dahiya
- Bendable
Electronics and Sensing Technologies (BEST) Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
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2
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Shutler JD, Zaraska K, Holding T, Machnik M, Uppuluri K, Ashton IGC, Migdał Ł, Dahiya RS. Rapid Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Risk for Fecally Contaminated River Water. ACS ES&T WATER 2021; 1:949-957. [PMID: 33880460 DOI: 10.1101/2020.06.17.20133504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Following the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), airborne water droplets have been identified as the main transmission route. Identifying and breaking all viable transmission routes are critical to stop future outbreaks, and the potential of transmission by water has been highlighted. By modifying established approaches, we provide a method for the rapid assessment of the risk of transmission posed by fecally contaminated river water and give example results for 39 countries. The country relative risk of transmission posed by fecally contaminated river water is related to the environment and the populations' infection rate and water usage. On the basis of in vitro data and using temperature as the primary controller of survival, we then demonstrate how viral loads likely decrease after a spill. These methods using readily available data suggest that sewage spills into rivers within countries with high infection rates could provide infectious doses of >40 copies per 100 mL of water. The approach, implemented in the supplementary spreadsheet, can provide a fast estimate of the upper and lower viral load ranges following a riverine spill. The results enable evidence-based research recommendations for wastewater epidemiology and could be used to evaluate the significance of fecal-oral transmission within freshwater systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Holding
- University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, U.K
| | - Monika Machnik
- Łukasiewicz-Institute of Electron Technology, 01-919 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Ian G C Ashton
- University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, U.K
| | - Łukasz Migdał
- University of Agriculture in Kraków, 30-239 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ravinder S Dahiya
- Bendable Electronics and Sensing Technologies (BEST) Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K
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3
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Delli Compagni R, Polesel F, von Borries KJF, Zhang Z, Turolla A, Antonelli M, Vezzaro L. Modelling the fate of micropollutants in integrated urban wastewater systems: Extending the applicability to pharmaceuticals. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 184:116097. [PMID: 32911442 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) are a category of micropollutants frequently detected across integrated urban wastewater systems. Existing modelling tools supporting the evaluation of micropollutant fate in such complex systems, such as the IUWS_MP model library (which acronym IUWS stands for Integrated Urban Wastewater System), do not consider fate processes and fractions that are typical for PhACs. This limitation was overcome by extending the existing IUWS_MP model library with new fractions (conjugated metabolites, sequestrated fraction) and processes (consumption-excretion, deconjugation). The performance of the extended library was evaluated for five PhACs (carbamazepine, ibuprofen, diclofenac, paracetamol, furosemide) in two different integrated urban wastewater systems where measurements were available. Despite data uncertainty and the simplicity of the modelling approach, chosen to minimize data requirements, model prediction uncertainty overlapped with the measurements ranges across both systems, stressing the robustness of the proposed modelling approach. Possible applications of the extended IUWS_MP model library are presented, illustrating how this tool can support urban water managers in reducing environmental impacts from PhACs discharges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Delli Compagni
- Department of Civil and Environment Engineering (DICA), Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20129, Milan, Italy.
| | - Fabio Polesel
- DTU Environment, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; DHI A/S, Agern Allé 5, 2970, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Kerstin J F von Borries
- DTU Environment, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Zhen Zhang
- DTU Environment, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andrea Turolla
- Department of Civil and Environment Engineering (DICA), Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20129, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Antonelli
- Department of Civil and Environment Engineering (DICA), Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20129, Milan, Italy.
| | - Luca Vezzaro
- DTU Environment, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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4
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Douziech M, van Zelm R, Oldenkamp R, Franco A, Hendriks AJ, King H, Huijbregts MAJ. Estimation of chemical emissions from down-the-drain consumer products using consumer survey data at a country and wastewater treatment plant level. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 193:32-41. [PMID: 29126063 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Deriving reliable estimates of chemical emissions to the environment is a key challenge for impact and risk assessment methods and typically the associated uncertainty is not characterised. We have developed an approach to spatially quantify annual chemical emission loads to the aquatic environment together with their associated uncertainty using consumer survey data and publicly accessible and non-confidential data sources. The approach is applicable for chemicals widely used across a product sector. Product usage data from consumer survey studies in France, the Netherlands, South Korea and the USA were combined with information on typical product formulations, wastewater removal rates, and the spatial distribution of populations and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the four countries. Results are presented for three chemicals common to three types of personal care products (shampoo, conditioner, and bodywash) at WWTP and national levels. Uncertainty in WWTP-specific emission estimates was characterised with a 95% confidence interval and ranged up to a factor of 4.8 around the mean, mainly due to uncertainty associated with removal efficiency. Estimates of whole country product usage were comparable to total market estimates derived from sectorial market sales data with differences ranging from a factor 0.8 (for the Netherlands) to 5 (for the USA). The proposed approach is suitable where measured data on chemical emissions is missing and is applicable for use in risk assessments and chemical footprinting methods when applied to specific product categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Douziech
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Rosalie van Zelm
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rik Oldenkamp
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Antonio Franco
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Bedfordshire, MK44 1LQ, United Kingdom
| | - A Jan Hendriks
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Henry King
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Bedfordshire, MK44 1LQ, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A J Huijbregts
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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5
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Zhang QQ, Ying GG, Chen ZF, Liu YS, Liu WR, Zhao JL. Multimedia fate modeling and risk assessment of a commonly used azole fungicide climbazole at the river basin scale in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 520:39-48. [PMID: 25794970 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Climbazole is an antidandruff active ingredient commonly used in personal care products, but little is known about its environmental fate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fate of climbazole in water, sediment, soil and air compartments of the whole China by using a level III multimedia fugacity model. The usage of climbazole was calculated to be 345 t in the whole China according to the market research data, and after wastewater treatment a total emission of 245 t was discharged into the receiving environment with approximately 93% into the water compartment and 7% into the soil compartment. The developed fugacity model was successfully applied to estimate the contamination levels and mass inventories of climbazole in various environmental compartments of the river basins in China. The predicted environmental concentration ranges of climbazole were: 0.20-367 ng/L in water, and 0.009-25.2 ng/g dry weight in sediment. The highest concentration was mainly found in Haihe River basin and the lowest was in basins of Tibet and Xinjiang regions. The mass inventory of climbazole in the whole China was estimated to be 294 t, with 6.79% in water, 83.7% in sediment, 9.49% in soil, and 0.002% in air. Preliminary risk assessment showed high risks in sediment posed by climbazole in 2 out of 58 basins in China. The medium risks in water and sediment were mostly concentrated in north China. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report on the emissions and multimedia fate of climbazole in the river basins of the whole China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China.
| | - Zhi-Feng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - You-Sheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Wang-Rong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Jian-Liang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
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6
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Zhang QQ, Ying GG, Chen ZF, Zhao JL, Liu YS. Basin-scale emission and multimedia fate of triclosan in whole China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:10130-10143. [PMID: 25854205 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4218-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the emission and multimedia fate as well as potential risks of triclosan (TCS) in all of 58 basins in China. The results showed that the total usage of TCS in whole China was 100 t/year, and the discharge to the receiving environment was estimated to be 66.1 t/year. The predicted TCS concentrations by the level III fugacity model were within an order of magnitude of the reported measured concentrations. TCS (90.8%) was discharged into the water compartment and 9.2% to the soil compartment. The TCS concentration levels in east China were found generally higher than in west China. In addition, the input flux for TCS to seawater was largely attributed to the seasonal variations in advection flows. Preliminary risk assessment showed that medium to high ecological risks for TCS would be expected in the eastern part of China due to the high population density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, People's Republic of China
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7
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Rice J, Westerhoff P. Spatial and temporal variation in de facto wastewater reuse in drinking water systems across the U.S.A. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:982-9. [PMID: 25544250 DOI: 10.1021/es5048057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
De facto potable reuse occurs when treated wastewater is discharged into surface waters upstream of potable drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) intakes. Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharges may pose water quality risks at the downstream DWTP, but additional flow aids in providing a reliable water supply source. In this work de facto reuse is analyzed for 2056 surface water intakes serving 1210 DWTPs across the U.S.A. that serve greater than 10,000 people, covering approximately 82% of the nation’s population. An ArcGIS model is developed to assess spatial relationships between DWTPs and WWTPs, with a python script designed to perform a network analysis by hydrologic region. A high frequency of de facto reuse occurrence was observed; 50% of the DWTP intakes are potentially impacted by upstream WWTP discharges. However, the magnitude of de facto reuse was seen to be relatively low, where 50% of the impacted intakes contained less than 1% treated municipal wastewater under average streamflow conditions. De facto reuse increased greatly under low streamflow conditions (modeled by Q95), with 32 of the 80 sites yielding at least 50% treated wastewater, this portion of the analysis is limited to sites where stream gauge data was readily available.
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8
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Keller VDJ, Williams RJ, Lofthouse C, Johnson AC. Worldwide estimation of river concentrations of any chemical originating from sewage-treatment plants using dilution factors. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2014; 33:447-52. [PMID: 24375744 PMCID: PMC4253128 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Revised: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Dilution factors are a critical component in estimating concentrations of so-called "down-the-drain" chemicals (e.g., pharmaceuticals) in rivers. The present study estimated the temporal and spatial variability of dilution factors around the world using geographically referenced data sets at 0.5° × 0.5° resolution. Domestic wastewater effluents were derived from national per capita domestic water use estimates and gridded population. Monthly and annual river flows were estimated by accumulating runoff estimates using topographically derived flow directions. National statistics, including the median and interquartile range, were generated to quantify dilution factors. Spatial variability of the dilution factor was found to be considerable; for example, there are 4 orders of magnitude in annual median dilution factor between Canada and Morocco. Temporal variability within a country can also be substantial; in India, there are up to 9 orders of magnitude between median monthly dilution factors. These national statistics provide a global picture of the temporal and spatial variability of dilution factors and, hence, of the potential exposure to down-the-drain chemicals. The present methodology has potential for a wide international community (including decision makers and pharmaceutical companies) to assess relative exposure to down-the-drain chemicals released by human pollution in rivers and, thus, target areas of potentially high risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie DJ Keller
- Centre for Ecology and HydrologyWallingford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Williams
- Centre for Ecology and HydrologyWallingford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrew C Johnson
- Centre for Ecology and HydrologyWallingford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
- * Address correspondence to
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9
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Gouin T, van Egmond R, Sparham C, Hastie C, Chowdhury N. Simulated use and wash-off release of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane used in anti-perspirants. CHEMOSPHERE 2013. [PMID: 23177715 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The cyclic volatile methylsiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) is used in a large variety of personal care products. Based on the physical-chemical properties of D5, it is likely that losses due to volatilisation may strongly influence the levels entering the aquatic environment. The aim of this study was to quantify the amount of D5 in waste wash water, after typical application and use in a range of deodorant and anti-perspirant (AP) products. Results implied significant losses after a 24h period (>99.9%), and suggest that the use of D5 in leave-on products, such as deodorants/AP is not likely to contribute a significant down-the-drain emission source. An illustrative example is presented, based on data reporting the use of D5 in a range of personal care products (both wash-off and leave-on), which suggests that the contribution of D5 used in wash-off products to the aquatic environment may be considerably more significant. Limitations associated with our understanding of the actual D5 inclusion levels in the products, the market share of the products containing D5, and the variability of consumer habits, are identified as data gaps that need to be addressed in order to better refine down-the-drain emission estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Gouin
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire MK44 1LQ, UK.
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Moschet C, Götz C, Longrée P, Hollender J, Singer H. Multi-level approach for the integrated assessment of polar organic micropollutants in an international lake catchment: the example of Lake Constance. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:7028-36. [PMID: 23441970 DOI: 10.1021/es304484w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Polar organic micropollutants (MPs) can have ecotoxicological effects on aquatic ecosystems and their occurrence in drinking water is a threat to public health. An extensive exposure assessment of MPs in large river and lake catchments is a necessary but challenging proposition for researchers and regulators. To get a complete picture of MP exposure in a large catchment, we employed a novel integrated strategy including MP measurement in the international catchment of Lake Constance and mass-flux modeling. A comprehensive screening of 252 MPs in the lake water by high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to identify the most commonly present MPs for the study site. It was found that the wastewater borne MPs diclofenac, carbamazepine, sulfamethoxazole, acesulfame, sucralose, benzotriazole, and methylbenzotriazole accounted for the most frequent and prominent findings. The concentration pattern of these compounds in the catchment was calculated based on regionalized inputs from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and substance specific elimination rates. In 52, 8, and 3 of the 112 investigated river locations the concentration exceeded the predicted no-effect levels for diclofenac, sulfamethoxazole and carbamazepine, respectively. By coupling the catchment and lake model the effect of future trends in usage as well as possible mitigation options were evaluated for the tributaries and the lake. The upgrade of the major WWTPs in the catchment with a postozonation step would lead to a load reduction between 32% and 52% for all substances except for sucralose (10%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Moschet
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
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11
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Whelan MJ, Hodges JEN, Williams RJ, Keller VDJ, Price OR, Li M. Estimating surface water concentrations of "down-the-drain" chemicals in China using a global model. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2012; 165:233-240. [PMID: 22153294 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Revised: 10/04/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Predictions of surface water exposure to "down-the-drain" chemicals are presented which employ grid-based spatially-referenced data on average monthly runoff, population density, country-specific per capita domestic water and substance use rates and sewage treatment provision. Water and chemical load are routed through the landscape using flow directions derived from digital elevation data, accounting for in-stream chemical losses using simple first order kinetics. Although the spatial and temporal resolution of the model are relatively coarse, the model still has advantages over spatially inexplicit "unit-world" approaches, which apply arbitrary dilution factors, in terms of predicting the location of exposure hotspots and the statistical distribution of concentrations. The latter can be employed in probabilistic risk assessments. Here the model was applied to predict surface water exposure to "down-the-drain" chemicals in China for different levels of sewage treatment provision. Predicted spatial patterns of concentration were consistent with observed water quality classes for China.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Whelan
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK.
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12
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Daughton CG. Real-time estimation of small-area populations with human biomarkers in sewage. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 414:6-21. [PMID: 22137478 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Revised: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/04/2011] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
A new approach is conceptualized for measuring small-area human populations by using biomarkers in sewage. The basis for the concept (SCIM: Sewage Chemical-Information Mining) is supported by a comprehensive examination and synthesis of data published across several disciplines, including medicine, microbiology, clinical chemistry, and environmental science. Accurate measures of human populations are fundamental to numerous disciplines, including economics, marketing, politics, sociology, public health and safety (e.g., disease management; assessment of natural hazards; disaster prevention and response), quality of life, and the environment. Knowing the size, distribution, and flow of a small-area (local) population facilitates understanding the numerous and complex linkages and interactions between humans and the environment. Examples include material-flow (substance-flow) analysis, determining the magnitude of per capita contribution of pollutant loadings to watersheds, or forecasting future impacts of local populations on the environment or a population's demands on resources. While no definitive approach exists for measuring small-area populations, census-taking is a long-established convention. No approach exists, however, for gauging small-area populations in real-time, as none is able to capture population dynamics, which involve transient changes (e.g., daily influx and efflux) and lasting changes (e.g., births, deaths, change in residence). Accurate measurement of small-area populations in real time has never been possible but is essential for facilitating the design of more sustainable communities. Real-time measurement would provide communities the capability of testing what-if scenarios in design and policy decisions. After evaluation of a range of biomarkers (including the nitrogenous waste product creatinine, which has been long used in clinical chemistry as a parameter to normalize the concentrations of other urinary excretion products to account for urine dilution), the biomarker with the most potential for the SCIM concept for real-time measurement of population was determined to be coprostanol - the major sterol produced by microbial reduction of cholesterol in the colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian G Daughton
- Environmental Sciences Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 944 East Harmon Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA.
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13
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Environmental biodegradation of synthetic polymers I. Test methodologies and procedures. Trends Analyt Chem 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2009.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Ort C, Hollender J, Schaerer M, Siegrist H. Model-based evaluation of reduction strategies for micropollutants from wastewater treatment plants in complex river networks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2009; 43:3214-20. [PMID: 19534137 DOI: 10.1021/es802286v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
A model based on graph theory was developed to efficiently evaluate the impact of the effluent from 742 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) on micropollutant loading throughout all river catchments in Switzerland. Model results agree well with measured loads for 12 compounds in river water samples, revealing mean predictive accuracy factors between 0.8 and 3.4. Subsequently, pollutant concentrations were predicted for river sections downstream from 543 WWTPs where hydrological information was available, and compared with recent recommendations for water quality criteria. At base flow conditions, carbamazepine concentrations (parent compound only) are ubiquitously below a water quality criterion of 0.5 microg L(-1). In contrast, the sum of diclofenac and its metabolites is expected to exceed the corresponding water quality criterion of 0.1 microg L(-1) in 224 river sections. If diclofenac cannot be eliminated atthe source, the model suggests a directed upgrade of 173 WWTPs to meet the condition that concentrations are never to exceed this water quality criterion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Ort
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
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