1
|
Niebaum G, Berlekamp J, Schmitt H, Lämmchen V, Klasmeier J. Geo-referenced simulations of E. coli in a sub-catchment of the Vecht River using a probabilistic approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 868:161627. [PMID: 36649765 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The proportion of wild swimmers at non-official bathing sites has increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. Bathing water quality at designated sites is monitored through analysis of the concentration of fecal indicator bacteria such as E. coli. However, non-official sites are generally not monitored. In a previous work, steady state modelling of E. coli was achieved at catchment scale, enabling a comparison of expected concentrations along an entire catchment for longtime average. However, E. coli concentrations can vary over several orders of magnitude at the same monitoring site throughout the year. To capture the temporal variability of E. coli concentrations on the catchment scale, we extended the existing deterministic E. coli sub-module of the GREAT-ER (Geo-referenced Exposure Assessment tool for European Rivers) model for probabilistic Monte-Carlo simulations. Here, selected model parameters are represented by probability distributions instead of fixed values. Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) emissions and diffuse emissions were parameterized using selected data from a previous monitoring campaign (calibration data set) and in-stream processes were modeled using literature data. Comparison of simulation results with monitoring data (evaluation data set) indicates that predicted E. coli concentrations well-represent median measured concentrations, although the range of predicted concentrations is slightly larger than the observed concentration variability. The parameters with the largest influence on the range of predicted concentrations are flow rate and E. coli removal efficiency in WWTPs. A comparison of predicted 90th percentiles with the threshold for sufficient bathing water quality (according to the EU Bathing Water Directive) indicates that year-round swimming at sites influenced by WWTP effluents is advisable almost nowhere in the study area. A refinement of the model can be achieved if quantitative relationships between the WWTP removal efficiency and both, the treatment technologies as well as the operating parameters are further established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Niebaum
- Institute of Environmental Systems Research, Osnabrück University, Barbarastraße 12, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Jürgen Berlekamp
- Institute of Environmental Systems Research, Osnabrück University, Barbarastraße 12, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Heike Schmitt
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911, MA, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - Volker Lämmchen
- Institute of Environmental Systems Research, Osnabrück University, Barbarastraße 12, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Jörg Klasmeier
- Institute of Environmental Systems Research, Osnabrück University, Barbarastraße 12, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
van Heijnsbergen E, Niebaum G, Lämmchen V, Borneman A, Hernández Leal L, Klasmeier J, Schmitt H. (Antibiotic-Resistant) E. coli in the Dutch-German Vecht Catchment─Monitoring and Modeling. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15064-15073. [PMID: 35657069 PMCID: PMC9631988 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fecally contaminated waters can be a source for human infections. We investigated the occurrence of fecal indicator bacteria (E. coli) and antibiotic-resistant E. coli, namely, extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli (ESBL-EC) and carbapenemase-producing E. coli (CP-EC) in the Dutch-German transboundary catchment of the Vecht River. Over the course of one year, bacterial concentrations were monitored in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influents and effluents and in surface waters with and without WWTP influence. Subsequently, the GREAT-ER model was adopted for the prediction of (antibiotic-resistant) E. coli concentrations. The model was parametrized and evaluated for two distinct scenarios (average flow scenario, dry summer scenario). Statistical analysis of WWTP monitoring data revealed a significantly higher (factor 2) proportion of ESBL-EC among E. coli in German compared to Dutch WWTPs. CP-EC were present in 43% of influent samples. The modeling approach yielded spatially accurate descriptions of microbial concentrations for the average flow scenario. Predicted E. coli concentrations exceed the threshold value of the Bathing Water Directive for a good bathing water quality at less than 10% of potential swimming sites in both scenarios. During a single swimming event up to 61 CFU of ESBL-EC and less than 1 CFU of CP-EC could be taken up by ingestion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eri van Heijnsbergen
- Wetsus,
European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Gunnar Niebaum
- Institute
of Environmental Systems Research, Osnabrück
University, Barbarastraße 12, D-49076, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Volker Lämmchen
- Institute
of Environmental Systems Research, Osnabrück
University, Barbarastraße 12, D-49076, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Alicia Borneman
- Wetsus,
European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Lucia Hernández Leal
- Wetsus,
European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Jörg Klasmeier
- Institute
of Environmental Systems Research, Osnabrück
University, Barbarastraße 12, D-49076, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Heike Schmitt
- Wetsus,
European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Barrett KSC, Stuart AL. Forests effects on the environmental fates of organic pollutants in a tropical watershed. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 815:152577. [PMID: 34954160 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Poly-brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), dioxins, furans and current-use pesticides (CUPs) are common organic pollutants that have received global scrutiny due to their association with adverse environmental and health impacts. However, there is limited previous work assessing their environmental fates in the context of tropical multi-use watersheds. The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of forests on long-term environmental fate for some PBDEs, dioxins, furans and CUPs for a case study watershed of a tropical developing country (the Rio Cobre River drainage basin, Jamaica). Specifically, a dynamic, 16-compartment environmental multimedia model, RioShed, was developed and applied to calculate compartmental concentrations, as well as some long-term environmental fate metrics. Results indicate that the presence of tropical forests, especially those that are evergreen, reduced the atmospheric concentrations, atmospheric long-range transport potential, and the overall persistence of the study pollutants. Reductions in atmospheric concentrations by tropical forests were most enhanced for the more polar CUPs. Forest parameters that notably influenced soil concentration and/or overall persistence included the canopy drip parameter, the leaf area index and the wax erosion rate. The results of this research are expected to inform land-use and environmental management of the study area and similar tropical regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayon S C Barrett
- Faculty of Science and Sport, University of Technology, Jamaica, 235 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica.
| | - Amy L Stuart
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Astuto MC, Di Nicola MR, Tarazona JV, Rortais A, Devos Y, Liem AKD, Kass GEN, Bastaki M, Schoonjans R, Maggiore A, Charles S, Ratier A, Lopes C, Gestin O, Robinson T, Williams A, Kramer N, Carnesecchi E, Dorne JLCM. In Silico Methods for Environmental Risk Assessment: Principles, Tiered Approaches, Applications, and Future Perspectives. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2425:589-636. [PMID: 35188648 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1960-5_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This chapter aims to introduce the reader to the basic principles of environmental risk assessment of chemicals and highlights the usefulness of tiered approaches within weight of evidence approaches in relation to problem formulation i.e., data availability, time and resource availability. In silico models are then introduced and include quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models, which support filling data gaps when no chemical property or ecotoxicological data are available. In addition, biologically-based models can be applied in more data rich situations and these include generic or species-specific models such as toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic models, dynamic energy budget models, physiologically based models, and models for ecosystem hazard assessment i.e. species sensitivity distributions and ultimately for landscape assessment i.e. landscape-based modeling approaches. Throughout this chapter, particular attention is given to provide practical examples supporting the application of such in silico models in real-world settings. Future perspectives are discussed to address environmental risk assessment in a more holistic manner particularly for relevant complex questions, such as the risk assessment of multiple stressors and the development of harmonized approaches to ultimately quantify the relative contribution and impact of single chemicals, multiple chemicals and multiple stressors on living organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - A Rortais
- European Food Safety Authority, Parma, Italy
| | - Yann Devos
- European Food Safety Authority, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Antony Williams
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Nynke Kramer
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Edoardo Carnesecchi
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Munro K, Martins CPB, Loewenthal M, Comber S, Cowan DA, Pereira L, Barron LP. Evaluation of combined sewer overflow impacts on short-term pharmaceutical and illicit drug occurrence in a heavily urbanised tidal river catchment (London, UK). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 657:1099-1111. [PMID: 30677877 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of pharmaceutical and illicit drug residues potentially arising from combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in the Central London portion of the Thames Estuary is presented. Approximately 39 million tonnes of untreated sewage enter the River Thames at 57 CSO points annually. Differential analysis of influents and effluents in a major wastewater treatment plant identified seven potential drug-related CSO markers based on removal rates. Three were present in influent at concentrations >1 μg L-1 (caffeine, cocaine and benzoylecgonine). During dry weather, analysis of hourly samples of river water revealed relatively consistent concentrations for most drugs, including CSO markers, over a tidal cycle. River water was monitored over a week in January and July and then daily across six consecutive weeks in November/December 2014. Out of 31 compounds monitored, 27 drug residues were determined in the River Thames and, combined, ranged between ~1000-3500 ng L-1. Total drug concentration generally declined during extended periods of drier weather. For CSO markers, short-term increases in caffeine, cocaine and benzoylecgonine concentration were observed ~24 h after CSO events (especially those occurring at low tide) and generally within one order of magnitude. Timings of elevated occurrence also correlated well with ammonium ion and dissolved oxygen data following CSOs. This work also represents an important study of pharmaceutical occurrence before a major 'Super Sewer' infrastructure upgrade in London aiming to reduce CSOs by 95%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Munro
- King's Forensics, Dept. Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, Franklin Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, SE1 9NH London, UK
| | | | - Matthew Loewenthal
- Environment Agency, National Water Quality Instrumentation Service, Bristol, UK
| | - Sean Comber
- Dept. Environmental Science, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - David A Cowan
- King's Forensics, Dept. Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, Franklin Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, SE1 9NH London, UK
| | - Luisa Pereira
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Manor Park, Tudor Road, Runcorn, UK
| | - Leon P Barron
- King's Forensics, Dept. Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, Franklin Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, SE1 9NH London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Quinn SE, Dyer SD, Fan M, Keller VDJ, Johnson AC, Williams RJ. Predicting risks from down-the-drain chemicals in a developing country: Mexico and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate as a case study. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2018; 37:2475-2486. [PMID: 29878446 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
It is recognized that the amount of natural dilution available can make a significant difference in the exposure and risk assessment of chemicals that emanate from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, data availability is a common limiting factor in exposure assessments for emerging markets. In the present study, we used a novel approach to derive dilution factors for the receiving waters within 5 km of wastewater discharge points in Mexico by combining locally measured river volumes, ecoregion categorization, data on WWTP capacity, and global river network models. Distributions of wastewater effluent into receiving stream dilution factors were developed for the entire country and organized by ecoregion type to explore spatial differences. The distribution of dilution factors in Mexico ranged from >1000 in tropical and temperate ecoregions to 1 in desert ecoregions. To demonstrate its utility, dilution factors were used to develop a probabilistic model to explore the potential ecological risks of the high-volume surfactant linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), commonly used in down-the-drain cleaning products. The predicted LAS river exposure values were below the predicted no-effect concentration in all regions. The methodology developed for Mexico can be used to derive refined exposure assessments in other countries with emerging markets throughout the world, resulting in more realistic risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2475-2486. © 2018 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ming Fan
- Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Andrew C Johnson
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Williams
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kay P, Hughes SR, Ault JR, Ashcroft AE, Brown LE. Widespread, routine occurrence of pharmaceuticals in sewage effluent, combined sewer overflows and receiving waters. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 220:1447-1455. [PMID: 27829513 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.10.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Research addressing the occurrence, fate and effects of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment has expanded rapidly over the past two decades, primarily due to the development of improved chemical analysis methods. Significant research gaps still remain, however, including a lack of longer term, repeated monitoring of rivers, determination of temporal and spatial changes in pharmaceutical concentrations, and inputs from sources other than wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), such as combined sewer overflows (CSOs). In addressing these gaps it was found that the five pharmaceuticals studied were routinely (51-94% of the time) present in effluents and receiving waters at concentrations ranging from single ng to μg L-1. Mean concentrations were in the tens to hundreds ng L-1 range and CSOs appear to be a significant source of pharmaceuticals to water courses in addition to WWTPs. Receiving water concentrations varied throughout the day although there were no pronounced peaks at particular times. Similarly, concentrations varied throughout the year although no consistent patterns were observed. No dissipation of the study compounds was found over a 5 km length of river despite no other known inputs to the river. In conclusion, pharmaceuticals are routinely present in semi-rural and urban rivers and require management alongside more traditional pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Kay
- School of Geography/water@leeds, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Stephen R Hughes
- School of Geography/water@leeds, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - James R Ault
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Alison E Ashcroft
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Lee E Brown
- School of Geography/water@leeds, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9JT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sala S, Vighi M. GIS-based procedure for site-specific risk assessment of pesticides for aquatic ecosystems. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2008; 69:1-12. [PMID: 17935784 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2007.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2007] [Revised: 06/13/2007] [Accepted: 06/18/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The EU Water Framework Directive states that the management of surface water must be based on a site-specific assessment of water quality, that is dependent on land use. As a result, to develop a robust chemical management policy for aquatic ecosystems, the ecotoxicological risk must be strictly related to the local conditions and characteristics of the system. This paper presents a methodology developed to assess the ecotoxicological risk of pesticides to site-specific aquatic ecosystems. Spatial and relational databases, provisional models and risk indices were integrated into Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to produce maps of exposure, effect and risk at watershed scale. Each active ingredient is characterised by a data set that includes input data as well as results represented by a risk assessment cartography. The aim of this procedure is to perform a site-specific risk assessment by integrating geographical distribution of predicted environmental concentrations (PECs), ecotoxicological effects and the potential/actual quality of the exposed ecosystem. Examples of pesticide risk maps for surface waters in Lombardia Region (Northern Italy) are shown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serenella Sala
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Johnson AC, Williams RJ, Simpson P, Kanda R. What difference might sewage treatment performance make to endocrine disruption in rivers? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2007; 147:194-202. [PMID: 17030080 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2006.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2006] [Revised: 08/01/2006] [Accepted: 08/02/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
An assessment of the steroid estrogen removing performance of 23 different sewage treatment plants (STPs) was performed. The assessment relied on a model to estimate influent concentrations, and completed questionnaires on the STP treatment details from the relevant water companies. This information was compared with observed effluent 17beta-estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1) concentrations. The 10 biological filter plants (BFP) in the study performed poorly with only 30% (SD 31) removal on average for E1. This reduced E1 removal performance of the BFPs compared to all the other STP types in the survey was statistically significant (p<0.001). Scenarios of all the STPs as activated sludge types, and one as all BFP types were modelled using the GREAT-ER model set up for the Aire/Calder catchment in the UK. This difference was shown to have an important effect on predicted river E1 concentrations and consequent risk classifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Johnson
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sponza DT. Toxicity studies in a chemical dye production industry in Turkey. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2006; 138:438-47. [PMID: 16950564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2006.05.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2005] [Revised: 05/25/2006] [Accepted: 05/26/2006] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the acute toxicity of chemical dye production industry wastewaters by traditional and enrichment toxicity tests and emphasized the importance of toxicity tests in wastewater discharge regulations. The enrichment toxicity tests are novel applications indicating whether there is potential toxicity or stimulation conditions. Different organisms were used including bacteria (floc-Zoogloea ramigera and coliform-Escherichia coli bacteria), algae (Chlorella vulgaris), fish (lepistes-Poecilia reticulate) and protozoan (Vorticella campanula) to represent four tropic levels. The toxicity test results were compared with chemical analyses to identify the pollutants responsible for the toxicity in the effluent wastewater samples. Toxicity of the effluents could not be explained by using physicochemical analyses in four cases. The results clearly showed that the use of bioassay tests produce additional information about the toxicity potential of industrial discharges and effluents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delia Teresa Sponza
- Dokuz Eylul University, Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department, Buca-Kaynaklar Campus, Izmir, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Keller V, Fox K, Rees HG, Young AR. Estimating population served by sewage treatment works from readily available GIS data. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2006; 360:319-27. [PMID: 16242176 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Environmental risk assessment of household chemicals at the catchment scale requires an estimate of the load at individual Sewage Treatment Works (STWs). This can be achieved based upon population served and market consumption data. Although the population served is difficult to obtain, this paper shows that reasonable estimates can be made using readily available spatially referenced data. A new method is developed using STW data from the Exe and the Aire and Calder catchments and validated using 193 STWs within the Environment Agency's Anglian region. The estimated populations served were compared with available estimates of Population Equivalents (PEs). The population estimates were broadly similar to PEs for small works but agreement was lower for larger plants. The discrepancy for larger works is consistent with trade influent inclusion in the PE. The method is suitable for application to both rural areas and large urbanised areas, although the interpretation of corroborating data becomes increasingly difficult in very large urban areas serving more than one STW.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Keller
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, OX10 8BB, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sumpter JP, Johnson AC. Lessons from endocrine disruption and their application to other issues concerning trace organics in the aquatic environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2005; 39:4321-32. [PMID: 16047764 DOI: 10.1021/es048504a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In the past 10 years, many thousands of research papers covering the many different aspects of endocrine disruption in the environment have been published. What has been learned from all this research? We have tried to reduce this very large volume of research into a relatively small number of "lessons". Hence, this paper is not a typical review, but instead it summarizes our personal opinions on what we consider are the major messages to have come from all this research. We realize that what has been a lesson to us may have been obvious from the outset to someone more knowledgeable on that particular aspect of the burgeoning field of endocrine disruption. In addition, it is inevitable that others will consider that we have "missed" some lessons that they would have expected to find included in our list. If so, we encourage them to submit them as responses to our paper. Our own lessons range widely, from the design and interpretation of data from fieldwork studies, through some key messages to come out of the very many laboratory studies that have been conducted, to issues around the sources and fates in the environment of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and finally to the key role of sewage treatment in controlling the concentrations of these chemicals in the aquatic environment. Having (hopefully) learned our lessons, we have then applied them to the difficult issue of how best to approach future concerns about the potential impacts of other new and emerging contaminants (e.g., pharmaceuticals) on wildlife.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John P Sumpter
- Institute for the Environment, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Schowanek D, Carr R, David H, Douben P, Hall J, Kirchmann H, Patria L, Sequi P, Smith S, Webb S. A risk-based methodology for deriving quality standards for organic contaminants in sewage sludge for use in agriculture—Conceptual Framework. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2004; 40:227-51. [PMID: 15546678 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2004.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes a systematic methodology (Conceptual Framework) to derive quality standards for organic (anthropogenic) contaminants in sewage sludge added to agricultural land, in the context of revision of EU Sludge Directive 86/278/EEC and the broader Soil Thematic Strategy. The overall objective is to ensure, based on a risk assessment approach, a sustainable use of sludge over a long time horizon. ILSI-Europe's Conceptual Framework is in essence consistent with the EU Technical Guidance Document (TGD) for Environmental Risk Assessment of Chemicals in the soil compartment, or US-EPA's Sewage Sludge Use and Disposal Regulations, Part 503 Standards. A 'checklist' of different exposure pathways and transfer processes for organic contaminants needs to be considered, and the most sensitive relevant toxicological endpoint and its PNEC need to be identified. The additional complexity specific to deriving Sludge Quality Standards (SQS) is that the toxicity results may need-e.g., for (indirect) human toxicity-to be related back to maximum acceptable soil exposure levels (PEC(soil)). In turn, the latter need to be back-calculated to the maximum acceptable levels in sewage sludge (PEC(sludge)) at the time of application. Finally, for a sustainable sludge use, the exposure from repeated addition and potential chemical build-up over time (e.g., 100 years) needs to be assessed. The SQS may therefore vary with the (local) sludge application regime, and/or sludge pretreatment processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Schowanek
- Procter & Gamble European Technical Centre, Product Safety and Regulatory Affairs, Temselaan 100, 1853 Strombeek-Bever, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Suzuki N, Murasawa K, Sakurai T, Nansai K, Matsuhashi K, Moriguchi Y, Tanabe K, Nakasugi O, Morita M. Geo-referenced multimedia environmental fate model (G-CIEMS): model formulation and comparison to the generic model and monitoring approaches. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2004; 38:5682-5693. [PMID: 15575288 DOI: 10.1021/es049261p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A spatially resolved and geo-referenced dynamic multimedia environmental fate model, G-CIEMS (Grid-Catchment Integrated Environmental Modeling System) was developed on a geographical information system (GIS). The case study for Japan based on the air grid cells of 5 x 5 km resolution and catchments with an average area of 9.3 km2, which corresponds to about 40,000 air grid cells and 38,000 river segments/catchment polygons, were performed for dioxins, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and di-(2-ethyhexyl)phthalate. The averaged concentration of the model and monitoring output were within a factor of 2-3 for all the media. Outputs from G-CIEMS and the generic model were essentially comparable when identical parameters were employed, whereas the G-CIEMS model gave explicit information of distribution of chemicals in the environment. Exposure-weighted averaged concentrations (EWAC) in air were calculated to estimate the exposure ofthe population, based on the results of generic, G-CIEMS, and monitoring approaches. The G-CIEMS approach showed significantly better agreement with the monitoring-derived EWAC than the generic model approach. Implication for the use of a geo-referenced modeling approach in the risk assessment scheme is discussed as a generic-spatial approach, which can be used to provide more accurate exposure estimation with distribution information, using generally available data sources for a wide range of chemicals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noriyuki Suzuki
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Emmanuel E, Keck G, Blanchard JM, Vermande P, Perrodin Y. Toxicological effects of disinfections using sodium hypochlorite on aquatic organisms and its contribution to AOX formation in hospital wastewater. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2004; 30:891-900. [PMID: 15196837 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2004.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2003] [Accepted: 02/13/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is often used for disinfecting hospital wastewater in order to prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms, causal agents of nosocomial infectious diseases. Chlorine disinfectants in wastewater react with organic matters, giving rise to organic chlorine compounds such as AOX (halogenated organic compounds adsorbable on activated carbon), which are toxic for aquatic organisms and are persistent environmental contaminants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity on aquatic organisms of hospital wastewater from services using NaOCl in pre-chlorination. Wastewater samples from the infectious and tropical diseases department of a hospital of a large city in southeast of France were collected. Three samples per day were collected in the connecting well department at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. during 8 days from 13 March to 22 March 2001, and a mixture was made at 6 p.m. with the three samples in order to obtain a representative sample for the day. The toxicity test comprised the 24-h EC50 on Daphnia magna and a bioluminescence assay using Vibrio fischeri photobacteria. Fecal coliforms and physicochemical analyses such as total organic carbon (TOC), chloride, AOX, total suspended solids (TSS) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were carried out. Wastewater samples highlighted considerable acute toxicity on D. magna and V. fischeri photobacteria. However, low most probable numbers (MPN), ranging from <3 to 2400 for 100 ml, were detected for fecal coliforms. Statistical analysis, with a confidence interval of 95%, gave a strong linear regression assessed with r=0.98 between AOX concentrations and EC50 (TU) on daphnia. The identification of an ideal concentration of NaOCl in disinfecting hospital wastewater, i.e. its non-observed effect concentration (NOEC) on algae and D. magna, seems to be a research issue that could facilitate the control of AOX toxicity effects on aquatic organisms. Therefore, it would be necessary to monitor the biocide properties of NaOCl on fecal coliforms at various doses and its toxicity effects on aquatic organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evens Emmanuel
- Unité d'Ecotoxicologie, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Lyon, BP 83, 69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wind T, Werner U, Jacob M, Hauk A. Environmental concentrations of boron, LAS, EDTA, NTA and Triclosan simulated with GREAT-ER in the river Itter. CHEMOSPHERE 2004; 54:1135-1144. [PMID: 14664843 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2003.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A computer simulation of the environmental concentrations of some typical consumer-product ingredients was performed using the geo-referenced exposure model GREAT-ER (Geo-referenced Regional Environmental Assessment Tool for European Rivers) in the river Itter. Boron and LAS were chosen as typical detergent ingredients along with EDTA, NTA and Triclosan as examples of household and cosmetic product ingredients. The simulations were based on consumption figures of the respective chemical in consumer products in the year 2000. For EDTA, the consumption figure used for the calculation had to be extended to commercial products since the EDTA-use in domestic products could not account for the measured concentrations alone. The resulting PEC (Predicted Environmental Concentration) for all investigated compounds showed very good accordance to the measured concentrations in the Itter which were monitored in the same year. The concentrations did not deviate more than by a factor of 3. GREAT-ER's calculated 90th-percentile was never exceeded by the monitoring result thus reflecting a reasonable accuracy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Wind
- Henkel KGaA, VTB-Ecology, Henkelstr. 67, Düsseldorf D-40191, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sabaliunas D, Webb SF, Hauk A, Jacob M, Eckhoff WS. Environmental fate of Triclosan in the River Aire Basin, UK. WATER RESEARCH 2003; 37:3145-3154. [PMID: 14509701 DOI: 10.1016/s0043-1354(03)00164-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations and removal rate of Triclosan, an antibacterial ingredient in consumer products, were measured at advanced trickling filter (TF) and activated sludge (AS) wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the River Aire basin in the UK in September 2000. Additionally, the in-stream removal of Triclosan was measured directly in Mag Brook, the stream receiving the treated effluent from the TF plant, using a fluorescent dye tracer to determine the water plug travel times. The in-stream removal of the dissolved and un-ionized (i.e. bioavailable) fraction of the compound was measured using semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) deployed at various distances downstream from the WWTP discharge point. The estimated removal rates were used in the GREAT-ER (Geography-Referenced Regional Exposure Assessment Tool for European Rivers) model to predict the site-specific distribution of Triclosan concentrations in the Aire basin as well as to calculate regional concentrations. High WWTP (approximately 95%) and in-stream (0.21-0.33 h-1) removal rates of Triclosan in Mag Brook confirm that this chemical is rapidly eliminated from the aquatic environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darius Sabaliunas
- Procter & Gamble Technical Centers Ltd., Rusham Park, Whitehall Lane, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9NW, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Schowanek D, Webb S. Exposure simulation for pharmaceuticals in European surface waters with GREAT-ER. Toxicol Lett 2002; 131:39-50. [PMID: 11988357 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4274(02)00064-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The Geo-referenced Regional Exposure Assessment Tool for European Rivers (GREAT-ER) model was developed as an aquatic chemical exposure prediction tool for use within environmental risk assessment (ERA) schemes and river basin management. The GREAT-ER software calculates the distribution of predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) of consumer chemicals in surface waters, for individual river stretches, as well as representative average PECs for entire catchments. The system uses an ARC/INFO-ArcView (ESRI) based Geographical Information System (GIS) for data storage and visualization, combined with simple mathematical models for prediction of chemical fate. Use of GREAT-ER 1.03 to derive PECs is illustrated for Ethinyl Oestradiol, Paracetamol, Aspirin, Dextropropoxyphene, Clofibrate and Oxytetracycline in three river basins, i.e. Aire (UK), Lambro (Italy) and Rur (Germany). In contrast with household consumer chemicals the transformation of pharmaceuticals in the human body needs to be incorporated in the emission estimation. The "PECinitial" of these pharmaceuticals in surface waters ranges from >1 microg/l (Oxytetracycline and Paracetamol) down to <1 ng/l (Ethinyl Oestradiol). Risk characterization employing PECs or measured environmental concentrations (MECs) and predicted-no-effect-concentrations (PNECs) from available ecotoxicity data is also reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diederik Schowanek
- Procter & Gamble Eurocor, Temselaan 100, B-1853 Strombeek-Bever, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|