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Emerging Contaminants in Wet-Weather Flow: Characterization and Treatability
Citation:
TAFURI, A. N. AND R. I. FIELD. Emerging Contaminants in Wet-Weather Flow: Characterization and Treatability. Presented at 2010 International Workshop on a Sustainable Water Environment , Taipei, TAIWAN, June 30 - July 01, 2010.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public.
Description:
An extensive literature review was conducted on the presence and magnitude of emerging contaminants (ECs) in wet-weather flow (WWF) including separate stormwater, combined sewer overflow (CSO), and sanitary sewer overflow (SSO). Although little information exists for stormwater a lot is available for surface and wastewater. This information allowed an identification of constituent categories for WWF. An EC literature review was also conducted for treatability. The significant ECs identified by the literature review are: -- PAHs -- pesticides -- over-the-counter drugs -- some prescription medications (including those for pets) -- antibiotics -- hormones and steroids -- suntan lotion -- fragrances Stormwater bacterial indicators and pathogens are also considered to be ECs and are being studied. The project is focusing on representative examples from the aforementioned categories. Characterization testing is separated into the following phases: -- sheetflow sampling from several land uses, -- SSO and CSO samples from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), respectively, -- treatability of ECs from stormwater filtration systems. -- pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) including: ibuprofen, diltiazem hydrochloride, gemfibrozil, 5,5-diphenly hydentoin, divalproate sodium, dichlofenac, caffeine, trimethoprim, triclosan. Treatability determinations have been made for the ability of existing WWTPs and stormwater filtration systems to remove ECs in WWF.