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Still Haven’t Found What You’re Looking For? Integrated Interdisciplinary Analyses May Be the Solution
Citation:
Glassmeyer, S., E. Furlong, D. Kolpin, M. Mills, A. Batt, E. MedlockKakaley, Q. Teng, AND H. Zhen. Still Haven’t Found What You’re Looking For? Integrated Interdisciplinary Analyses May Be the Solution. Presented at 12th International Conference on the Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds, Palm Springs, CA, May 22 - 26, 2022.
Impact/Purpose:
This project examined the fate of contaminants of emerging concern during de facto reuse. Using a combination of analyses- analytical chemistry, non-targeted analysis, and bioassays, we are able to learn more about the samples than any one individual technique.
Description:
Targeted chemical analyses, non-targeted analyses, and bioanalytical tools each provide a unique but incomplete understanding of the chemicals in a sample. The US Environmental Protection Agency and US Geological Survey are collaborating to examine the sources, fates, and potential effects of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) during de facto water reuse which occurs when treated wastewater is discharged to a source of drinking water. The project sampling design follows a surface-water flow path, with the collection of grab water samples from upstream of a wastewater treatment plant outfall and downstream to a drinking water treatment plant intake and through the plant to a finished drinking water sample. The study uses an integrated approach that includes a comprehensive analysis of over 200 targeted specific chemicals (e.g. pharmaceuticals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances); high resolution mass spectrometry to identify non-targeted (suspected or unknown) chemicals; in vitro bioassays (e.g. estrogenicity, androgenicity, metabolomics); rapid whole organism screens to assess cumulative bioactivity; and in vivo tests to address specific exposure and response endpoints. A rigorous quality assurance/quality control protocol was consistently applied from field to laboratory to ensure comparability of results between the various techniques. This consistent, integrated approach combines the strength of each technique and builds upon the standard CEC research approach by including environmental and toxicity endpoint assessments to more fully explore the potential effects to human health and the environment from chemical exposures.