1. Sarah Mahon, PE MANE 6960H01 Fall 2013

2. Entry Methods Unmetabolized medications Flushing Direct release (swimming / bathing) Drug labs / illicit drug use Agricultural fields – groundwater infiltration / surface water runoff Controlled Substances Act

3. Detections in Drinking Water Philly – 56 pharma detected NJ – angina medicine and mood stabilizers Southern CA – anti-epileptic and anti-anxiety meds San Francisco – sex hormones Nebraska – steroids downstream of feedlots

4. Effects Feminization of fish due to estrogen (male to female fish ratio) Decimated southeast Asia vulture population Anti-biotic resistant pathogens Unknown human effects Dangerous combinations? People with allergies? Elderly / sick? Fetal Exposure?

5. Treatment POTWs not designed to treat Conventional treatment reduces some, but not all, concentrations Pharma removed from wastewater may end up in sludge (which, if used as fertilizer, can still end up in environment)

6. Conclusions Public education Monitoring of water supplies Partner with health care facilities, treatment care facilities, agribusinesses, etc. Evaluate need for treatment at POTWs Regulations