An Overview of EDC’s, Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Our Drinking Water Presented By: Roxanne Russell, Yuh-Chi Niou, Kris McArthur, Amelia Cousins & Chris Stoll November 6, 2009

Overview - Trace Contaminants Discovery of Synthetic and Natural Compounds Found in trace levels (ng/L) in surface & ground waters EDC’s can mimic or inhibit the function of natural hormones & processes, including; Estrogens Testosterone Thyroidal function EDC’s and PPCP’s source primarily attributed to excretion by humans and animals into the environment. Challenge? To find and regulate the NOAEL for trace contaminants in our drinking water supply.

Fate and Transport of EDC’s and PPCP’s

Trace Contaminants to be Discussed Today Antibiotics Caffeine Pharmaceuticals Estrogens

Antibiotics in Drinking water In 2000, roughly 16,200 tons of antibiotics were produced in the US (Krummerer 5) – 70% used on livestock farming – 8x what humans consume for medication Can be found in drinking water at the ng/L up to the μg/L level – There is degradation by environment but are found to be persistent

Health Impacts Potential reservoir for antibiotic resistant bacteria – Recent studies show antibiotic resistance in all bacteria tested from waste water treatment plants and tap water – Evidence to suggest waste treatment may increase antibiotics resistance

Caffeine

Occurrence Wastewater Contamination?

Persistence in Conventional Drinking Water Treatment

Pharmaceuticals in DW Drinking Water Standards – Do not include levels for pharmaceuticals – Do not require testing Trace amounts found in almost all tested water supplies in US PWS’s contend levels safe, treatment adequate – Some attempting to address problem by further testing

Source: Associated Press

Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen Philadelphia Water Department: – Acetaminophen is found on the ng/L level For dose of baby Tylenol (80 mg of Acetaminophen)… Drink 8 glasses of water a day For 40,000 years Source: Drover, V. Bottaro, C.

Estrogens Natural: E1, E2, E3 Synthetic: EE2

Natural estrogen compounds: – Estrone (E1) – 17 Beta estradiol (E2) – Estriol (E3) Synthetic estrogen compounds: – 17 Alpha ethinylestradiol (EE2) Estrogenic activity with estradiol (E2) as the baseline of comparison (1x): – EE2 is the most active – EE2(1x-2x) > E1 (0.21x-0.5x) > E3 (0.0013x-0.04x) Biomarkers of endocrine disruption: – Plasma vitellogenin – Sex steroid concentration Estrogen Classification

Occurrence Found in wastewater effluent E1, E2: 1-76 ng/L in wastewater EE2: 1-7 ng/L in wastewater EE2: 5x less in drinking water Treatment not as efficient on EE2 Susceptibility to biodegradation comparison: – EE2 is the least biodegradable – E3 > E2 > E1 > EE2

Health Impacts Feminization of fish – VTG protein found in male fish Very little estrogen in drinking water: No immediate threat for humans Speculation: Potential decrease in fertility with male exposure to low amounts of synthetic estrogen in drinking water

Conclusions Antibiotics in DW: Fairly persistent, only mild degradation, concerns about adding to the selection for resistant strains of bacteria in the environment. Caffeine in DW: While persistent in conventional drinking water treatment, trace amounts are to small to cause adverse health effects in humans. Pharmaceuticals in DW: While persistent in the environment, trace amounts are theorized to be too small to cause adverse health effects in humans. Further monitoring is recommended. Estrogens in DW: Varying degrees of persistency and degradation in the environment, trace amounts at this time theorized to be under the NOAEL, but further observation in human and animal studies in recommended.

Conclusions…

Questions?