PPCPs: An Emerging Source of Chemical Pollution By: Arienne Barnes Nicolette Foster Aaron Stover Ingrid Tobar Sara Vogt Jennifer Wolfe

Introduction Goal: Evaluate and assess emerging pollution problem introduced by widespread use of PPCPs. This overview covers the methodology, types, sources, quantities, pathways, fates and impacts of these substances.

Methodology  Small concentrations, variety and complex behavior pose challenges in sampling and detection processes.  Polar compounds (dissolve easily in water) are easier to detect than those attached to sediments.  Detecting PPCPs in water samples involves extraction procedures, solvent exchange or column chromatography to form derivatives.  Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry is used to isolate and quantify chemicals from derivatives.  Isolating PPCPs from solid particles (soil or sediments) is more complicated than from water samples.

Types of chemicals  Typical groups found in water samples: Steroids, repellants, detergent metabolites, plasticizers, antibiotics, insecticides, hormones, prescription and nonprescription drugs, antioxidants, fragrances, disinfectants, fire retardants and solvents.  Highest frequency: Cholesterol, caffeine, comprastanol (fecal steroid), N-N-diethyltoluamide (insect repellant), triclosan (antimicrobial disinfectant), tri phosphate (fire retardant) and 4-nonylphenol (nonionic detergent metabolite).  Highest concentration: Detergent metabolites, steroids and plasticizers.  Some chemicals yield carcinogenic effects, hormonal mutations and bacterial resistance. TriclosanCaffeineCholesterol

Sources and Quantities  The main source of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the environment is the individual.  Household or domestic use of pharmaceuticals and personal care products has been overlooked and under researched.  Quantities of PPCPs correlate to amount made available for human consumption.  Quantities vary by product and part of the world, but it can safely be estimated that the quantity of PPCPs amounts to thousands of tons per year.

Pathways and Fate  PPCPs can enter the environment through medical waste from hospitals, leaching from municipal landfills, runoff from CAFOs, leaching from biomass and households.  During storms, drainage systems can overflow allowing PPCP saturated wastewater to enter rivers and streams.  Water treatment plants extract some PPCPs. Filtrate is used to make biosolids, nutrient rich compounds, used as fertilizers.  PPCPs not filtered at the treatment plant may remain in water made available for consumption on tap.

Impacts on water, air and soil  Research regarding the effects of PPCPs is rare, especially effects to air and soil.  The vast number of chemicals compounds and pairings of chemicals makes identifying specific effects difficult.  In aquatic life there are three main impacts: Gender and reproductive cycles, behavioral changes and development of resistance in bacteria to anti-bacterials and antibiotics.

Impacts on nontarget species  The effects of PPCPs on non-target species are virtually unknown. Most of the research done has been on how aquatic species are affected.  They are at the most risk because they cannot leave the water and are exposed to PPCPs continuously and throughout the life cycle.  Even low concentrations of chemicals can be damaging.  More research is needed to determine the effects of PPCPs on humans and other animals. Snapping Turtle American Bullfrog Channel Catfish

Conclusion  Further research is still needed since it has been observed that PPCPs can have adverse effects on the environment and the organisms that may come in contact with them.  Some technological advances in the identification of chemical pollutants in nature have been made thus enhancing research on this field.  This controversial issue has not achieved the level of public attention it deserves.  Legislature may help curb the negative impacts already observed and hopefully prevent further environmental degradation caused by PPCPs.

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