PPCPs: An Emerging Source of Chemical Pollution

By: Arienne BarnesNicolette

Foster Aaron StoverIngrid Tobar Sara VogtJennifer 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.

Triclosan Caffeine

Cholesterol

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.

Questions?