Membrane Treatment of Potable Water for Pesticides Removal

Abstract

Over the last 50 years, plant protection products (PPPs), which are commonly referred to as “pesticides” (a term used henceforth in this chapter), are indispensable agents for the sustainable production of high quality food and fibres. The significant role of pesticides in controlling weeds (herbicides), insects (insecticides) and plant diseases that interfere with the growth, harvest, and marketability of crops has rendered the pesticide industry a significant economic player in the world market. At the same time, the widespread use of pesticides for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes has resulted in the presence of their residues in various environmental compartments. Traces of these products are frequently detected in surface water and in some cases in groundwater, which is the major source of drinking water around the world (Novotny, 1999; Martins et al., 1999; Loos et al., 2009). The frequent detection of many types of pesticide residues (including herbicides) in natural waters is of great concern to the public, to authorities and to all those involved in potable water production, wastewater treatment, and water reuse applications, due to potentially adverse health effects associated with these compounds even at very small concentrations (pg/L to ng/L). Specifically, potential health risks identified in toxicological and epidemiological studies include cancer, genetic malformations, neuro-developmental disorders and damage of the immune system (Skinner et al., 1997; Sanborn et al., 2004; McKinlay et al., 2008). Regarding the potential for exposure of humans to pesticides residues, a strict regulatory framework is in force today. To ensure a high level of protection of both human and animal health and of the environment, the European Union (EU) developed and implemented a Thematic Strategy for Pesticides lately. The strategy is comprised of four elements: • the Regulation (EC) 1107/2009, concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market (repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC), • the Directive 2009/128/EC, establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides, • the Regulation (EC) 1185/2009, concerning statistics on pesticides, and • the Directive 2009/127/EC, regarding the equipment for pesticide application.