Occurrence, Characteristics, Transport, and Fate of Pesticides, Pharmaceuticals, Industrial Products, and Personal Care Products at Riverbank Filtration Sites

Abstract

There is a high level of concern among scientists and policy makers throughout the world because of the presence of anthropogenic substances that can potentially affect the endocrine systems of organisms living in aquatic environments as well as affect human health from aquatic recreational activities and drinking water (Ghijsen and Hoogenboezem, 2000). It was found in the early 1990s that the presence of these substances was linked to a decrease in the sperm count of men for over the last 50 years (Ghijsen and Hoogenboezem, 2000) and to the premature physical development of women; however, these symptoms may most likely be caused by other environmental factors. An article by Beer (1997) clarifies the importance of the quality of our drinking water. Along the Thames River in England, water passes at least six times through people before reaching the estuary, demonstrating the existing enormous pressure on water resources and the importance of keeping water, including wastewater, as uncontaminated as possible. Given that the population is expected to double worldwide in about 20 years, Beer's finding (1997) will become even more significant. Not only do problems related to microorganisms and nitrates need attention, but also a variety of organic chemicals should be evaluated. These organic chemicals include chemicals used on crops, in animal feed, by industry, and by humans. Numerous studies are being conducted to develop lists of priority pollutants for: Toxicological characteristics studies. Occurrence in the environment. Fate and transport.