Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) are a diverse group of substances identified as potential threats to human health and the environment but are not routinely monitored in drinking water supplies. This blog focuses on various types of CECs, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), microplastics, pesticides and herbicides, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). It also discusses measures to reduce these contaminants, relevant regulations in Southern California, actions residents can take, and locations for hazardous waste disposal.
Types of CECs
- Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products due to their water- and grease-resistant properties. Common sources include non-stick cookware, food packaging, and firefighting foams. These substances persist in the environment and have been linked to adverse health effects, such as immune system dysfunction and increased cancer risk (Wang et al., 2017).
- Microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic products or are specifically manufactured for specific uses (e.g., in cosmetics). They pose a significant risk to aquatic ecosystems and can enter the human food chain, potentially impacting health (Cole et al., 2011; Lusher et al., 2017).
- Pesticides and Herbicides
These chemicals are used in agriculture and landscaping to control pests and weeds. Runoff can contaminate surface and groundwater, causing ecological damage and health risks such as endocrine disruption (Fent et al., 2006; Gilliom et al., 2006; Gonsioroski et al., 2020).
- Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs)
This category includes a wide range of medications and hygiene products. These substances can enter water systems through human excretion, improper disposal, and agricultural runoff, raising concerns about their impact on aquatic organisms and human health (Daughton, 2003; Fent et al., 2006).
- Nanomaterials
Nanomaterials are engineered at the nanoscale and are used in applications ranging from medicine to electronics. Their environmental and health concerns stem from their potential for bioaccumulation and toxicity (Duncan & Gascoigne, 2011).
Measures to Reduce CECs
To mitigate the presence of CECs in the environment, various strategies can be implemented:
- Advanced Treatment Technologies
Implementing advanced water treatment processes, such as reverse osmosis, ozonation, and activated carbon filtration, can significantly reduce CEC concentrations in drinking and wastewater (Hoffman et al., 2006).
- Source Control Programs
Public awareness campaigns and proper disposal methods for pharmaceuticals and personal care products can minimize the introduction of CECs into wastewater systems (Daughton, 2003). Drug collection programs effectively prevent pharmaceutical contamination.
- Green Infrastructure
Solutions such as permeable pavements, rain gardens, and bioswales can help manage stormwater runoff and reduce the transport of CECs into water bodies (Ghosh et al., 2011).
- Monitoring and Research
Continuous monitoring of CECs, along with research on emerging contaminants, is essential to identify risks and inform regulatory responses (SWRCB, 2020).
Regulations in Southern California
Several regulatory frameworks address CECs in California:
- California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
Oversees CECs in drinking water and emphasizes the need for advanced treatment technologies and research on contaminants (SWRCB, 2020).
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Has established notification levels for PFAS, specifically PFOA and PFOS, and is developing maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for these substances (CDPH, 2021).
- California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)
Regulates pesticide and herbicide use to ensure compliance with safety and efficacy standards. It also conducts monitoring programs to assess pesticide residues in water bodies (DPR, 2021).
What Can (YOU) Residents Do?
Residents can take proactive measures to reduce CECs in their communities:
- Proper Medication Disposal: Participate in local drug take-back programs to safely dispose of unused or expired medications. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them into drains.
- Reduce Plastic Use: Limit single-use plastics and choose minimal packaging to reduce microplastic pollution. Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
- Use Water Filtration Systems: Consider installing certified filtration systems to reduce CECs, including PFAS and microplastics, in household water.
- Sustainable Gardening: Use organic pest control methods and limit chemical fertilizers and pesticides to reduce runoff into local water bodies.
- Community Involvement: Support cleanup events, educational workshops, and advocacy groups focused on water quality.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with research and updates on CECs to make informed choices about product use and disposal.
Hazardous Waste Disposal Locations
Here are disposal centers in Southern California where residents can safely discard medications, pesticides, and other hazardous materials:
Los Angeles County
1. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health - Safe Medication Disposal
- Location: Various locations including pharmacies and police stations.
- Website: Los Angeles County Safe Medication Disposal (http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/medication.htm)
2. Los Angeles City - Permanent Medication Disposal Locations
- Locations:
- Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Stations
- Various locations available here (https://www.lacity.gov/).
- L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Stations
- Check locations here (https://lasd.org/).
3. Los Angeles County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Events
- Location: Various throughout the year.
- Website: L.A. County HHW Events (https://www.lacitysan.org/san/faces/home/portal/si/eng/hazardous-waste-collection)
Orange County
1. Orange County Waste and Recycling - Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers
- Location:
- Orange County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center
- Address: 1071 N. Main Street, Orange, CA 92867
- Website: Orange County HHW Collection (https://www.ocwr.com/hazardous-waste)
2. Pharmaceutical Disposal Locations in Orange County
- Pharmacy Locations:
- Many local pharmacies participate in drug take-back programs. Check with your local CVS or Walgreens.
3. OC Public Works - Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Locations
- Website: OC Public Works (https://www.ocpw.ocgov.com) (search for hazardous waste disposal options)
Riverside County
1. Riverside County Department of Waste Resources - Household Hazardous Waste Collection
- Location:
- Riverside County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
- Address: 14310 Frederick St, Moreno Valley, CA 92553
- Website: Riverside County HHW (https://www.rcwaste.org)
2. Drug Take-Back Programs in Riverside County
- Locations: Many local pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens, have drug take-back bins. Check with your local store for participation.
3. Riverside County HHW Events
- Website: Riverside County HHW Events (https://www.rcwaste.org)
San Bernardino County
1. San Bernardino County Public Health - Household Hazardous Waste Collection
- Location:
- San Bernardino County HHW Collection Facility
- Address: 222 W. Hospitality Ln., San Bernardino, CA 92415
- Website: San Bernardino County HHW (http://www.sbcounty.gov/)
2. Drug Take-Back Locations in San Bernardino County
- Locations: Many local pharmacies, including Rite Aid and CVS, have drug take-back bins. Contact local pharmacies for participating locations.
3. San Bernardino County Waste Management - HHW Events
- Website: San Bernardino County Waste Management (http://www.sbcounty.gov/wm/) (search for hazardous waste events)
Conclusion
Emerging Contaminants of Concern (CECs) pose significant challenges to water quality and public health in Southern California. Addressing these contaminants requires a collective effort from individuals, communities, and regulatory agencies to protect human health and the environment.
References
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH). (2021). "Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Drinking Water." Retrieved from CDPH website.
- California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). (2021). "Pesticide Residues in Water." Retrieved from DPR website.
- Cole, M., et al. (2011). "Microplastics as contaminants in the marine environment: A review." Marine Pollution Bulletin, 62(12), 2588-2597.
- Daughton, C. G. (2003). "Cradle-to-cradle stewardship of drugs: A whole-system approach to reducing waste." Environmental Health Perspectives, 111(5), 775-785.
- Fent, K., et al. (2006). "Ecotoxicology of human pharmaceuticals." Aquatic Toxicology, 76(2), 122-159.
- Gauthier, J. M., et al. (2020). "Fate and transport of contaminants of emerging concern in the environment." Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 39(3), 788-803.
- Ghosh, U., et al. (2011). "Sustainable stormwater management: Opportunities for green infrastructure in urban areas." Environmental Science & Policy, 14(7), 893-903.
- Gilliom, R. J., et al. (2006). "Pesticides in the nation’s streams and groundwater, 1992–2001." U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1291.
- Gonsioroski A, Mourikes VE, Flaws JA. (2020). "Endocrine Disruptors in Water and Their Effects on the Reproductive System." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(6), 1929.
- Hoffman, A. J., et al. (2006). "Advanced treatment technologies for removal of contaminants of emerging concern." Water Science and Technology, 53(5), 1-8.
- Lusher, A. L., et al. (2017). "Microplastics in the marine environment: A review of the methods used for their detection." Environmental Science & Technology, 51(10), 5795-5806.
- State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). (2020). "Emerging contaminants in California’s drinking water: A report to the legislature." Retrieved from SWRCB website.
- Wang, Z., et al. (2017). "A never-ending story: A review of the environmental fate, transport, and effects of PFAS." Environmental Science & Technology, 51(4), 2119-2132.