What are Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs)?

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) are a diverse category of chemical substances and microbial constituents not traditionally monitored but recognized as potential risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems. This includes compounds like pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Their 'emerging' status refers to new detection methods, increased awareness, or newly identified health impacts.

Were Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) detected in treated drinking water across the U.S.?

Yes, a nationwide reconnaissance study detected a broad range of CECs in treated drinking waters across the United States. In Phase I, 21 out of 84 monitored chemicals were found, and in the more comprehensive Phase II, 121 out of 247 analytes were detected at least once. While concentrations were generally low, their widespread presence underscores a critical need for advanced purification.

What types of contaminants were most resistant to standard drinking water treatment in the U.S. study?

The study found that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and inorganic constituents were both more frequently detected and, overall, more resistant to conventional drinking water treatment processes. In contrast, pharmaceuticals and anthropogenic waste indicators tended to be less frequently detected and more easily removed. This highlights the challenge of treating persistent CECs.

What advanced water purification technologies are recommended for removing CECs?

To effectively remove a broad range of CECs, advanced water purification technologies such as reverse osmosis (RO) and activated carbon filtration are critically important. AMPAC USA, with over 30 years of experience, designs and manufactures commercial and industrial RO systems that can effectively target and remove these emerging contaminants, ensuring safer drinking water.

How many drinking water treatment plants were included in the U.S. CEC reconnaissance study?

The nationwide reconnaissance study on CECs in U.S. drinking water involved a total of 29 drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) across two phases. Phase I included 9 DWTPs, while the broader and more comprehensive Phase II assessed 25 DWTPs. This extensive sampling provided a wide geographical scope for the contaminant analysis.

Nationwide reconnaissance of contaminants of emerging concern in source and treated drinking waters of the United States

Sammy FaragAMPAC USA — March 1, 2017

Nationwide reconnaissance of contaminants of emerging concern in source and treated drinking waters of the United States

By Sammy Farag . March 1, 2017

Key Finding: U.S. researchers detected a broad range of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs)—including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and endocrine-disrupting compounds—in both source and treated drinking waters nationwide. While concentrations were generally low, their widespread presence underscores the critical importance of advanced water purification technologies such as reverse osmosis and activated carbon filtration.

Glassmeyer, S.T., et al., Science of The Total Environment, 581-582:909-922, March 2017

When chemical or microbial contaminants are assessed for potential effect or possible regulation in ambient and drinking waters, a critical first step is determining if the contaminants occur and if they are at concentrations that may cause human or ecological health concerns. To this end, source and treated drinking water samples from 29 drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) were analyzed as part of a two-phase study to determine whether chemical and microbial constituents, many of which are considered contaminants of emerging concern, were detectable in the waters. Of the 84 chemicals monitored in the 9 Phase I DWTPs, 27 were detected at least once in the source water, and 21 were detected at least once in treated drinking water. In Phase II, which was a broader and more comprehensive assessment, 247 chemical and microbial analytes were measured in 25 DWTPs, with 148 detected at least once in the source water, and 121 detected at least once in the treated drinking water. The frequency of detection was often related to the analyte’s contaminant class, as pharmaceuticals and anthropogenic waste indicators tended to be infrequently detected and more easily removed during treatment, while per and polyfluoroalkyl substances and inorganic constituents were both more frequently detected and, overall, more resistant to treatment. The data collected as part of this project will be used to help inform evaluation of unregulated contaminants in surface water, groundwater, and drinking water.

Source: Water Feed