Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) have been shown to produce changes in the endocrine system of organisms, leading to increases in cancers and abnormalities in reproductive structure and function. This book presents research on the endocrine-disrupting effects of sewage and industrial effluents, covering the sources, fate, and transport of EDCs

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) have been shown to produce changes in the endocrine system of organisms that lead to increases in cancers and abnormalities in reproductive structure and function. Recent research has highlighted the existence of hormonally active compounds in sewage and industrial effluents and their potential for recycling back into the environment - including drinking water supplies- through point sources and non-point sources. Endocrine Disrupters in Wastewater and Sludge Treatment Processes presents the latest research on EDCs, covering the sources, fate, and transport of EDCs in sewage and industrial effluents, and sludge treatment and disposal options in light of effects on receiving environments. In addition, the authors review current legislation, future research needs, and potential management strategies for endocrine disrupters in the environment.

Examines the potential implications of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) and pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) for drinking water and wastewater utilities. Based on an April 2000 workshop held in Chicago, the report overviews various perspectives on identifying and measuring compounds of interest, possible public health impacts, water treatment options, and risk perception and communication issues. The resulting research needs are outlined. An appendix provides abstracts of the lectures delivered. No index. c. Book News Inc.

The removal of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) from municipal wastewater by conventional and advanced wastewater treatment methods was investigated. Effluent from a membrane bioreactor (MBR), on average, contained lower EDC concentrations than a conventional (activated sludge) treatment plant receiving the same influent wastewater. MBR effluent was also disinfected to meet California State Guidelines (Title 22) for water reuse using chlorine, chloramines, chlorine dioxide and UV. Disinfection was not shown to impact EDC concentrations except for Bisphenol A (95% removal). MBR effluent was also treated using a bench-scale RO membrane system. The RO reduced all EDCs monitored, except BPA, to non-detectable levels (

Wastewater treatment plants usually generate millions of tons of sewage sludge every year. Sewage sludge results from the accumulation of solids from chemical coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation during wastewater treatment. Worldwide, sludge production is steadily increasing, driven by the increasing percentage of households connected to central treatment plants, the increasing tightening of pollution limits on the effluent discharged, as well as the availability of technologies capable of achieving higher efficiency of wastewater treatment. Sewage sludge contains undesirable hazardous substances such as trace elements, pesticides and endocrine disruptors, pathogens and other microbiological pollutants. Therefore, sludge has to be properly treated and disposed of to prevent environmental contamination and health risk. Sludge processing is intended to improve dewatering characteristics, eliminate disease-causing bacteria, reduce smell and decrease the quantity of organic solids. In this way, the end product can be treated further or disposed of with less handling problems and environmental consequences. This new important book gathers the latest research from around the globe on this issue.

Explains key chemicals from drugs and cosmetics in water and clarifies their risks Covers endocrine disruptors and other biologically active compounds Reviews EPA testing protocols for steroids and hormones This book surveys current knowledge regarding endocrine disruptors and other hormone-mimicking compounds in the environment as a result of the disposal of cosmetics, drugs, and cleaning agents. The book investigates dozens of biologically active pollutants, describes their physiological effects, and assesses the evidence of their impact on humans and wildlife. Substances treated include phthalates, bisphenol-A, hormones and an array of steroids. Techniques being investigated by the EPA for the detection and analysis of steroids and hormones in water samples are presented. This is a key reference volume for environmental health, risk assessment and water/wastewater technology.