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Compounds of Emerging Concern (CECs)

As new technologies allow us to more effectively detect chemicals and other substances at lower levels, we can zero in on substances that were either previously not measurable or may be newly introduced. From medicines and personal care products to pesticides and flame retardants, many compounds wind up in our wastewater systems, potentially making their way into our water sources. There is uncertainty about their short- and long-term health effects, as well as the best processes to reduce or remove them. Some of these substances, known as endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), can trigger developmental and reproductive effects in aquatic life. Additionally, many compounds may bioaccumulate and can be passed up the food chain. As more data becomes available, regulations could follow suit, setting limits for these compounds that the water sector must comply with. Utilities must find new approaches to monitor and treat for these compounds, and must also be prepared to address new concerns that are not yet known.

Topic Overview (PDF)
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124 Projects 4 Web Tools 13 Webcasts
Cyanobacteria & Cyanotoxins
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Endocrine Disrupting Compounds, Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care Products (EDCs & PPCPs)
Microplastics
Project #4790

Improving Water Reuse for a Healthier Potomac Watershed

$6,154
2020
Completed

Project Highlights

The presence of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) is of increasing concern in waterways worldwide. The occurrence of intersex fish in the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay is believed to be a result of estrogenic EDC pollution in the Potomac...

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Research Manager
Ms. Lola Olabode

Microplastics in Water

This microplastics fact sheet provides helpful context on this important emerging issue and describes WRF's ongoing efforts to fund research on this topic.

DOWNLOAD
Microplastics in the Mediterran Sea

Recent Updates

Project #5042
Assessing Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substance Release from Finished...

Reporting Period: June 1, 2020—August 10, 2020. Data processing is complete for baseline quantification of PFAS...

Project Update
08/13/2020

News

WRF Announces the Release of RFPs for 12 Research Projects

Press Release
08/17/2020

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has released Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for 12 new projects funded through WRF’s Research Priority Program. This strategic program enables WRF to address broadly relevant...

The Water Research Foundation Announces New RFPs for 12 Research Projects

Press Release
07/09/2019

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has announced that Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are available for 12 new research projects. The RFPs are as follows: Occurrence of PFAS Compounds in U.S...

The Water Research Foundation to Host Wastewater Surveillance Global Update Symposium

Press Release
03/29/2021

On April 26, The Water Research Foundation (WRF) will host an online symposium to share updates on wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) activities from around the world, with a focus on how...

View all Compounds of Emerging Concern (CECs) News

Resources

Evaluating Analytical Methods for Detecting Unknown Chemicals in Recycled Water

Report
#4992
07/15/2020
07/15/2020
Subscriber

Occurrence of PFAS Compounds in US Wastewater Treatment Plants

Project Information Summary
06/16/2020
06/16/2020
Subscriber

Evaluating Fate Mechanisms of Selected Compounds of Concern in Biological Nutrient Removal Treatment Systems

Report
#2R13PDF
09/01/2014
09/01/2014
View all Compounds of Emerging Concern (CECs) Resources

Related Projects

Project #4992

Evaluating Analytical Methods for Detecting Unknown Chemicals in Recycled Water

Completed

This report summarizes the current state-of-the-science for analytical methods used to identify and measure unknown trace organic compounds (TOrCs) in recycled water. The researchers propose an integrated framework...

View more details
Project #1631

Tools to Access and Understand the Relative Risks of IPR and ASR Projects: Task 1

Completed

An increasing number of municipalities are considering implementing projects to augment potable water supplies with reclaimed water. Indirect potable reuse (IPR) projects face many uncertainties with assessing the...

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Project #4874

Evaluating Fate Mechanisms for Contaminants of Concern in BNR Treatment Systems

Completed

This study provides additional insight into the fate behavior of the target trace organic compounds (TOrC) in BNR treatment systems. The study determined first-order biotransformation rates for seven...

View more details
Project #5103

Microwave Regeneration of PFAS-Exhausted Granular Activated Carbons

In Progress

Adsorption by granular activated carbon (GAC) is one of the most common methods for removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water. However, there is a need for...

View more details
Project #5042

Assessing Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substance Release from Finished Biosolids

In Progress

The manufacture and common consumer uses of products ranging from non-stick surfaces to aqueous film-forming foams have resulted in PFAS detection in the influent and effluent of many...

View more details
Project #4972

Expanding the Use of Wastewater Epidemiology Tools to Improve Water Quality, Identify Service Populations under Stress, and Promote One Water Goals for a Thriving City

In Progress

Water and wastewater utilities in the U.S. face the multi-faceted challenge of meeting the mandate to ensure water security and quality, while also seeking to meet social, economic...

View more details

Related Topics

Link

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Link

Endocrine Disrupting Compounds, Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care Products (EDCs & PPCPs)

Link

Cyanobacteria & Cyanotoxins

Link

Microplastics

Link

Advanced Treatment

Link

Biofiltration

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