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Constituents 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.

For more information, contact Lola Olabode.

Topic Overview (PDF)
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278 Projects 7 Web Tools 1 Case Study 7 Webcasts
Cyanobacteria & Cyanotoxins
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Endocrine Disrupting Compounds, Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care Products (EDCs & PPCPs)
Microplastics
Project #4937

Enhanced Evaluation of the Removal of Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Decentralized Water Reuse Systems by Non-Targeted Analysis

$25,000
2023
In Progress

Project Highlights

A key to the implementation of membrane bioreactors (MBRs) in small-scale systems is ensuring that these systems meet current water quality standards and offer superior treatment for contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). One challenge to evaluating CEC removal in any...

View more details
Feb 6, 2018
Principal Investigator
Natalie
Mladenov
Research Manager
Ms. Lyndsey Bloxom

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 #5107
Understanding Pyrolysis for PFAS Removal

Reporting Period: November 1, 2022 – February 1, 2023

Project Update
03/22/2023
Project #5153
Evaluation of Bench-Scale Methods to Predict Drinking Water PFAS...

Reporting Period: November 1, 2022 - January 31, 2023

Project Update
03/01/2023
Project #5153
Evaluation of Bench-Scale Methods to Predict Drinking Water PFAS...

Reporting Period: May 1 - July 31, 2022

Project Update
01/09/2023
Project #5088
Defining Exposures of Microplastics /Fibers (MPs) in Treated Waters...

Reporting Period: May 1, 2021 – November 1, 2021. The database was populated first with drinking...

Project Update
03/04/2022
Project #5031
Occurrence of PFAS Compounds in US Wastewater Treatment...

Reporting Period: December 1, 2020 - May 15, 2021

Project Update
09/28/2022
Project #5031
Occurrence of PFAS Compounds in US Wastewater Treatment...

Reporting Period: July 1, 2020 - September 1, 2020

Project Update
09/28/2022
Project #5080
Assessment of Vulnerability of Source Waters to Toxic...

Reporting Period: January - April 2022

Project Update
10/28/2022
Project #4914
Utility Responses to Cyanobacterial/Cyanotoxin Events: Case Studies and...

Reporting Period: June 1, 2019 – September 1, 2020. During this period, the team created an...

Project Update
03/19/2021
Project #4914
Utility Responses to Cyanobacterial/Cyanotoxin Events; Case Studies and...

Reporting Period: December 2020 – March 2021. During this project period, the planned in-person World Café...

Project Update
05/28/2021
Project #4914
Utility Responses to Cyanobacterial/Cyanotoxin Events: Case Studies and...

Reporting Period: December 2021 – April 2022. The research team interviewed individual participating utilities remotely, using...

Project Update
08/19/2022

News

The Water Research Foundation and American Water Announce PFAS Risk Communication Toolkits

Press Release
12/20/2022

(Denver, CO, and Camden, NJ) 12/20/22 – As public awareness of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continues to expand, water professionals are seeking ways to communicate with their customers clearly...

New Projects Funded on PFAS, Lead Service Lines, HABs, and More

eLetter
12/06/2021

Through the Tailored Collaboration (TC) Program, WRF partners directly with our utility subscribers on research and innovation projects. Under this program, a subscriber or group of subscribers can obtain matching...

WRF Research Presented at 25th International Ozone Association World Congress

eLetter
10/12/2021

The 25th International Ozone Association (IOA) World Congress, held August 30 – September 2, featured presenters from 13 countries discussing how ozone can be used to mitigate global challenges related...

View all Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs) News

Resources

Public Plus

Executive Summary

Executive Summary
06/16/2019
06/16/2019
Subscriber

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

Report
#2R13PDF
09/01/2014
09/01/2014
Subscriber

Risk Communication for Emerging Contaminants

Publication
11/22/2004
11/22/2004
View all Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs) Resources

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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