Skip to main content
To search for an exact phrase, use quotes around the full phrase.

Utility

  • Become a Subscriber
  • Log in

Main navigation

  • Research
      Column
      Projects
      Ongoing Projects
      Completed Projects
      All Projects
      Programs
      Grants Awarded
      Column
      Resources
      Case Studies
      Innovation Resources
      Technology Deliverables
  • Topics
      Column
      Advanced Treatment
      Asset Management
      Biosolids
      Climate Change
      Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs)
      Cyanobacteria & Cyanotoxins
      Column
      Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)
      Energy Optimization
      Integrated Planning & Water Management
      Intelligent Water Systems
      Lead & Copper
      Microbes & Pathogens
      Column
      Nutrients
      PFAS
      Resource Recovery
      Reuse
      Stormwater
      Utility Management
      Water Use & Efficiency
  • Articles
      News
      eNews
      Press Releases
  • RFPs
      Column
      Apply
      Open RFPs
      Advance Notice
      Column
      Guidance
      Guidelines and Forms
  • Get Involved
      Participate in Research
      Become a Subscriber
      Benefits
      Our Subscribers
  • Webcasts & Events
      Column
      Upcoming Event

      Understanding Gasification for PFAS Removal

      Webcast
      05/29/2025
      Register for Webcast
      Column
      Webcasts
      Conferences & Events
  • About Us
      Column
      Our Team
      Careers
      WRF Staff
      Subscriber Services
      Research Services
      Contact Us
      Column
      Our Volunteers
      Board of Directors
      Research Committees
      Awards
      Subscriber Impact
      Research Innovation
      Paul L. Busch

Back to Topic List

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 George Kajjumba and Lola Olabode.

Topic Overview (PDF)
Login to follow this topic
283 Projects 6 Web Tools 1 Case Study 8 Webcasts
Cyanobacteria & Cyanotoxins
Endocrine Disrupting Compounds and Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care Products (EDCs & PPCPs)
Microplastics
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Project 5031

Occurrence of PFAS Compounds in US Wastewater Treatment Plants

$899,693
2024
Completed

Project Highlights

This study closely evaluated PFAS at 38 water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs), looking at both quantifiable and semiquantifiable PFAS, the contribution of precursors, and PFAS mass flows between the aqueous and solid phases. The ubiquitous presence and elevated concentrations of...

View more details
Principal Investigator
Charles
Schaefer
Research Manager
Ms. Mary Smith

Recent Updates

Project 5125
Unregulated Organic Chemicals in Biosolids: Prioritization, Fate, and...

Reporting Period: June 30 – October 1, 2023

Project Update
04/05/2024
Project 5125
Unregulated Organic Chemicals in Biosolids: Prioritization, Fate and...

Reporting Period: May 1, 2022 – October 1, 2022

Project Update
02/16/2023
Project 5125
Unregulated Organic Chemicals in Biosolids: Prioritization, Fate, and...

Reporting Period: October 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023

Project Update
05/25/2023
Project 5171
Cost-Effective Approaches for Control of Multiple Constituents of Emerging...

Reporting Period: May - October 2024

Project Update
01/17/2025
Project 5185
Fate of Microplastics in Drinking Water Treatment ...

Reporting Period: October 15, 2023 – April 15, 2024

Project Update
06/10/2024
Project 5171
Cost-Effective Approaches for Control of Multiple Constituents of Emerging...

Reporting Period: November 2023 – April 2024

Project Update
05/16/2024
Project 5153
Evaluation of Bench-Scale Methods to Predict Drinking Water PFAS...

Reporting Period: June 1 – September 30, 2023

Project Update
02/21/2024
Project 5185
Fate of Microplastics in Drinking Water Treatment ...

Reporting Period: April 15 – October 15, 2023

Project Update
10/25/2023
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 5088
Defining Exposures of Microplastics/Fibers (MPs) in Treated Waters...

Reporting Period: August 1, 2022 - November 15, 2022

Project Update
02/08/2023

Resources

EPA Research Grant Annual Report Summary: Unregulated Organic Chemicals in Biosolids

Project Paper
02/14/2023
02/14/2023

EPA Research Grant Annual Report Summary: Unregulated Organic Chemicals in Biosolids

Project Paper
04/24/2024
04/24/2024
Public Plus

Evaluation of Impact of Nanoparticle Pollutants

Report
7-04PDF
11/01/2008
11/01/2008
View all Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs) Resources

News

Sustainable Algal Control Technologies

By Rich Abbott, Watershed Quality Coordinator, Skaneateles Lake Watershed Protection Program and Justin Rickard, The Water Research Foundation
04/29/2025

Small Investments in Diffused Aeration and Ultrasound Systems Make Big Improvements in Water Quality At a Syracuse, New York-area reservoir the use of two technologies—diffused aeration systems and ultrasonic algal...

The Water Research Foundation Funds 26 New Research Projects Totaling $5.9M

Press Release
05/28/2024

(Denver, CO) 05/28/24– The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is seeking volunteer participants for 26 new research projects funded through WRF's Research Priority Program. This strategic research program enables WRF to...

WRF PFAS Resources

Newsletter
04/10/2024

April 2024 On April 10, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new legally enforceable drinking water standard for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The Water Research Foundation...

View all News

Related Topics

Link

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Link

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

Link

Cyanobacteria & Cyanotoxins

Link

Microplastics

Link

Advanced Treatment

Link

Biofiltration

Like reading about Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs) ?

Login to follow this topic
Subscribe to Newsletter

6666 W. Quincy Ave.
Denver, CO 80235

1199 N. Fairfax St., Ste. 900
Alexandria, VA 22314

Social

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Footer menu

Column
Research
All Topics
All Projects
Participate in Research
Column
Quick Links
Open RFPs
Guidelines and Forms
Articles
Column
Get in Touch
About Us
Become a Subscriber
Contact Us

© 2025 The Water Research Foundation.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Footer - Legal

  • Copyright
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy/Security Notices
  • Non-Discrimination Policies
  • EULA
To search for an exact phrase, use quotes around the full phrase.

Main navigation

  • Research
      Column
      Projects
      Ongoing Projects
      Completed Projects
      All Projects
      Programs
      Grants Awarded
      Column
      Resources
      Case Studies
      Innovation Resources
      Technology Deliverables
  • Topics
      Column
      Advanced Treatment
      Asset Management
      Biosolids
      Climate Change
      Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs)
      Cyanobacteria & Cyanotoxins
      Column
      Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)
      Energy Optimization
      Integrated Planning & Water Management
      Intelligent Water Systems
      Lead & Copper
      Microbes & Pathogens
      Column
      Nutrients
      PFAS
      Resource Recovery
      Reuse
      Stormwater
      Utility Management
      Water Use & Efficiency
  • Articles
      News
      eNews
      Press Releases
  • RFPs
      Column
      Apply
      Open RFPs
      Advance Notice
      Column
      Guidance
      Guidelines and Forms
  • Get Involved
      Participate in Research
      Become a Subscriber
      Benefits
      Our Subscribers
  • Webcasts & Events
      Column
      Upcoming Event

      Understanding Gasification for PFAS Removal

      Webcast
      05/29/2025
      Register for Webcast
      Column
      Webcasts
      Conferences & Events
  • About Us
      Column
      Our Team
      Careers
      WRF Staff
      Subscriber Services
      Research Services
      Contact Us
      Column
      Our Volunteers
      Board of Directors
      Research Committees
      Awards
      Subscriber Impact
      Research Innovation
      Paul L. Busch

Lift Main Navigation

  • Resources
      Column
      Intelligent Water Systems Challenge
      SEE IT

Utility

  • Become a Subscriber
  • Log in

Lift Utility

  • The Water Research Foundation