Identifying and understanding sources of contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater networks

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are designed to remove conventional wastewater contaminants such as organics, bacteria and suspended solids, and there is increasing recognition that contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are passing through WWTPs to the receiving environment untreated. Whilst focus has been on utilities to upgrade their WWTPs, there has been little exploration into controlling CECs at the source, especially from industrial trade waste generators. The aim of this study is to identify and link industry sources to CECs in wastewater and to gain a better understanding of the "hotspot" industries, with a focus on PFAS, pharmaceuticals, drugs and pesticides. So far, the current hotspot industries have included laundries, pharmaceutical manufacturers, landfills, hazardous waste treatment facilities and recycling facilities. Already, the findings have unintentionally linked issues at an activated sludge WWTP to a local pharmaceutical manufacturer. From here, steps can be taken to reduce, substitute or eliminate these contaminants at the source, which will mitigate the effects on WWTPs and the receiving environment.  

Please note this is a PhD student progress review presentation.