Septic tanks as a pathway for emerging contaminants to the aquatic environment–Need for alternative rural wastewater treatment?
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: which can surpass freshwater predicted no-effect concentrations. Pharmaceuticals with acute use, such as antibiotics and antifungals, had high monthly variability and concentrations can exceed those previously found in centralised wastewater treatment works. Differences between the STs demonstrate the impact of localised prescription and population behaviour on EC concentrations. The similarities in concentrations between influent and effluent, suggest limited or no removal of ECs in STs. Hence, dilution of the discharges is required to mitigate environmental risk. Although the contribution of ECs sorbed to suspended solids to the total EC concentration was generally small (<10%), higher contributions (>30%) were observed for fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin), antidepressants (fluoxetine), and antifungals (clotrimazole). A wide range of ECs were also detected in rivers upstream and downstream of the ST discharge points, and concentrations increased by up to 95% downstream. In general, risk quotients (RQs) in the rivers were low, indicating small risk for the environment. However, higher RQs (>1) were found for ibuprofen, diclofenac and ciprofloxacin in a few samples. Therefore, reducing their concentration by improving ST performance or through sustainable medicines use may be needed at low dilution locations to mitigate any risk.
Source: Environmental Pollution
Authors: Kai Wilschnack, Elise Cartmell, Kyari Yates, Bruce Petrie
Institutions: Robert Gordon University, Scottish Water (United Kingdom)
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,920
OpenAlex ID: W4402557975