WEDECO Micro Pollutants Brochure - Water Solutions

Pharmaceutical substances in water circulationThe elimination of micropollutants from our wateris a challenge more facilities are having to address.While conventional treatment processes don’t removethem completely, oxidation with ozone is proving tobe one of the most efficient methods of treatment.Pharmaceuticals help many people and animals whenfighting diseases, staying healthy, or improvingquality of life. Nonetheless, a large proportion ofpharmaceutical agents end up in the environment viawaste from bodily excretion.Although they do not constitute an immediate hazard,it is the long-term dangers that are becoming evenmore significant. The effects of micropollutants andpharmaceutical substances in surface watershave already been proven in numerous large-scalestudies. These effects lead to negative changes withinthe ecosystem.Micropollutants in water circulation• Persistent substances• Only biodegradable to a limited extent• Have a negative effect on organisms• Cause endocrine system disturbances• Can spread rapidly in water suppliesProblem I: PersistenceNot all approved substances in the area of pharmacy,agriculture and industry, as well as those commonlyconsumed are completely biodegradable. Thismeans they cannot be fully removed with conventionaltreatment technologies. As a result, the number ofcontaminants in our water circulation is creeping upward(bioaccumulation). This means a constant rise in waterpollutants and further negative effects on the aquaticenvironment in the future, unless appropriate measuresare taken.Problem II: Endocrine effectSome micropollutants (e.g. ethinylestradiol) have aneffect on the hormonal system of humans and animals.These so-called endocrine disrupting compounds(EDCs) have an impact even at low concentrations andhave been classified as areas of concern. In connectionwith negative environmental influences on livingcreatures, EDCs are currently being considered to belinked to:• Observations of negative effects on thereproduction of certain kinds of fish (including thefeminization of male fish).• The decrease of fertility in humans and animals due toreduced sperm quality.• The increase of certain types of cancer which could berelated to hormonal system disturbance.02