The term "trace contaminants" encompasses hundreds of different chemicals. They originate in many different products ranging from detergents to prescription medications. For this reason, IES will approach the emerging contaminants issue by forming project teams that can focus on groups of chemically-similar contaminants.
The first phase of the project will deal with pharmaceuticals in wastewater effluent. Pharmaceuticals find their way into treatment plants one of two ways: after being consumed and excreted (e.g., birth control pills, angina medication) or through the disposal of unused drugs. The IES team is currently conducting a review of the literature on pharmaceuticals in effluent and how they affect aquatic life. We are also researching existing drug return programs in other states to see if this is something that is feasible for Denver or Colorado. These programs aim to provide people with a safe method of disposal for their unused pharmaceuticals.
Addressing Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Product Contamination: A Unique Opportunity To Link Science To Action
June 8, 2008 - Submitted for Peer Review for Publication in the Journal of the American Water Resources Association
Mounting Evidence Points to a Potential Environmental Problem
Poster Presentation to The South Platte Forum, Longmont, CO, October 2007
Emerging Contaminants: A Unique Opportunity to Develop Effective Policy based on Sound Science Will We Take Advantage or Blow It?
AWRA Specialty Conference , Session J, June 2007, Vail, Colorado
Aaron Gutierrez, Carol E. Lyons, Kara Swanson, Casey Laycock
Emerging Contaminants -- Linking Science to Effective Action
IES Draft Project Outline, September 2007
Where do they come from and what should be done?
Poster Presentation to The South Platte Forum, Longmont, CO, October 2006
Preliminary Project Ideas
Poster Presentation to the CREEC [Consortium for Research and Education on Emerging Contaminants], Longmont, CO, October 2005
IES hosted a Special Session on Emerging Contaminants POLICY ISSUES at the 2007 American Water Resources Association (AWRA) Summer Specialty Conference in Vail, CO, June 25-27, 2007. Information about the Conference on Emerging Contaminants of Concern in the Environment: Issues, Investigations, and Solutions: http://www.awra.org/meetings/Vail2007/index.html
| LINK TO PROJECT PROSPECTUS | |
