As global challenges like climate change and water scarcity rise, treated wastewater is becoming a vital resource for communities. However, a new study has raised concerns about harmful “forever chemicals” contaminating drinking water, with wastewater treatment not fully eliminating the risks.
PFAS Contamination in Treated Wastewater
The study, published on Monday, found high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in treated wastewater across the U.S. These chemicals, linked to cancer and other health issues, don’t break down in the environment, earning them the “forever chemicals” label. Researchers from Harvard and New York University analyzed nationwide wastewater samples, revealing elevated levels of six types of PFAS.
Unregulated Organofluorines Found in Wastewater
Beyond PFAS, the study uncovered significant contamination from organofluorines, a broader group of chemicals used in products like nonstick coatings and refrigerants. While PFAS are regulated, many organofluorines remain unregulated, and their long-term health effects are still unknown.
“What are all of these other compounds? Are they PFAS that we’re not measuring?” asked lead researcher Bridger Ruyle, assistant professor of environmental engineering at New York University.
Ineffective Wastewater Treatment
The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that wastewater treatment facilities often fail to remove these chemicals. In many cases, PFAS levels became more concentrated after treatment.
Risks of Water Reuse and Scarcity
With increasing reliance on recycled wastewater, particularly in water-scarce areas, the contamination risk grows. If treated wastewater is not adequately diluted before being reintroduced into drinking water supplies, it could lead to higher contamination levels. Nearly 50% of U.S. drinking water supplies are sourced from areas downstream of wastewater treatment plants, placing millions of people at risk.
Impact on Health and Agriculture
The study indicates that PFAS from wastewater are already affecting the drinking water of up to 23 million people in the U.S. Moreover, the research highlights concerns over treated sewage sludge used as fertilizer, as it also carries PFAS contamination, potentially impacting agriculture and food safety.
Conclusion
The study calls for urgent action to improve wastewater treatment processes and address unregulated chemicals in order to protect public health. As water scarcity increases and more communities rely on treated wastewater, tackling this contamination is critical to ensuring safe, clean drinking water for all.
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