When wastewater is reclaimed for downstream use (e.g., irrigation or drinking wa

Question

When wastewater is reclaimed for downstream use (e.g., irrigation or drinking water source), wemust examine the type and concentration of contaminants that are present after wastewatertreatment. Triclosan is a pharmaceutical/personal care product that can be found in rawwastewater. Using the scientific literature (i.e., NOT Wikipedia), list a concentration of Triclosanthat has been measured in raw municipal wastewater (i.e., the influent to a wastewater treatmentplant) and briefly discuss whether Triclosan is well-removed by microorganisms. What are thepotential human health concerns associated with Triclosan? Cite your journal references to supportyour points.

Explanation / Answer

Triclosan (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol), which is generally added to the antimicrobial personal care (mouthwash and toothpaste) products have been shown to have toxic effects.The occurance and toxicity level is  six orders of magnitude in concentration.Crustacea and algae are among the most affected specied from their contamination.Triclosan also has been detected in human milk. Municipal waste water treatment involving biodegradation processes are efficient to remove up to 59% - 98% of these biocides.

Schwarzenbach RP, Gschwend PM, Imboden DM. Environmental Organic Chemistry. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc; 2003.

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