Last week, we discussed the problems with antibiotics and how municipal wastewater treatment plants(WWTP) like ours worsen the spread of antibiotics, antibiotic-resistant genes(ARG) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria(ARB) into the environment.
This week, we expand our scope on pollutants to the subset of WHO’s persistent organic pollutants that encompass antibiotics, biocidal compounds, pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors; which I’ll term as bio-disruptive organic compounds (BOC) for the purpose of this post.
BES folks might recognise endocrine disruptors as an emerging pollutant in freshwater systems; but for the sake of those unaware, these BOCs alter hormone levels in organisms in a way that causes harm to the organism, its offspring, or those around them(Bergman, Heindel, Jobling, Kidd, & Zoeller, 2012; Godfray et al., 2019).
As the term “emerging pollutant” might allude to, new endocrine disruptors and BOCs are being discovered or manufactured(Bergman et al., 2012). Some of these originate from completely unintuitive sources: I mean, imagine flame retardants changing your hormone levels(Godfray et al., 2019)! I wouldn’t even have thought to look there for BOCs!
Not to mention, household products (especially plastics, glues, lubricating oils) contain plasticizers like phthalates, BPA and flame retardants like Polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDE) that are also endocrine disruptors(Monneret, 2017).
Yes…even I’m guilty.
Plastic containers, lubricants, and even vinyl flooring contain BOCs that can be washed into our sewers(Monneret, 2017).
Think about it, every time you wash your utensils, ride a public bus or wash your floor: we are washing BOCs down our sewers. With all due respect to PUB, our municipal WWTPs are still under-equipped to ensure complete and utter removal of all BOCs from our wastewater stream(Sui et al., 2015). I must stress utter removal because BOC concentrations of parts per trillion(ppt) are still harmful(Godfray et al., 2019).
Remember our 4 national taps? Yep, that same catchment water Sui et al (2015) found BOCs in bounces straight back at us. Of course, nothing is happening to our aquatic ecosystems or drinking water as of yet; but we can’t say with certainty that there will not be an ARB outbreak., an emergent BOC contamination, or any side effects of chronic exposure to BOCs
No point crying over spilt drugs, let’s talk solutions. The problem? Elevated concentrations of Diclofenac and Carbamazepine in ppt to ppb, and Caffeine in ppb to ppm; found around the Jurong Lake Catchment(Tran, Li, Hu, & Ong, 2014).
Sampling sites for pharmaceuticals around Jurong Lake Catchment.
Source(left): https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-013-2428-9
Source(right): https://www.google.com/maps/place/Jurong+Lake/@1.3382125,103.7046754,4171m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x31da0ffd5cd73093:0x415a1e9ba09be19b!8m2!3d1.3418479!4d103.7281926
While there probably won’t be a universal solution to eliminate these BOCs from our wastewater, there is a particular pilot test that achieved significant results in a context analogous to Singapore’s WWTPs that I would like to present. A pilot plant utilising a novel technology, known as Membrane Distillation(MD), was implemented at Swedish WWTP as an alternative to an existing reverse osmosis array for the purpose of pharmaceutical wastewater treatment(Fortkamp et al., 2015). To put it simply, instead of using high pressures to squeeze water through a porous membrane, a selective hydrophilic membrane that only allows vaporised wastewater through is used.
The pilot managed to reduce Diclofenac, Carbamazepine, and Caffeine concentrations to below 3 ppt(Fortkamp et al., 2015). However, outstanding costs for heating wastewater was identified(Fortkamp et al., 2015). Fortunately, since PUB’s WWTPs recycles biogas for energy generation, a similar MD system with virtually no extra energy expenditure may be possible!
A possible opportunity to install a membrane distillation unit in our WWTPs. Source: https://www.pub.gov.sg/PublishingImages/PUB_29_UsedWaterConventionalTreatment%20PA-01.png
References:
Bergman, Å., Heindel, J., Jobling, S., Kidd, K., & Zoeller, R. T. (2012). State-of-the-science of endocrine disrupting chemicals, 2012. Toxicology Letters. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2012.03.020
Fortkamp, U., Royen, H., Klingspor, M., Ekengren, Ö., Martin, A., & Woldemariam, D. M. (2015). Membrane Distillation pilot tests for different wastewaters.In IVL Report B 2236: https://www.ivl.se/download/18.7e136029152c7d48c201f3/…/B2236.pdf
Godfray, H. C. J., Stephens, A. E. A., Jepson, P. D., Jobling, S., Johnson, A. C., Matthiessen, P., … McLean, A. R. (2019). A restatement of the natural science evidence base on the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on wildlife. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2018.2416
Monneret, C. (2017). What is an endocrine disruptor? Comptes Rendus – Biologies. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crvi.2017.07.004
Sui, Q., Cao, X., Lu, S., Zhao, W., Qiu, Z., & Yu, G. (2015). Occurrence, sources and fate of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the groundwater: A review. Emerging Contaminants. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emcon.2015.07.001
Tran, N. H., Li, J., Hu, J., & Ong, S. L. (2014). Occurrence and suitability of pharmaceuticals and personal care products as molecular markers for raw wastewater contamination in surface water and groundwater. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-013-2428-9
Additional Note:
If you would like to read more about Membrane Distillation, check out this book at National Libraries!
Specifically, pages 305-350. Really interesting stuff!
Thank you so much for sharing this great blog.Very inspiring and helpful too.Hope you continue to share more of your ideas.I will definitely love to read. scholarship fund
Thanks for a great blog. I was able to get the information that I had been looking for. Thanks once again!
Ultima City Noida Extension
Great things you’ve always shared with us. Just keep writing this kind of posts.The time which was wasted in traveling for tuition now it can be used for studies.Thanks credit card score
your are a great author It’s contains many informative content chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer near me
keep write more article like this
useful article
1st birthday wishes for baby boy from parents you can more images like this in my blog,
Passez au niveau au dessus grâce à des produits conçu par des athlètes. Améliorez vos performances! Des lunettes de natation conçue pour la vitesse. Idéal pour triathlon . Livraison gratuite à partir de 59.90€ . Know Details
Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i’ve been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. zlibrary
비아그라 구매? 더 이상 걱정하지 말고, 확실한 원본 상품을 얻을 수 있도록 도와드립니다!
Amazon Certified Refurbished products are pre-owned products that have been professionally refurbished and tested to work and look like new. These products come with a warranty and are sold at a discounted price. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what Amazon Certified Refurbished products are, how they work, and the benefits of buying them.
What are Amazon Certified Refurbished products?
Amazon Certified Refurbished products are pre-owned products that have been refurbished by professionals to meet Amazon’s standards. These products undergo a rigorous refurbishing process, which includes cleaning, testing, and repackaging. The process ensures that the products work like new, and any defects or malfunctions are fixed before they are sold. “Find here https://www.renewedlist.com/ top rated refurbished apple products.
Amazon offers a range of Certified Refurbished products, including electronics, home appliances, laptops, smartphones, and more. These products are sold by Amazon or third-party sellers, who are authorized by Amazon to sell Certified Refurbished products.
How do Amazon Certified Refurbished products work?
The refurbishing process of Amazon Certified Refurbished products starts with the inspection of the product’s physical condition. The product is then cleaned and disinfected, and any parts that are worn or damaged are replaced.
Once the physical condition of the product is restored, it is then tested to ensure that it works like new. The testing process includes software checks, hardware diagnostics, and functional testing. If any defects or malfunctions are found during the testing process, they are fixed before the product is sold.
After the refurbishing process is complete, the product is repackaged in a new box, and all accessories that originally came with the product are included. The product is then given a new warranty, which varies depending on the product type and seller.
Benefits of buying Amazon Certified Refurbished products
Affordable prices: Amazon Certified Refurbished products are sold at a discounted price, making them an affordable option for customers who want to save money.
High-quality products: The refurbishing process of Amazon Certified Refurbished products ensures that they work and look like new. Customers can be confident that they are buying high-quality products that have been tested and refurbished to meet Amazon’s standards.
Warranties: Amazon Certified Refurbished products come with a warranty, which varies depending on the product type and seller. The warranty gives customers peace of mind, knowing that they can return the product or have it repaired if it develops any issues.
Environmentally friendly: Buying refurbished products is an environmentally friendly option. It reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills and conserves resources by extending the life of products.
Customer reviews: Amazon Certified Refurbished products have customer reviews that can help customers make informed buying decisions. Customers can read about other people’s experiences with the product and decide if it’s the right fit for them.
Conclusion
Amazon Certified Refurbished products are a great way to save money while still getting high-quality products. The refurbishing process ensures that these products work and look like new, and they come with a warranty, giving customers peace of mind. Buying refurbished products is also an environmentally friendly option that conserves resources and reduces waste. Customers can read customer reviews to make informed buying decisions and find the right Certified Refurbished product for them.
Thanks for sharing us. mp3juices
최근 부업에 대한 관심이 많아지면서 다양한 N잡을 하시는 분들이 많아지고 있습니다. 여러 N잡이 있지만 그중에서 쉽게 접할 수 있고 쉽게 시작할 수 있는게 바로 블로그라고 할 수 있습니다. 이번 포스팅에서는 네이버광고 마케팅을 할 때 왜 블로그를 활용해야하는지에 대해 알라보려고 합니다.
your are a great author It’s contains many informative content bankruptcy offices near me
keep write more article like this
Quizcum is made for people who are passionate and interested in learning about blogging and content marketing. It is a premier online blog with content that will encourage readers and bloggers about the newest trends in blogging and SEO advertising. We provide users with the most recent content and up-to-date information so they can read newsworthy articles.
https://quizcum.com/
Thanks For sharing this Superb article.I use this Article to show my assignment in college.it is useful For me Great Work. 스포츠중계
I am very enjoyed for this blog. Its an informative topic. It help me very much to solve some problems. Its opportunity are so fantastic and working style so speedy. mlb중계
All the contents you mentioned in post is too good and can be very useful. I will keep it in mind, thanks for sharing the information keep updating, looking forward for more posts.Thanks 군밤티비
You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. 군밤티비
Excellent post. Keep posting such kind of information on your page.
카지노사이트원
This blog is so nice for me. 바카라사이트
I will keep on coming here again and again.
호텔카지노
What an awesome post, I just read it from start to end. Learned something new after a long time. 토토
Thanks for a wonderful share. Your article has proved your hard work and experience you have got in this field. Brilliant .i love it reading. 메이저사이트
Blending stylish concepts, biker trends, and fine craftsmanship, we guarantee to deliver the best biker jewelry that you’re looking for whether it’s sterling silver men rings or gothic motif pendants. Our constantly growing collections and passion for forging unique products means you can find the latest must have pieces to add to your stash.https://www.bikerringshop.com/collections/wallet-chains
I am unable to read articles online very often, but I’m glad I did today. This is very well written and your points are well-expressed. Please, don’t ever stop writing. 카지노
Wonderful article. Fascinating to read. I love to read such an excellent article. Thanks! It has made my task more and extra easy. Keep rocking. BEST CASINO24
There are a lot of blogs over the Internet. But I can surely say that your blog is amazing in all. It has all the qualities that a perfect blog should have. 카지노
nice post.
CSTechbook
I have read all the comments and suggestions posted by the visitors for this article are very fine,We will wait for your next article so only.Thanks! 토토사이트순위
I learn some new stuff from it too, thanks for sharing your information. 토토사이트순위
I’ve been searching for some decent stuff on the subject and haven’t had any luck up until this point, You just got a new biggest fan!.. 토토사이트순위
Really a great addition. I have read this marvelous post. Thanks for sharing information about it. I really like that. Thanks so lot for your convene. 사설토토
Thanks for a wonderful share. Your article has proved your hard work and experience you have got in this field. Brilliant .i love it reading. dairyland insurance
Sexual machines are also called sex devices. It is a kind of sex toys. People tend to think of it as a kind of BDSM toys. Indeed, because it belongs to a multi-concept toy. In addition to enjoying common penetration sexual stimulation, it can also be used for role-playing and other SM games.https://www.sexmachineshub.com/
You there, this is really good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information. Quality content is what always gets the visitors coming. paypal gift card
This was a really wonderful post. Thank you for your provided information.
casinositehotcom
Please share more like that. paypal park
Have you ever encountered
She is the latest Instagram hit of 2021 and amassing thousands of followers daily. But who is she exactly? What does https://valet.pp.ua her life story look like, and what separates her from everybody else?
Raebanns is a social media influencer with an impressive following on Instagram,
You completed a few fine points there. I did a search on the subject and found nearly all persons will go along with with your blog. shelter insurance
I’m glad to see the great detail here!. paypal gift card
I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to understand. Unlike other blogs I have read which are really not that good.Thanks alot! shelter insurance
Sexual machines are also called sex devices. It is a kind of sex toys. People tend to think of it as a kind of BDSM toys. Indeed, because it belongs to a multi-concept toy.https://www.sexmachineshub.com/
Sarkari Result is a india’s most popular jobs portal that provides the latest job updates on government job vacancies and sarkari exam results. It is very useful for students who have completed their sarkari result 12th standard education and are looking for job opportunities in the government job sector. The website provides latest information on a wide range of topics such as sarkari result 10+2 latest job, sarkari exam results, admit cards, syllabus, and more. It is a reliable source of information for those candidate who are interested in pursuing a career in the government job.
Nice Sarkari Result
I was reading some of your content on this website and I conceive this internet site is really informative ! Keep on putting up. 토토사이트
Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i’ve been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. 메이저사이트
One of the biggest stages of your product’s development is prototyping. It is one of the landmark phases that showcases the reality of where you stand as an inventor with the ideas you have tried to develop. But is this stage just a mere wish?
“how much does it cost to have a prototype made”
No, it isn’t. As a matter of fact, it brings with it a certain level of caution and clarity that you need as a business person. First, it helps you to identify the lapses in your ideas and propels you to find a way to finetune them for final production. But ultimately, it gives you a certain level of confidence in the success of your invention.
However, many inventors do not know how much does it cost to have a prototype made. And that is what this piece seeks to address. So get ready to understand the necessary details you need to facilitate a prototype being made for your invention.
Thanks for sharing it sir. mobylagu
https://jurnal.ukdc.ac.id/plugins/slot-gacor-online/
agen resmi https://jurnal.ukdc.ac.id/plugins/slot-server-thailand/ gacor punya pokoe
Una Persona sólo puede disfrutar de dos ocasiones que le conciernen personalmente.
Uno, es cumpleaños – un día en un año.
Otro, es el Día del Matrimonio – Un Día en la Vida.
Ambos son los más preciados, que permanecen memorables durante mucho tiempo.
Feliz Cumpleanos Hermana merecen un día verdaderamente feliz y que haga felices a todos.
N95 Mask is a safety device that covers the nose and mouth that protects us from breathing in some hazardous substances.
Good article. I absolutely love this website. Keep it up!
Fall Arrest Systems Rmol 0113