GLOBAL-FATE (version 1.0.0): A geographical information system (GIS)-based model for assessing contaminants fate in the global river network

Abstract

Abstract. GLOBAL-FATE is the first open-source, multiplatform, user-friendly, and modular contaminant-fate model operating at the global scale linking human consumption of pharmaceutical-like compounds with their concentration in the river network. GLOBAL-FATE simulates human consumption and excretion of pharmaceuticals, the attenuation of the contaminant load in waste water treatment plants as well as the attenuation of the contaminant load in river reaches, lakes, and reservoirs as a first-order decay depending on residence time. We provide a comprehensive description of model equations and the overall structure of the model, with special attention to input–output datasets. GLOBAL-FATE is written in C, can be compiled in any platform, and uses inputs in standard geographical information system (GIS) format. Additionally, the model can be run in the Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) as a plug-in. The model has no built-in working resolution, which depends on the intended use and the availability of appropriate model inputs and observed data. We exemplify the application of GLOBAL-FATE solving the global concentration of diclofenac in the river network. A comparison with a dataset of diclofenac concentration observations in rivers suggests that GLOBAL-FATE can be successfully applied in real-case modelling exercises. The model is particularly sensitive to the generation of contaminant loads by human pharmaceutical consumption and to the processes governing contaminant attenuation in the river network. GLOBAL-FATE will be a valuable tool for the scientific community and the policymaking arena and could be used to test the effectiveness of large-scale management strategies related to pharmaceutical consumption control and waste water treatment implementation and upgrading.

Distribution and characteristics of wastewater treatment plants within the global river network

“…One of the main challenges for global water quality modeling is the lack of spatial consistency in datasets for model inputs, especially in regions where data are insufficient for a detailed assessment (Strokal et al, 2019;Kroeze et al, 2016). Due to the limited information on global wastewater, all published global water quality models until now (e.g., GLOBAL-FATE, Global NEWS, WorldQual, GlowPa, and IMAGE-GNM) quantify the load of wastewater into the river system using population density and national sanitation statistics as proxies (e.g., Font et al, 2019;Strokal et al, 2019;Mayorga et al, 2010;Van Drecht et al, 2009;Williams et al, 2012;Beusen et al, 2015;Hofstra et al, 2013). More specifically, calculations are typically based on the fractions of population connected to sewage systems per country.…”

Estimation of Unintended Treated Wastewater Contributions to Streams in the Yangtze River Basin and the Potential Human Health and Ecological Risk Analysis

“…The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has set the target of improving water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing the input of hazardous chemicals into the river. − However, with rapid urbanization, growing population, and improved sanitation, a large proportion of river networks are now under the stress due to effluent inputs from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). − Since WWTPs cannot remove all the contaminants, they will inevitably represent concentrated point sources of residual contaminant loadings into surface water. − WWTP effluents input organic matter, nutrients, and fecal bacteria into streams, together with micro-pollutants from household products such as the pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and illegal drugs . The down-the-drain chemical would reach the river networks and impact both the human health and aquatic biodiversity, posing potential risk to water security. ,, Unintended wastewater reuse or WWTP effluent input in the water supply sources is becoming widespread across the world . In the United States, Rice and Westerhoff had revealed the impacts of effluent discharges on surface waters on half of the 1210 targeted drinking water treatment plants.…”

Visible Light–Driven Advanced Oxidation Processes to Remove Emerging Contaminants from Water and Wastewater: a Review

“…2020 /1161 of 4 August 2020 establishing a watch list of substances for monitoring purposes, as many as four compounds from the group of pharmaceuticals have been included: amoxicillin (a semi-synthetic β-lactam antibiotic with bactericidal activity), ciprofloxacin (a second-generation quinolone chemotherapeutic with bactericidal activity), sulfamethoxazole (a bacteriostatic antibiotic), trimethoprim (a chemotherapeutic agent), venlafaxine, and O -desmethylvenlafaxine (a multifunctional organic chemical compound used as an antidepressant) (Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/495; Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/1161). Furthermore, Font et al ( 2019 ) developed a model to predict the current and future dilution of pharmaceuticals in freshwater ecosystems such as rivers and lakes. Their model was applied to diclofenac, a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug to reduce pain.…”