Hormones and Pharmaceuticals in Groundwater Used As a Source of Drinking Water Across the United States

Bexfield, Laura M.; Toccalino, Patricia L.; Belitz, Kenneth; Foreman, William T.; Furlong, Edward T.

doi:10.1021/acs.est.8b05592

Cited by 177 publications

(77 citation statements)

References 52 publications

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“…Literature information from other studies shows that BPA and DEET were identified as the most commonly detected ECs in groundwater [32][33][34][35][36] with BPH being previously identified as one of the most widespread ECs in groundwater located under MSW landfills [31,[37][38][39]. Table 5.…”

Section: Groundwater Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Rapid and Sensitive Analysis of Hormones and Other Emerging Contaminants in Groundwater Using Ultrasound-Assisted Emulsification Microextraction with Solidification of Floating Organic Droplet Followed by GC-MS Detection

Kotowska

Kapelewska

Kotowski

et al. 2019

Water

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Ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction with solidification of floating organic droplet (USAEME-SFOD) has been applied to isolate hormones and other emerging contaminants from groundwater samples. Simultaneously with the extraction process, derivatization in the matrix was carried out using acetic anhydride. Quantification of studied organic pollutants was done through gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Hormones included β-estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and diethylstilbestrol (DES). Other compounds belonged to groups of pharmaceuticals (diclofenac (DIC)), antiseptics (triclosan (TRC)), preservatives (propylparaben (PP) and butylparaben (BP)), sunscreen agents (benzophenone (BPH), and 3-(4-methylbenzylidene)camphor (3MBC)), repellents (N,N-diethyltoluamide (DEET)), industrial chemicals (bisphenol A (BPA), 4-t-octylphenol (4OP), 4-n-nonylphenol (4NP)). A non-toxic and inexpensive 1-undecanol was successfully used as the extraction solvent. Volume of extractant and derivatization agent, ionic strength, and time of extraction were optimized. Very low limits of detection (LoD) ranging from 0.01 to 5.9 ng/L were obtained. Recoveries ranged from 90% to 123%, with relative standard deviation being lower than 17%. The developed procedure was used to determine target compounds in groundwater collected at municipal waste landfills as well as in groundwater from wells distant from sources of pollution.

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Section: Groundwater Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Rapid and Sensitive Analysis of Hormones and Other Emerging Contaminants in Groundwater Using Ultrasound-Assisted Emulsification Microextraction with Solidification of Floating Organic Droplet Followed by GC-MS Detection

Kotowska

Kapelewska

Kotowski

et al. 2019

Water

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“…Bexfield et al. ( 2019 ) also reported that compounds with high

or low

values tended to be present in groundwater.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Occurrence and Health Risks of Organic Micro-Pollutants and Metals in Groundwater of Chinese Rural Areas

Tian

Shang

et al. 2020

Environ Health Perspect

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Background: Groundwater is a main drinking-water source for Chinese rural residents. The overall pollution status of organic micropollutants (OMPs) and metals in the groundwater and corresponding health risks are unknown. Objectives: Our objective was to comprehensively screen for and assess the health risks of OMPs and metals in groundwater of rural areas in China where groundwater is used for drinking so as to provide a benchmark for monitoring and improving groundwater quality in future developments. Methods: One hundred sixty-six groundwater samples were collected in the rural areas of China, and 1,300 OMPs and 25 metals were screened by GC-MS, LC-QTOF/MS, and ICP-MS analysis. To assess the noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of the detected pollutants, missing toxicity threshold values were extrapolated from existing databases or predicted by quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models. Monte Carlo simulation was performed to account for uncertainties in the exposure parameters and toxicity thresholds. Results: Two hundred thirty-three OMPs and 25 metals were detected from the 166 samples. The concentration summation for the detected OMPs ranged from 2.9 to among the different sampling sites. Cumulative noncarcinogenic risks for the OMPs were estimated to be negligible. However, high metal risks were calculated in 23% of the sites. Forty-two carcinogens (including 38 OMPs) were identified and the cumulative carcinogenic risks in 34% of the sites were calculated to be (i.e., one excess cancer case in a population of 10 thousand people). The carcinogenic risks were estimated to be mainly associated with exposures to the metals, which were calculated to contribute 79% (0–100%) of the cumulative carcinogenic risks. Discussion: The overall status of OMPs and metals pollution in the groundwater and the corresponding health risks were determined preliminarily, which may provide a benchmark for future efforts in China to ensure the safety of drinking water for the local residents in rural areas. The joint application of QSARs and Monte Carlo simulation provided a feasible way to comprehensively assess the health risks of the large and ever-increasing number of pollutants detected in the aquatic environment. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6483

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“…Well depth is an important factor influencing the concentrations of pharmaceuticals in groundwater. Studies have reported higher concentrations and frequencies of detection in shallow wells with depths typically <23 m in comparison with deeper wells (Verstraeten et al, 2005; Barnes et al, 2008; Bexfield et al, 2019). However, in the present study, no correlation was observed between well depth and concentrations of pharmaceuticals.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occurrence, Concentrations, and Risks of Pharmaceutical Compounds in Private Wells in Central Pennsylvania

et al. 2019

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Over-the-counter and prescription medications are routinely present at detectable levels in surface and groundwater bodies. The presence of these emerging contaminants has raised both environmental and public health concerns, particularly when the water is used for drinking either directly or with additional treatment. However, the frequency of occurrence, range of concentrations, and potential human health risks are not well understood, especially for groundwater supplies. Private wells are often not tested for contaminants regulated by drinking water standards and are even less frequently tested for emerging contaminants. By partnering with the Pennsylvania Master Well Owner Network, water samples were collected from 26 households with private wells in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River basin in central Pennsylvania in winter 2017. All samples were analyzed for six pharmaceuticals (acetaminophen, ampicillin, naproxen, ofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim) and one over-the-counter stimulant (caffeine). At least one compound was detected at each site. Ofloxacin and naproxen were the most and least frequently detected compounds, respectively. Concentrations from the groundwater wells were higher than those of nearby surface water samples. However, risk calculations revealed that none of the concentrations measured in groundwater samples posed significant human health risk. A simple, physicochemical-based modeling approach was used to predict pharmaceutical transport from septic absorption field to groundwater and further elucidate variations in detection frequencies. Findings indicate that although septic tanks may act as contaminant sources for groundwater wells, the human health impacts from trace-level pharmaceuticals that may be present are likely minimal.

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Hormones and Pharmaceuticals in Groundwater Used As a Source of Drinking Water Across the United States

Cited by 177 publications

References 52 publications

Rapid and Sensitive Analysis of Hormones and Other Emerging Contaminants in Groundwater Using Ultrasound-Assisted Emulsification Microextraction with Solidification of Floating Organic Droplet Followed by GC-MS Detection

Rapid and Sensitive Analysis of Hormones and Other Emerging Contaminants in Groundwater Using Ultrasound-Assisted Emulsification Microextraction with Solidification of Floating Organic Droplet Followed by GC-MS Detection

Occurrence and Health Risks of Organic Micro-Pollutants and Metals in Groundwater of Chinese Rural Areas

Occurrence, Concentrations, and Risks of Pharmaceutical Compounds in Private Wells in Central Pennsylvania

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