Hydromantis, Inc., University of Waterloo and Trent University. (2010). Emerging
substances of concern in biosolids: concentrations and effects of treatment processes.
Final Report – literature Review, CCME Project #447-2009. Canadian Council of
Ministers of the Environment, ed. pg. i-103.
http://www.ccme.ca/files/Resources/waste/biosolids/pn_1448_biosolids_esoc_final_e.p
df
- “Wastewater treatment facilities (WWTF) across Canada generate residual
wastewater solids (sewage sludge) that require treatment for safeguarding human
health and the environment prior to their use or disposal.” - “In this report, the term biosolids is applied to a treated material produced from
raw sludge by processes such as anaerobic and aerobic digestion, composting,
thermal or air drying, and alkaline stabilization with additives such as lime or
cement kiln dust.” - “These ESOCs (emerging substances of concern) include an array of
pharmaceuticals, personal care products, brominated flame retardants and
industrial contaminants (such as plasticizers and surfactants).” - “The detection [of] ESOCs in biosolids does not automatically imply that there is
a risk for human health or the environment associated with proper biosolids
management.” - “The major categories of substances identified for review in the literature
include:
o Industrial chemicals (plasticizers, pesticides, perfluorinated organic
compounds, solvents, etc)
o Alkylphenols and their ethoxylates
o Brominated flame retardants
o Hormones and sterols
o Pharmaceuticals
o Personal Care Products
o Certain metals (arsenic, silver selenium, mercury, etc.)
o Other (e.g. polyaromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated dioxins and
furans) - Tables 31 to 42 contain a detailed listing of antibiotics found in the biosolids of
waste water treatment facilities (WWTF) across Canada. Carbamazepine, anti-
depressants, psycho-stimulants and mood altering drugs are also included. - This publication includes 93 tables and an extensive bibliography. Much of the
information in this text is not available in the U.S. due to political restrictions
(U.S. Congress) on what the USGS, EPS, and other governmental entities are
allowed to report on micropollutants in the environment. (??) the current