Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are a group of new emerging contaminants that are becoming a significant concern around the world. There have been increasing reports of these chemicals being detected in river water and estuaries, including the iconic, Sydney Harbour, as well as in groundwater, wastewater and surface waters. Balancing environmental sustainability challenges around climate change with economic stability through ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investment, have in the last few years, evolved the landscape for Australian environmental law and policy as more information and data has become available. Accordingly, each state and territory, as administered by their respective regulatory authorities, are progressively turning attention to matters in the management of pollution and environmental contamination, biodiversity, hazardous substances and resource recovery. For instance, in water resource management and use, Australian states and territories have been implementing programs in the treatment and recycling of wastewater for human consumption.
While most sewage and domestic wastewater treatment facilities currently remove a large number of contaminants in surface water and drinking water for human consumption, emerging contaminants present new challenges as new chemical compounds are being identified or created, and science persistently enhances its understanding in the management of these pollutants.
PPCPs and emerging contaminants in water: a chemical soup?
PPCPs are comprised of the thousands of therapeutic and prescription “over the counter” (OTC) pharmaceutical prescription and non-prescription drugs, including paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) and ibuprofen (iso-butyl-phenyl-propionic acid). Illicit drugs (IDs), food supplements, fragrances or musk perfumes, as well as shampoos, soaps and even anti-fungal agents used in products like toothpaste and artificial sweeteners, such as Acesulfame, are other recognised classes of environmental pollutants being increasingly detected in water bodies.
The issue of PPCP contamination of water systems has been further complicated by more recent concern among the scientific community and general public of the possible health threat posed by endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). An endocrine disruptor (ED) is a chemical, either natural or synthetic, that mimics and/or interferes with various hormones produced by an organism. These chemicals are discharged into different water matrices by industrial processes and can runoff from agriculture containing pesticides and fertilisers. Other common ED chemicals are Dioxins, Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), and Phthalates and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB). The evidence for ED from both field and laboratory studies have indicated effects to the sexual development and function of marine life and altered mating behaviour of some fish species. Some research has further shown exposure linked to possible cancer risk. Considering the numerous sources and additional effects of bioaccumulation to the marine environment, aquatic organisms and top predators in the marine food web, including terrestrial animals and humans, are vulnerable to potential exposure.
A substantial number of personal care products used by society, are classified as PPCPs. Following use, these substances can enter the sewer system and may end up in rivers, lakes and other water bodies in the natural environment.
Detecting PPCPs in water samples
MPL Laboratories, in collaboration with its network of laboratories and support offices across Australia, have in 2022 been working together to set up several large suites of PPCPs in water by the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MSMS) methods. This technology enables fast and accurate screening of water samples for a broad range of one-off as well as ongoing monitoring projects. Our modern laboratory premises is furthermore composed of a large inventory of instrumentation, which will ensure timely reporting that will meet tight project schedules, as well as often conflicting or changing scope requirements.
Quality reporting, supported by a highly experienced team at MPL Laboratories, will provide you with the right information you need for more informed decisions in areas including the identification of the original source of contamination in surface water, efficiency of water treatment plants and water recovery programs in place, as well as an extensive range of other service requirements.
For more information about our laboratory testing services, get in touch with us today!