Microconstituents

Modern science has produced new products and medicines that have improved quality of life; however, their production, use, and disposal have resulted in the presence of low levels of microconstituents in the environment.  Microconstituents are miniscule particles of natural and manmade substances, such as pharmaceutical and personal care products, pesticides, and industrial chemicals, which have been detected within water and the environment.

Upcoming Events

• WEFTEC 2013 - Chicago, IL 
   

What's New?

• NCPA Encourages Patients to Dispose of Drugs Properly during Patient Safety Awareness Week
  The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA®) encourages patients to properly dispose of expired or unwanted medications (other than controlled substances) at a local independent community pharmacy as part of its Dispose My Meds™ program.  Read more »  

• EPA has published the results of an extensive review of the recent literature on wastewater treatment technologies and their ability to remove a number of chemical contaminants of emerging concern (CECs).  EPA has also made available a computer-searchable format of the data from this literature review. EPA developed this information to provide an accessible and comprehensive body of historical information about current CEC treatment technologies. Wastewater treatment plant operators, designers, and others may find this information useful in their studies of ways to remove CECs from wastewater. The report is not designed to promote any one technology nor is it intended to set agency policy or priorities in terms of risk. The literature review report and the searchable file were peer-reviewed for completeness and usability. The report can be found at http://epa.gov/waterscience/ppcp/studies/results.html 

Most Popular

• Water Environment Research Foundation’s (WERF’s) new research assessments regarding the health risks that may be associated with trace organics (microconstituents).  In partnership with the Global Water Research Coalition, nine studies from around the globe were utilized for this effort.  Each of the nine studies is a compilation and evaluation of many other health effects studies making it safe to say that literally hundreds of independent research studies were used to reach the conclusions. 

Opportunities for Involvement

• WEF Microconstituents Communications List-serv
  Linda Kelly, WEF staff liaison
  703-684-2448
  lkelly@wef.org
  
   
• Press Inquiries 
  Lori Harrison, Public Information Director
  703-684-2480
  lharrison@wef.org