Scientists Find New Source of PFAS in Drinking Water

A recent study has uncovered a concerning link between wastewater treatment plants and the contamination of drinking water with persistent “forever chemicals.” These substances, primarily associated with prescribed drugs and industrial pollutants, may be exposing millions of Americans to potential health risks as conventional treatment methods fail to eliminate them. Moreover, climate change is exacerbating the problem by increasing reliance on treated wastewater for drinking supplies.

Forever chemicals, or PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are a group of nearly 15,000 synthetic compounds resistant to degradation in the environment and the human body. These chemicals have been widely used in consumer products like waterproof clothing, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant carpets since the 1950s. While their durability makes them valuable in manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, it also creates persistent environmental and health hazards.

Even in trace amounts, PFAS exposure has been linked to serious health issues, including thyroid problems, infertility, and certain cancers. Recent studies indicate that almost half of the tap water in the United States contains detectable levels of PFAS.

Study Findings: Wastewater’s Role in Contamination

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, analyzed water from eight large wastewater treatment facilities in the U.S. These facilities, which represent technologies serving 70% of the population, revealed that treated wastewater still discharged significant amounts of PFAS into rivers and lakes. This contamination directly impacts drinking water supplies, especially as roughly 50% of U.S. drinking water facilities are located downstream from wastewater plants.

Researchers estimated that approximately 23 million Americans could be exposed to PFAS from wastewater alone. Bridger Ruyle, an environmental engineering scientist at NYU and the study’s lead author, noted the challenge posed by the vast number of chemicals detected, many of which remain unregulated and poorly understood.

The Pharmaceutical Connection

Pharmaceuticals are emerging as a significant source of PFAS in water supplies. Drug manufacturers use PFAS compounds to enhance the stability and efficacy of medications. These same properties, however, make the compounds resistant to breakdown during wastewater treatment, allowing them to persist in the environment.

Ruyle explained that while PFAS improve drug performance in the body, they present a severe environmental challenge. “A molecule that’s hard to degrade in the body is also hard to degrade in a wastewater plant or in rivers and lakes,” he said.

Regulatory and Technological Gaps

Current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations target six PFAS compounds in drinking water. However, the study found these regulated substances account for only 8% of the hazardous compounds detected. The remaining chemicals, including other PFAS and pharmaceuticals, remain unregulated and are not effectively removed by conventional wastewater treatment technologies.

Denis O’Carroll, a professor of environmental engineering, emphasized the need for better detection methods to account for the full spectrum of PFAS contamination. He echoed the study’s call for a deeper understanding of the health risks posed by unregulated chemicals.

Experts agree that filtering tap water can reduce individual exposure to PFAS, but they stress that the most effective solution lies in preventing these chemicals from entering the environment. Ruyle advocated for addressing the issue at its source, rather than relying on increasingly expensive and resource-intensive treatment technologies.

“More research is crucial to understand the prevalence and risks of unregulated PFAS,” Ruyle said. This includes investigating how to reduce pharmaceutical-derived PFAS at manufacturing sites and enhancing wastewater treatment systems to better manage these pollutants.

Reverse Osmosis and Water Conditioners as Solutions

One way to reduce exposure to PFAS in households is through reverse osmosis filtration systems. These systems can remove many PFAS and other contaminants from drinking water. Whole-home water conditioners can also enhance water quality by targeting specific pollutants, offering a comprehensive approach to reducing chemical exposure.

Source: CNN