Wastewater database underlines personal care impact

Scientists in France have developed a database of information about both the occurrence and treatment of personal care residues in waste water.

The Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCP) database has been compiled from 117 studies into wastewater from Europe, Brazil and North America to create a global picture of an issue that is receiving increasing attention.

However, in light of a spate of recent studies into this kind of pollution in waterways, this database provides detailed information about the removal efficiency of these products using a variety of different treatments.

The database, which was drawn up by Valbonne-based EMWIS using EU funding, specifically honed in on personal care products such as musk fragrances, sunscreen chemicals and insect repellents, together with a variety of widely used pharmaceutical chemicals.

PPCP levels in treated and untreated water

Specifically the research considered the level of PPCP chemicals in untreated wastewater as well as treated wastewater, while also considering the removal rate from different types of wastewater processing plants.

The database acknowledges that treated water can still contain residues of PPCP chemicals after treatment.

It focused on specific groups of PPCP molecules, namely hormones, analgesics and anti-inflammatories - which can be used in certain personal care products, though not commonly.

The study found that the highest levels of PPCP molecules in untreated wastewater came from analgesic anti-inflammatories like paracetamol, while the lowest levels came from hormones.

PPCPs not removed by treatment

Focusing on PPCPs that were not removed during the water treatment process, the study found that the highest rate of removal was from the controversial skin care antibacterial chemical triclosan, with over 80 per cent being removed.

Conversely the lowest rate or removal was found for pharmaceutical PPCPs, including atenolol and metroprolol.

Finally the database also assesses the efficiency of different methods of wastewater treatment processes according to standards determined by the European Urban Wastewater Directive.

In the past month or so three separate studies relating to pollution from personal care products were given significant print space in a variety of publications, both trade and consumer related.

Studies carried out by the University of Gothenburg, in Sweden, The Baylor University in the US and a joint study by the Birmingham and Warwick Universities in the UK, point to potential hazards caused by pollution from a range of household products, including personal care.

The studies have highlighted how a range of chemicals have been detected in waterways, the sea and in farm land, detailing the potential hazards associated with these chemicals.