Organo-micropollutants in water
Introduction
In the realm of food safety, the focus has broadened to include the often-overlooked but potentially hazardous organo-micropollutants present in water sources. As custodians of public health, food testing laboratories play a pivotal role in identifying and analysing these elusive contaminants, which can have far-reaching consequences on the quality of our water supply. This blog delves into the intricate world of organo-micropollutants, shedding light on the advanced methodologies employed by laboratories to ensure the purity of the water we rely on daily.
Understanding Organo-Micropollutants
Organo-micropollutants encompass a diverse range of chemical compounds that exist in trace amounts in water sources. Originating from various human activities, industrial processes, and even pharmaceuticals, these contaminants pose a unique challenge due to their ability to persist and accumulate over time. Their presence in water raises concerns not only for the environment but also for human health, making their detection and analysis paramount.
Types of OMPs
There are many different types of OMPs, but some of the most common include:
Pharmaceuticals: These are drugs that are used to treat human and animal diseases. Some common examples of pharmaceuticals that are found in water include antibiotics, hormones, and painkillers.
Personal care products (PCPs): These are products that are used for personal hygiene and cosmetics. Some common examples of PCPs that are found in water include sunscreen, shampoo, and soap.
Industrial chemicals: These are chemicals that are used in manufacturing processes. Some common examples of industrial chemicals that are found in water include pesticides, herbicides, and solvents.
Natural organic matter (NOM): This is organic matter that is produced by plants and animals. NOM can be a source of OMPs, as it can release these compounds into the environment.
Sources of OMPs
OMPs can enter the environment from a variety of sources, including:
|
Sources of OMPs |
Description |
|
Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) |
Treatment facilities for wastewater from homes, businesses, and industries. OMPs may not be entirely removed, leading to environmental release. |
|
Agricultural Runoff |
Runoff from fields carrying pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers into waterways, potentially contaminating drinking water sources. |
|
Urban Runoff |
Pollutants from streets, parking lots, and rooftops washed into storm drains and waterways. Includes OMPs from various sources like cars, litter, and pet waste. |
|
Industrial Discharges |
Some industries release OMPs into waterways as part of their manufacturing processes, contributing to environmental contamination. |
Why OMPs testing important?
The testing of organo-micropollutants (OMPs) in water is of paramount importance due to several reasons, emphasizing the need for comprehensive water quality assessment and environmental protection:
|
Importance |
Reasons |
|
1. Human Health Concerns |
- Potential health risks from consuming OMPs in trace amounts. - Adverse effects of certain OMPs, such as pharmaceutical residues and endocrine disruptors. |
|
2. Environmental Impact |
- Adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems, disrupting the balance of flora and fauna. - Bioaccumulation of OMPs, potentially harming aquatic life. |
|
|
|
|
3. Wastewater Treatment Efficiency |
- Evaluation of the efficiency of wastewater treatment processes. - Optimization of treatment methods to minimize environmental release. |
|
4. Regulatory Compliance |
- Adherence to water quality standards established by regulatory bodies. - Safeguarding public health and the environment. |
|
5. Source Identification |
- Tracing the sources of OMPs, enabling targeted pollution prevention strategies. |
Standards and regulations
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is the regulatory body responsible for setting standards for organic micropollutants (OMPs) in water. The CPCB has set standards for a number of OMPs in drinking water, surface water, and wastewater.
Drinking Water
The CPCB has set National Ambient Water Quality Standards (NAWQS) for 33 OMPs in drinking water. The NAWQS are based on the Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The NAWQS for OMPs in drinking water are listed in Table 3 of Schedule I of the Environment Protection Act (1986).
Surface Water
The CPCB has set Water Quality Criteria (WQC) for 28 OMPs in surface water. The WQC are based on the protection of aquatic life and human health. The WQC for OMPs in surface water are listed in Schedule VI of the Environment Protection Act (1986).
Wastewater
The CPCB has set discharge limits for 20 OMPs in wastewater. The discharge limits are based on the protection of the receiving water body. The discharge limits for OMPs in wastewater are listed in Schedule VII of the Environment Protection Act (1986).
In addition to the NAWQS, WQC, and discharge limits, the CPCB has also developed a number of guidelines and manuals for the management of OMPs in water. These guidelines and manuals provide guidance on the monitoring, sampling, and analysis of OMPs, as well as the treatment and disposal of OMP-contaminated water.
The CPCB's standards for OMPs in water are based on the best available scientific information and are regularly reviewed and updated. The CPCB is committed to protecting human health and the environment by reducing the discharge of OMPs into water.
|
Parameter |
NAWQS (µg/L) |
WQC (µg/L) |
Discharge Limit (µg/L) |
|
Atrazine |
3 |
3.3 |
50 |
|
Simazine |
4 |
1.6 |
20 |
|
Metribuzin |
4 |
1.0 |
15 |
|
Propazine |
2 |
0.4 |
6 |
|
Diuron |
40 |
2.4 |
60 |
|
Alachlor |
2 |
0.5 |
7 |
|
Molinate |
10 |
18 |
270 |
|
Terbuthylazine |
1 |
0.01 |
0.1 |
|
Hexazinone |
4 |
0.1 |
1.5 |
|
Pendimethalin |
5 |
1.3 |
20 |
|
Propham |
4 |
0.6 |
9 |
|
Chlorpyrifos |
4 |
0.1 |
10 |
|
Diazinon |
4 |
0.1 |
10 |
|
Prometon |
4 |
0.1 |
10 |
Mandatory and optional analyses to be performed
Mandatory analyses
|
Analysis |
Description |
|
Total Organic Carbon (TOC) |
Provides an overall indication of the organic content in water. |
|
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) |
Identifies organic compounds that easily evaporate at room temperature, including industrial chemicals. |
|
Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) |
Identifies organic compounds that evaporate less easily than VOCs, encompassing pesticides and pharmaceuticals. |
|
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) |
Identifies a group of organic compounds formed through incomplete combustion, known for their carcinogenic properties. |
|
Pesticides |
Identifies and quantifies harmful pesticides in water, crucial for human health and environmental protection. |
|
Pharmaceuticals |
Identifies and quantifies pharmaceutical residues in water, addressing potential harm to aquatic organisms and antibiotic resistance. |
|
Personal Care Products (PCPs) |
Identifies and quantifies PCPs in water, addressing potential harm to aquatic organisms and hormone disruption. |
|
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) |
Identifies and quantifies PFAS in water, known carcinogens used in various products, posing risks to human health and the endocrine system. |
Optional Analyses
|
Analysis |
Description |
|
Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) |
Identifies organic compounds formed when disinfectants react with organic matter, potentially harmful to health and the environment. |
|
Endocrine Disruptors |
Identifies and quantifies chemicals interfering with the body's hormone system, posing risks to human health and the environment. |
|
Biocides |
Identifies and quantifies biocides used to control pests, addressing potential harm to human health and the environment. |
|
Emerging Contaminants |
Identifies and quantifies contaminants not yet well-regulated or understood, addressing potential emerging threats to human health and the environment. |
Eurofins role in testing organo-micropollutants in water
Eurofins, as a prominent environmental testing laboratory, plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and quality of water by testing for organo-micropollutants. The key aspects of Eurofins' role include:
Comprehensive Analysis Services:
Eurofins offers a comprehensive suite of analysis services specifically designed to detect and quantify organo-micropollutants in water samples. This includes mandatory analyses such as Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs), Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well as other relevant parameters.
State-of-the-Art Technologies:
Eurofins utilizes cutting-edge technologies and advanced analytical instruments to achieve high sensitivity and accuracy in organo-micropollutant detection. Techniques such as Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) are employed to identify and quantify these contaminants.
Regulatory Compliance:
Eurofins ensures that its testing procedures adhere to regulatory standards and guidelines. By conducting analyses in accordance with established regulations, Eurofins assists clients in meeting compliance requirements set by regulatory authorities.
Customized Testing Solutions:
Recognizing the diverse needs of its clients, Eurofins provides customized testing solutions based on specific requirements. Tailored approaches allow industries, municipalities, and other clients to address their unique challenges related to organo-micropollutants effectively.
Environmental Monitoring Programs:
Eurofins offers environmental monitoring programs that extend beyond individual tests. These programs provide a continuous assessment of water quality, allowing for ongoing monitoring of organo-micropollutants and facilitating proactive risk management.
Timely and Accurate Results:
Eurofins is committed to delivering timely and accurate results. The efficiency of their testing processes ensures that clients receive reliable data promptly, enabling them to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions in response to the test outcomes.
References
- Sackaria, M., & Elango, L. (2020). Organic micropollutants in groundwater of India—A review. Water Environment Research, 92(4), 504-523. https://doi.org/10.1002/wer.1243
- https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/9/2016
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314856254_Occurrence_and_removals_of_micropollutants_in_water_environment/figures?lo=1
