[Pharmwaste] RE: question on wastewater characterization ofpharmaceuticals

[Matthew Mireles]

Jen, thanks so much for your thoughtful and informative reply.  I agree that
prevention has to be the key.  Do you have an idea on what drugs are most
frequently showing up at your site?  If we can address the issues of
over-prescription, non-adherence of medications, and proper disposal (this
is the most challenging), then everyone should be happy.  Thanks for the
reference.

Matthew Mireles

-----Original Message-----
From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us
[mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Jackson,
Jennifer
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 5:01 PM
To: pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: [Pharmwaste] RE: question on wastewater characterization
ofpharmaceuticals

Hi Matthew,

Your observation is a good one and there is a plethora of studies done
on what pharmaceuticals are entering waterways through wastewater
effluent. Check out the USGS 2002 Reconnaissance on Pharmaceuticals and
Personal Care Products. Boulder Creek, Potomac and San Francisco Bay
have some studies as well. Google Scholar will give you lots of hits. To
begin, look at: http://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/DM_top100.html as well
as the archives of this listserv.

Lots of pharmaceuticals are coming to our treatment plants, and yes,
many wastewater agencies are concerned. Some pharms are broken down,
some adsorb to biosolids and some come out the end pipe. Every treatment
plant is different, with various kinds of technology. Reverse osmosis,
UV, ozonation, carbon filtration and now ultrasound are all possible
treatments that may break down or remove the pharmaceuticals.
Unfortunately, some pharms respond better to certain treatments than
others, meaning that a mix of treatments would be necessary to get 'em
all. Also unfortunately, the burden of bringing this technology to our
plants falls on our ratepayers -- real people, rather than the true
culprits: over-prescription, formulations that don't break down and a
lack of EPA and FDA collaboration in ensuring pharmaceuticals are tested
for their environmental impacts.

So pollution prevention is key for the portion of pharmaceuticals that
are unused by hospitals, hospice, or residents, because that's much less
expensive than, say reverse osmosis. Some people on this list are
working toward a solution for disposal that will comply with DEA
regulations as well as state and other federal law. The red tape is
unbelievable.

For pharms that we take and pass through our bodies, I believe some
folks are looking at whether reformulation may be possible.

Best,
Jen Jackson
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