Island Water Technologies (IWT) has been selected by UNESCO to develop a case study characterizing the impact of emerging Caribbean wastewater contaminants.
http://en.unesco.org/emergingpollutants/strengthening-scientific-research-and-policy/case-studies
Inadequate wastewater infrastructure in the Caribbean region
Small Island Developing States have unique challenges relating to water delivery and wastewater treatment. Currently in the Caribbean, around 85% of untreated waste-water is discharged into seas, rivers and bays. Depending on the territory, such waste-water comes from a mix of oil refineries, sugar factories, domestic sewage, food and beverage processing, and manufacturing operations.
The impact of poorly functioning sewage systems, and the lack of/or improper sewage disposal is causing serious pollution of surface and ground waters. The lack of adequate wastewater treatment may lead to the accumulation of contaminants of emerging concern in drinking water supplies. It is important that we better understand the presence of these emerging contaminants in regions where existing treatment infrastructure in not adequate.
What are contaminants of emerging concern?
Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), have been detected at low levels in surface water, leading to concerns that these compounds may have an impact on human health and aquatic life.
CECs include alkylphenols, flame retardants, hormones, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, steroids, and pesticides. Many CECs enter municipal wastewater through bathing, cleaning, laundry, and the disposal of human waste and unused pharmaceuticals.
Municipal wastewater treatment plants are not designed to specifically remove CECs from wastewater. There have been, however, a growing number of reports that CECs removals occur in municipal wastewater treatment plants with secondary treatment, as well as, those with some form of advanced treatment. CECs are also detected in drinking water supplies, particularly those drawn from surface waters into which treated municipal wastewaters are discharged. Most Caribbean nations are signatories to the Stockholm Convention, which aims to reduce and mitigate contamination from selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs). However, there is little capacity within the Caribbean to analyze and monitor POPs in humans, fish and wildlife and the abiotic environment.
IWT Case Study
The case study being prepared by IWT is focused on compiling existing academic literature as it relates to the characterization of emerging Caribbean wastewater contaminants. This body of scientific evidence can be used to predict whether these contaminants pose a major threat to the environment.
This work will also include a characterization of water collected at a site in a rural coastal town in St. Lucia. This information will add to the existing body of evidence and be used as a reference point for communities struggling with inadequate infrastructure.
Dr. Patrick Kiely (CEO, Island Water Technologies)
“This case study offers IWT an opportunity to generate a consolidated summary of the excellent scientific research being carried out on the impact of CEC contamination in the Caribbean region. It gives us a great chance to better understand the presence of emerging Caribbean wastewater contaminants.”
