Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are substances found in groundwater, drinking water, and wastewater that scientific studies have shown can harm ecological and public health – even at very low levels.
Although there are many potential sources of CECs, water treatment plants will play a significant role in minimising the impact of CECs, and regulators are setting targets for water treatment plants accordingly.
The huge variety of CECs means water treatment plants face ever-changing influent compositions. However, by grouping CECs into different classes, we can reduce the complexity of the challenge – and take the first step towards designing a strategy to remove them.
For example, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are related by chemical structure. Other classes of CECs are based on the size of particles, such as microplastics, or the concentration of micropollutants, such as compounds derived from pharmaceuticals or personal care products.
Our consultants help clients understand the nature and scale of the CECs entering their water treatment plants – and the limits they need to achieve in the water they return to the environment.
We then use our water technology expertise to help clients implement CEC separation and degradation treatments in the right order so that the process is as sustainable and cost-effective as possible.
The benefits of our emerging contaminants consultancy
Regulations will inevitably change as knowledge about the long-term effects of CECs increases. Our experts can help you understand what the latest regulations mean for you – and how you can adapt your treatment processes to stay compliant.
Complex treatments to remove emerging contaminants can incur higher energy and chemical consumption. We help clients deploy the right technology in a way that’s both cost-effective and sustainable.
Contact our Water Technology experts!