Development of a semi-quantitative risk assessment model for evaluating environmental threat posed by the three first EU watch-list pharmaceuticals to urban wastewater treatment plants: An Irish case study

摘要: Contamination of receiving waters with pharmaceutical compounds is pressing concern. This constitutes the first study to report on development a semi-quantitative risk assessment (RA) model for evaluating environmental threat posed by three EU watch list namely, diclofenac, 17-beta-estradiol and 17-alpha-ethinylestradiol, aquatic ecosystems using Irish data as case study. RA adopts Environmental Protection Agency Source-Pathway-Receptor concept define relevant parameters calculating low, medium or high score each agglomeration wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), which include catchment, treatments, operational management factors. may potentially be used national scale (i) identify WWTPs that pose particular regards releasing disproportionally levels these compounds, (ii) help priority locations introducing upgrading control measures (e.g. tertiary treatment, source reduction). To assess risks substances emerging concern, was applied 16 urban located in different regions Ireland were scored ranked risk. As validation proxy, this limited monitoring recorded at some plants waters. It envisaged approach aid other countries investigate screen potential where measured predicted pollutant concentrations and/or hydrological are available. semi-quantitative, factors such influence climate change drug usage prescription will need considered future point estimating predicting risks.