Perchlorate contamination, human health effects and remediation techniques
Perchlorate contamination, human health effects and remediation techniques
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Issue Date
2004
Authors
Gideon, C. David
Weber, Troy
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Abstract
Perchlorate contamination of ground and surface water has become a persistent and pervasive problem in the United States. Known to have adverse health affects on the human thyroid gland - it is also regarded as a suspected carcinogen.
To date there has not been a drinking water standard established for perchlorate but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recommended drinking water equivalent levels ranging from 1 to 18 part per billion (ppb). These recommended levels are temporary, pending current peer reviews by various scientific organizations to determine accurate human toxicological affects. Once an enforceable standard has been set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), enforcement and subsequent remediation of state and local drinking water supplies will be required.
This project will explore the history of perchlorate contamination in the United States, current knowledge of the adverse human health affects caused by perchlorate and the known technologies utilized in the remediation process. Finally, it will recommend which technique would be feasible (scientifically and economically) given a certain drinking water standard - and which would not.
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Environmental engineering