Chemicals of Emerging Concern in the Great Lakes Region

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In the present report, a review of the literature data on the occurrence of chemicals of emerging concern in the Great Lakes Basin between the years of 2007-2011 was performed using Web of Science to compile the peer-reviewed scientific studies and reports. The chemicals identified as emerging chemicals by the International Joint Commission are synthetic musks, fluorinated surfactants, brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, alkylphenol-ethoxylates, short chain chlorinated paraffins, phthalates, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, pesticides and hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Based on the given list and literature data, the emerging chemicals summarized in the current review are classified as pharmaceutical substances, pesticides, flame retardants (brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, chlorinated paraffins), perfluorinated surfactants, alkylphenolic substances, synthetic musk fragrances, plasticizers and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The literature data on the historical contaminant, polychlorinated biphenyls is excluded in the current report. The occurrence of all these chemicals in wastewater treatment plant influents and effluents, surface and ground waters, drinking water treatment plant influents and effluents, sediments and biota are discussed throughout the report.