Abstract The endocrine system regulates all biological processes in the body from
conception through adulthood and into old age, including the development of the
brain and nervous system, the growth and function of the reproductive system, as
well as the metabolism and blood sugar levels. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals
that either mimic endogenous hormones, interfere with pharmacokinetics, or act by
other mechanisms resulting in adverse effects such as compromised reproductive
fitness, functional or morphological birth defects, cancer, and altered immune
functions.
Recently, public concern has focused on the possible hormonal effects of some
environmental pollutants on wildlife and humans. These chemicals, referred to
collectively as endocrine disruptors, comprise a wide range of substances including
pesticides (methoxychlor), surfactants (nonylphenol), plasticizers (diethylphthalate),
and organohalogens (polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs and dioxin).
The feasibility of using the various techniques for the removal of the endocrine
disruptors will depend on the size of the system and the cost-effectiveness. The two
major concerns regarding technologies for small systems are affordability and
technical complexity (which determine the needed skills for the system operators).
The removal processes of these chemicals from water supply include granular
activated carbon; powdered activated carbon; coagulation/filtration; and lime
softening.
Keywords Endocrine system · Endocrine disruptors · Environmental pollution ·
Hormonal effects · Removal processes · Granular activated carbon (GAC) ·
Powdered activated carbon (PAC) · Coagulation/filtration · Lime softening
Acronym
AP
Alkylphenols
APE
Alkylphenol ethoxylate
BAT
Best available technology
CWA
Clean Water Act
DEHP
Di-(2ethylhexyl) phthalate
DEP
Diethyl phthalate
EDC
Endocrine-disrupting compounds
EDSP
Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program
GAC
Granular activated carbon
MCL
Maximum contaminant level
NP
Nonylphenol
NPDWR National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
NPE
Nonylphenol ethoxylates
PAC
Powdered activated carbon
PCB
Polychlorinated biphenyls
POE
Point-of-entry
170
N. K. Shammas et al.
conception through adulthood and into old age, including the development of the
brain and nervous system, the growth and function of the reproductive system, as
well as the metabolism and blood sugar levels. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals
that either mimic endogenous hormones, interfere with pharmacokinetics, or act by
other mechanisms resulting in adverse effects such as compromised reproductive
fitness, functional or morphological birth defects, cancer, and altered immune
functions.
Recently, public concern has focused on the possible hormonal effects of some
environmental pollutants on wildlife and humans. These chemicals, referred to
collectively as endocrine disruptors, comprise a wide range of substances including
pesticides (methoxychlor), surfactants (nonylphenol), plasticizers (diethylphthalate),
and organohalogens (polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs and dioxin).
The feasibility of using the various techniques for the removal of the endocrine
disruptors will depend on the size of the system and the cost-effectiveness. The two
major concerns regarding technologies for small systems are affordability and
technical complexity (which determine the needed skills for the system operators).
The removal processes of these chemicals from water supply include granular
activated carbon; powdered activated carbon; coagulation/filtration; and lime
softening.
Keywords Endocrine system · Endocrine disruptors · Environmental pollution ·
Hormonal effects · Removal processes · Granular activated carbon (GAC) ·
Powdered activated carbon (PAC) · Coagulation/filtration · Lime softening
Acronym
AP
Alkylphenols
APE
Alkylphenol ethoxylate
BAT
Best available technology
CWA
Clean Water Act
DEHP
Di-(2ethylhexyl) phthalate
DEP
Diethyl phthalate
EDC
Endocrine-disrupting compounds
EDSP
Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program
GAC
Granular activated carbon
MCL
Maximum contaminant level
NP
Nonylphenol
NPDWR National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
NPE
Nonylphenol ethoxylates
PAC
Powdered activated carbon
PCB
Polychlorinated biphenyls
POE
Point-of-entry
170
N. K. Shammas et al.