A One Water Approach to Understanding Contaminants of Emerging Concern

We compiled and reviewed current information related to constituents of emerging concern (CECs) to help utilities and water professionals understand the current science of what is known and what is uncertain regarding CEC risks to the environment and human health. A Technical Brief, fact sheets, and a Storyboard were developed in this project focusing on potential exposure and effects of various types of CECs in a One Water framework. Many aspects of water are discussed recognizing that CECs in one type of water may have effects on another use of water. This paper highlights recent research tools used to determine if CECs are a possible concern in water, incorporating findings of recent peer-reviewed studies of CEC fate and effects in humans and aquatic biota. A conceptual model is presented that incorporates information about the usage, key fate characteristics, and potential toxicity or other effects to help prioritize which types of CECs are a potential concern and which ones are probably lower in priority. Critical information gaps and research needs are identified to help the water community prioritize their research agenda to help address current uncertainties regarding risks of CECs to aquatic life and people.