Assessing the Impacts on Aquatic Organisms Exposed to Emerging Contaminants in Wastewater Discharges
Chris Metcalfe, Trent University
Raw domestic wastewater or sewage contains a mix of various chemicals from products that are part of our everyday life, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, low sugar foods, domestic products, illicit drugs and natural hormones. Scientific studies have proven that these chemicals are not efficiently removed by conventional technologies in wastewater treatment plants, but instead are released into rivers and lakes in Canada. These substances are known as Contaminants of Emerging Concern.