Anti-depressants, birth control, anti-biotics, these are just some of the drugs people share with you when they infuse the public water supply with their urine. Our current filtration systems don't remove these! So think about that next glass of water you drink from the tap. Could you be taking someone elses meds?
Help brainstorm a system fix for this issue that will only get worse with 5 BILLION people in the world.
2006-08-08 03:05:16 · 5 answers · asked by mrscmmckim 7 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
egmidnite- the USGS has found measurable levels of drugs in many water systems. Rivers, aquifers, etc. However, there have NOT been detectable levels in municiple water supplies. It is believed that current treatmens are sufficient for the current levels of these compounds. If these levels continue to rise, there is concern that this will no longer be the case.
There are also concerns that these drugs are affecting natural species. Germs may become more resistant, frogs are showing signs of being affected by birth control hormones...
Do a search, it's in the peer reviewed literature.
As for the answer- I've been pushing for photocatalysts. They can be used in out of the way locales, and use sunlight for activity. Thus they have low initial costs and zero recurring costs. It may not be a complete solution, but I think it's an affordable start.
Also, ozone in the water, instead of chlorine, should breakdown these compounds. It's more pleasant than having Cl come out of your tap too.
2006-08-08 03:36:47 · answer #1 · answered by Iridium190 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've read about this before. The only "drugs" to be found in any noticable quantity were antibiotics and that was only in certain areas of the country. Most scientists deemed the level (PPM) of the antibiotics were so low that it did not pose a risk to anyone. I've yet to read any credible information about birth control or anti-depressants being found in any measurable amount in public drinking water.
It just seems like another less-than-important issue that really takes away from more serious concerns...
2006-08-08 03:20:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Drugs are typically metabolized by the body before being excreted. The metabolites are usually not biologically active anymore.
2006-08-08 14:06:55 · answer #3 · answered by jsn77raider 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Simple, boil and drink.
2006-08-08 03:21:48 · answer #4 · answered by ag_iitkgp 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
grossssssssss..............now I know why I don't drink tap water......
2006-08-08 03:13:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋