Results and Impact
EPA's analysis of effluents from a range of treatment plants is the first step to understanding which endocrine disruptors are present in wastewater. By comparing the results from these various studies, researchers can begin to address whether certain types of water treatment processes might be more effective at reducing concentrations of EDCs. Data from these studies are complemented by projects at the EPA examining various types of treatment systems that can be used to reduce concentrations of potential EDCs. The development of new screening methods, such as bioassays, will help researchers assess endocrine-disrupting potential of the thousands of compounds that may be in wastewater. These screening methods can be used by EPA's Endocrine Disrupting Screening Program in a variety of ways, from analyzing mixtures of compounds to testing the activity of individual uncharacterized chemicals. Research results will help EPA better understand the sources of endocrine disrupting chemicals in effluents and aid in developing innovative solutions that municipalities can use to reduce the concentrations of these chemicals.