A review of perchlorate occurrence in public drinking water systems

Abstract

The national occurrence of perchlorate in drinking water was analyzed and mapped by compiling data from existing perchlorate occurrence surveys. The existing surveys included studies conducted by utilities for the first Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule and by the states of Arizona, California, Massachusetts, and Texas. Perchlorate was detected in 26 states, Puerto Rico, and the Mariana Islands and was found in at least one source of approximately 5% of the nation—s large (> 10,000 population) public water systems. When found, perchlorate was typically present at concentrations of < 12 μg/L. Some water utilities that detected perchlorate have discontinued the use of perchlorate‐contaminated sources. On the basis of the results of a 2007 phone survey, it is estimated that at least 50 mgd of potable water production has been taken off line as a result of perchlorate contamination.

Developmental timing of perchlorate exposure alters threespine stickleback dermal bone

“…Perchlorate is a widespread inorganic anion found in ground and surface waters throughout the United States and in other countries (Brandhuber et al, 2009; USEPA, 2011). Perchlorate salts occur naturally at low levels in arid regions such as the Southwestern U.S., Antarctica and the Atacama Desert in Chile (Kounaves et al, 2010; Rajagopalan et al, 2006; Rao et al, 2007; Urbansky et al, 2001).…”

Perchlorate Trophic Transfer Increases Tissue Concentrations above Ambient Water Exposure Alone in a Predatory Fish

“…These concentrations were selected to ensure detectable tissue concentrations in exposed fish. Environmental water concentrations > 10 mg/L were found by Smith et al (2001) to produce effects but most water sources contain < 4 µg/L (Brandhuber et al 2009). The 4 pike in each pool were individually marked by fin clipping.…”

“…The perchlorate anion is a persistent environmental contaminant found in many water sources throughout the United States (Brandhuber et al 2009; EPA 2011). Perchlorate salts are both naturally occurring and synthesized for industrial uses such as ammonium perchlorate for solid rocket fuel (Trumpolt et al 2005; Morrison et al 2006).…”

Review on Fate, Toxicity, and Remediation of Perchlorate

“…In the United States, perchlorate detection in 26 states, including Puerto Rico, Mariana Islands, and in the public water systems resulted in the discontinuation of the use of most of the perchlorate-contaminated sources (Brandhuber et al, 2009).…”