Environmental Estrogens: How Do We Solve This Complicated Water Pollution Issue?

Paige Novak, Professor, Joseph T. and Rose S. Ling Chair in Environmental Engineering in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geo- Engineering talks about how environmental estrogens, which exhibit activity similar to estrogen found in the human body, are discharged from wastewater treatment plants. These compounds have serious biological effects on fish and other aquatic organisms, especially in reproductive function and development. Sources and degradation rates of environmental estrogens vary and the fate of these compounds in treatment plants and the environment is complicated. Given this, how should we approach the management of these compounds and how do we pay for the treatment required to protect ecosystems? Novak will summarize her lab’s research findings on the science of the issue. This lecture was originally given at the 50-Year/Golden Medallion Society Reunion on May 12, 2017.