Lakhwinder S. Hundal, CPSS
Supervising Environmental Soil Scientist,
Biosolids Utilization and Soil Science Metropolitan
Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC)

A variety of hormonally-active compounds commonly known as Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) widely used in pharmaceutical and personal care products have been detected in soil, water, and air throughout the United States. Common pharmaceuticals include antidepressants, tranquilizers, psychiatric drugs, chemotherapy drugs, painkillers, anti-inflammation drugs, anti-hypertension medications, antibiotics, antimicrobials, lipid regulators, oral contraceptives, synthetic hormones, drugs for enhancing sexual performance and many other classes and types of recreational drugs. Musks and perfumes are used in a wide variety of personal care products such as shampoos, deodorants, hair dyes, hair sprays, oral hygiene products, make up, nail polish, sun screens, body lotions, lipsticks, crèmes, etc. Flame retardants are used in common household products such as computers, televisions, furniture, clothes, upholstery, etc. to reduce their flammability in case fire, and perfluorochemicals are used in products like non-stick utensils, stain and grease resistant coatings on carpets, upholstery, textiles, paper, leather, etc. An increasing amount of CECs present in personal care and household products used in our everyday life and pharmaceuticals taken by humans as well as animals make it into our streams and waterways. Scientists and environmentalists have long known of the presence of CECs in minute concentrations in our drinking water. This presentation will present state of the science on environmental fate of CECs and offer suggestions to reduce their environmental burden for mitigating impact on public health and welfare.  However, the society as a whole should take steps to minimize the release of harmful chemicals to the air, water, and soil so that our current lifestyle does not jeopardize the quality and sustainability of the environment for our future generations. 

Dr. Hundal has over 18 years of experience in land application of biosolids research, management of byproducts, and development of innovative reuse options for biosolids. Currently, he is head of the Biosolids Utilization & Soil Science section at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District). Dr. Hundal is Chair of the USDA’s Research Committee (USDA’s -CREES W-3170) on Beneficial Reuse of Residuals and Reclaimed Water - Impact on Soil Ecosystem and Human Health. He is also Chair of the Biosolids and Resource Recovery committee of Illinois Water Environment Association and member of the National Biosolids Partnership Advisory Committee. Dr. Hundal served on the Water Environment Research Foundation’s project team that produced the 2010 report “Trace Organic Chemicals in Biosolids-Amended Soils”. He has organized and conducted numerous conferences, symposia, and workshops on land application of residuals, including the 2014 “Soil In City” Conference. He has published over 100 scientific papers, book chapters, white papers, and reports. Dr. Hundal is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist and has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Environmental Quality.