Is triclosan released in effluent from WWTP toxic to aquatic organisms?
Studies using accepted modeling protocols to simulate in-river conditions in Europe and the U.S., suggested that risks to sensitive aquatic species are low even under the highest likely exposures which would occur immediately downstream of WWTP discharge points. Actual monitoring data in Europe and the U.S. corroborate the modeled estimates as well as expected reductions in triclosan concentrations with increasing distance downstream of WWTP discharges. In reality, in-stream sorption, biodegradation and photodegradation of triclosan will tend to reduce exposures further. (Capdevielle, M., et al., Consideration of Exposure and Species Sensitivity of Triclosan in the Freshwater Environment, Integr Environ Assess Manag. 2008 Jan; 4(1):15-23 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ enter: 18260205) Fate of Triclosan in the Environment: A recent publication reveals that triclosan is adequately and effectively processed by the wastewater treatment systems of the US and that in 2 important natura
